Electric, exciting and almost eargasmic this album is perfect for people interested in all genres on music. From EDM to R&B, Lady Gaga has it covered. Never dull, the album shifts several times, morphing into each underlying message which only become obvious with thought.
AURA 7.5/10 I was so excited when this song leaked at the beginning of August. The eccentric rhythm mixed with the powerful vocals was really a treat. I think that in some parts, the song sounds slightly disjointed and doesn't move as smoothly as the demo version. The vocals aren't as powerful as the demo version which may have disappointed some fans but the chorus is absolutely stunning.
VENUS 7/10 There was lots of confusion surrounding the release of Venus. It was originally coined to be the 2nd single until the worldwide success of Do What U Want. As someone who is very passionate about Space and Astronomy, I was particularly interested in hearing this song. The verses have a very unique Bowie style feel to them and I think it works really well with the song and the chorus is a catchy and vocally exquisite. The only thing I didn't really like about this song was that it sounded slightly unfinished and like there needed to be more cohesion between each part. At times, I feel like the EDM is overpowering Gagas voice and that is not something which wants to happen as her vocals are perfect and powerful.
G.U.Y 9/10 This song will be very commercially successful if it becomes the next single. It has everything people look for in a typical radio hit. Dance, catchy beat and the occasional robotic voice! This song is basically about sex and Gaga sings about how submission isn't making her any less of a strong person. The production by Zedd is fantastic and the song transitions very smoothly. Some of the lyrics are extremely raunchy and some people may find it uncomfortable to listen to or sing out loud in the presence of parents etc!
SEXXX DREAMS 8/10 This song is sexy. Gaga has went back to the 80s style raunchy pop classic and produced a pretty damn good song. It explores Gaga's bisexuality and also is about being with somebody who you are not in love with and being in bed with them whilst thinking about another person. This is shown through contrast of the vocals which are being sung and spoken. It could be a massive radio hit but i'm not too sure how much they would have to censor. The beat is massive. It has that underground, urban feel to it whilst also being a pop song. I think it sounds better than the iTunes festival version and that in itself was great.
JEWELS AND DRUGS (ft T.I, Too Short and Twista) 8.5/10 Lots of people didnt like that one and I honestly have no idea why. It's classy. Gaga is really showing her versatility in the music industry. She really can sing any genre! DJWS has really outdone himself with this creating an enjoyable flow through the music linking all of the artists together. Twista raps so fast you really aren't sure how he breathes! There's no other way to put it. Gaga sounds cool in this! Sultry and sexy, this mightn't appeal to everyone but people who generally enjoy a bit of hip-hop will find this delightful.
MANiCURE 8.5/10 Firstly, i'm going to put it out there that i wasn't instantly taken to this song when it was performed at iTunes. I didn't find it very memorable. After a few more listens and finally hearing the studio version, i've changed my view completely. I love it! It has a strong beat and the shouts of Manicure are empowering! I'm very glad they kept the guitar solo in as it created a climax for the song but i wish the 'Heal Me' in the chorus wasn't removed because personally I really liked it but I think what it has been replaced with is a nice compromise and will also be enjoyed by people who hadn't heard the original.
DO WHAT U WANT (ft R. Kelly) 9/10 This is one of my favourites. The verses sung by Gaga at the beginning and the end remind me of the Born This Way era which I loved and then when the R&B sounds come in, i am literally transported to the studio and I am right there with them. R.Kelly's vocals string the rest of the song together in a smooth way and his 'We don't give a fuck' line is the relieving release of all the excitement and tension which had been built up in the song. Lady Gagas vocal range is really shown on this and she proves to us all yet again that she isn't just a gimmick. Damn this girl can sing. I also love how the song isn't shallow at all like people are suggesting, it's deeper than that. Gaga will never give up her heart or mind meaning that she won't change her views or opinions for anyone and will always stay true to herself.
ARTPOP 7/10 Why did they take the 'Free my mind ARTPOP' from the beginning? When this song was performed at iTunes it was my favourite. I do still like it but I think Gagas voice sounds too autotuned and I really don't understand why this is the case as she has an amazing voice. The song has a psychedelic beat behind it and it puts you in a trance. I think it has a powerful effect on the listener. Makes them want more. I like the simplistic chorus but I think that the 'music not the bling' part sounded a lot better when it was powerful and you could really see the emotion and passion behind it at iTunes and it is hard to pick up on in the studio version.
