Social commentary on LG5?

[ReidOne 12,427]

I've been thinking a lot about this lately... will LG5's central themes focus on social commentary and politics? I suspect they will. Gaga has evolved to a new phase in her life (and career), where she is finally being universally recognized as one of the greatest musical talents of our generation. She very likely wants to be remembered for more than just dance pop bops. And with the contentious US presidential election taking place at the exact same time as LG5, it would make perfect sense for her to release an album full of social commentary and political views. 

Obviously, social issues are dominating the news media right now: gun control, LGBTQ rights, terrorism, immigration, police brutality, racism, etc... All while popular cultural is at an "all time low" in its social consciousness (Real Housewives flipping tables, pop stars releasing songs like "Bad Blood" fueling girl-on-girl rivalries, TMZ chasing every possible celebrity "feud",  reality shows like 'The Bachelor' promoting empty love, 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' promoting glamor, money and fame, etc...). 

It seems like the perfect time for someone like Gaga to unleash an album pointing us back to the things that really matter in humankind: our spirituality, love, kindness, family, etc... 

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On top of all this, the stylistic influences that have dominated the pre-era bring to mind 1970's Vietnam-era rock 'n roll. This era of music was dominated by music and artists who centered their greatest works around world issues. And because of it, are still revered as the "greats" among rock 'n roll fans to this day. For the last several decades, the "baby boomer" generation has criticized the post-1970's pop music scene for being completely void of having any real political significance in their music. 

I am really expecting LG5 to be quite heavy with issues-based subject matter. I don't foresee too many bops about jerks in the club with big dicks ("Monster"), commentary on herself as a pop star ("Applause," "Venus"), or her personal family life ("Speechless," "The Edge of Glory"). 

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Any thoughts? I think this could be a landmark album for her. But I am also worried about the fanbase. This may really turn off many fans who just want to hear dance hits. 

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It's also important to note, that "social commentary" albums do not have to be completely void of bops. One of the greatest albums of all time, Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation', achieved both to masterful effect. 

[BuzzcutSeason 3,307]

[DeleteMyAccount 11,881]

Maybe on the lines of "American Idiot"? I like subtle references. A concept album would be really interesting though.

[Twitter 14]

I can see a song related to politics. Government Hooker 2.0 coming! 

[KinneyUnderYou 0]

1 minute ago, ReidOne said:

Any thoughts? I think this could be a landmark album for her. But I am also worried about the fanbase. This may really turn off many fans who just want to hear dance hits. 

This album is going to be a huge album in Gaga's career. Her true revival from ARTPOP. I don't expect dance music on the album; nor should any monster. The music is going to about peace, love, and recovery according to the hints she's been dropping on Instagram. Your thread is an interesting read, as usual. What I truly wonder is what Gaga will deliver next. It's hard to imagine how her Gaga persona will be when she wakes up. I am not worried about the fanbase, because the fanbase should worry on themselves. It's becoming unhealthy for them. It's too much, even if they can't wait. It's affecting them emotionally, and physically. But, I wish she would write sexy songs for the album. Her sex songs are always interesting, and fun. My inspiration from my own music is mainly Gaga. I am recharged whenever she releases a new album. I am able to create ideas, fantasies, realities, etc. to corporate into my album. She taught me a lot of things with every album. I wonder what she'll teach me with LG5 from a songwriter's perspective. I love her so much, and I am sure the wait will be amazing!

[petty 9,412]

i just wand mindless pop music.... i aint shxt

[TheFame Monster 8,779]

Please no, she needs to release a timeless album. Not one you'll listen to in a few years and only think about 2016. 

[kabirartfling 9,063]

 

This thread is so deep!

[Shipper 12,889]

I agree with what you said.

I think she wants more relatable songs with a good theme and meaning that would reflect the current society we have. GOOD, meaning exactly what you said with less big divk songs, fame, her want for applause, art, or her life. It might be more substantial and more general compared to her other albums.

If her album reflects where she is right now, some songs about world peace, nature, maybe even the bible might be present. 

I will support her work no matter what she releases so I'm excited.

[ReidOne 12,427]

8 minutes ago, TheFame Monster said:

Please no, she needs to release a timeless album. Not one you'll listen to in a few years and only think about 2016. 

Well, I do think a "timeless" album would still be her objective. That was the brilliance of 70's rock music... when you listen to it today, you don't necessarily think about Vietnam and all the other politically-fueled inspirations behind it. Because the lyrics weren't completely "literal"... but in their context, they were daring, bold statements about the issues of the day. I anticipate that is what she will be going for with this project. Making a huge statement, but with music and lyrics that transcend the "time" it was released within. Exactly like late 60's and 70's rock. 

[Werk 13,166]

Idk why but Madge's American Life came to my mind when I read this. (Please don't give me a WP!)

[FATCAT 59,008]

Maybe, but I wouldn't do anything too in your face. I enjoy a song that tells a moral, without the need to explain every detail. Like, if she wants to talk about Trump, don't mention his name or his title, but denounce his type of behavior.

Idk, just a thought.

[ReidOne 12,427]

Just now, FATCAT said:

Maybe, but I wouldn't do anything too in your face. I enjoy a song that tells a moral, without the need to explain every detail. Like, if she wants to talk about Trump, don't mention his name or his title, but denounce his type of behavior.

Idk, just a thought.

Agreed. And I trust in her ability enough that she would keep things vague enough that the album remains timeless, without being a literal reading of today's issues. But yes --- it's a slippery slope. 

[FATCAT 59,008]

Just now, ReidOne said:

Agreed. And I trust in her ability enough that she would keep things vague enough that the album remains timeless, without being a literal reading of today's issues. But yes --- it's a slippery slope. 

For instance, she could jump the gun and literally mention Hillary Clinton. I think I'd vomit.

[ReidOne 12,427]

15 minutes ago, Werk said:

Idk why but Madge's American Life came to my mind when I read this. (Please don't give me a WP!)

'American Life' is a great example of a pop star attempting this strategy and failing miserably! So yes, no harm in bringing up this comparison. I feel like 'American Life' was Madonna's attempt at making a 'Rhythm Nation'-style album, and having it blow up in her face. 

But I think Gaga is going to go in a different direction than both of these. With much greater focus towards truly reviving the sonic aesthetic of 1970's rock (which is also FULL of funk, jazz, bass guitar, etc...). 

It really would be a perfect bridge between the traditional jazz style she's been performing AND the edgier pop style that Mark Ronson is known for.