OMonster 14,675 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 I've just had a really eye-opening conversation with my partner, who is not a little monster, about who the greatest pop artists of all time are. And, whilst I know I'm inherently biased, I genuinely believe that Gaga is definitely up there. Spoiler And so did he, for what it's worth, lol. I mean, if we define the 'greatest' pop star by some of the following qualities: - Memorable, defining hits. - Iconic, cultural moments (be it fashion, performances, controversy) - Performance ability (dance, stage presence) - Vocal ability - Musical ability (playing an instrument / a true understanding of music) - Writing ability (the ability to write lyrics and music) - Versatility (the ability to create varied different eras in terms of looks, genre and sound) - The stats to back it up (groundbreaking success) Gaga, objectively, ticks almost all of those boxes. She falls behind, only slightly, on the dancing front but, overwhelmingly, she's one of the only pop artists who could legitimately be seen as 'the overall package'. I tried to create a ranking of the six, all-time, greatest pop artists to have lived, and I reached: 1) Michael Jackson (ticks every box - only slightly weaker area was instrumentation) 2) Freddie Mercury (ticks every box - but it's his voice that really separated him) 3) The Beatles (they don't tick all the boxes, but their cultural significance, hits, music and writing ability really defined an era in music) 4) Elton John (ticks virtually all the boxes, but doesn't write lyrics) 5) Madonna (a controversial pick on here, I know, but she really redefined the position of women in music - she does not have the raw talent (vocally, musically) but the entire concept of 'pop girl' would not exist without Madonna) 6) Lady Gaga (ticks every box, but is still - comparatively - new to the scene. She really was like a 'second Madonna', though, in how she totally redefined pop music and fashion in the 2000s.) Although, I admit, it feels overwhelming to see Gaga up there with those names (particularly so early into her career), but I think it's reasonable when you really assess her career and skills. I think, instinctively, some (in the GP) might believe that Beyonce is 'more deserving' of Gaga's spot, but by any objective measure, she does not have the same talent as Gaga, nor the transformative significance. Gaga is, imo, arguably the most versatile pop star to have ever lived - and that's got to mean something. I mean, who else compares on that front? Anyway - I'd be really interested to know what your thoughts are on this. Try to disassociate from being a LM (however hard that is) and look at things objectively. Do you think Gaga is, genuinely, one of the great pop artists to have lived? subtext / fantasy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaelergrey 5,386 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 5 minutes ago, OMonster said: I've just had a really eye-opening conversation with my partner, who is not a little monster, about who the greatest pop artists of all time are. And, whilst I know I'm inherently biased, I genuinely believe that Gaga is definitely up there. Hide contents And so did he, for what it's worth, lol. I mean, if we define the 'greatest' pop star by some of the following qualities: - Memorable, defining hits. - Iconic, cultural moments (be it fashion, performances, controversy) - Performance ability (dance, stage presence) - Vocal ability - Musical ability (playing an instrument / a true understanding of music) - Writing ability (the ability to write lyrics and music) - Versatility (the ability to create varied different eras in terms of looks, genre and sound) - The stats to back it up (groundbreaking success) @ProjectJoanne ticks everybox and groundbreaking and iconic. Also I like your list. Always Remember That You Are Special, You Are Beautiful and You Are Loved Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KindnessPunk28 1,506 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 Overall a solid list with good justifications for each. I think instead of The Beatles, you should add Cher and Madonna should definitely be number two. I think Gaga deserves her spot on the list because, frankly, the last decade of music wouldn't be what it is without her. I'm still cautious to say she's the greatest of all time because it's only been 12 years. Yet I think she's accomplished so much in a short time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eighteen 5,430 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 idk tbh. off the top of my head, i think the beatles and MJ are up there (even though i don't particularly care for their music). i think madonna would be there, too? (i don't care for madonna music either ). idk i, for whatever reason, separate those three from anyone else i can think of. so yea... the rest is debatable i guess. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMonster 14,675 Posted April 12, 2020 Author Share Posted April 12, 2020 2 minutes ago, KindnessPunk28 said: Overall a solid list with good justifications for each. I think instead of The Beatles, you should add Cher and Madonna should definitely be number two. I think Gaga deserves her spot on the list because, frankly, the last decade of music wouldn't be what it is without her. I'm still cautious to say she's the greatest of all time because it's only been 12 years. Yet I think she's accomplished so much in a short time. I think you make some fair points. Cher is an icon and definitely would belong on some 'all time' list - but I don't think it's the pop star list. I know she is a pop star, but her catalogue doesn't compare to the other artists on that list. I mean that with all respect to Cher, of course. subtext / fantasy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMiddleGround 3,243 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 Madonna is the one and only definition of the true Popstar. She is the beacon. (A Shady beacon, tough) but I stan Gaga Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl 3,389 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 Good list, when you say Beyonce isn't as talented though, I guess you mean she's more talented in other areas, but yeah agree with the list. