Quick Facts
- Includes 3 CDS Music Chart #1 peaking singles ["Venus", "Applause" and "Do What You Want (feat. R. Kelly)"]
- Includes 5 CDS Music Chart Top 10 singles ["Venus", "Applause" and "Do What You Want (feat. R. Kelly)", "Sexxx Dreams" and "Aura"]
- Includes 15 songs
- Includes a special deluxe colored foiled cover
- Includes a standalone free App
Now on with the review!
1. "Aura" Stefani Germanotta, Anton Zaslavski, Erez Eisen, Amit Duvdevani
This thumping banger was promoted way before the album came close to releasing and eventually leaked in early August 2013. After listening to the demo version many times, the official album version seemed a little disappointing and seemed a little bit off. It could have been the difference in qualities between the two, but there is just a little something that makes the demo better. It starts very robotic, mysterious and western and before morphing several times from Arabic influences to dark pop to eventually become a classic Gaga song complete with a stunning chorus and danceable bridge. It leaves the listener stunned and is a strong album opener that shows several themes that will be displayed throughout the album (most notably the robotic voice that chants ART-POP). Either way the song is still a 8.5 out of 10 because of the interesting production and stunning chorus.
2. "Venus" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Hugo Leclercq, Duni Zisis, Nick Monson, Sun Ra
Lady Gaga produced this masterpiece (and current #1 song on CDS Music Chart) toward the end of recording of the album. The song starts with a bouncing beat, followed by Gaga preforming 2 of the 4 hooks that she recorded for the song back to back. Later she launches into a slow rising pre-chrous where the song title is mentioned beautifully. This is followed by the true chorus that is extremely catchy and just spot on. It initially came off as scaring and weird but its chorus is cleverly crafted and brings an additional layer of sweetness to this otherwise dark song. While bearing striking similarities to several The Fame songs, "Venus" certainly "blasts off to another dimension". With sick and uptempo beats mixed with more mellow sounds, the song is a blend of singing styles that work surprisingly well. The bridge is the most unique part of the song by far. It mentions all of the planets and is pretty funny. The best lines are "Uranus/ Don't you know my ass is famous?" where Mother Monster screeches and sings at almost the same time. A perfect 10/10 that not surprisingly was originally chosen as the second single. One of the best from the album.
3. "G.U.Y (Girl Under You)" Stefani Germanotta, Anton Zaslavski
Reminds us a little of "Alejandro". They both start off with great intros that aren't necessary for the song on radio (still good though). They also both start with similar lines (the start of "LoveGame" starts similar also), but the similarities stop there. Over a sick beat that was cleverly produced by Zedd, the song seems like a strong early 2000's throwback with a 2010s modern twist. But something is missing. Or so you think. Until you reach 43 seconds in, where the song's best lines are suddenly heard. "I'm gonna wear the towel, the power to leave you, I'm aiming for full control of this love (of this love)", are the best lines in the song because Gaga sings them with ease and a graceful but powerful voice. Suddenly the focus changes to a robotic voice followed by a memorable chorus. The bridge is also the strongest one included on the album so far, with great vocals. A perfect 10 out of 10 that has some of the most potential to be a radio hit and fan favorite.
4. "Sexxx Dreams" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Martin Bresso, William Grigahcine
The final version of this song is nearly as memorable as the live version debuted at the iTunes Festival. One complaint we had was the the extra "You were in" that were stuck into the chorus. They feel like an afterthought and the song would be better without them. The song is actually one of the most simple on the album with good but plain vocals and spoken parts. Truly light and airy. The bridge is amazing on the final version but not as good as the one included on "G.U.Y". It is a definite fan favorite but it wouldn't be a good song to promote to radio. Overall we give it a 8.5 out of 10 because it is on the simpler side of the album. Still a good song.
5. "Jewels & Drugs (feat. T.I., Twista, and Too Short)" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Todd Shaw, Carl Mitchell, Nick Monson, Dino Zisis, Clifford Harris
Unfortunately it is the worst song on the album for many reasons. It is a typical rap song but seems cluttered with extra rappers (1 or 2 would have been better), and overworked. It is an interesting experimental song that blends genres but not quite in the right way; other songs on the album did a better job of that. It bears resemblances to "Money Honey" during a few lines of the chorus but that's about it. It can't be called a mess because it's experimental but it does have flaws and tries a little too hard. For this reason it scores a 6 out of 10.
6. "MANiCURE" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Dino Zisis, Nick Monson
If you can't figure out the meaning of the song by just staring at the title, then listening to this song will give you the explanation. The song title literally translates to "Man I Cure" which is one of the main the themes displayed throughout the song. From the second the song starts listeners can tell Gaga is about to pack a powerful punch. Easily a 9.5 out of 10 because of its strong and stinging vocals, great (not overproduced) production, and nice hook. It losses half of a point because of its bridge which is very simple. It overall is a strong track that is very pop/rock and electronic all at the same time. An experimental breakthrough that is fresh and original. A good choice for a future single that is ready to slay the charts and the radio!
