Lady GaGa "Born This Way" CD Review

For all the Little Monsters around the world May, 23, 2011 couldn't arrive soon enough. Yes, kids Lady GaGa's full length CD "Born This Way," has finally hit the shelves of your record retail store. The fix is in. I have to admit I am one of the Little Monsters who has been waiting for this release. That being said, the journalist in me did remain a bit skeptical on how good the CD would really turn out to be. Would it exceed all expectations and become an even bigger success than her "Fame Monster?" Yes the answer is a resounding, it just might. Though I'm not a mind reader or fortune teller I'll go out on a limb and say "Born This Way," will enter the Billboard Chart next week at Number 1. I would be shocked if this isn't the case.





There are two versions of "Born This Way." The first release is a Special Edition 2 disc set. The first CD contains 17 tracks. Disc two boasts 5 remixes including 'Born This Way,' 'Judas,' 'Marry The Night,' 'Schdibe," and 'Fashion Of His Love.' Don't worry I'm not going to bore you with a lengthily song by song synopsis. What I will say is "Born This Way," is an excellent release; doesn't have one bad or mediorchior song in the bunch. It is a strong dance release that contains endless hit single releases. Still a rocker until the end I have not thrown in the towel and joined the high energy dance club. Give me an electric guitar over a sync drum anytime. There is something here for everyone. Turn up the volume to 10. I'm sure even the health clubs will be cranked into this release so get ready spinning and cardio classes. GaGa's voice is a natural wonder. No studio magic here on the vocals. I should know, I've seen her live. The woman CAN sing. Co-writing all 17 tracks she showcases more of her talent on this release. She's not merely a one-trick-pony. There's a lot more here than meets the eye or ears. Is she the greatest songwriter ever to grace the blank page? Of course not. Is she imaginative to come up with infectious hooks and choruses; absolutely. This release is proof positive she's not just another pop star who wears outrageous clothes, steals the spotlight, and basks in all the hoopla she's surrounded with.





'Born This Way,' starts out incredibly strong with "Marry The Night," and never lets up until the very last chord is played 17 tracks later. Of course the singles "Born This Way," and "Judas," resound with incredible sound and passion. There are other gems in the fold. "Hair," "Bloody Mary," (a great Goth-esque tune), "You And I," (produced by "Mutt" Lange, guitar solo by Queen's Brian May) and the "Edge Of Glory," (Clarence Clemmons sax solo is right on target) are all superb. "Americano," with its LA/Mexican influence is great and sure to light a fire in your local dance club. " ScheiŸe," is without a doubt one of the most unusual songs on the CD. Starting out in German (who knew GaGa spoke a bit of the language) still turns the corner into a groove that is undeniable. One might be surprised at the religious undertone of a number of the tracks on the release. I don't find anything inflammatory here. In fact the imagery is wonderful and the church choir chorus effects are inspiring. Perhaps that's just my perspective. Those detractors will always find what they wish to find and make mountains out of molehills. It's just Entertainment folks. Back to the review: I do have to say in regards to the second disc, I really would have loved GaGa to include the acoustic versions (solo piano) of "You And I," and "The Edge Of Glory." Seeing her perform these live I can honestly say they were highlights of the show and very moving.





I guess the ultimate question remains: Will 'Born The Way,' surpass the mega colossal selling "Fame Monster?" If the initial buzz and publicity is any indication the answer without a doubt is YES. It is impossible to miss GaGa is week. Just turn on your television, she's on every show imaginable. From Oprah, The View, David Letterman, SNL, Good Morning America, possibly the finale of American Idol (right now that's a strong rumor) and countless others, the promo train keeps on a rolling. Little Monsters take heed, "Born This Way," is truly the release we've all been waiting for. This release is going to be around and running strong for a long time to come. I can't wait for the follow-up videos certain to come.



Special Edition version - 22 Track CD contains:

1. Marry The Night
2. Born This Way [single 1]
3. Government Hooker [single 3]
4. Judas [single 2]
5. Americano
6. Hair
7. ScheiŸe
8. Bloody Mary
9. Black Jesus - Amen Fashion
10. Bad Kids
11. Fashion of His Love
12. Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)
13. Heavy Metal Lover
14. Electric Chapel
15. The Queen
16. You and I
17. The Edge of Glory

The "special edition" contains five more tracks. 1: Born This Way Country Road Version : Judas DJ White Shadow Remix 3: Marry the Night Fernando Garibay Remix 4: Scheibe DJ White Shadow Mugler 5: Fashion of His Love Fernando Garibay Remix.



Version number 2:

1. Marry the Night

2 . Born This Way

3. Government Hooker

4 . Judas

5. Americano

6 . Hair

7 . ScheiŸe

8 . Bloody Mary

9. Bad Kids

10 . Highway Unicorn (Road To Love)

11. Heavy Metal Lover

12 . Electric Chapel

13. You and I

14 . The Edge of Glory