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KindnessPunk28 1,506 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 6 minutes ago, OMonster said: I think you make some fair points. Cher is an icon and definitely would belong on some 'all time' list - but I don't think it's the pop star list. I know she is a pop star, but her catalogue doesn't compare to the other artists on that list. I mean that with all respect to Cher, of course. So true. She's crossed into so many genres and with 26 studio albums , numerous movies, shows, etc etc it's hard to place her anywhere except maybe on a "greatest entertainer of all time list" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Bitch 10,513 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 1. Madonna 2. Michael Jackson ... The rest Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sumeet 456 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 Justin Bieber Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTI WP 19,825 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 Your faves could only dream Lemme present you Lady Asia Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMonster 14,675 Posted April 12, 2020 Author Share Posted April 12, 2020 8 minutes ago, Karl said: Good list, when you say Beyonce isn't as talented though, I guess you mean she's more talented in other areas, but yeah agree with the list. Yeah, Beyonce is undeniably one of the greatest performers of our time (up there with MJ) - but she doesn't write, doesn't play an instrument, didn't have a moment that singlehandedly redefined culture and doesn't have the same raw, artistic talent as the others on the list. Beyonce is, imo at least, the perfect, manufactured pop artist. She is THE pop star, along with early Britney - though, of course, Beyonce had / has a far more impressive voice. But she / they do not compare, musically or artistically, to artists like MJ, Madonna, Freddie, Gaga ect. subtext / fantasy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTI WP 19,825 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 4 minutes ago, Sumeet said: Justin Bieber Sure Janne Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Velvet 10,988 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 22 minutes ago, OMonster said: - Memorable, defining hits. - Iconic, cultural moments (be it fashion, performances, controversy) - Performance ability (dance, stage presence) - Vocal ability - Musical ability (playing an instrument / a true understanding of music) - Writing ability (the ability to write lyrics and music) - Versatility (the ability to create varied different eras in terms of looks, genre and sound) - The stats to back it up (groundbreaking success) - Love Story, Blank Space, I Knew You Were Trouble, Shake It Off - The LWYMMD video or the VMA moment - She defintely has stage presence. - Um.... - Yes. She can play the piano and the guitar. - All Too Well, Last Kiss, Enchanted, Call It What You Want, period. - Not quite. - 7 million off Fearless, 6 million of 1989 in US alone, only solo artist to hit 1 million last year, recently the only album in the last 3 years to hit 1 million in its first week. I'm like some kind of supernova Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taylucifer 5,133 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 10 minutes ago, OMonster said: I mean, if we define the 'greatest' pop star by some of the following qualities: - Memorable, defining hits. - Iconic, cultural moments (be it fashion, performances, controversy) - Performance ability (dance, stage presence) - Vocal ability - Musical ability (playing an instrument / a true understanding of music) - Writing ability (the ability to write lyrics and music) - Versatility (the ability to create varied different eras in terms of looks, genre and sound) - The stats to back it up (groundbreaking success) Taylor Swift, I think she belongs on the list a some point Hits: - You Belong With Me, Love Story, I Knew You Were Trouble, Shake It Off, Blank Space, Bad Blood, Look What You Made Me Do Iconic, cultural moments - Kimye, Scooter, Letter to Apple, Equality Act petition Performance Ability - See reputation stadium tour (now on Netflix) Vocal Ability - She can pull something out of her a** Spoiler Musical Ability - Plays piano, guitar (and other similar string instruments) Writing ability I really don't think this part is up for debate but if it is see 'Speak Now' the album, Cornelia Street, Lover and Daylight. Versatility Country Singer to RED to Pop Star to one of the most hated people on the internet to reputation to the full 180 which is Lover Stats Most awarded pop and country albums in history, only person to have 4 consecutive albums debut with 1 million+ units in their first week, The reputation Stadium tour became the highest grossing North American tour and highest tour gross for a female artist this decade ($345 million) with only 53 shows A bunch of other stats if you are interested: https://taylorswiftlifeandmusic.fandom.com/wiki/Achievements_and_milestones_of_Taylor_Swift The Tortured Poets Department is out NOW Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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