It’s been 5 months since we all heard those three words: “Born This Way.” Well today, February 11, 2011, we get to hear what all the hype has been about and what Lady GaGa has brought forth to kick off her third album era.
“Born This Way,” the first single and title track off this new project of GaGa’s, was produced by Fernando Garibay and DJ White Shadow… There is so much going through our minds as we give this new single multiple listens but we’re going to give our thoughts, right now.
Unfortunately, just as we thought, “Born This Way” just does not match the magnitude of hype that preceded its release although it does sound a little better each time. It all started when Lady GaGa released the lyrics to the song a few weeks ago (Is this a George Michael song?). After realizing the song was written in only 10 minutes it all made sense but listening to the lyrics in the context of the entire song, they’re not so over-the-top.
Upon first listen, anyone can tell this is an anthem to empower a gay individual. After that, the song sounds less and less gay-focused and just sounds like a song to make you feel okay with who you are; no matter if you are gay, bi, straight, asexual or alien.
The production of “Born This Way” is “inspired.” If ever anyone complained that GaGa fails to credit Madonna then this is it. The song pulls from Madonna’s “Vogue” and “Express Yourself” with hints of other famous disco queens of the pass. The song puts the listener in the space of the late 80′s, early 90′s. Original in no way, “Born This Way” is the equivalent of driving a ’91 Jaguar in present day, mint condition.
Not the perfection we thought it could be, we must give Lady GaGa respect for this single. A song of this content will not garner her any new fans but should definitely strengthen her brand. Just the fact that she’s making a boldface move with the lyrical content finally shows she’s putting her money where her mouth is.
Now as far as how this will sell and chart, we think the massive hype from the radio, digital release along with this Sunday’s Grammy performance will give it a #1-3 debut but afterwards it will linger in the top 20. The song is not another über-catchy, mindless club tune but it certainly isn’t the timeless song of our generation… Sorry, the single is decent but we are already looking forward to “Judas.”
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