2nd singles saving an era from flop?

[Alxjcgn 900]

2 hours ago, TheFrenchGuy said:

The thing is, Gaga has never picked her lead singles for commercial impact. She chooses the songs that set the stage for the album, the ones that explain the mindset she was in. The more pop-leaning tracks usually come after, once the story is laid out and the momentum is building.

Perfect Illusion: my life and my relationship were an illusion, and you are about to see me stripped down to what really matters. Joanne was exactly that, a return to the essentials to rebuild from something real. Then came Million Reasons, a grounded ballad inviting listeners into her vulnerability.

Stupid Love: at the height of her depression, all she wanted was love and connection. Chromatica grew from that place, an album made to keep the idea of “Gaga” alive while Stefani was working through deep pain. Then Rain on Me, a warm collaboration about friendship, endurance and not wanting to feel alone.

Disease: I have the power to heal myself from my demons. Mayhem feels like her taking full ownership of every part of herself and enjoying the exploration of her darker corners. Then Abracadabra, a proper return to form that cements her freedom and confidence.

So I wouldn’t judge these singles only through their chart performance, because the priority was always the narrative. You can even bring Aura versus Applause into the conversation, although before Joanne she didn’t seem to have the same level of freedom in how her rollouts were handled.

I LOVE this take and agree! Never thought of it this way but it makes so much sense

[StrawberryBlond 14,998]

It is crazy how many times Gaga has released second singles that performed better than the first. To do it twice in a row for Joanne and Chromatica and technically Mayhem (if you count Disease as the lead) is really something. But I think it's a good sign when later singles do better, it proves it wasn't just name recognition and the fact it was the lead that made the song a success. After all, there have been many lead singles that were hits at the time but are now a footnote in the artist's discography.

Anyway, here's some that spring to mind...

Ariana Grande - Focus followed by Dangerous Woman. Focus didn't do too bad but it wasn't as big as previous singles from her big breakout hit album, like Problem and Break Free, so months passed and she re-booted the era with Dangerous Woman and named the album after it. While not massive, the song got praise for her vocal prowess and got the era started off right, became the real lead single and Focus was merely added on as a bonus track.

The Weeknd - Heartless followed by Blinding Lights. Heartless was a mild hit but it got forgotten about very quickly afterwards. But then he dropped Blinding Lights and I don't think anything more needs to be said.

Beyonce - Not the second single, per se, but just the entire 4 album campaign after Run The World didn't take off as expected. Songs like Love On Top especially re-invigorated the album and even though it was flopping, she just kept turning those singles out and the Mrs Carter Tour resulted in more sales and it all ended up alright considering that it was widely considered her first flop at the time.

Doja Cat - She was still widely unheard of when she made her second album and Juicy was just getting her off the ground but, months after release, when it seemed like it was another album that didn't make much noise, she put out Say So and took off in a big way.

Dua Lipa - Her debut didn't really do anything until New Rules came out towards the end and the rest is history.

[BornAsUnic0rn 2,138]

8 hours ago, Fish said:

judas saved BTW 

You made me remember how for almost a decade some Monsters on here put the blame for everything that happened after BTW solely on Judas. 

[Bronco 13,811]

5 hours ago, Alxjcgn said:

I was living in Australia during the time of Truth about Love, and that tour was phenomenal. She had to keep adding shows which kept selling out because everyone loves her there, for HER! 

Yeah her Funhouse & Truth About Love arena tours in Australia had like 50 shows. She's got the record for most shows/biggest audiences at the majority of Aussie arenas, she is bigger than Kylie there 😂

[ManMan 2,099]

13 hours ago, Fish said:

judas saved BTW 

yes she released it with full week tracking, it debuted at no.1

THE HIT THAT NOT AWAY

[Magneto 13,482]

Sometimes I wonder if its intentional, but I guess that's what buzz singles and dj features are meant for

[Mirrion Rizzons 11,898]

14 hours ago, StrawberryBlond said:

It is crazy how many times Gaga has released second singles that performed better than the first. To do it twice in a row for Joanne and Chromatica and technically Mayhem

and Poker Face was bigger than Just Dance

Edited 6 hours ago by Mirrion Rizzons