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My Conceptual Review of Joanne (So far)


ARTPOPSYCHOLOGY

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ARTPOPSYCHOLOGY

So I know there are monsters who are avoiding snippets and (likely) subsequent leaks since we're just under two weeks from Joanne's release date. With that being said, I've been analyzing all of her interviews, songs she's officially released and talked about, and the brief snippets we have heard. Obviously it's difficult to judge completely since the album hasn't been heard in its entirety, however, this is my overall opinion of the concepts and tracks in Joanne. 

First off, this isn't that much of a departure from her earlier works. While she definitely explores different genres and opens herself up even more to different vocal arrangements and melodies, tracks such as Dancin in Circles sounds like a FM track, and Just Another Day sounds like the early Stefanie days. In addition, John Wayne has Mary Jane Holland vibes. Once again, she amazes me by doing something so different, yet still adding the "Gaga touch" on all songs. I think Mark Ronson really helped her achieve optimal musical growth in creating these dynamic and awesome records.


The album begins with Diamond Heart, an umtemp song to describe the beginnings of a happy romance.

A-YO her fun loving dancing self, and the first track that departs from her prior discography (although the beginning is similar to MANiCURE). The arrangement paired with her vocals show she's having fun and literally "smokin' them all!"

Then we get to Joanne, the sadness and grief resulting in loosing a family member, and the center of the album, the track is placed earlier in the album, which sets the first somber tone of the album. 

John Wayne shows how she's maybe not as happy as in Diamond Heart and she finds herself going for the same old John. A bad boy she wants to get high with. I also think there's something to be said for placing this song directly after Joanne.


Dancin in Circles seems to be about not really moving to anything different as well, as being in circles doesn't exactly indicate a particular direction, she's happy, but perhaps a bit stuck as well.

Then Perfect Illusion starts, and I've read people questioning the logic of having this track on the album. It is much different, But sets yet another different tone and emotion, mostly with anger and urgency in her voice as indiciated by the chorus coming quicker than most songs. It has a hard beat, perhaps the hardest on the album (although, it's difficult to say without hearing the album in full). It's filled with rage. She's realizing not everything is how it seems in the beginning of the album, she's transitioning to different psychological and emotional places in her heart. PI is put in the middle of this album as it should be, it's a perfect juxtaposition both lyrically and melody wise. 

Then we get to Million Reasons. She isn't so angry anymore she really wants a reason to stay. Be it the music industry (which I think the song is about) or even towards a lover, even though it was a perfect illusion, she needs just one reason to stay. 


Sinner's Prayer she's now a bit cynical. She's relating to her sister Natalie and how she may be jumping into the same pattern with guys and that she's now going to break the hearts of guys as hers was broken. 


I'm not entirely sure what Come to Mama is about yet, But with the return to a more upbeat tune and the line "they'll be no future if we don't figure this out" she's still looking to solve this relationship , be it with family, or a man. This song has Mark Ronson authenticity moreso than other tracks in my opinion.


Hey Girl is pretty straight forward about Stan wars, particularly the battle for supremacy between female pop artists. Furthermore, it shows how towards the end of the album she is seeking a feminine power showing that maybe it's time for her to seek out female connections instead of her difficult heterosexual relationships. This theme is also continued in Grigio Girls, sharing emotional experiences with females.


Finally we have Angel Down. How someone is broken in the end, but there's somehow a sense of calmness to her voice to show it isn't all sadnesss. 


And honestly, I would've put Just Another Day on the main album. It's back to her red & blue days, she's making her music, simple, and she's just going on with her day. Her lyrics and also the fact she wrote it herself would've been a real nice conclusion. But even in the deluxe, it shows through all her struggles, she's trying to relax, and just keeping on moving and doing what she loves. 


On a personal note, I've been really emotionally invested in what I've heard so far. I think it's her best to date, and I'm not the one to just say I love everything gaga does. I am so proud of her and thankful for this album. I needed it at this point in my life and we always seem to be connected as her albums reflect my current stance in life. This truly is an iconic album. 

 

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Sylvanas

I agree that Perfect Illusion belongs on the album because of the anger it portrays. It's the tipping point of the album, the end of the relationship she's singing about.

"Who are we, if not slaves to this torment?"
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ARTPOPSYCHOLOGY
3 minutes ago, Sylvanas said:

I agree that Perfect Illusion belongs on the album because of the anger it portrays. It's the tipping point of the album, the end of the relationship she's singing about.

Yes!! I think it was quite intentional to deviate the sound, and she basically confirmed this herself. 

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Chris Thomason

i love the way you described the positioning of perfect illusion it makes a lot of sense, although i would have preferred some angry guitars throughout the song. i'm still waiting for that pure rock song from her, maybe next album :P

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Just now, Chris Thomason said:

i love the way you described the positioning of perfect illusion it makes a lot of sense, although i would have preferred some angry guitars throughout the song. i'm still waiting for that pure rock song from her, maybe next album :P

Thank you!! And yes, I'm with you on that!

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Guest ARTPOPSlays

I haven't listened to all of the snippets because I wanna wait to experience the full thing, but the way that you've explained this is just beautiful and is making me so excited! :rockstar:

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zakariah

Ur reasoning for PI is rlly gd & makes sense, I now agree that it belongs on the album :) 

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2 hours ago, ARTPOPSlays said:

I haven't listened to all of the snippets because I wanna wait to experience the full thing, but the way that you've explained this is just beautiful and is making me so excited! :rockstar:

 

2 hours ago, Zakariah said:

Ur reasoning for PI is rlly gd & makes sense, I now agree that it belongs on the album :) 

Thank you!!! It took me 30 minutes to write this so I'm happy it's appreciated. I invite other monsters to give their interpretations as well!

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