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Not long into the ceaseless promotional parade for Born This Way, Lady Gaga's second full-length record and easily the most anticipated record of the 2010s, a certain sense of inevitability crept into play. It was inevitable that Born This Way would be an escalation of The Fame, it was inevitable that Gaga would go where others feared to tread, it was inevitable that it would be bigger than any other record thrown down in 2011, both in its scale and success. Gaga has taken it upon herself to filter out whatever personal details remain in her songs so she can write anthems for her Little Monsters, that ragtag group of queers, misfits, outcasts, and rough kids who she calls her own. Whatever performance art shock Gaga had on The Fame/The Fame Monster has turned into pure theater. Her drama club ambition to marry rock & roll rebellion with her disco beats turns Born This Way into Like a Prayer by way of Bat Out of Hell. Gaga has chosen not to dig under the skin. She's quite content to state her themes then let them be, using them as the connecting thread on an '80s pastiche set to a relentless Eurotrash throb. Echoes of Whitney Houston, Pat Benatar, and Bruce Springsteen -- whose longtime running partner Clarence Clemons blows sax on two songs --- can be heard throughout, but it is naturally Madonna who is the cornerstone, giving Gaga the "Express Yourself" melody and a pop precedent for Catholic guilt. Lady Gaga knowingly recontextualizes the Material Girl for a post-modern collage, the sly similarities offering tangible reminders that Gaga is the heir to the diva throne. And Born This Way does solidify her standing as something of a pop visionary. Gaga's true gift is her considerable dexterity at delivering the basics. Unlike so many of her peers, she does not cut and paste her tracks digitally, she constructs from the chords up, then accessorizes at will. She doesn't abandon this sensibility on Born This Way, but she does take it for granted, never pushing her compo Review: Journey to the center of Lady Gaga's mind - I don't know why this is, but when I try to convince people that Lady Gaga is actually good no one pays attention because I'm a crazy fan of hers. But seriously, one thing is being a fan, another is knowing it's good. I'm a fan of High School Musical and I know the movies suck and I can't say no to that... But Gaga is completely different. Born This Ways is a ride through Gaga's mind, seeing things from her political views to her love for fashion and her experiences as a rebellious teenager. Born This Way, the song, as she describes it, is a gateway drug to the album. It's an amazing pop song, with fresh beats and very literal lyrics (critics say that's not good, but they also say lyrics that are to hard to understand aren't good either...) Marry The Night, a very probable single, is a fantastic up-beat piece with incredible vocals - one of my favorites, just like Hair is, which is about Gaga's struggle as a young woman to free herself through her hair and her parents not letting her. Other Gaga classics include Scheiße and second single Judas (which might not have gotten a lot of attention, but that I find very interesting and great, especially the way she puts her cheating boyfriends into the Judas betrayal story). But I can't restring myself to the now-usual (and updated) Gaga songs. The album is made of many new sounds like The Edge of Glory, a song released as a promotional single, that rose to number one in several iTunes stores worldwide, making itself the official third single. The tune is a sort of ballad that sounds amazing just with a piano and her voice, but that with the whole Gaga-Fernando Garibay (remember Fernando from the 'Alejandro' lyrics? He produced the fan-favorite 'Dance in the Dark') production shows a complete new leveled Lady Gaga, with huge vocals and even a solo by Clarence Clemons from The E Street Band. Also Government Hooker, featuring Gregorian chants, and that is about people knowing things are wrong in the political system, but not doing anything because it gives them money. Another remarkable songs include Fashion of His Love, MJ-liked to my ear, about Alexander McQueen; Highway Unicorn (Road to Love) with mad vocals and great variations in the song; Black Jesus ' Amen Fashion, a very electro-driven song, I'd say; and possibly Americano, which I don't like at all but can recognize that it is a very fresh kind of tune, with a latin music thing going on and a strong message. The never forgotten ballad of the album is Yoü and I, which sang live sounds incredible, but that with the electric guitar playing in the background makes it even more amazing. I could say what the song is about, but she doesn't want people to know (I'm sure you'll easily find the inspiration with a little Google-ing, if you want to). I hope this is enough for you to get the CD, but if it isn't, I'm sorry. I tried my best to show you how Born This Way isn't some kind of ordinary, forgettable album; it's a pop masterpiece, with a whole lot of rock, jazz and electro influences, setting The Fame Monster as background. So get it, because I'm pretty sure you'll be less cultured if you haven't heard this piece of art. Review: DAZZLING second album. - And yes this is her second album unless Lady Gaga says otherwise herself. The Fame Monster which had 8 measly tracks was an EP and her best until this strangely inviting album came along. At first after listening to the samples, I wasn't so sure I was gonna love this album because some of the production seemed second rate. The choruses to "Judas" and "Americano" weren't helping either as they seemed thrown together. And they are. However, this album is just short of being a masterpiece. Tons of tracks get a 4.5 to 5 star rating here because of their killer dance beats but mostly cause of their charm. Some people were crazy enough to give this album