Chromatica is underrated (Appreciation Post)

[Hadrian 1,831]

As a fellow musician, I feel like I'd unfriend anyone who said my "the poor mental health album" sucked lmao.

Like yeah, I might agree that it's not my best work... but you don't have to reinforce that to me. 

[Ladle Ghoulash 44,614]

17 minutes ago, Roboboy said:

those lyrics actually describe something though, I could argue lyrics like "tap on my vein suck on my diamond blood, choke on the fame and hope it gets you high" are managerial and stilted attempts at signalling "this is kooky gaga!" but they don't really describe anything solid. the plastic doll lyrics are a strong metaphor that's simple and focused

I mean, those lyrics are neither “managerial” nor “stilted,” they’re literally just using graphic/glamorized imagery to depict the spectacle of the exploitation of the blonde pop star archetype (hence both being followed by “sit in the front row, watch the princess die”). You can prefer Plastic Doll (a song I agree is overhated), but let’s not misrepresent Miz Perfect Celebrity. I also think the concept of PC, while in some ways predicated on PD, is more interesting and dynamic than PD (dissociation/splitting as an essential component of fame, self-objectification, treating herself as the creator of her persona as being an extension of the audience she feels beholden to etc.)

But, in favor of Chromatica, I think the candor and straight from the hip lyricism is a refreshing change of pace for someone who usually layers metaphor ontop of metaphor and I don’t see that as being to its detriment, it’s just a different approach. 

Edited yesterday at 02:10 AM by Ladle Ghoulash

[zevthepaparazzo 2,153]

I've said this before but I wish the production was more 90s. like less slick production

something like crystal waters' discography or bjork's debut or like nothing really matters and the title track from ray of light

and the songs were really short too 

[KindnessPunk 2,350]

Thank you! Chromatica is so special, I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but the work comes from a really dark place, it being set to dance music is SOOO Gaga in my opinion. It’s that absurd spin that she always loves to put on things. For me, Chromatica is timeless, it takes me somewhere else anytime I listen to it (which is so fitting to the theme). It’s my absolute favorite album of hers, I’ll never let it go 

Edit: also I think Chromatica is the first era that Gaga herself said will never be over, and I definitely feel that. 

Edited yesterday at 04:55 AM by KindnessPunk

[nath4gaga2 290]

I'm so glad I'm mostly not alone here. 

[nath4gaga2 290]

21 hours ago, imogen2133 said:

Incorrect that would be Joanne, the only real skip on The Fame is Paper Gangster everything else is top notch electro/synth pop and it is known as one of the best debut albums of all time for a reason(including both the singles and album tracks).

Eh Eh, The Fame, Money Honey, Starstruck, Paper Gangsta, and Brown Eyes are all skips for me. No other pop album of hers do I skip 6 tracks.

[imogen2133 318]

15 hours ago, Roboboy said:

those lyrics actually describe something though, I could argue lyrics like "tap on my vein suck on my diamond blood, choke on the fame and hope it gets you high" are managerial and stilted attempts at signalling "this is kooky gaga!" but they don't really describe anything solid. the plastic doll lyrics are a strong metaphor that's simple and focused

I actually agree with what you said, I think the lyrics are pretty clunky on some songs on Mayhem and Perfect Celebrity is a great example. I think the issue is Perfect Celebrity is Gaga trying to be metaphorical and failing and Chromatica has the opposite problem and it is too literal and blatant but I agree it is easier to understand then PC's lyrics. If I had to guess I think she is saying in PC basically "take my blood take me and consume me as a famous figure" and then she is singing to herself or her younger self with the "choke on the fame and hope it get's you high" and it is her saying basically "I hope fame works out for me and brings me the reward I want" or maybe it is towards the fans idk, and I agree it sounds like she is trying too hard on Mayhem and trying to be kooky/campy but with Chromatica it was like she wasn't trying hard enough. I have issues with both albums lyrically. 

[Electric Venom 257]

This album’s overhated its not that BAD..  its a fun record you guys hate chromatica for no reason  

it’s definitely an album that made me dance thru life’s uncertainties

Edited 18 hours ago by Electric Venom

[ReplayBoss 394]

Chromatica gave me my favorite Gaga song, Replay. I know a lot of people don't like the production saying it's too safe, but honestly I don't have any problems and it's also very cohesive all around. There are a couple of hiccups with some lyrics *cough Sour Candy cough* but everything else I'd argue is some of Gaga’s most personal lyrics she's ever written. Chromatica was written during a dark time in Gaga’s life, released during a dark time in the world, and is meant to dance through the pain. Anytime I'm having a hard time I just blast Chromatica and dance through the pain. Thank you Chromatica for also giving a banger tour BTW !

[uglysexy 242]

Yess Chromaticaa!! I think it might be my favourite album, I love the themes, the visuals, the style, everything. It feels very comfortable to me. I listened it again yesterday and it's just an awesome dance album, I don't get tired of it.

I also don't see many people talking about the orchestra pieces but they're honestly so good, just like the opera intro of The Mayhem Ball. Who else could think of mixing orchestra with dance music and make it work... Gaga's a genius. And the way they blend into the other songs, there is no 911 without Chromatica II, no Sine from Above without Chromatica III, they'd feel incomplete.