7. "Do What U Want (feat. R. Kelly)" Stefani Germanotta, Robert Kelly, Paul Blair, Martin Bresso, William Grigahcine
7. "Do What U Want (feat. R. Kelly)" Stefani Germanotta, Robert Kelly, Paul Blair, Martin Bresso, William Grigahcine
When we first heard this piece of simple pop perfection, it came in the form of a snippet in the Beats Headphone commercial. We waited all night for the snippet and felt like we could really connect with it. R. Kelly might not have been that popular in the 2000s but this song proves that he still has it. A perfect duet with tons of commercial appeal, a noteworthy 80s throwback feel and screeching vocals. The song is very personal is layered over a beat that is extremely smooth. To make it even more of a throwback, the song trails off like songs did before without much of a proper finish. This could mean there is more to the song or could just be for effect. A strong point in the album (right in the middle) that supports the listener going into the second half. A perfect 10/10. Just plain excellent and beautifully crafted.
8. "ARTPOP" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Dino Zisis, Nick Monson
Title tracks. Most of them are bad but Gaga has churned out 3 excellent ones ("The Fame", "Monster", and "Born This Way"). Only one was serviced as a single but they all could have been and could have been successful. The title track "ARTPOP" falls a little bit below the threshold of the other 3 but is still good for most title tracks. It sparkles in an alien-ish way that has us in shock. It is on the slower side of the album and contains an interesting mix of themes that make it stand out. Not one of our favorites but not among the worst songs on the album. "We could belong together, we could belong together ARTPOP" is without a doubt the most normal part of the song. The bridge is an eargasm that has a The Fame Monster appeal and directly addresses the critics of Gaga. A solid track that garners an 8 out of 10.
9. "Swine" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Dino Zisis, Nick Monson
One of the weirdest songs included on the album. The song starts with Gaga yelling/singing over a beat that is infused with pig noises and thumps. She starts calling an unnamed man a "Swine" or a pig. Although the lyrical content is strange, you can't help but start dancing along to the song. It could possibly be the strongest song on the album (not in potential) but in overall vocals; although fans of "MANiCURE" would otherwise disagree. Some single potential. The song lost a little of the emotion that the iTunes Festival version displayed but played out well. An 8.5 out of 10 because of the lyrical content and pig squeals (though they do add an interesting effect and pop that makes the instrumental stand out).
10. "Donatella" Stefai Germanotta, Anton Zaslavski
Has tons of commercial appeal and packed with potential. This noteworthy banger will likely light up bars across the globe. It contains a highly addictive (yet not overproduced) beat that mixes carefully with the chorus and verses. It has a rough edged to it that makes it even more unique and fresh. The voice is different than the one used on other songs included on the album. Contains a smooth pre-chorus that leads into the jagged chorus where Gaga once again appears to screech the lines (in a good way). The hook seems very Born This Way. Still it isn't quite comparable to that era. A stellar 10 out of 10 for yet another out of the box creation that works on every level.
11. "Fashion!" Stefani Germanotta, Giorgio Tuinfort, William Adams, David Guetta, Paul Blair
Sadly the 2nd worst song included on the album. Thankfully it is not because of flaws per-say, but it doesn't fit with the rest of the up-tempo smashes on the album. Not quite as good as the 2008 "Fashion" but carries out a similar message with success. The difference in production (David Guetta and will.i.am) is very fresh and is welcomed. Appears to be the slowest song on the album, but yet again the vocals work well and the message is simple and can be written with the following equation: Fashion= looking good, while Fashion!= looking good and feeling good. An 8 out of 10 and still a good song on the album, but more of a filler than any of the others.
12. "Mary Jane Holland" Stefani Germanotta, Hugo Leclercq
Again another title that makes you think. Mary Jane has always meant... well you know... that drug. In spanish, Mary translates to Maria and Jane transaltes to Juana. If you can't figure it out from there then um.. yeah okay moving on. Easily one of the darkest, most personal and addicting tracks included on ("Bloody Mary", "Government Hooker" and "Heavy Metal Lover"). The alter ego that Gaga speaks of on the song, seems to have a mind of her own and the song itself really is a raw and uncut gem. The bridge is beautiful and is a strong metaphor for smoking "Dope", which leads right into the next song. A perfect 10 out of 10 for a strong, outside of the box song with darker content and intense vocals.
