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“So Happy I Could Die” – Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has released yet another stellar album called “The Fame Monster” on Nov. 23, 2009. According to reports, Gaga devoted the new material to exploring the darker side of her fame. First off, let me say that I love this album but is she channeling Madonna throughout this whole CD?! Do I smell collaboration in the future?! Or just a straight up Copycat? You be the judge. Many will find that the “messages” on “The Fame Monster” are entrenched in thick beats and synthesized in that unique style that is Lady Gaga! Since this is an 8 track album I decided to do a track by track review! Get into it!
“Bad Romance”
Yet another colossal hit for Lady GaGa, “Bad Romance” continues to be more contagious after listening. It has heavy synthesized beats during the chorus which evoke the ears. Gaga pays homage to Madonna’s “Vogue” in the spoken piece and the video is stellar.
“Alejandro”
This song sounds like Madonna’s song “Is La Bonita” that has been given a Lady Gaga twist. It has Spanish influences, with heavy synthesizers. The leaked version is not the same as the album version, which I loved, but it still has the same sound and concept.
“Monster”
This is a mid-tempo dance track that reminds me of the beginning of Madonna’s song “Sorry”. Lady Gaga is using some autotune here that is not over done but is very tasteful. On this song, we get to hear Gaga ACTUALLY sing over this 80’s sounding Pop track.
“Speechless”
This would be considered the Hardcore Rock song of the album. Gaga belts out everything she has over this heavy rock ballad like a true Rocker. This track has everything you could think a Rock song would have equipped with the electric guitars and heavy drums.
“Dance in the Dark”
A powerful message reeks on this song; most people will probably not get it as the mid-tempo beat makes you want to dance. The song basically talks of a girl that has the “saline” and “silicone” all for the love of her boyfriend that, still, doesn’t think she’s good enough. You’ll find that she does the spoken word thing again (channels Madonna).
“Telephone feat. Beyonce”
This song leaked the same day as “Video Phone (Remix)” did and, personally, I think this is way better. “Telephone” is another mid-tempo dance track that’s about hitting the dance floor, partying, not caring what your man has to say, and to stop calling you! Beyonce’s verse is short and sweet but complimenting. She delivers with a strong aggressive tone that commands attention, it’s cute, I love it.
“So Happy I Could Die”
I’m hoping this will become a single of hers. It’s really nice and fun with a touch of R&B to it. Lady Gaga sings about lesbianism, sex, masturbation, vanity, etc. Everything you could think of a celebrity and how they try to make themselves happy with worldly things. She goes to say, “I am as vain as I allow! I do my hair, I gloss my eyes, I touch myself all through the night! And when something falls out of place, I take my time to put it back, I touch myself ’til I’m on track!”, which is funny and true at the same time.
“Teeth”
This song is about sex, sex, and MORE sex! Gaga talks about taking command of her sexual desires and unleashes them unto her partner, she states, “Don’t want your money, just want your sex.” This track reminds me of that old ‘juke joint’ type of music. “Teeth” is lyrically profound and a unique song but it’s hard to really get into upon first listen; after a few listens, the lyrics make sense.
In a nutshell she gave a different perspective this time around with this new CD “The Fame Monster”. It definitely shows what she’s learned while being in the industry; the greed for money, the sexual desires, the plastic surgery, the fakes, the drinking, the drugs, etc. She delivered and conquered her vision with such excellence but also made you dance at the same time. Go pick up a copy and enjoy!
Jake Jacobs VI
Twitter.com/JakeJacobsVI
To say that she’s referencing Madonna is too easy. “Bad Romance” was actually referencing 80s mega group Depeche Mode and In fact, “Alejandro” references early 90s group Ace of Base. The song is about Lady Gaga fending off a brothel of men which explores the “sex monster”. “Dance in the dark” borrows it’s sound from late 70s/80s group ABBA of “Dancing Queen” fame. However if you listen to “The Visitors” by ABBA, you’ll see the stark resemblance. “Speechless” sounds like a brain child of the late Freddie Mercury. All these acts I’ve mentioned are acts that have also been game changers of pop/dance music. “Teeth” was produced by Teddy Riley of “Blackstreet”, it’s almost refreshing to know his production style hasn’t changed since “No Diggity” I say, don’t write this album off as strictly a Madonna knock-off. Not even new era Madonna can be an 80s Madonna knock off. Look wider this album looks to Blondie, Grace Jones, Queen and ABBA big sound, high energy, heavy throated and thoughtful lyrics. The other white pop acts may get left in the dust as a result of Gaga’s musical technique.
Here here Ranity! There are too many other influences on this CD to use Madge as the sole reference. However, it can not be denied that God-ga is definitely paying tribute to her and the aforementioned artists that Ranity mentioned.
This album takes me back to how albums used to be back in the day. 8 powerful songs (each single material). No need to have 16 – 20 songs filled with interludes and album filler.