Is Lady Gaga the next Cyndi Lauper?

[petty 9,412]

I know everyone compares Madonna & Gaga. This mainly because Gaga single-handedly shifted the direction and look of pop music in 2009, much like Madonna did the decades before Gaga was even a thought in our minds.

However, after ARTPOP and what we know of Joanne so far, it seems Gaga may be headed towards the direction of Lauper's trajectory.

Madonna and Cyndi Lauper appeared on the music scene around the same time in the 1980s. Madonna is still going strong and is still very well known. Lauper is still making music and peforming but isn't a household name. 

- Lauper's  1983 debut album produced 4 megahits and was followed by two successful albums. She went on to sell over 25 million records, but soon after she faded off of the mainstream scene. However, Cyndi is far from being a flop. She has worldwide record sales of 50 million and has won Grammy, Emmy, and Tony awards, which is a rare feat.

- Madonna released her first single in 1982 and is a household name to this day.  She's the best-selling female recording artist of all time, according to Guinness.

SO why do I think Gaga's career could go more into the direction of Lauper's?

Unlike Lauper, Madonna wanted fame more.

- Madonna is business savvy. She was aware of the need to continually reinvent herself and her sound. She knew how to market herself. She would (and still continues) to follow whatever musical trend will sell.

- LIKE GAGA, Lauper wanted to make music that she wanted to make. Not what happened to be hot at the time.

Unlike Madonna, Cyndi wanted to make personal music.

- Madonna wanted success and fame and the music industry was a means to accomplish that. Madonna cared about her music, but her albums were clearly made with a focus on commercial success rather than artistry.

- Lauper was more of a true artist. She stubbornly wanted to make the music she loved and fought with her label for creative control. 

- Cyndi changed over time. She left her crazy, colorful image behind and started making personal music. This kind of music was less appealing to her younger fans and due to her earlier crazy pop girl image, she likely wasn't taken seriously by the kinds of people who would buy more serious music. (Gaga is that you?)

- Cyndi would dissapear from the music scene for long chunks of time, while Madonna kept it going.

Although I don't see Gaga "fading away," I think the pattern is clear that when any artist wants to focus on personal music and music that they actually want to make as a creative artist, they face a loss from mainstream. So we shouldn't be shocked that we see this drop in demand for Gaga. It just is what it is. Time will tell if she is the modern Madonna or Cyndi.

[The Surrealist 27,470]

Everyone knows Gaga is already the next Debbie Harry.

[Miracle 14,068]

She's the next Kim Carnes / Stevie Nicks / Debbie Harry, maybe Cher.

 

[KennyRichie 1,981]

Looks like it. But I'm still here for Gaga no mater what she becomes or how succesful she is going to be after Joanne. I enjoy Perfect Illusion

[Sakrai 4,759]

She's the next Ariana Grande

[darkchylde 14,857]

/applause

honestly im proud when people compare the two of them 'cause i appreciate cindy so much.

[djBuffoon 12,115]

I think she's always had more in common with Lauper anyway. Cyndi is a talented vocalist, talented musician, a talented songwriter, and has a tangible passion for musical theatre. 

[President Trump 3,508]

Yes I think she will become the next cyndi Lauper and that's not a bad thing! The two are even friends  and have worked together. I think it's good 

[Pablo 7,783]

Gaga is the next Gaga

[AddMeOnMYSPACE 2,004]

I think she'll have a prince/David Bowie like career. Depends, because when Lauder released her music (after her bit years) ,majority of  it was a commercial and critical flop. 

[Boyboi12 2,125]

5 minutes ago, djBuffoon said:

I think she's always had more in common with Lauper anyway. Cyndi is a talented vocalist, talented musician, a talented songwriter, and has a tangible passion for musical theatre. 

We can agree  honestly, truly I think Gaga is going to be lady gaga. She going to continue to do as she wants! And only time will tell, so grab some popcorn and enjoy the roller coaster. 

[SomethingMore 1,701]

Omg are you ****ing serious right now?

Like, do you guys HAVE to copy every single thread from ATRL? Someone earlier made an identical thread that some Gaga hater made about Rise being above PI on iTunes and now this  

[Redstreak 6,653]

Unlike Madonna, Cyndi wanted to make personal music.

 

um Madonna has made some very personal music over her career so I don't know where this is coming from

[Saint Laurent 4,862]

I think she's an icon, but will not be recognised as such until much much later in her career.

She's already a household name and I don't think that will ever fade.

Now she has reached the highest point of success that any artist can hope for, she has the freedom to do what she wants.

[Pilette 15]

Every artist is unique. You can't compare unless you are narrow minded or don't know much about music.

 

Cyndi Lauper wasn't passionate enough about the music. Most of the songs on her first (iconic) album are covers of obscure bands (including GJWHAF).

The second album was made with commercial success on the record company's mind with top producers (Steinberg & Kelly) and a lot of artists featuring on it.

3rd album was a total mess.

Cyndi wasn't fighting with Madonna but with her record company. They did not support her.