Gaga’s new album drops on Monday, but our correspondent secured an early listen to bring you track-by-track scoop on the expanded version of “Born This Way.” Just don’t ask what he had to do to make that happen.
Either way, the time has finally come. With singles, video sneak peeks and in-concert teasers of some songs falling one at a time like random raindrops in the desert, the full “Born This Way” is about to pour onto the Lady’s fans and quench what ails them. Here’s the blow-by-blow.
Overall, Gaga leans heavily on the sounds of the ‘80s for the album, but each track gleams with modern production or gets gritty with today’s best dirty beats. “Born This Way” is an excellent follow-up to “The Fame” and makes good on the visionary skill Gaga demonstrated on “The Fame Monster” EP.
“Marry the Night” – With a slow and plodding start, this track kicks off the album with a bang and a dance beat that makes Gaga turn up the heat.
“Born This Way” – In case you’ve been under a rock for the last few months, the title song is the anthem d’jour for any number of disenfranchised groups, but Gaga clearly goes for the LGBT vote – as if she didn’t have it already.
“Government Hooker” – This eclectic mixture of different musical styles finds Gaga belting “hooker” over and over. It gets in your brain and makes you want to shake your ass.
“Judas” – Who cares about controversy when you have a beat as fierce and as commanding and this one, not to mention that to-die-for dance break.
“Americano” – Bizarre—and for Gaga, that’s saying something!—but compelling. Your feet will move and your hips will shake, but you’ll probably still be trying to figure out what in Hell is going on here.
“Hair” – Gaga’s ode to empowerment through the magic of transforming her hair – an odd mechanism for a song, but the music is infectious.
“Schei?e” – Again, exactly what is up may be a bit fuzzy, but the combination of the ‘90s dance sound and the German lyrics kicks ass.
“Bloody Mary” – Comparisons to Madonna will be plentiful for this track, which slightly evokes the feel of any number of M’s religiously inspired songs.
“Black Jesus + Amen Fashion” – Runway and religious imagery blend on this funky gem that finds the titular black Jesus working the catwalk.
“Bad Kids” – The synths are cranked up in this pop ode to kids just doing the best they can despite the limitations of their parents.
“Fashion of His Love” – Gaga goes all pop in this gem that could have been a hit for Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam back in the day.
“Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)” – This one is as unusual as its name, but it’s all about Gaga’s journey to love and sounds like it would have been right at home on the soundtrack to “The Legend of Billie Jean” – in a good way.
“Heavy Metal Lover” – Gaga’s voice is twisted and spiraled through electro and dreamy instrumentation.
“Electric Chapel” – Full of dramatic electric guitar riffs and synths, this number serves up more of the ‘80s sound so prevalent on the album.
“The Queen” – A delightful mash-up of electro-pop and campy sassiness that is sure to inspire drag queens for years.
“You and I” – An anthem for lovers, friends and people who care deeply about each other. This one is packed with lots of soul, piano, and Gaga’s powerful voice.
“The Edge of Glory” – You know the drill: ‘90s dance music meets an ‘80s sax solo—think “Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire”—and the results are fan-freakin’-tastic!
The expanded version of the album also comes with five remixes, including the soulful Country Road Version of the title track, the trancy DJ White Shadow Remix of “Judas,” the poptastic Fernando Garibay Remix of “Fashion of His Love,” and the epic Euro-grunge of “Schei?e” (DJ White Shadow Mugler).
“Born This Way” drops online and in stores on Monday in standard (14 tracks) and expanded formats (22 tracks). Consider your local gay retailers Brushstrokes and Outwrite for your hard copy. Ask about reserving or pre-ordering this and any music or DVD.
Professional university administrator by day, roving entertainment reporter by night and co-chair of the Entertainment Committee for Atlanta Pride, Buck Cooke is armed with a passion for pop culture and rabid appetite for music, scouring the entertainment landscape for treasures in music, TV and cinema.