one or two stars but I guess I have to respect their opinion. However, in my opinion it's hard not to love a lot of these tracks as a Gaga fan who started out kinda as a hater. I just get it now. My least favorite track is actually the mix to one of my favorite tracks on the first disc called "Scheiße (DJ White Shadow Mugler)" which is on disc 2. Worst track on disc 1 is probably "The Edge Of Glory" which is just an alright bunch of lyrics slapped to a dance beat. I just don't really think it's a classic like many think. It's OK though. My favorite on the deluxe version by far is "Fashion Of His Love". I've played this wonderful track as well as "Judas" the most so far. The former is an all-out 80's dance dream about being insecure about love but at the same time being faithful. There are many references to her late fashion designer Alexander McQueen which the song is also about and dedicated to. Other favorites are the extremely catchy "The Queen", the infectious "Black Jesus + Amen Fashion", the ride-or-die anthem "You And I" (Beyonce might have found inspiration from this one for her mid-tempo "Rather Die Young") and "Judas" with its mean beats. Surprisingly, unlike her first album The Fame there aren't any bad tracks per se, just 2 average ones which were mentioned at the very beginning of this review. Lady Gaga is a fierce force to be reckoned with in the music industry and this album shows that. Stealing nearly all the limelight and attention, making you turn your head for better or for worse, she is definitely a trendsetter and somewhat of a visionary when it comes to her craft. Born This Way (Special Edition) is a one of a kind album that could possibly go down in history as a dance pop classic thanks to its topics that constantly push the envelope (as well as people's buttons) and production that pays attention to detail when you least expect it. Definitely her best yet and you'd be crazy to not pay the extra cash for the 3 exquisite bonus tracks as well as the 5 mixes. 4.6 stars. Buy the album. If not, DOWNLOAD: "Fashion Of His Love" "Judas" "Scheiße" "The Queen" & "Black Jesus + Amen Fashion" SKIP: None actually.


















| ASIN | B004K4GDE4 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,270 in CDs & Vinyl ( See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl ) #3 in House (CDs & Vinyl) #538 in Pop (CDs & Vinyl) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (4,336) |
| Date First Available | February 12, 2011 |
| Department | All Ages |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Label | Interscope Records |
| Language | English |
| Manufacturer | Interscope Records |
| Number of discs | 2 |
| Product Dimensions | 12.32 x 12.36 x 0.31 inches; 8.32 ounces |
A**M
Journey to the center of Lady Gaga's mind
I don't know why this is, but when I try to convince people that Lady Gaga is actually good no one pays attention because I'm a crazy fan of hers. But seriously, one thing is being a fan, another is knowing it's good. I'm a fan of High School Musical and I know the movies suck and I can't say no to that... But Gaga is completely different. Born This Ways is a ride through Gaga's mind, seeing things from her political views to her love for fashion and her experiences as a rebellious teenager. Born This Way, the song, as she describes it, is a gateway drug to the album. It's an amazing pop song, with fresh beats and very literal lyrics (critics say that's not good, but they also say lyrics that are to hard to understand aren't good either...) Marry The Night, a very probable single, is a fantastic up-beat piece with incredible vocals - one of my favorites, just like Hair is, which is about Gaga's struggle as a young woman to free herself through her hair and her parents not letting her. Other Gaga classics include Scheiße and second single Judas (which might not have gotten a lot of attention, but that I find very interesting and great, especially the way she puts her cheating boyfriends into the Judas betrayal story). But I can't restring myself to the now-usual (and updated) Gaga songs. The album is made of many new sounds like The Edge of Glory, a song released as a promotional single, that rose to number one in several iTunes stores worldwide, making itself the official third single. The tune is a sort of ballad that sounds amazing just with a piano and her voice, but that with the whole Gaga-Fernando Garibay (remember Fernando from the 'Alejandro' lyrics? He produced the fan-favorite 'Dance in the Dark') production shows a complete new leveled Lady Gaga, with huge vocals and even a solo by Clarence Clemons from The E Street Band. Also Government Hooker, featuring Gregorian chants, and that is about people knowing things are wrong in the political system, but not doing anything because it gives them money. Another remarkable songs include Fashion of His Love, MJ-liked to my ear, about Alexander McQueen; Highway Unicorn (Road to Love) with mad vocals and great variations in the song; Black Jesus ' Amen Fashion, a very electro-driven song, I'd say; and possibly Americano, which I don't like at all but can recognize that it is a very fresh kind of tune, with a latin music thing going on and a strong message. The never forgotten ballad of the album is Yoü and I, which sang live sounds incredible, but that with the electric guitar playing in the background makes it even more amazing. I could say what the song is about, but she doesn't want people to know (I'm sure you'll easily find the inspiration with a little Google-ing, if you want to). I hope this is enough for you to get the CD, but if it isn't, I'm sorry. I tried my best to show you how Born This Way isn't some kind of ordinary, forgettable album; it's a pop masterpiece, with a whole lot of rock, jazz and electro influences, setting The Fame Monster as background. So get it, because I'm pretty sure you'll be less cultured if you haven't heard this piece of art.
