When Lady Gaga came on the scene back in 2008, I thought she was just a 21st Century Madonna. Boy, was I wrong. Where Madonna never really grew up in her music, Lady Gaga certainly has.
The album is eclectic in its musical styles, but they all blend nicely together in a very cohesive album. She definitely has her pop/dance songs such as the first single “Perfect Illusions” to “A Yo” which would fit nicely on any P!nk album.
Lady Gaga rocks out on the coolest song of the album “John Wayne” and has a country-blues tinged song “Sinner’s Prayer”. Her vocal maturity shows through on the exceptional songs “Joanne”, “Diamond Heart” and the heartbreaking love song “Million Reasons”.
One of the highlights is the song “Angel Down” that was inspired by Trayvon Martin. It is a very moving and sad song. The only misstep I found was “Hey Girl’ with Florence Welch. It is the one song I found flat musically and not very interesting.
For the album, she worked with Mark Ronson, Beck & Josh Homme (eclectic group) who helped her craft a well-rounded, sensational album. I can now say I am officially a fan.
10 keepers out 11 songs – 91% (4.5 out 5 stars).
NOTE: This is my first 200 word album review which was inspired by a challenge by Mike Ladano from way back in August. I am a little slow getting around to it. Click on his name and check out his site. It has tons of reviews and some awesome stories.
2 Loud 2 Old Music 
Nice job man!
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It is hard forcing yourself to only 200 words.
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It is but it gets easier and more creative the more you try.
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I thought the same thing about here initially. Just another pop star in the making. You’re right, she’s much more than that.
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Nice post. Am wondering if she was referring to her recent broken engagment in ‘perfect illusion’? I hope she is not turning into Taylor Swift…
Will have to check out her song with Florence. Really really like Florence…have even blogged about her. Cheers.
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She is not turning into TS. I hope you like the Florence Welch song. It didn’t connect with me.
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Maybe you just need to hear it a few times to connect with it. Or not. Just meant that LG might be turning into TS by writing/singing about ex’s. Cheers
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Nice one. I want this one.
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Thanks. Definitely worth getting.
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I’m not a fan of Gaga, but I have been very intrigued by this one. Not quite sure why. Very striking album cover… maybe it’s that.
I’ll give it a bash and see how I get on!
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This is her first album I have listened to all the way through other than the one with Tony Bennett because he is awesome. I was surprised that I liked it so much.
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Was it a full album with Tony Bennett?
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I think so. It was called Cheek to Cheek. Tony is on the cover with her.
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Ah, cool – I was aware of a collaboration, but I didn’t realise it was an album… I’ll check that out too!
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I love the album!!! Personally Hey Girl is a great song to sing along to with your best friend as a duet! But Million Reasons really touched me!
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Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. It is a great album. She was really good on the American Music Awards last night.
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Yes!!! I loved her acoustic version of Million Reasons, I actually cried!
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Wow. Impactful!
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Hi! Nice review, I really enjoy your writing style. I’ve never really delved into Gaga’s music before, i’ve only ever been aware of her singles, but from what i’ve heard her songs are great. I like how she can adapt into different styles with ease. I’ve just set up my own reviews blog, check it out if you have time!
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Thanks Matt! Glad you stopped by. This was my first dive into anything Lady Gaga before. Was pleasantly surprised. I will definitely check out your site. Thanks again.
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No worries, have followed so will keep an eye out for new content!
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Different gaga but I love her ❤️❤️
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That’s a really nice review. I’m not into country/soft rock/blues music, but Gaga really made me love this album.
I agree about “Hey girl”, it seems too repetitive.
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Thanks you so much! I wasn’t a big fan until this album. I really like the direction she took.
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I love this in-depth review. I connected with 9 or 10 of the songs on Joanne in my first listen…which is a high amount for me. My absolute favorite is Grigio Girls…I could leave that one on continuous loop all day 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by. I too love Grigio Girl. One of The best on the album. I was amazed by how much I liked this album. She is on fire now.
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I’ve never really listened to Lady Gaga before apart from when she’s shoved down my throat by the radio but I have read a couple reviews today of her latest release that has made me curious. I am listening to it now and am rather surprised.
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It was a really great album and I was always a casual fan until now.
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I have now moved onto ‘Artpop’ and the first five tracks are making my ears bleed …. 😦
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Yes, they are quite different albums. I was not a fan of that one.
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