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Concept Albums & Chromatica


LilyLark

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LilyLark

So from what I understand, Chromatica is kind of a loose concept of a place where you can dance through your pain and everything is about unity, peace, and love. The visuals also seem inspired by anime. It's not an entirely original concept, but most concept albums aren't truly original & it's a good "theme" imo. However, is anyone worried that the critics are going to be harsher on her as she's marketing this as a "concept" album?

Critics seem to hold concept albums to a fairly strict standard. Dirty Computer received mostly rave reviews, but I distinctly remember some critics being mildly critical that it didn't adhere to the "concept" as much as The ArchAndroid. Arcade Fire also had some of their albums post the Suburbs mildly dragged because the Suburbs had a very interconnected theme and their subsequent albums did not despite being seen as concept albums. I don't know....I feel like if she had just went with general themes of peace, unity, and healing it might be an easier sell for the critics. Doesn't it seem with the whole sci-fi planet theme they might expect songs more in that vein?

Also, people are still raw and angry over COVID-19, Trump, etc. I don't think there's anything wrong with Gaga's Marianne Williamson type of worldview, but I also wonder if some critics are going to bristle at her "peace and zen" vibe much like some bristled at Lana's romanticizing the past because they feel like it doesn't fit the current environment. Plus, Gaga's polarizing and so some, even critics, can be like "look at that b*tch eating crackers" about her.

At the end of the day, I don't necessarily care about reviews that much. Also, I feel like Gaga's promo/theme for Chromatica is far better than ARTPOP (framing it as an album that's true art seemed like she was making herself an easy target for the critics), but it's still interesting to contemplate these sort of things. I'm curious as to y'all opinions.....

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darkchylde

watch her beats1 interview, her description of chromatica is actually much more specific than that. she's not talking about a concept album per se like dirty computer could be, with a fixed storyline like lemonade etc. it's more like the soundtrack you play in this transcendant place you go to heal your pain 

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LilyLark
23 minutes ago, darkchylde said:

watch her beats1 interview, her description of chromatica is actually much more specific than that. she's not talking about a concept album per se like dirty computer could be, with a fixed storyline like lemonade etc. it's more like the soundtrack you play in this transcendant place you go to heal your pain 

Interesting, thanks. Considering the critics loved SL, I think the album will be well received. However, I was a bit concerned/curious because I assumed it was being sold as a concept album like The ArchAndroid or Dirty Computer.

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gypsy101
20 minutes ago, darkchylde said:

watch her beats1 interview, her description of chromatica is actually much more specific than that. she's not talking about a concept album per se like dirty computer could be, with a fixed storyline like lemonade etc. it's more like the soundtrack you play in this transcendant place you go to heal your pain 

where can we watch it?

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darkchylde
5 minutes ago, gypsy101 said:

where can we watch it?

it was accidentaly uploaded on apple music last night at midnight but has since then been removed since it actually airs today at 6pm UK time / 10 am PT. there are a few thread summing up the most important points though.

 

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LilyLark
5 minutes ago, gypsy101 said:

where can we watch it?

I think it will be available on Apple Music by 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. However, some people have already heard it.

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gypsy101
28 minutes ago, darkchylde said:

it was accidentaly uploaded on apple music last night at midnight but has since then been removed since it actually airs today at 6pm UK time / 10 am PT. there are a few thread summing up the most important points though.

oh my god everyone discussing this interview i can't watch is so annoying:selena:

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gypsy101
1 minute ago, LilyLark said:

I think it will be available on Apple Music by 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. However, some people have already heard it.

doesn't seem super fair

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Isn't every Gaga album concept albums tho? There isn't a single album by her where it's just any songs thrown together.

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flyaway

As long as the music is well done, I could care less about critic's opinion or the billboard charts. They've been wrong so many times, and they tend to be biased. Just look at the grammys, it's a snoozefest and a popularity contest.  That's how certain albums are glorified, while others are harshly criticized. 

As for Chromatica, I'm glad we're having a new Gaga album. She's been through a lot, and she could have just quitted a long time ago. But she keeps going and giving us things to be excited about. I'm grateful and I hope we can enjoy this era without focusing about charts and awards.

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LilyLark
1 hour ago, Brecht said:

Isn't every Gaga album concept albums tho? There isn't a single album by her where it's just any songs thrown together.

IMO all of her previously albums are "technically" concept albums, but very loosely revolve around general themes of sex, celebrity, death, decay, love, etc. or in Joanne's case family and tragedy.

In Chromatica, it seems like it's a bit conflicting. We have "general themes" of unity, peace, & dancing through the pain, but also this sci-fi like anime world where people battle to find their inner peace. There's didn't seem to be a consistent storyline (because it looked like a storyline concept) like Lemonade (discovering cheating, dealing with it, anger, finding forgiveness) or The ArchAndroid. But the interview makes it clear it's less of a storyline type concept (which I had assumed) and more just about general themes.

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Yxcvbnm
1 hour ago, Brecht said:

Isn't every Gaga album concept albums tho? There isn't a single album by her where it's just any songs thrown together.

What's the concept of Born This Way?

:ohwell:

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I think it's fine if not every single critic vibes with her. Why should we as fans pressure her to water down her creativity so that the critics and GP can digest it? The record label probably restricted it already enough. I mean after all it's a big business and people's jobs depend on how the album performs. She doesn't have complete artistic freedom as a commercial artist and I think that goes against her nature and that's why she feels broken sometimes. I'm glad that she enjoyed the support from her producers and collaborators creating this album.

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Salvador Sequea
1 hour ago, Yxcvbnm said:

What's the concept of Born This Way?

:ohwell:

VJEJ.gif

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