A**R
DAZZLING second album.
And yes this is her second album unless Lady Gaga says otherwise herself. The Fame Monster which had 8 measly tracks was an EP and her best until this strangely inviting album came along. At first after listening to the samples, I wasn't so sure I was gonna love this album because some of the production seemed second rate. The choruses to "Judas" and "Americano" weren't helping either as they seemed thrown together. And they are. However, this album is just short of being a masterpiece. Tons of tracks get a 4.5 to 5 star rating here because of their killer dance beats but mostly cause of their charm. Some people were crazy enough to give this album one or two stars but I guess I have to respect their opinion. However, in my opinion it's hard not to love a lot of these tracks as a Gaga fan who started out kinda as a hater. I just get it now. My least favorite track is actually the mix to one of my favorite tracks on the first disc called "Scheiße (DJ White Shadow Mugler)" which is on disc 2. Worst track on disc 1 is probably "The Edge Of Glory" which is just an alright bunch of lyrics slapped to a dance beat. I just don't really think it's a classic like many think. It's OK though. My favorite on the deluxe version by far is "Fashion Of His Love". I've played this wonderful track as well as "Judas" the most so far. The former is an all-out 80's dance dream about being insecure about love but at the same time being faithful. There are many references to her late fashion designer Alexander McQueen which the song is also about and dedicated to. Other favorites are the extremely catchy "The Queen", the infectious "Black Jesus + Amen Fashion", the ride-or-die anthem "You And I" (Beyonce might have found inspiration from this one for her mid-tempo "Rather Die Young") and "Judas" with its mean beats. Surprisingly, unlike her first album The Fame there aren't any bad tracks per se, just 2 average ones which were mentioned at the very beginning of this review. Lady Gaga is a fierce force to be reckoned with in the music industry and this album shows that. Stealing nearly all the limelight and attention, making you turn your head for better or for worse, she is definitely a trendsetter and somewhat of a visionary when it comes to her craft. Born This Way (Special Edition) is a one of a kind album that could possibly go down in history as a dance pop classic thanks to its topics that constantly push the envelope (as well as people's buttons) and production that pays attention to detail when you least expect it. Definitely her best yet and you'd be crazy to not pay the extra cash for the 3 exquisite bonus tracks as well as the 5 mixes. 4.6 stars. Buy the album. If not, DOWNLOAD: "Fashion Of His Love" "Judas" "Scheiße" "The Queen" & "Black Jesus + Amen Fashion" SKIP: None actually.
S**S
Makes you feel awesome.
