After notching four chart-topper from 'The Fame' and arising as the best-selling new artist of 2009, Lady GaGa returns with her sophomore effort.
On 'The Fame Monster', she recruits producers RedOne, Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins, Teddy Riley, Space Cowboy and Ron Fair to help her recreate the successful formula that catapulted her to super stardom.
Track-by-Track Analysis:
“Bad Romance”:
Serving as lead single, the RedOne-produced cut sees the singer dishing up an extension of her past successful singles. Not nearly as groundbreaking as the first outing, yet still implemented with the traditional catchy and infectious flare that has launched her to international stardom within the past year and a half.
Serving as lead single, the RedOne-produced cut sees the singer dishing up an extension of her past successful singles. Not nearly as groundbreaking as the first outing, yet still implemented with the traditional catchy and infectious flare that has launched her to international stardom within the past year and a half.
“Alejandro”:
With a Spanish-enhanced aura, GaGa unveils her enter Madonna spirit on the track that will obviously have just as much appeal abroad as it will in the states. On the RedOne-produced Electro-Pop number, the “Poker Face” diva acknowledges her love for Alejandro (“You know that I love you boy”), while also noting that she has a choice to make (“At this point I’ve gotta choose”).
With a Spanish-enhanced aura, GaGa unveils her enter Madonna spirit on the track that will obviously have just as much appeal abroad as it will in the states. On the RedOne-produced Electro-Pop number, the “Poker Face” diva acknowledges her love for Alejandro (“You know that I love you boy”), while also noting that she has a choice to make (“At this point I’ve gotta choose”).
“Monster”: Embracing a throwback 80s’ essence, GaGa delivers a sure-fire hit with this love gone wrong jam, where she sings “he ate my heart, then he ate my brain”. Stunningly infectious and well-played with its tricky, yet spot on lyrics, which is a pivotal argument for just why she is one of the forefront ladies in the industry.
“Speechless”: Putting the craziness aside to prove once and for all that she is actually a legitimately talented songstress, GaGa does just that on this bluesy cut. The song was written by her in an effort to convince her father to have a much needed surgery, and the emotion and heart is clearly present.
“Dance in the Dark”:
Produced by Fernando Garibay, the cut sees her once again embracing the 80s, and while not as intriguing as some of the album’s other cuts, it still touches the realms of solid with its production and as always, carefully mapped out lyrics.
Produced by Fernando Garibay, the cut sees her once again embracing the 80s, and while not as intriguing as some of the album’s other cuts, it still touches the realms of solid with its production and as always, carefully mapped out lyrics.
“Telephone”: Assisted by Beyonce, the production, which is courtesy of Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins, and the undeniable swagger that each of the ladies incor0pate sail this one right into solid waters. Their collaboration still feels like a ‘just for the stake of’ type situation, but still a much better effort than ‘Video Phone’.
“So Happy I Could Die”: Addressing her alcohol monster, she happily lives through the repercussions and hangovers on the club thumper, which will quickly have you finding your way to the nearest dance floor.
“Teeth”: Ranging on bluesy with a slight country essence, the cut refreshingly recalls elements of signature GaGa, yet inventive enough to demonstrate growth of her artistry. No doubt about it, this is the set’s riskiest song and that’s part of what makes it so brilliant, given risks are readily taken here.
Final Verdict:
‘The Fame Monster’ is an obvious extensive of ‘The Fame’, which is just as visible by the title as it is by the ability for any of the songs to find cohesive placement on its successor. GaGa has always presented herself as an original and creative artist, yet she has chosen to dish up something that does little of each in terms of expanding her artistry. However, maybe her goal wasn’t to test or elongate her bounds as an artist, as much as she wanted to produce a body of work that will keep her fans smiling ear to ear, and if that is the case, then mission accomplished.
4 out of 5
Celebrity Bug’s Key Tracks:
“Bad Romance”, “Alejandro”, “Monster”, “Speechless” & “Teeth”.
“Bad Romance”, “Alejandro”, “Monster”, “Speechless” & “Teeth”.
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