13. "DOPE" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Dino Zisis, Nick Monson, Rick Rubin
Probably the only song that will make you cry included on the album (unless you are extremely emotional). Although not as personal as its demo version ("I Wanna Be With U"), the ballad is still perfect on every level. The song is completely stripped of any sort of electronic beat, replaced by a lone piano. Being the only true ballad on the album, it feels like it doesn't belong. But it does. It is a tribute to every single Little Monster worldwide, and the metaphor of Gaga needing us more than "DOPE" is so powerful and special. Bears a small resemblance to "Speechless" but the themes are pretty different. It was written while Gaga was in a dark place (when the Born This Way Ball was canceled), and she seems emotional yet strong while preforming it. It receives a 9 out of 10 from us.
14. "Gypsy" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Nadir Khayat, Hugo Pierre Leclercq
It starts off like a ballad but quickly morphs into an electronic tune with a soft pop beat. Upon first listen, the listener's mind is blown and yet again the chorus is powerful. The meaning is powerful and the lyrics have emotion. The added RedOne flare is noticeable, not not as noteworthy as the ones put on other/older Gaga songs. It seems to be Gaga's answer to "International Smile" by Katy Perry (both rattle off many cities and traveling the world is a main theme), and proves to be much better than it. A decent song worthy of being released as a single, it receives an 8.5 out of 10 from us though it is one of the better songs on the album.
15. "Applause" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Dino Zisis, Nick Monson, Martin Bresso
Our favorite song included for the album. Its chorus is likely the best included on the album, and the song included disco-y themes and beats. An electro-pop masterpiece built on layered synths and thick and heavy vocals. While it seems to be about fame, it seems more like a thank you to the monsters or like the credits to a movie. The beat builds quickly and the song was an overall favorite for us (of all time) and is one of her best singles ever released. It topped our list for a solid 10 consecutive weeks (including a #1 debut), became the fastest certified gold song (just 10 weeks; fastest possible) and will likely ride its powerful success to a platinum certification by the end of the year/start of next year (that would be fastest ever; 21 weeks). An outstanding pop/dance production that deserves an 11 out of 10! The perfect way to keep ARTPOP imprinted in everyone's souls. Just perfect. A-R-T-P-O-P!
Overall Views and Statistics
Strong Songs: "Applause", "G.U.Y. (Girl Under You)", "Venus", "Do What U Want (feat. R. Kelly)", "Mary Jane Holland", "Donatella", and "MANiCURE".
Weak Songs: "Fashion!", "ARTPOP", and "Jewels & Drugs (feat. T.I., Twista, and Too Short)".
Strong Points: Backing beats, variety of styles, themes and producers, GREAT chorus on almost every song, proper bridges, solid songs.
Weak Points: Over-usage of electronic noises, screeching vocals, additional lines that aren't necessary or detract from overall quality of the songs.
Songs in Order (Best to Worst) [Chart Topping Highlighted in Lime/Charting Highlighted in Orange]:
1."Applause"
2. "Do What U Want (feat. R. Kelly)"
3. "Donatella"
4. "Mary Jane Holland"
5. "G.U.Y. (Girl Under You)"
6. "Venus"
7. "MANiCURE"
8. "DOPE"
9. "Gypsy"
10. "Aura"
11. "Swine"
12. "Sexxx Dreams"
13. "ARTPOP"
14. "Fashion!"
15. "Jewels & Drugs (feat. T.I., Twista, and Too Short)"
Rating: 9/10 (A-)
Remarks: This strong album seems so unique, it could only come from Gaga! Thanks for producing another delicious album that could be your best one yet! Also one of the only "A" quality albums we have seen in a very long time.
9. "Swine" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Dino Zisis, Nick Monson
One of the weirdest songs included on the album. The song starts with Gaga yelling/singing over a beat that is infused with pig noises and thumps. She starts calling an unnamed man a "Swine" or a pig. Although the lyrical content is strange, you can't help but start dancing along to the song. It could possibly be the strongest song on the album (not in potential) but in overall vocals; although fans of "MANiCURE" would otherwise disagree. Some single potential. The song lost a little of the emotion that the iTunes Festival version displayed but played out well. An 8.5 out of 10 because of the lyrical content and pig squeals (though they do add an interesting effect and pop that makes the instrumental stand out).
10. "Donatella" Stefai Germanotta, Anton Zaslavski
Has tons of commercial appeal and packed with potential. This noteworthy banger will likely light up bars across the globe. It contains a highly addictive (yet not overproduced) beat that mixes carefully with the chorus and verses. It has a rough edged to it that makes it even more unique and fresh. The voice is different than the one used on other songs included on the album. Contains a smooth pre-chorus that leads into the jagged chorus where Gaga once again appears to screech the lines (in a good way). The hook seems very Born This Way. Still it isn't quite comparable to that era. A stellar 10 out of 10 for yet another out of the box creation that works on every level.