Love this entire album, just like I loved her last entire album. Im a fairly new Gaga fan and truthfully I didnt know who she was until a couple summers ago. When I heard her music it reminded me of how music used to be fun, about dancing and letting go. Just hearing it makes you want to move, and it somehow imbibes you with confidence, even if you're a shy person. I can't dance and I dont club because Im a dork and I feel unsexy. Gaga's music makes me feel sexy, and that's hard to do, lol. What I love about this particular album is I feel it speaks to some serious, heartfelt issues in us all. We all want to be ourselves, we all want to be loved, we all want to feel gorgeous and awesome. We want to feel like we matter to someone. The tracks on Born This Way are for everyone who's ever felt down about themselves for any reason. It's for everyone who didn't have a perfect childhood, for everyone who still feels like a dorky kid at the ripe age of 30, etc. When LG sings to you, you feel it, and that's a very rare quality in any singer. I dont really understand all the fuss over "this is too Madonna", etc. Madonna was one of the originals to do what she did, but she's not the first to break any molds. Madge has sort of passed her prime as the 'go to' of female pop royalty. Im totally ok with a new face taking over those power reins, especially someone as talented as Gaga. Even if her music or taste isnt to your liking, you have to admit, this woman can siiiiing. I enjoy her voice far more than I ever did Madonna's, and I love Madonna, always have. She made the same splashes in the same way, but in a different time. Not everyone today had the joy of the Blond Ambition Tour, but they can enjoy the Monster Ball in the same way :). Anyways, from someone unbiased and unaffected by media oversat, whatever, this album is fantastic. I love the beats, love the lyrics, love the voice. It just about kicks ass like a flaming boot made of meat. If you'd like some fun AND heartfelt music to make you feel sexy, BTW definitely wont let you down. Im a little monster from here on out :E <3 <3 <3
A**D
A Must-Have for Lady Gaga Fans
I recently bought the *Born This Way* LP by Lady Gaga for my daughter, and she absolutely loves it! This vinyl set has been a fantastic addition to her collection and brings so much joy every time she plays it. The album itself is iconic, packed with hits that my daughter adores. Hearing *Born This Way*, *Judas*, and *The Edge of Glory* on vinyl adds a new depth to these incredible tracks. The sound quality is excellent, with clear, rich audio that makes listening a true pleasure. What makes this LP set even more special is that it includes two records. This not only offers a more extensive listening experience but also showcases the beautiful artwork and design that come with it. Each LP is crafted with care, and flipping through the records feels like a mini adventure in itself. My daughter loves the whole experience of playing vinyl, from gently placing the needle to hearing that satisfying crackle before the music starts. It’s a wonderful way for her to connect with music on a deeper level and appreciate the artistry that goes into it. Overall, the *Born This Way* LP by Lady Gaga is a must-have for any fan. It’s beautifully packaged, sounds fantastic, and brings so much joy to my daughter every time she listens to it. Highly recommend for any Lady Gaga enthusiast or vinyl collector!
A**B
A New Direction for Lady Gaga and Pop Music.
I received Gaga's new album Saturday afternoon and played it all weekend. After hearing it a few times and not writing a review in the heat of the moment, I can say it is a great album; of course like any album there are throwaway songs and others that stand out. The point here is that I can recommend this album; especially if you purchase it for $0.99. After reading so many negative reviews of customers I suspect did not purchase the album, I felt compelled to write my own review. Reviews are not written to attack a person's character, they are meant to help other customers when deciding to purchase something. A lot of the 1-star reviews are either about Amazon's servers crashing and not being able to provide the entire album, or simply people who absolutely despise Lady Gaga. If you hate an artist so much, why write about them on a personal level? Focus on the music. Born This Way has been hyped for such a long time. The title track was a major hit, but of course, the comparisons with Madonna only got worse. Sadly, there is plenty of pop music that uses chord progression and beats. Listen to Strong Enough by Cher, it sounds like a total disco song rip-off, but it's Cher, why would anyone attack her? Anyways, the reality is that this album is not her deepest, that was The Fame Monster, at least for me. With BTW you get a mix of Euro pop, 80s stadium music, and dare I say, some metal influence. I won't break it down track-by-track because my personal opinion on each track differs from everyone else. I will say that there are standout tracks such as: Marry the Night, Government Hooker, Americano, Scheibe, Bloody Mary, Heavy Metal Lover, Electric Chapel, (the beautiful) You & I, and finally The Edge of Glory. The three bonus tracks on the first disc serve as fillers to take a break from the sledgehammering electronic/metal/pop beats of the entire album. Surprisingly, the promo tracks and singles are actually not the best songs on the album, with the exception of The Edge of Glory and BTW--I give it the recognition it deserves because of its positive message. Lyrically, this album borders absurdity, but this is Lady Gaga we're talking about! She has songs about social justice, gay marriage, Mary Magdalene, equality, fashion, and being strong for her fans. What we're forgetting is that she has never claimed to be anything other than a pop artist. Question: What other mainstream pop artist on the chart right now, writes their own music, sings live, and has songs that are not just about sex in the air, getting laid, or stuff like that? No one. Shall we discuss Gaga's first three singles? BTW: gay anthem and an empowering song that uses the words, "gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgender". I'm surprised mainstream radio even played it. Secondly, Judas, religious overtones about holding on to the bad in your life when the reality is that you should leave those vices behind, in her case, the bad guy. Thirdly, The Edge of Glory, one of the best songs on the album. She said it was about her grandfather's death and being on the edge of glory/death/life. There's a saxophone solo--yes, in a mainstream pop song, and a very good one. Let's rejoice and be glad that mainstream pop music can possibly change directions because of Lady Gaga's new album. I'm tired of hearing the same auto-tuned, factory churned BS that other pop artists are coming out with. I'll name names: Rihanna, Katy Perry, Kesha, and Britney Spears. Yes, Gaga's The Fame's first single was about having a good time and dancing, but she's matured, while these other artists are still stuck on things like S&M, drinking booze, and always being secondary to some guy--I'm talking to you Rihanna, Kesha, and Katy Perry. Luckily, we have women like Gaga, Pink, even Robyn (underrated gem) to save pop music from the industry.
