CHROMATICA by Lady Gaga - A Review

First things first, if my friends didn’t tell me about her upcoming album, I would probably be missing out because I haven’t heard another Lady Gaga album for a long time. The last time I heard her was from her Applause era if I’m not mistaken and her contribution in A Star is Born. And that’s all.

It was 2 AM on May 29, and I didn’t sleep because I had to give finishing touches to my thesis. Then, I opened Spotify to see her on the headline “Chromatica is out now!”. Of course, I was intrigued to listen her newest album. For the people who followed me on Twitter, I’ve been bopping and enjoying her new album so far. So here’s the review.

Chromatica truly reminded me of her previous records with more to EDM which I think that genre is not as big as it was right now. Maybe it is her intention to bring the nostalgic vibe from the previous decade. This album has 16 songs divided with three interludes (OH I LOVE ALBUM INTERLUDES SO MUCH). In my opinion, if an album divides with interludes between songs, it is a concept album which it has several thematic or plot elements in it.

The album opens with “Chromatica I” which has soothing yet somber strings instrumental. Full of hope, cinematic sound. What an intro to an album! It switches to the next track “Alice”, which its lyrics contrasted with its sound. The sound is so positive, kind of making you groove and dance to it. The lyric is kind of depressing. The whole song is talking about finding the real happiness. It has reference to the well-known Alice in Wonderland (my name is not Alice, but I keep looking for the wonderland). The next song is “Stupid Love”. There is not much going on in this track, the dance/electric pop is there, and the lyrics is talking about enjoying the foolishness of being in love or bucin. “Rain on Me” which has Ariana Grande feature in it, it has the Eurodance influence and the lyric is talking about dealing with hard times and healing. “Free Woman” is a truly independent woman anthem and then continue to “Fun Tonight” which is the break-up anthem. What a perfect companion.

The second interlude “Chromatica II” used the grand string then switch so perfectly to a hard banger, Eurodance-influenced song “911” which caught me off guard. I was so surprised I had to rewind that part over and over again. That was one of the best things in the album. “911” itself lyrically talk about her mental illness. “Plastic Doll” is talking about her being objectified like a plastic doll. “Sour Candy” which has BLACKPINK feature in it, has a deephouse influenced in it. The lyrics addresses about sour relationships. “Enigma” is a song about telling a lover that she can be anything they desire. “Replay” is my personal favorite. It has the 70s/80s disco influence, and its lyrics talking about unhealthy relationship with herself or someone else.

The third interlude “Chromatica III” sounds like any Hans Zimmer music he composes, and then it smoothly switches to “Sine From Above” featuring the legendary singer Elton John. “Sine From Above” is has Eurodance influence, and address about the healing power through music. Before the end of this song, it has a tone change into an aggressive drum and bass breakdown which also caught me off guard. “1000 Doves” has piano-driven house beat and ethereal backing vocals which tell about her love to her fans and to let them know that she is a human being capable of showing feelings and emotions. And the closing track “Babylon”, it reminds me of “Vogue” which sung by Madonna. It has similar beat to it. The lyric itself is how she is thriving from the side effects of fame and being a celebrity. It has a nice play-on word and biblical references as well to give emphasize of finding inner peace through her beliefs.

Overall, Chromatica has positive vibes to it but the lyrics are contrasted to its sounds. Her vocal ability is really great too. She shows her versatility in singing low key and high key. Don’t debate on that! The theme of the album is being able to feel happiness and dance to it even at the same time when experiencing difficulties and sorrow and it delivers very well. The feature artists are also great and have contribution shares as well. I think the album is intended to bring much wider audience. I might say that Chromatica is a great comeback album for her. A perfect getaway album to dance to, to vibe to, and one of the best musical projects of this year.