Gaga shows fans a 'Monster'
Kelsey Tressler
Issue date: 12/4/09 Section: Opinion
There's no mistaking that Lady Gaga does things just a little differently than most pop artists out there, and she hasn't disappointed with the re-release of her debut album, "The Fame."
The re-release, which hit shelves and online music stores on Nov. 23, is called "The Fame Monster." It includes all of the original songs plus eight new tracks, which is enough material to consider it an entirely new album.
One of the most memorable songs on the album is "Bad Romance," which is also the first single. It's already topped Itunes sales and hit number 11 on the Billboard charts, so chances are you've heard it by now.
With its quirky introduction and undeniably addictive sound, "Bad Romance" is a clear throwback to "Poker Face," one of Gaga's most popular hit singles.
Another standout song is the piano ballad "Speechless," which catches listeners in an entirely different way. It lacks Gaga's familiar dance beats, but the song is no less appealing for it. With a chorus that boasts, "I'll never talk again/oh boy, you've left me speechless," the song hits a deeper note and showcases Gaga's impressive vocals.
Other noticeable songs include "Monster," an irresistibly catchy track that compares a man to a monster, and "Telephone," a characteristic dance song that features Beyoncé Knowles. The latter does a good job of combining both Gaga's and Beyoncé's styles, so neither sounds out of place.
"Alejandro" is a good, saucy pop song with resemblance to Madonna's "La Isla Bonita." None of these songs bring a new element to the album, but they maintain the happy dance vibe that was prevalent throughout "The Fame."
"Dance in the Dark" and "So Happy I Could Die" are catchy but get lost in their stronger counterparts. "Teeth" is an interesting if not completely successful variation for Gaga, but ultimately it isn't as strong as powerhouse pop tracks like "Bad Romance" and "Alejandro."
The album continues through all of Lady Gaga's familiar songs, including "Just Dance" and "Paparazzi." The new tracks fit into the overall album but also provide something different to the mix. In keeping with her theme of clever lyrics, Lady Gaga moves from naming deceased female icons to listing Hitchcock film titles. At the same time, she offers new angles with "Speechless" and "Teeth."
If The Fame launched Lady Gaga into superstardom, The Fame Monster will go a long way towards keeping her there.
Listen to: "Bad Romance,"
"Speechless" and "Alejandro."
The re-release, which hit shelves and online music stores on Nov. 23, is called "The Fame Monster." It includes all of the original songs plus eight new tracks, which is enough material to consider it an entirely new album.
One of the most memorable songs on the album is "Bad Romance," which is also the first single. It's already topped Itunes sales and hit number 11 on the Billboard charts, so chances are you've heard it by now.
With its quirky introduction and undeniably addictive sound, "Bad Romance" is a clear throwback to "Poker Face," one of Gaga's most popular hit singles.
Another standout song is the piano ballad "Speechless," which catches listeners in an entirely different way. It lacks Gaga's familiar dance beats, but the song is no less appealing for it. With a chorus that boasts, "I'll never talk again/oh boy, you've left me speechless," the song hits a deeper note and showcases Gaga's impressive vocals.
Other noticeable songs include "Monster," an irresistibly catchy track that compares a man to a monster, and "Telephone," a characteristic dance song that features Beyoncé Knowles. The latter does a good job of combining both Gaga's and Beyoncé's styles, so neither sounds out of place.
"Alejandro" is a good, saucy pop song with resemblance to Madonna's "La Isla Bonita." None of these songs bring a new element to the album, but they maintain the happy dance vibe that was prevalent throughout "The Fame."
"Dance in the Dark" and "So Happy I Could Die" are catchy but get lost in their stronger counterparts. "Teeth" is an interesting if not completely successful variation for Gaga, but ultimately it isn't as strong as powerhouse pop tracks like "Bad Romance" and "Alejandro."
The album continues through all of Lady Gaga's familiar songs, including "Just Dance" and "Paparazzi." The new tracks fit into the overall album but also provide something different to the mix. In keeping with her theme of clever lyrics, Lady Gaga moves from naming deceased female icons to listing Hitchcock film titles. At the same time, she offers new angles with "Speechless" and "Teeth."
If The Fame launched Lady Gaga into superstardom, The Fame Monster will go a long way towards keeping her there.
Listen to: "Bad Romance,"
"Speechless" and "Alejandro."
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