By Zack Gill
Entertainment Editor
and Rachel Wess
Staff Writer
Selling one million albums in a week seems like a hard task to accomplish, considering the dramatic decline of the economy and music industry.
Lady Gaga accomplished this feat effortlessly. On May 23 she released her third album, “Born This Way.” The album hops between a number of genres but largely maintains poppy and electronically aesthetic. “Born This Way,” with its catchy songs and insightful songwriting, rightfully deserves its immediate and widespread success.
Lady Gaga has been very successful since the release of her 2008 debut, “The Fame,” and her 2009 follow up, “The Fame Monster.” Including her new release, “Born This Way,” all of Lady Gaga’s albums have reached the number-one charting spot in more than 20 countries.
Lady Gaga maintains her creativity, eccentricity and general tomfoolery in her television appearances and music video for “Born This Way.”
In the music video for the album’s title track, Gaga appears to literally create a new human race. For the live performance of the track at the Grammy Awards, she entered the show in a giant egg, surprising the world and starting her memorable performance with a bang.
The lyrics on “Born This Way” contain more substance than Gaga’s previous material: showing a break from her earlier playful self. “Americano” is a commentary on gay marriage and immigration laws. Gaga sings, “We fell in love, but not in court,” a passionate statement about the freedom to love and marry.
In “Born This Way,” Gaga promotes individuality and self-respect. “Edge of Glory” is an expressive tale about the last moments on earth and how important it is to not regret anything. The songs are surprisingly literate and have tangible depth. Even though they reflect Gaga’s maturer songwriting, they maintain their musical appeal.
The album is designed for the digital “Pick ‘n’ Save” of iTunes; buying the standout singles would be the best decision. The singles have powerful and uplifting lyrics and make her previous material seem vapid and superficial in comparison.
“Born This Way” shows Gaga’s transition into a more mature and lyrically substantial artist. It is available for download online and in stores nationwide.
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