2. 'ARTPOP' (2013)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2zRzvsn5Iw An unusual, engaging and surprising record, 2013's 'ARTPOP' (yes, it has to be capitalised) is a much more upbeat and electronic-based affair than its predecessor, taking themes of rebirth, sex and love and making a more cohesive sound as a result, Gaga's own romantic desires and idealistic notions taking on most of the lyrical content. Immediately the songs much cleaner and crisper than on 'Born This Way' with songs such as the incredible 'G.U.Y', sultry 'Sexxx Dreams' and acerbic and brutal 'Swine' blast from the album's confines. Part of the success lies in recruiting house producers Zedd and Madeon to the cause, the pair producing at least two songs apiece and resulting in some of the album's strongest cuts, the best of which is 'Gypsy', a ballad-turned-banger which sends the listener along an effervescent and euphoric dance pulse towards a joyous finale. The dance production and electronic sway certainly elevates proceedings on 'ARTPOP', turning Gaga from the LGBT advocate into a rave maven with weed and empowerment anthem 'Mary Jane Holland' and fashion tribute tune 'Donatella' swimming in the glowstick pool. It still has its flaws, mind you - 'Aura' is a ferocious blast of electronica that encroaches on a culture Gaga has no right treading on while songs such as the misplaced ballad 'Dope' and mediocre pop tune 'Fashion!' almost derail proceedings. Fortunately it's largely a strong electronic pop record that embraces rave and house culture not as a fad, but as a joyous expression. Gaga might move onto a different sound, but at least with 'ARTPOP', it sounds like she had a blast creating it.