C**H
Epic Materpiece- expect nothing less from Mother Monster!
Call me an obsessed Little Monster. Revoke my indie kid card or my credibility as a reviewer. Call me a crazed teeny bopper who wouldn't know good music if it bit them in the butt. I know what I like, and I *love* this album. It is every bit as epic as I anticipated, exceeding all the expectations I had for the album and, in my opinion, leaving The Fame and The Fame Monster (Both incredible albums in their own right) in the dust. I've been in love with music for as long as I can remember. I got my first "Big kid" album at the tender age of 5 (it was Britney's debut album, and what can I say? I was born just in time for the pop music craze), and it all just escalated from there. It's been my obsession for a decade at least, very probably more. I've gotten a reputation for being both a bookworm and a music junkie, in addition to writer and, for some reason beyond me, singer. In any case, music is my life blood. I'm all about the music, which is why I love Lady Gaga (she also has an incredible passion for music, not just as a luxury, but as an art form), and why I love this album. Each song is a little gem, and they each have their own individual quirk and flavor, but they all have this big sound, and from beginning to end, this album is epic. 1. Marry the Night- Gaga starts us off on the album with this song, and it's epic sound, with the sound of church bells in the background, and powerful lyrics, it's a love song to New York, and also an incredible dance song. It was definitely an instant favorite for me, from the first verse, to the addictive chorus, it's got an incredible, powerful, epic and haunting quality, I think. Gaga's vocals are incredibly solid, as they are on just about all the tracks off this album. More on this later. I love the sound and the feel of this track, and something about it is just special. 5/5. 2. Born This Way- Okay, I admit, I've grown a little weary of this song due to it's extensive exposure through different media outlets, after initially falling in love with it the night it dropped. I still love it. It's message is empowering, especially for someone, like me, who has always felt out of place, who felt like a "freak" however you define it. It's catchy, danceable, has strong lyrics and vocals, and an incredible moral to it. It's only shortcoming, in my eyes, is that it has suffered from over exposure the way that all popular artist's singles eventually do. 5/5. 3. Government Hooker- Not one of my personal favorites. I like it, but in comparison to the rest of the songs on the album, I'm not crazy about it. It's a good song, catchy, provocative, good for the dance floor. The vocals aren't lacking, but they aren't as strong as on other tracks. I think this song may be an acquired taste, because it has grown on me more as I've listened to it again and again. 4.5/5 4. Judas- As much buzz as this song created before it even premiered, I was expecting something incredibly controversial. But when I heard it, I barely even raised an eyebrow. I didn't find it offensive at all. What I did find it was catchy, another fun single from Lady Gaga. Vocals are reminiscent of "Boys, Boys, Boys" and "The Fame" mixed with "Alejandro". It's not my all-time favorite, but it's probably in the top 5. 5/5. 5. Americano- I wish I could say otherwise, but I just don't like this song at all. There's nothing really wrong with it, it's just not my personal taste. It's very Spanish/Italian, it has an exotic, European feel to it, and it's catchy, easy to dance to. I think this one is a matter of taste, and, unfortunately, it just isn't quite to my liking. Still, there's nothing technically wrong with it, alright vocals, not as strong as the other songs, but still acceptable. 3/5. 6. Hair- Personal all-time favorite. Catchy tune, relatable lyrics, and great vocals, it's a dance song, but it features some great, strong vocal moments from Gaga, especially toward the end. Gaga, of course, has her own sound, but when I heard it, something in the back of my mind went to Cher. I think there's definitely something in here reminiscent of a song like "Believe". Whether you agree or not, I love this song, and I'm so glad it's a single. 5/5. 7. Scheibe- At first, I couldn't make heads or tales of this song. I like German, but I was iffy on the intro. The rest of the song is thoroughly enjoyable. I do like the song, but I feel like I'm more inclined to listen to it if I'm in a certain mood. Of course, another decent dance track, and the lyrics are good, vocals are nothing to sneeze at. Sort of middle of the road, for me. 4/5. 8. Bloody Mary- This one takes a while to get going, but once it does, it is a very enjoyable song. Not my favorite, it's a bit repetitive, and the vocals aren't as impressive on this one as on other tracks, but it's a nice mid-tempo song, not as dancey as the others, but enjoyable in it's own right. 4/5. 9. Bad Kids- Another relatable song. For anyone who's ever felt like a "bad kid", whatever you and those around you define that as, this song tells you that "you're still a good kid" to Gaga, even if you're a bad kid. The lyrics and tune remind me a bit of Madonna, to be honest, at least in the chorus. I am forever quoting this song, and it's definitely on my list of favorites. 