Lets settle this once and for all

[the Devil of Pop 11,551]

2016 had more diva runs which I LOVE to a fault, and the notorious octave leap on "free"  I also much prefer it in a 6/8 time signature, it's jazzier. The rendition in 4/4 time is more formal and "march"-y so I don't like that arrangement as much. 

[artd0me 198]

17 minutes ago, Amphetamine said:

It is a beautiful song, but I wouldn't say it's "sad" that someone from a different country doesn't regularly listen to different renditions of our national anthem lol. Do you ever listen to Germany's national anthem? (where I'm assuming the user is from based on his instagram) 

Well I wouldn’t recommed it though 😂

I would never listen to our own anthem. But that’s a rather normal thing for German people I think. Never show any national pride (moving to Denmark I was surprised how much they use their own flag for everything, if feels) But that’s a different topic not belonging in this thread. So I will stop here. Now go on and discuss Gaga’s renditions 😉

Edited January 25 by artd0me

[gypsy101 4,083]

44 minutes ago, Amphetamine said:

It is a beautiful song, but I wouldn't say it's "sad" that someone from a different country doesn't regularly listen to different renditions of our national anthem lol. Do you ever listen to Germany's national anthem? (where I'm assuming the user is from based on his instagram) 

huh no i don’t think i’ve ever heard it lol 

[Sister 9,904]

2021 I loved the difference that she gave it. Both are spectacular.

[Chromatican 3,696]

I preferred the vocals, arrangement, setting and style/outfit of 2021.

[Agunimon 11,045]

2021 since it's actually how the song was written with the proper time measures.

[MJHolland 12,717]

2016 Gaga is my all time fav rendition of the anthem. 2021 was spectacular though and more true to form.

But wow, I'm still not over how hard she killed it in 2016. Like, truly a bit of a career inflection point. A cultural reset even. 

[shoful 13,301]

I love how this thread is titled “Once and for all” like this has been a debate for years. The performance happened 5 days ago 

[Haus of Vega 16]

Been thinking a lot about this. I'm always torn between both since each have amazing qualities. 

I think musically, the 2021 is more impressive and considering the historic context, the cold weather, and having to perform in synch with a full band. The 3/4 & 4/4 mix-meter rendition is really interesting and unique contribution for the history of the song. I think it was such an intelligent way of making it unique and memorable, but keeping it respectful without littering it with vocal riffs. 

For a vocal performance, the 2016 is more interesting and memorable as the simple piano backing allowed Gaga to showcase her chops and vocal abilities more. The pianist was able to follow Gaga's lead and give the space to embellish things more vocally, but still kept it respectful. 

They both are extremely impressive and the fact that she has two iconic fully live SSB performances is phenomenal. So proud of her.  

[PinkJelly 1,469]

2016 vocals were on point. The outfit for 2021 was better and obviously the occasion it was performed at much more momentous

[Lumiere 2,437]

I prefer the 2016 one but the 2021 rendition comes close

[Monsterabriel 4,595]

I mean 2021 is a career highlight for her, 2016 vocals were amazing, but I have to go with 2021 for me personally.

[GagaSine 5,023]

2016 was a superior vocal performance but I despise that outfit & styling tbh.

[Peter Parker 16,396]

Let’s be real, 2021’s was weak. 2016 was Gaga at her vocal peak 

[Kattys 4,016]

Cultural impact and relevance - for sure 2021.

Vocals - 2016.

But emotion? Gurl. 2016 version made me TEAR and I can't stand American version of patriotism. That's all.