Lady Gaga seems to be a jack of all trades. She’s an actress, singer, songwriter and activist.
Her odd fashion statements and experimental music has been turning heads since 2008. Each album by Gaga differs in sound, style and throughout the years it seems as if she has matured after each release.
Gaga’s first studio album, "The Fame," initiated the beginning of her dance pop genre. After this album, she progressively became stranger but in a way that broke boundaries and caught everyone’s attention.
What’s interesting about her is that while she knew she would become more popular with her wild and fearless behavior on and off stage, she was really just being true to herself and not holding back in her rise to fame. There was no “trying” for her to be different.
Gaga was a very theatrical performer and made her way to earning a role in the fifth season of "American Horror Story: Hotel." Today’s image of Lady Gaga seems to have calmed down and focus on career choices which resulted in her release of her new album "Joanne."
This album has mixed roots of country, dance-pop, and classical piano ballads. Though it isn’t as risky as her previous albums, it undoubtedly shows us a different side of Lady Gaga.
The opening track, “Diamond Heart,” is filled with emotional vocals, overpowering everything else.
Thing about it, isn’t that what Gaga wants? While listening to the album, it sounds like the music was recorded in the room next door while the vocals fiercely dominate.
This track is a perfect opener, however not everyone may love it depending on their musical preference. Singer Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine, makes an appearance in the track, “Hey Girl.”
Two of the strongest vocalists of today paired for this track proves this album revolves around vocals. This song is a passionate slow-jam featuring Welch and Gaga sing in unison followed by funky keyboard and subtle, crisp percussion.
The more delicate tracks like “Sinner’s Prayer” and “Joanne,” portray her progressive development and talent. Her powerhouse vocals are not overshadowed by any other elements, as she is only accompanied by light music and soft tones. A purely acoustic guitar track such as “Joanne,” brought a much needed raw sound from Gaga.
The artist, Father John Misty, made an appearance to help her with the percussion in “Sinner’s Prayer.” Several other beloved musicians and producers collaborated on this album. Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Beck, and Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, all make a guest appearance and contribute to this dynamic album in notable ways.
Each and every song is easily a fun sing-along. Especially the tracks, “Perfect Illusion” and “Million Reasons.”
“Come to Mama” gives a warm welcome to listeners as a favorable track that’s full of bursting horns and harmonious female vocals.
Lady Gaga continues to be an admirable artist that strives to make a statement and continuously reinvents her sound and image. "Joanne" exhibits Gaga's maturity and fills fans with anticipation to see what Lady Gaga will do next.
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