11. "Fashion!" Stefani Germanotta, Giorgio Tuinfort, William Adams, David Guetta, Paul Blair
Sadly the 2nd worst song included on the album. Thankfully it is not because of flaws per-say, but it doesn't fit with the rest of the up-tempo smashes on the album. Not quite as good as the 2008 "Fashion" but carries out a similar message with success. The difference in production (David Guetta and will.i.am) is very fresh and is welcomed. Appears to be the slowest song on the album, but yet again the vocals work well and the message is simple and can be written with the following equation: Fashion= looking good, while Fashion!= looking good and feeling good. An 8 out of 10 and still a good song on the album, but more of a filler than any of the others.
12. "Mary Jane Holland" Stefani Germanotta, Hugo Leclercq
Again another title that makes you think. Mary Jane has always meant... well you know... that drug. In spanish, Mary translates to Maria and Jane transaltes to Juana. If you can't figure it out from there then um.. yeah okay moving on. Easily one of the darkest, most personal and addicting tracks included on ("Bloody Mary", "Government Hooker" and "Heavy Metal Lover"). The alter ego that Gaga speaks of on the song, seems to have a mind of her own and the song itself really is a raw and uncut gem. The bridge is beautiful and is a strong metaphor for smoking "Dope", which leads right into the next song. A perfect 10 out of 10 for a strong, outside of the box song with darker content and intense vocals.
13. "DOPE" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Dino Zisis, Nick Monson, Rick Rubin
Probably the only song that will make you cry included on the album (unless you are extremely emotional). Although not as personal as its demo version ("I Wanna Be With U"), the ballad is still perfect on every level. The song is completely stripped of any sort of electronic beat, replaced by a lone piano. Being the only true ballad on the album, it feels like it doesn't belong. But it does. It is a tribute to every single Little Monster worldwide, and the metaphor of Gaga needing us more than "DOPE" is so powerful and special. Bears a small resemblance to "Speechless" but the themes are pretty different. It was written while Gaga was in a dark place (when the Born This Way Ball was canceled), and she seems emotional yet strong while preforming it. It receives a 9 out of 10 from us.
14. "Gypsy" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Nadir Khayat, Hugo Pierre Leclercq
It starts off like a ballad but quickly morphs into an electronic tune with a soft pop beat. Upon first listen, the listener's mind is blown and yet again the chorus is powerful. The meaning is powerful and the lyrics have emotion. The added RedOne flare is noticeable, not not as noteworthy as the ones put on other/older Gaga songs. It seems to be Gaga's answer to "International Smile" by Katy Perry (both rattle off many cities and traveling the world is a main theme), and proves to be much better than it. A decent song worthy of being released as a single, it receives an 8.5 out of 10 from us though it is one of the better songs on the album.
15. "Applause" Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Dino Zisis, Nick Monson, Martin Bresso
Our favorite song included for the album. Its chorus is likely the best included on the album, and the song included disco-y themes and beats. An electro-pop masterpiece built on layered synths and thick and heavy vocals. While it seems to be about fame, it seems more like a thank you to the monsters or like the credits to a movie. The beat builds quickly and the song was an overall favorite for us (of all time) and is one of her best singles ever released. It topped our list for a solid 10 consecutive weeks (including a #1 debut), became the fastest certified gold song (just 10 weeks; fastest possible) and will likely ride its powerful success to a platinum certification by the end of the year/start of next year (that would be fastest ever; 21 weeks). An outstanding pop/dance production that deserves an 11 out of 10! The perfect way to keep ARTPOP imprinted in everyone's souls. Just perfect. A-R-T-P-O-P!
Overall Views and Statistics
Strong Songs: "Applause", "G.U.Y. (Girl Under You)", "Venus", "Do What U Want (feat. R. Kelly)", "Mary Jane Holland", "Donatella", and "MANiCURE".
Weak Songs: "Fashion!", "ARTPOP", and "Jewels & Drugs (feat. T.I., Twista, and Too Short)".
Strong Points: Backing beats, variety of styles, themes and producers, GREAT chorus on almost every song, proper bridges, solid songs.
Weak Points: Over-usage of electronic noises, screeching vocals, additional lines that aren't necessary or detract from overall quality of the songs.
Songs in Order (Best to Worst) [Chart Topping Highlighted in Lime/Charting Highlighted in Orange]:
1."Applause"
2. "Do What U Want (feat. R. Kelly)"
3. "Donatella"
4. "Mary Jane Holland"
5. "G.U.Y. (Girl Under You)"
6. "Venus"
7. "MANiCURE"
8. "DOPE"
9. "Gypsy"
10. "Aura"
11. "Swine"
12. "Sexxx Dreams"
13. "ARTPOP"
14. "Fashion!"
15. "Jewels & Drugs (feat. T.I., Twista, and Too Short)"
Rating: 9/10 (A-)
Remarks: This strong album seems so unique, it could only come from Gaga! Thanks for producing another delicious album that could be your best one yet! Also one of the only "A" quality albums we have seen in a very long time.
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