RELEASE: Lady Gaga’s new album, “Joanne,” is unlike any of her previous works, complete with a new sound, look and meaning.
By Marley Brady, Staff Writer
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, released her newest album, titled “Joanne” on October 21, 2016. The album, named after the singer’s late aunt, is now Gaga’s fourth to reach number one in the United States. “Joanne” touches on topics spanning from self love (“Dancin’ in Circles”), to family (“Joanne”) and even to the Black Lives Matter movement (“Angel Down”).
While Gaga has stripped her over-the-top media and stage appearance (such as her 2010 “meat dress”), her powerful vocals alone on this new album make her presence seem larger than life. Perhaps Gaga has realized that she does not need to wear outlandish garments in order to be noticed; her sheer artistry is enough. While it is true that Gaga has toned it down in regards to her clothing, she has only raised the bar for herself musically—it seems that now she is now willing to let her talent speak for itself, rather than hiding behind ridiculous clothing.
Her transformation goes beyond her clothing- to her music too; it now focuses on her own raw talent rather than how rhythmic a track is. Compared to her prior albums (like 2013’s “ARTPOP”), “Joanne” features an entirely new view of the vocalist’s skill, complete with a slight country twang, audible in songs such as “Sinner’s Prayer” and “Grigio Girls.”
Lady Gaga is one small example of the new direction pop music is headed. When one compares the top 100 songs from the last two years, pop music has subtly changed. Two of the top songs of 2014, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea are great examples of music trending at the time- incredibly fun, but not entirely serious or deep. While the top songs of 2016 have yet to be decided as the year comes to a close, some of the contenders include “Hello” by Adele, a sensual ballad, and “Closer” by The Chainsmokers, which demonstrates the rise of alternative music. Comparing the two years music-wise is interesting, as it’s incredibly clear that pop music is transforming. The change could be attributed not only to the rise of more “alternative” artists on the scene, but also to small changes that individual artists, like Gaga, have gone through. While it may not be entirely distinguishable to the casual observer, pop music is, in fact, changing.
Lady Gaga is definitely not the first artist to change musical styles, and she will definitely not be the last. It’s something that has happened time after time— music changes ceaselessly. Pop culture is constantly moving and fluid; it will never stay the same from day to day. Music is an ever-changing force that chooses its own course, and all fans can do is watch and wait to see what happens next.