In a recent interview with ARTISTdirect.com, Korn frontman Jonathan Davis described Lady Gaga perfectly. Davis exclaimed, "She's like the Marilyn Manson of pop."
His statement proves especially a propos when it comes to Gaga's anxiously awaited sophomore album, Born This Way. Gaga goes right for the jugular in every way imaginable, and she's built a modern pop classic in the process. Instead of utilizing grinding guitars and industrial synths like Manson, she resorts to pulsating dance floor-made beats. On "Judas", she proclaims, "I'm still in love with Judas". It's an insanely infectious refrain that'll cause both controversy and a whole lot of ass-shaking. That's her genius though; she can make a statement while making you move. Meanwhile during "Black Jesus + Amen Fashion," she asserts that "Jesus is the new black". It's a bold, ballsy claim, but she makes it while crooning out one of the catchiest choruses of her career.
The title track feels like the best '80s song that the decade never produced. In fact, it might've saved the entire era had it come out back then. It's better late than never though; "Born This Way" has been burning up iPods, iPads, car stereos, and clubs for a couple months now, and it still packs the same punch. "Americano" sways from a vaudevillian stomp a la musical theater into a sweeping eerie operatic vocal line that nods to Mike Patton's Mondo Cane project. Gaga embraces her Italian heritage and celebrates the home land with some crooning that would make Louis Prima proud. It's another fearless move from the reigning goddess of pop and pop culture.
She certainly is a "Heavy Metal Lover" in the dirty, driving riff at the beginning of "Electric Chapel" which sounds like the lovechild of Madonna and Mötley Crüe. However, when Gaga strips down sonically, the results are still earth shattering—just check "Yoü and I" for proof. "Highway Unicorn (Road To Love)" could be the soundtrack to any road trip, and it's bound to put any pedal to the medal. "Edge of Glory" closes everything out with a chugging melody underneath one of Gaga's most transcendent choruses.
Breaking all of the rules and boundaries are something Gaga certainly shares in common with Marilyn Manson. However, she deserves to take over more than just music with Born This Way; she deserves to take over the world with tunes this awe-inspiring.
Born This Way 5 out of 5 stars!
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Check out this exclusive feature where Elton John, Korn, New Kids on the Block, Skrillex, Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, Slipknot, Taylor Momsen and more Talk Lady Gaga here!
Check out our Born This Way page here!