5/5. 10. Unicorn Highway (Road to Love)- One of the more epic songs on the album. All you have to do is listen to it to know what I mean. This is one of those songs that they play for Pay-Per-View commercials when they televise a commercial, complete with clips of screaming fans and grand entrances. If this doesn't become a single, I'll be a bit disappointed. It's also another very empowering song, encouraging you, and telling you that "we can be strong" on the road to love. Another one of my personal favorites. 5/5. 11. Heavy Metal Lover- Another one I'm not so keen for. It's just a bit whispery for my liking, though it's nowhere near as off-putting as "Americano". It actually sounds more like a La Roux song than a Lady Gaga song. Definitely not a personal favorite. 3.5/5 12. Electric Chapel- I do like the electric guitar in the beginning. The sound on this one is big. It's a song that would be good for dance parties, and the vocals, though not weak, go from different levels of strength as the song goes on. Another middle-of-the-road track, in my mind. 4/5. 13. You and I- This track is another great one. It has a great rock feel to it, and the vocals on this song are probably the strongest on the album. It's a love song, but it just has this real great rock sound. If you only listen to a few songs off the album, make this one of them. Definite favorite. 5/5. 14. The Edge of Glory- Talk about ending the album with a bang! This is probably THE most epic song on the album, complete with strong vocals, a great dance beat, heartbeat songs, definitely a prom/wedding/NYE dance song. The lyrics are beautiful, they make me feel energetic and lighthearted, and, in my opinion, this is the perfect song to end the album with. 5/5. Cheesy, though it sounds, I give this album a 10/10 rating. It's everything I wanted and more. Lady Gaga delivered with this latest gift of music, and now I can't wait until some far-off day when I can finally afford to go to one of her concerts. If I was just a fan before, I'm a Little Monster for life, now, and there's no stopping me. I was born this way, baby!
N**F
I love, I love, I love this record!
Well, with ARTPOP less than a month away, I figure it's time to review Lady Gaga's third and, at the time of writing this, most recent album, Born This Way. I have a lot to say about this album before I do my usual run-down of each individual song, so I hope you'll pardon the wall-of-text. First of all, if any of you followed Gaga for quite some time now, you'd know that this album had an insane amount of hype built up for it. Gaga started talking about this album as early as March of '10. For those keeping score, that's before Alejandro even released as a single. From then on out, she teased songs from the album several times in the coming months. Because she wanted to finish her Monster Ball Tour before releasing the album itself, she ended up releasing three singles to further build up hype. When the album finally came out, it was during a somewhat low point in my life, and I hadn't listened to any Gaga in nearly a year, so hearing these new songs really cheered me up. I listened to the radio a lot back then, and my local pop station was playing tons of Gaga in celebration of this new album, which sort of re-kindled the crush I'd had on her years earlier. So, did it live up to all the hype? Let's take a look at each song and find out. Marry the Night: Though this was the first song on the album, it was actually the fifth and final single. It's a song about not letting life get you down, and instead seizing the day(or marrying the night?) and living life to its fullest. It sounds phenomenal and quickly became one of my favorite songs on the album. The music video isn't half-bad, either! Born This Way: This is the one that everyone has heard, regardless of whether they're a Gaga fan or not. It's the title track as well as the lead single, a first for Lady Gaga. You could argue that Katy Perry, Ke$ha, and Pink all sent a similar message with "Firework", "We R Who We R", and "Raise Your Glass" respectively, but I think Gaga pulled off the "self-respect anthem" the best. She's been a proud LGBT rights activist ever since The Fame, and this song served to solidify that even further. It's incredibly catchy, and I think even someone who doesn't care for Gaga might enjoy this track. Government Hooker: You know, I'm honestly not sure what message this song was trying to send, but it could perhaps be, well, how corrupt the government is? It's a generally fast song that goes back and forth from sounding happy and bouncy to dark and serious. The chorus is particularly driving and I consider it the best part. This isn't one of my favorites on the album, but I still like to listen to it. Judas: For all the praise I've given Lady Gaga up until now, this is where I must give criticism instead. You can say that I have no taste, you can say that I'm not a "true fan", or anything else you want to say, but this is my unbiased opinion. Judas is the worst song on this album. Not only that, it's Lady Gaga's worst song overall. Considering how solid the rest of this album is, I truly don't know what