LADY GAGA
In the movie Ferris Buellers Day Off, Bueler at one point while talking about his uptight friend says “if you stuck a coal up Cameron’s ass, a week later you’d have a diamond.” Well, Ferris never meet Lady Gaga, who I have no doubt shits diamonds and glitter every time she has a bowl movement, which probably just inspires her to make another outfit to reflect the future of pop music. She most definitely took all her pills the morning she recorded this epic, yes EPIC 8 song LP. Hard to believe, but her amazing BAD ROMANCE isn’t the crowning jewel of the group, but for my money “dancer in the dark” is the best song that perfectly encapsules what she’s all about. An ode to fallen divas, she name drops Judy Garland and Princess Diana, saying that one day she too will be with them, dancing in the dark. It’s a power ballad with techno club beats to it, much like bad romance, and for my money, the best she’s ever done. Then there’s telephone, this albums “just dance.” The lyrics are more of the humorous kind (I can’t text you with a drink in my hand, stop telephonin me!) but Beyonce chims in half way through and brings her sasha fierceness to it. It’s incredibly addictive. Monster and Teeth are two more mid tempo songs that are lyrically very clever, though a bit on the generic side of things as far as the music goes. All in all, and considering the cd also comes with her extended first album (16 tracks!!!) this is probably the album of the year. Long live GAGA!!!
RIHANNA
Rihanna’s new cd RATED R is just that, with almost constant profanity and stark images depicting rape and setting people on fire, and waiving guns up in the air. She is taking a huge risk that will in the long run solidify her as one of the greats, though I think this album specifically won’t go down as one of her most successful hits. Point blank there just aren’t very many radio friendly songs on here. Russian roulette is the only one, and even this power ballad is pitching black in its tone. I for one really like that instead of making money makers like her last cd’s, here she’s dead set on exposing her soul, and using music to do so. That is what true artists do. She will most definitely loose fans over this one, but the one’s she gains will be more loyal than ever.
LEONA LEWIS
Leona Lewis strikes another home run with “ECHO” her follow up to her debut cd that was filled with half amazingness, and half mediocrity. Either way, at lest her voice was always pitch perfect. Here she is much better at picking the songs. Each one has a moment to showcase her voice, and each one has a killer hook (some of the songs on her first cd didn’t require much from her, and didn’t have all that memorable a tune). Consistently here she nails it out of the park. Another welcome addition is the more up-tempo, danceable songs she’s included. “outa my head” comes to mind. Then she’s got “my hands” and of course her huge hit “happy” which is a little too similar to beyonce’s halo and Kelly Clarkson’s already gone, probably because they were all written by that douche bag from one republic. Well, her song with him on this album falls fat, and is the only misstep on here. It’s just too gooey and mushy and Celine dion-lite. Other than that, a stellar album that makes her an official DIVA!
ADAM LAMBERT
Adam Lambert’s “let me entertain you” is a no holds barred dance rock anthem. He gets down right raunchy on some songs, talking about sex and what he wants to do to strangers. It’s no surprise with Pink and Lady Gaga and The Darkness all contributing to his work here. He’s in a very precarious position. He’s the first openly gay artist. Sure there was Elton john and George Michael and boy George and Freddy mercury, but they didn’t come out till after they were established worldwide sensations. Also, none of them ever sang upbeat dance music. He’s come under a lot of flack for his AMA performance being too sexy and raunchy, but he has raised a very interesting question. Madonna and Britney and Christina have been doing sexed up performances all along, using the “it’s empowering to women” excuse to get away with their antics and not be called whores or sluts (even though they were called those names anyway). Here we have the first openly gay artist singing similar music, and giving similar performances, and everyone is crying fowl. Is it bigotry on a national level? To a certain extent I suppose so. People in general get uncomfortable when it’s a boy dropping it like it’s hot instead of a girl in a thong. But the album itself is truly stellar. Unlike any other American idol alumni’s yet. I hope he gets a handle on his image, and hones his performing antics, but as for the music itself, he’s hit a home run.
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