Recent Release Review: Joanne is a monster of a record

I have a confession to make: I’m going gaga for Gaga right now. Lady Gaga’s newest LP, Joanne, is in continuous rotation in my car, on my Spotify, and in my heart. Does this make me a Middle-Aged Monster?

Joanne is not a pop album, per se, even if it has a few poppy numbers that are clearly intended to remind Lady Gaga’s fans that this is the same Fame Monster who brought us “Born This Way” and “Poker Face.” Lady Gaga is a smart woman and knows she can’t completely leave her pop hooks for an entire album, but when she does so it comes across as more Stevie Nicks than Miley Cyrus. Just listen to the verse of “Diamond Heart,” for proof. By the time the chorus comes around, it’s all Gaga again. But if “Diamond Heart” is not at least a part tribute to early-80s Nicks, I just don’t have an ear for music.

There are other sounds on the album that may be unique to Lady Gaga, but aren’t so much to Modern Rock radio. Believe it or not, as a non-fan, I had avoided all of the press for this release. So I was pretty proud of myself upon second listen when I said “Come to Mama” sounded like a song Father John Misty would write, only to find out he did!

After three plays, I had yet to realize that Beck was a co-writer and contributor to “Dancin’ In Circles.” But once you know, you won’t be able to listen to it without thinking it sounds like a B-Side to a Midnite Vultures single. While I’m no fan of divas, particularly Forence Welch, even I have to admit “Hey Girl” should be in heavy rotation on radio stations that made Lilith Fair and Paula Cole a thing.

Speaking of Lilith Fair, the title track, “Million Reasons,” and “Angel Down” are down-right beautiful, heartfelt, and honest. I can only imagine the hush of an arena to hear Lady Gaga perform any one of these songs. And imagine I will continue to do, since I have no desire to ever hear anything off of ARTPOP played live.
Earlier this year, Lady Gaga performed a tribute to David Bowie at the Grammy Awards that left listeners either disgusted or with tears of joy. After listening to Joanne, listeners will be convinced that her performance was heart-felt. Bowie was known for complete 180s and this album has Lady Gaga shooting for Top 40 radio on her own terms – not what makes up Clear Channel playlists. It’s a statement, a triumph and a monster of a record