The sonic aesthetic of 'Born This Way' album

[ReidOne 12,427]

There's been lots of opinions posted lately about Gaga's intentions with the "sound" of the 'Born This Way' album, so I wanted to share my views on what I believe she was going for. 

It's well known that Gaga recorded 'Born This Way' largely in her tour bus while traveling the world during the Monster Ball 2.0 tour. I've always felt as if 'Born This Way' was meant to be a sonic expression of the energy felt at those shows. Lyrics centered around empowerment and loving your unique qualities. With music that is loud, aggressive, and brings to mind the "stadium rock" sound of the 1980's hair and metal bands that are the blueprint for the vibe Gaga gives us on the Monster Ball.

In short, I believe 'Born This Way' was meant to be a sonic representation of the Monster Ball 2.0 experience. 

At it's core, 'Born This Way' is a heavy metal pop album. Heard best in an arena with volume blaring and vocalist shouting the lyrics at the top of her lungs. Which is also why it's such a tragedy that the BTW Ball was cut short. The album was meant to be remembered as a tour soundtrack. 

[Robo Ga 15,299]

I agree! That is one of the reasons I will always regret the fact I never was able to go to the Monster Ball. I'd also like to add how Gaga incorporated organs and church bells in many of the songs, which I think expressed how her (Monster Ball) shows had become a 'religious' experience - which plays into the concept of pop culture as a distinct religion itself, something Gaga used to speak about often during the BTW era. The whole sound of the album is larger than life. That's why I love it so much 

[ReidOne 12,427]

1 minute ago, Robo Ga said:

I'd also like to add how Gaga incorporated organs and church bells in many of the songs, which I think expressed how her (Monster Ball) shows had become a 'religious' experience - which plays into the concept of pop culture as a distinct religion itself, something Gaga used to speak about often during the BTW era. 

Yes.