Katerina Rodriguez/Staff Writer
Lady Gaga’s spectacular versatility is what makes her such a pivotal fashion and music icon in the 21st century. With her first hit single “Just Dance” marking her debut into the world of music in 2008, she earned herself a name on charts across the world. Her music is timeless and continues to spark dancing and singing among people young and old. Add up her first three singles, “Bad Romance,” “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” she has surpassed a billion views on streaming platforms.
Since her last album, “Joanne,” which spoke to her country side and offered a mix of ballads and soulful tones, the queen of art pop is back four years later with her timeless, groundbreaking sound of “Chromatica.”
After fans expected Gaga’s release of the new album in March 2020, the excitement and anticipation was only intensified as COVID-19 pushed the release to May 29.
Finally, Lady Gaga welcomed us into “Chromatica” with a three-part manifesto of 16 songs that are broken into two groups of six and a final one of four.
Leading into each of her manifestos is a live recording of Gaga explaining how she created the idea for the album, which can be heard on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. She speaks of battling with realities and a premonition that came to her in a dream when she was younger about performing songs that would one day inspire others. The primary theme throughout the album is unequivocally, love. The artist speaks on the power of love and parallels it to the four elements (earth, air, fire and water) of Earth’s survival.
In the first manifesto of the album, listeners will immediately be taken back to sounds from “Art Pop,” one of Gaga’s most groundbreaking and iconic albums. The first two singles of the album, “Stupid Love,” and “Rain on Me,” use techno-rythmatic beats and Gaga’s deep, iconic voice to draw her listeners into listening on repeat. “Rain on Me” features Ariana Grande and the music video garnered over 40 million views within the first 24 hours of release. It featured Lady Gaga’s iconic metallic eyeshadow, spikes on her 10-inch heel shoes, ginormous sunglasses and lots and lots of jewels.
Famous K-pop girl group Blackpink is featured in the album with the song “Sour Candy.” Gaga also features Elton John in “Sine From Above,” ensuring that each manifesto features a key influence to pop culture.
As a fan of Lady Gaga since her first release, Chromatica’s shift back to her most iconic sounds brings me nostalgia. We are led through the first manifesto, which explores Gaga’s start and her determination to be a “Free Woman” and work hand in hand with her emotions rather than let them drive her. Manifesto 2 emphasizes her growth in character as her fame rose. The album ends with Manifesto 3, showing her humbleness, gratitude and angelic vocals.
If you haven’t heard Lady Gaga’s new album, “Chromatica,” what are you waiting for? Get the family together, cook some BBQ and hit the pool as you dance along to the music. A self discovering, empowering and karaoke-filled adventure awaits!
10/10
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