This is Lady Gaga’s fifth album since her debut in 2008. (Courtesy of Interscope)
It has been three years since the world has last heard a Lady Gaga album, with the exception of her duet album with Tony Bennett, “Cheek to Cheek,” released in 2014. The glam pop ruler has taken a step away from her stadium-rocking anthems in exchange for a more intimate, genre varying album. “Joanne,” Gaga’s fifth album, is named after her aunt who died of lupus at a young age. Though it is named after her aunt, “Joanne” does not focus solely on this topic.
Gaga’s adventurous album begins on a familiar note. On “Diamond Heart,” Gaga builds upon a beating country melody with a chorus intended to break listeners into her new style. Though the first song may be an easily recognizable Gaga tune, it ends on an awkward note. The second song on the album, however, is a real ear worm.
“A-YO” has a feel good rhythm that listeners cannot help but clap their hands along to. This track, among many others on the album, has an impressive lineup of musicians playing along to it. Josh Homme, of Queens of The Stone Age; Mark Ronson, famous for “Uptown Funk;” Este Haim, of HAIM; and many others are involved in the making of this track. This is the kind of upbeat song that will probably be in a half dozen commercials by Christmas. After “A-YO,” the album starts to take several twists and turns.
Gaga’s direction changes numerous times throughout “Joanne.” Songs varying between pop, country pop, modern folk, R&B and indie all appear on the album. At first, the listener is presented with a familiar Gaga style pop song. The style changes happen almost without warning.
Following “Perfect Illusion” is “Million Reasons,” one of Gaga’s slower tracks. While at first the genre changes are unexpected, a few listens through allows a listener to welcome the varying styles. The many players and producers on the album may have something to do with the stylistic changes throughout.
The whole album was produced by Mark Ronson, but several tracks feature guest producers, performers, and writers. “Perfect Illusion,” the lead single from the album, was produced by Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. Tame Impala’s release of “Currents” in 2015 has resulted in Parker’s ever growing pop influence. “Sinner’s Prayer” and “Come To Mama” both have song writing and performance credits to Josh Tillman, better known as Father John Misty. Fans of Tillman will immediately recognize his presence in these two songs. On “Hey Girl,” Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine provides the album’s only guest vocalist. This mellow, synth heavy song is what Mac Demarco meeting R&B would sound like. It is the producers and players that provide continuity and structure in an other- wise slightly messy album.
“Joanne” may not be Gaga fans’ favorite album. There is no “Poker Face” or “Bad Romance” on this album. On Gaga’s newest release, listeners of all different musical genres can find something to appreciate. Although there are occasional awkward and forgettable moments, “Joanne” is a massive success.
