Track By Track - Born This Way

Lady Gaga - Born This Way

She promised us the greatest album of all-time. Big words, but could you expect anything less from a woman that's achieved such unparalleled levels of success and power in such a short time? Since her debut, Lady Gaga has played her role to perfection. Combining a satirical look at the nature of fame with her respect for the acts that have inspired her (at the end of the day, she's a music fan and isn't ashamed to honour her favourite artists), the world literally went gaga for Gaga. Lately, her spell seems to be losing some of its power... but there will be no stopping the mighty Queen monster from storming to the top of the charts with the release of Born This Way. We're going to be breaking the album down, track by track, to establish just how good it really is. Greatest album of all time? Most hyped? Worst? Let's find out! 

1. Marry The Night

This isn't an epic opening song. Especially when you remember that her previous albums opened with 'Bad Romance' and 'Just Dance.' The one thing 'Marry the Night' does have going for it, is it establishes the consistent sound of the album. That, and you don't have to wait for another 'Bad Romance' that's never going to come. Rating: 3/5

2. Born This Way

Original Review. Rating: 3/5

3. Government Hooker

The least "Gaga" sounding song on the album? Oddly enough, it's also one of the best and the perfect lead-in to 'Judas.' The music's fantastic, pushes her into a darker electronic direction and contains the lyrics, "I'm gonna drink my tears tonight, I'm gonna drink my tears and cry, because I know you love me baby." It shouldn't work, but it does. Rating: 4/5

4. Judas

Original Review. Rating: 4.5/5

5. Americano

Equal parts ridiculous, Spanish-epic (Spanic?) and patriotic tribute, 'Americano' is a song that Lady Gaga can pull off like no other artist in popular music. I'm trying to imagine Katy Perry attempting this... or Rihanna. Or Beyonce. This is 'comic-pop.' A song that by all right should be a joke, but manages to become a brilliant piece of work in the hands of LGG. Rating: 4/5

6. Hair

Original Review. Rating: 3/5

7. Scheibe

"I don't speak German, but I can if you like." And she does. Well played, Gaga. Unfortunately, it pains me to say this is my least favourite track on the album. The pace is too manic and the track comes across like a rejected Dance, Dance Revolution song. But das German ist gud, ya? Rating: 2.5/5

8. Bloody Mary

The exact opposite of 'Scheibe,' at least in terms of pacing. 'Bloody Mary' is placed perfectly on the album, giving us couple of minutes to catch our breath. Definitely a track that grows on you with each listen. Rating: 3/5

9. Bad Kids

Is 'Bad Kids' a filler song? I can't find much reason to justify its inclusion on the album. Instantly forgettable, not much of a hook and absolutely no German. Sorry 'Scheibe,' I think there's one track on the album that's quality is below yours. Oh, wait... that's good news for 'Scheibe.' I just wanted to say 'Scheibe' again. Rating: 2/5

10. Highway Unicorn (Road To Love)

Now we're talking. You can really tell which tracks RedOne had a hand in producing, as they seem to grab your attention from the very beginning. 'Highway Unicorn' is no exception and gets you right back into Born This Way after the slight letdown of 'Bad Kids.' Plus, she managed to sneak Unicorn into the title. What a bad-ass. Rating: 4/5

11. Heavy Metal Lover

This is that song that comes on at the clubs the moment you realise you're ready to go home. But it's good enough to convince you that first you need to hit the dance floor one last time before making your exit. Rating: 3/5

12. Electric Chapel

A really good song with a very strong opening, but something about 'Electric Chapel' leaves you wanting more. It's as if it never reaches the level it should have, which is a shame because it seemed like it had the potential to be the best track on the album. Rating: 3.5/5

13. You and I

Holy album flow disruption Batman! Another good song, but it's place on the album is questionable. Where are the stomping club beats? Is this a ballad? Was this left off The Fame? So many questions. Rating: 3.5/5

14. The Edge of Glory

The perfect song to close the album. My Original Review severely under rated how awesome this song is. Best song? Not quite, but like I said... the perfect way to close it out. Rating: 4.5/5

FINAL VERDICT

So it's not the greatest album of all time... so what? It's still the best album I've heard all year and Lady Gaga's best album yet. The Fame and The Fame Monster had some fantastic singles, but were all over the place. Born This Way works with a more consistent theme, ensuring that as a whole, this is the greatest album Gaga's delivered unto us. What more can you ask for?

Final Rating: 4/5
Best Song: Judas