SWINE 9/10 This song is perhaps the most musically diverse song on the album. I don't think i could possibly put it into a genre. The opening of the song lulls the listener into thinking they are going to hear a ballad and then BOOM. It's catchy, it's energetic, it's everything it should be and more. The build-up is extremely tensioned and energetic and you can tell it's building up to something exciting and this is complemented by the scream of Swine! I don't think anyone could criticize this in a serious way. The song seems very personal and an input of anger from Gaga and hints and some serious past problems which has been let out in the lyrics of swine. It really engages the audience and also makes people want to dance at the same time.
DONATELLA 10/10 This song is the epitome of the blonde. The opening lines of the song tell us that this is going to be a chic, fun song and the name of the song tells us that it is going to be a dedication to Donatella Versace; someone who fits the description of the opening lines (I honestly don't know if she is a bitch, she seems lovely :)) The song engages the audience with the rhetorical questions in the bridge and then the beat drops and Donatella is dropped. The song would put any hen party (or stag!) in a perfect mood for the night. Vocals are on par as always with enjoyable production. I personally love this song and I couldn't get it out of my head after listening. Hit!
FASHION! 10/10 I don't understand why many people are saying that this song is the weakest on the album. It's one of my favourites. The opening with the piano just smells of city life and it's instantly obvious from the outset that this song is unashamedly about materialism. The vocals are beautiful and the hook gets me every time. The production is impeccible and this song would rise to the top of the charts if it was released. Gagas voice on this is incredible.
MARY JANE HOLLAND 10/10 I dont like to boast.... this song really is something to be boasted about. As the song is primarily about cannabis use, i was initially apprehensive about this song but it is one top notch tune. Madeon has created an environment in this song. It's not just something to listen to, you can really feel it and embrace the vibes it sends out. The breakdown in the song is what makes it so special. The electronic music zoning out and the theatrical vocals coming in sends shivers down my spine. The vocals are perfect and combined with the powerful clash of the beat it radiates off a sense of power and self-confidence which is a reflection of the cannabis use the song is describing. A theatrical, electronic masterpiece.
DOPE 9/10 This is beautiful. Heart and soul went into this song and it is heart touching and raw. This connects with so many Little Monsters on a different level. We can feel the pain. We can feel the anguish and regret. We can also feel the determination to move on and overcome difficult situations. The song is a ballad and the piano interlude at the beginning is gentle yet captivating. The vocals sound different to how Gaga normally sings. I think that the style of the vocals are reflecting the different states in the song. Overall, it's extremely heart touching and will be remembered as one of the songs where Gaga shows us herself on a deeper level.
GYPSY 10/10 This is perhaps one of the best Lady Gaga songs of all time. When I heard the acoustic version performed at AMPYA i knew straight away that this one was special. I was really blown away when I heard the studio version. RedOne worked on this one and has completely transformed the 'Tonightttt' part into a europop delight. It reminds me of TEOG in terms of how powerful the vocals are. The song is an anthem and will go down in history as one of the best Lady Gaga songs ever. This song will cause the biggest monster moshpits ever at the ARTPOP ball and I can't wait to be there to hear it. The story behind it is touching and pure and we even get a geography lesson in there where the countries are named. It makes everyone in the song feel a part of Lady Gaga and a part of the Little Monster community.
APPLAUSE 10/10 This is my groove. This is my entry song. This is also the inspiration behind my Halloween costume this year! I remember when I heard Applause for the first time and I was shaking with excitement. The pulsating beat behind the song carries it along. It bounces in a way which is candy to the ears. This makes me want to dance. I can't actually get across how spectacular this is! The message behind it is actually deeper than first thought too, it's about how Gaga just wants to entertain us and yes she needs our attention at first but the applause is to know shes succeeded. Which she has! The video behind this is art. Nothing short of art. Inez and Vinoodh have done well here. The transformations shown in the video are a microcosm on the pop star. Radio friendly brilliant song loved by everyone! My jam!
10/10 ARTPOP WILL CONQUER THE WORLD
Lady Gaga has really created a masterpiece here. This won't just be known as 'One of Lady Gagas albums'. This will go down in history. It explores different contexts and ideas whilst showing an impressive vocal range and versatility. Lady Gaga has made it widely known that she has a lot of musical influences but it is clear in ARTPOP that she does not intend to 'copy' or 'mirror' them. She is an individual artist who it finding her own niche in the industry. I found it very hard to rate each song because they are all evoking different emotions in me and are all written for different purposes but I particularly like 'Gypsy', 'Mary Jane Holland' and 'Applause'.
This is the future. ARTPOP.
Submitted by Rebecca Steele