went wrong here. This song sounds and feels like something that was originally supposed to be given to Britney Spears or some other generic pop artist, but was passed off to Gaga at the last minute. It isn't very catchy, and the overload of religious references in the lyrics make it very uncomfortable to listen to. I generally don't like the way it sounds, and the music video is rather lackluster to boot. Why she chose this as her second single is beyond my comprehension. I seem to be alone in my opinion of this song, as I've heard many fans call it their favorite, or at least one of them(sometimes the same people who will shun songs such as Brown Eyes or I Like It Rough). Thankfully, this is where my negative thoughts toward this album end. Americano: Another one of the best songs on the album. Gaga really shows off her vocal range and prowess here, and the acoustics in the instrumental complement it well. It's another political commentary-ish song, but makes itself a lot more apparent than Government Hooker did. Hair: This promotional single is another fantastic one! Lyrically, It's undeniably happy and uplifting, and the instrumental is one of the best on the album. Many fans consider this a very relatable song. Scheisse: (I don't have German characters on my keyboard) I literally can't get enough of this song. It's my second-favorite from this album, and it's an upbeat, powerful feminist anthem that even a dude like me can appreciate. Parts of the song are sung in fake-German as an analogy to how many people hear feminists as speaking gibberish. Bloody Mary: I know I'll sound a bit contradicting when I say I love this song after I just ranted on Judas, but this one doesn't shove the religious reference in your face as much as that song did, and it sounds loads better! It's a bit slower paced than the other songs, but catchy nonetheless. It has a very creepy, ethereal vibe to it, and the scream after the chorus really catches you off-guard the first time. Bad Kids: A happier-sounding song than the last two, this one's sort of an anthem for all the would-be revolutionaries of this generation. I enjoyed this one quite a bit as well, as it stands out quite well from the rest of the album. Highway Unicorn (Road to Love): The first romantically-themed song on the album, and yet another one of my favorites. To me, this song always had some Cher vibes to it, which is never a bad thing. It has a very happy, positive feel to it that should be able to lift anyone up. Heavy Metal Lover: With prominent elements of techno and rock in the instrumental, this song kinda takes you by surprise. It's another love song with some interesting double entendres in the lyrics. Incredibly driving and danceable. Electric Chapel: This song sports some more evident electric guitar than the last song and features a very "pulsating" beat that goes well with the romantic lyrics. It seems like she put all the love songs on this album right next to each other, and it really adds nice pacing to the whole thing. You and I: By far, this is my favorite song on the album. Harkening back to "Brown Eyes", "Again, Again", "Speechless", and the feel of her older music in general, this lovely rock-piano ballad is not to be overlooked. It's a staple of hers to have at least one of these on every album, and I'm glad she finally decided to release one as a single(the fourth for this album, to be precise). It features a well-used sample of Queen's "We Will Rock You", and the song has a sweet, endearing feeling to it. This is something I'd suggest to anyone who tries to say Lady Gaga can't sing. The Edge of Glory: The last song on the album, as well as the second single. This one is about living out the last night of your life, with a nice, romantic touch to it. This was one of my favorite songs throughout most of 2011, and rightfully so. It has some deep meaning to it, yet still manages to be catchy and dance-worthy. The music video for this song is easily the best out of the five, and she looks positively beautiful in it. The saxophone in the instrumental sounds great as well! Born This Way (Jost & Naaf Remix): The sole bonus track on the standard edition. It's a very dance-oriented remix to the title track that somehow manages to be even catchier than the original. A nice extra addition! Final thoughts - This is the album that Lady Gaga wanted to be her best, and most, if not all of her fanbase generally agrees. While I don't think it quite outdid The Fame (Which is my favorite pop album overall), I still consider it a fantastic record. There was a lot of controversy over Amazon initially selling this record for 99 cents each, but I think it can be overlooked considering that it sold rather well even without those figures. I'll give this record five stars because I don't think one bad song is enough to bring it down, though it's still her only song so far that I outright disliked. I actually did see Lady Gaga live at the Born This Way ball at the start of this year, where I was treated to live versions of all these songs as well as her older songs, and it was an absolute music lover's dream! In summary, if you enjoyed Gaga's previous work, this is definitely something to pick up!
A**N
Staggering work of genius...
