Joanne in Review

[bowie1986 178]

I tend to be very critical of Gaga as of late. I loved Joanne when I first heard it, but after a few weeks of listening I felt like the album was somewhat of a disappointment. While it very well may have been her most consistent effort lyrically, I was so bothered by the inclusion of certain tracks. The record, at times, felt like all style and no substance— like she was just wearing another costume to capitalize on authenticity and the taste profiles of rural voices that were changing the political landscape.

As of now, I still don’t have much desire to listen to the whole record back to front. But, I admire the effort she made on so many of these tracks. If Joanne did anything for me, it reaffirmed the idea that Gaga will always be willing to experiment with new forms. And for a pop musician that is paramount because most of pop music is, compositionally, quite similar. So her willingness to take on new themes, genres, and collaborators is exciting. It gives me faith in her continued ability to develop these iconic worlds within her records.

Some songs that make me excited for the future:

John Wayne: Holy moly, I love the production on this track. The chorus is my favorite Gaga chorus ever, not because of the lyrics but because of the production choices. It’s so fun and raucous, and it’s literally the best running or driving song. We probably would’ve never gotten this cut had she not developed her record around the aesthetics of Americana.

Perfect Illusion: Was this track well executed? No. Do I like the influences from Kevin Parker, the guitar intro, and her rock persona? YEAH! I’m not sure that I think Gaga should ever work with Kevin Parker again, nor do I think her sensibilities are suited well towards the proclivities of someone who creates indie psychedelic rock, but I know this woman can rock out. I want more electric guitar, especially distorted/filtered electric guitar!!!!

Come to Mama: I take back my critique of her collaborating with indie rockers because this Father John Misty co-written track is gold. It preserves the Gaga ethos, but throws it over a jazzy, 70s style instrumentation that feels like a warm christmas morning hug. I absolutely love this track, and I think we need more elaborate backing bands like the one on this track. Her voice SHINES.

Just Another Day: Hate on it, but she wrote this track all on her own (according to the credits) and I love the message. The lyrics were clunky for me at first listen, but I love the chorus and the overall feeling the song gives off— one you wanna approach each new day with. More glam rock please!!!

Joanne (Where Do You Think You’re Goin?): What a great way to end the era. Her vocals are stunning, I love the rootsy visuals, and I think the song sounds its best with this version. I love that she did this-- because bottomline, she will not win over the GP with this effort. But it's true to the era, and those are the kind of decisions I like seeing her make.

 

There’s so much more to be excited about!! Joanne was a great era, and all we can do is support Gaga to continue to explore her creative interests. She can do great things if we just trust her to see her visions through. 

Excited for what’s next!

[Twitter 14]

I’m excited for whatevers coming next too! GGD users shouldn’t let the Grammys steal their joy in Gaga because I think she has plenty more things in store for us. Also surprisingly Joanne is the only Gaga album I can listen to the entire tracklist without hitting the skip button. 

[Lazarus 425]

Gaga learns something new about herself and her fans with each passing era... And we, in return, are allowed to see her hard work and experimentations, whether they come to fruition or sometimes fall a bit flat. 

Bottom line, Joanne was good for her as a musician and person, and really... Things can only move up from here. It feels a bit odd, talking about an era in a past perspective... But things feel very... Complete, now, with the era.

I guess we have to keep in mind that 2018 has only just begun.