And that compliment is coming from someone who labeled the album's first single, the title track `Born This Way', a complete failure and a horrid rip-off misstep by the controversial artist. I still feel the same way about that song in particular, but after listening to this album as a whole I must say that there is so much AMAZING here it easily offsets the song or two (or three) that I think are terrible. It's like Gaga is either completely brilliant or just plain awful. Thankfully there are fourteen tracks on `Born This Way' and I only consider three of them to be terrible (or in that ballpark). You do the math. Consider the singles first. First there was that awful `Born This Way', but I said all I have to say about that track on my review of the single. Forget about that song. Move onto the controversially brilliant `Judas', a song that attacks religious overbearance with fervor and an oddly singed eerie flare. The bridge is flawless, and while the song has called comparisons to Gaga's own `Bad Romance', I see such originality and style oozing out of this track. Still, `The Edge of Glory', which closes out the album, is still my favorite thing about the album. I love everything about it. The chorus is sharp and catchy; the verse structure is uplifting and fun and that saxiphone breakdown is just so richly original. This is why Lady Gaga is relevant today! I know that `You and I' is not a `single' yet (or maybe it never will be), but I consider it as such thanks to Haley Reinhart's performance on American Idol. I know that many `little monsters' are going to take issue with what I'm about to say, but Haley did a better job with this song (her smoky vocals added a bluesy country vibe to this song that recalled the great Julie Roberts). Still, it's a GREAT song and Gaga delivers a different side to herself that gives her yet another layer. I mean, the honky-tonk nature of this song is so far removed from the industrial power of `Judas' or the 80's throwback of `Born This Way'. You cannot deny Gaga her versatility, even if you once wanted to pigeonhole her. `Americano' is laced with Latin influence, and where I felt `Alejandro' failed to impress (I know, everyone else seems to love that song, including my wife), `Americano' is practically FLAWLESS. It is high spirited, full of lush energy and just bursting at the seams with intoxication. `Scheiße' is got such slick edge thanks to the German interlude that rides itself throughout the duration of the track. The techno base is well used and the rave worthy musical arrangement never disappoints. This is Gaga paying homage to the great Madonna without crossing over the line of near plagiarism and thus losing her relevance. `Scheiße' gets it. It's a song that will grow and grow on you, much like `Government Hooker' will. This is another song that laces itself with a gritty edge (and that sadomasochistic male vocal is undeniable). The political statement made is perfectly executed without being preachy but instead becomes a part of Gaga's style. `Marry the Night' and `Electric Chapel' are both songs that I enjoy, but the fall slightly away from the `brilliant' term I was tossing at the majority of the album. They just feel slightly monotone. I'm on the fence about `Bloody Mary' because it is so stagnant for most of the track and then about two and a half minutes in the song becomes kind of amazing. I'm sure after another five-hundred listens I'll think it's the best song on the album. The lyrical content alone is kind of flawless. My friends totally disagree with me about `Highway Unicorn' and `Heavy Metal Lover'. I love them, they consider them weak offerings. I don't understand that assessment. `Highway Unicorn' alone is like one of the greatest things ever. I love the nostalgic feel to the track and yet it feels so crisp and modern. Sure, the chorus has a familiarity to it that kind of laughs in the face of `originality' but it doesn't matter. It feels like 80's pop/rock personified. `Heavy Metal Lover' is also an animal all its own. It doesn't feel `heavy' at all, but far more industrial with hushed tones and a unique nature that makes it stand out as separate from the rest of the album. It feels more like a piece of music than a song itself, if that makes sense (think Lords of Acid type techno). And while I consider `Born This Way' awful, it isn't as bad as `Hair' or `Bad Kids', which are just plain stupid. I hate stupid song. Oh well, no one album can be void of any missteps, and missteps be ignored because Gaga laughed in my judgmental face and proved to me that she was as relevant as she claims to be and as influentially important as the media likes to tote her as being. She is a strange breed of artist that should not be as amazing as she is, but she is and this album will be remembered for years, decades maybe even longer as one of those `events' that took the world by storm. I'm calling it now; this puppy is going to land on quite a few Top Ten of the Decade lists come 2019. If you're interested; my ranking. 1) The Edge of Glory 2) Scheiße 3) Americano 4) Government Hooker 5) Highway Unicorn (Road to Love) 6) Judas 7) Yoü And I 8) Heavy Metal Lover 9) Marry the Night 10) Electric Chapel 11) Bloody Mary 12) Born This Way 13) Hair 14) Bad Kids
B**A
REMARKABLE
This is a great album and her best one! All of the songs are so good and they make you dance to their rhythm. Also the booklet is really good and artistic! 😃
S**Y
Five stars
Great pressing and sound awesome
C**T
Gaga
Perfect
た**う
LPいいね!
配信で聞いていましたが、LPが欲しくて買い直しました。 やっぱり大きいジャケットはいいですね!バイク神になったガガ様ジャケットも好きですがこちらも最高です。
A**A
Disco bien cuidado.
Gran disco, venía sellado, nuevo y bien cuidado.
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
2 months ago