Critical Noise: Lady Gaga - Chromatica

It’s that time again when Little Monsters around the world rejoice. Undeniable modern music icon Lady Gaga has dropped her sixth LP, Chromatica, just in time for the Summer and it’s certainly going to be one of the biggest albums of 2020. Four years after the somewhat polarizing Joanne, Gaga has marked a return to upbeat electronic dance bops after it’s predecessor’s more stripped back country style. Though some love her forays into her vast array of influences from across the musical spectrum, many missed the dancefloor hits. Gaga herself has said Chromatica is a reminder of her “absolute love for electronic music” and that she “can’t wait to dance with people to this music”. So let’s join the legend herself and escape to the colourful world of Chromatica!

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Before getting into the music, Gaga presents the world of Chromatica with striking visuals. Chromatica is like a parallel Earth, ever-existing with the world as we know it. Only on Chromatica, the Kindness Punks fight back against the struggles of life, dancing as one with vibrant colours and sounds to push through it’s restraints. The cover art sets the tone with Gaga in a spiky cyberpunk-esque look, looking like a badass fighting game femme fatale. The industrial grey background with the Chromatica sine wave symbol on top her as she lies splayed beneath could represent life’s oppressions pushing her down while the bright pink light shining through the grate behind the warrior Gaga could be symbolic of the happiness and vitality that comes with the musical healing. The first full look at Chromatica came in the music video for first single, “Stupid Love” in March, depicting a dystopian post-apocalyptic world with the Kindness Punks dancing joyfully across the wasteland in an array of colourful costumes. It’s gloriously camp, fun and reminiscent of 70’s and 80’s sci-fi and pop art. With the dread and depression of Earth, a trip to Chromatica is enticing.

Chromatica begins with a short melancholic orchestral piece, giving the album a cinematic feel from the get go before segueing straight into “Alice”. The opening line of “My name isn’t Alice, but I’m still looking for Wonderland” introduces the album perfectly, resonating with our desire to better ourselves. The beat kicks in and the music is instantly reminiscent of the dance sounds of the mid 90’s. The vocals and synths are light and airy with a softer drum sound in comparison to harder electronic sounds of Gaga’s past bangers. The sound conjures images of near closing time at the club when the drinks and dancing would be the most euphoric, or driving late at night to get away from the stresses of life.

Following is lead single “Stupid Love” is upbeat and positive, capturing the joyful feeling of love. It’s hard not to freak out and get down with the driving 80’s sounding sequenced synth bass and catchy melody. Next single “Rain On Me” is another instant bop. Returning to the 90’s sound giving a more Euro-house vibe. The vocal interplay between Gaga and guest star Ariana Grande works beautifully, with Gaga’s slightly grittier tone complemented by Grande’s softer timbre. The hooky synth violin melody in the pre-choruses is another highlight, along with the song’s epic video featuring the pair dancing drenched in the rain (with visuals reminiscent of the album cover) . “Free Woman” is more reflective lyrically, but certain to resonate with anyone overcoming their traumas. Another softer sounding number with light pulsating trance-sounding synths and e-piano eases into the final ecstasy as the sounds build in the final chorus. All of the vibes so far come together in Chromatica Act I closer “Fun Tonight”, with Gaga’s more athletic vocals and building music to the ending “oh-oh’s” making for another highlight.

“Chromatica II” is another orchestrated introduction, giving a darker sound with increasingly frantic pizzicato string synths. Segueing into “911” which continues the darker feel with a heavier robotic 80’s electro sound, featuring more effected vocals. “Plastic Doll” is a little more downtempo and brings back the natural vocals - the melody giving vibes of some earlier Gaga tunes. Follow-up “Sour Candy” has a moodier 90’s dance feel, with the more sparse arrangement echoing synth stabs. The collaboration with K-pop stars BLACKPINK is another success, with a good mix of all five voices expressing different styles adding dynamics to the hypnotic beats. Act II closes with the duo of “Engima” and “Replay”, both displaying Gaga’s grittier big rock voice over increasingly strong beats. The latter foraying into funky territory with it’s heavier and constantly moving rhythm section, building to powerful final chorus.

The final part of Chromatica begins with a final brief orchestral intro which swells harshly as dramatic strings lead into “Sine From Above”. The song begins gently with pizzicato strings over a soft beat building to a glorious euphoric trance. Two legends come together as guest Elton John duets with Gaga - their gorgeous harmonies making for an awesome tribute to power of music. Penultimate number "1000 Doves" is a little softer, returning to that late night house vibe. The beats are heavier than earlier songs with a similar style and the music sounds a little stronger yet retaining that ethereal feel. Chromatica ends with "Babylon" - an epic vogue backed with catchy classic 90’s e-piano chords. The steady beat and chords are certain to get clubs vibing, and the backing gospel chorus and (the camp and cheesy) sax moments make for an awesome end to a flawless record.

Chromatica is arguably Gaga’s best album to date. A glorious ode to the healing power of music and dance, there’s not a bad song on it. Every number is incredibly catchy and hard not to bop to. It’s easy to get lost in the world of Chromatica. With the happiness of the harmony between colour and sound in comparison to Earth’s increasing dystopia, who wouldn’t want to  join the Kindness Punks? So put spin Chromatica, sing, dance and live your best life with Lady Gaga.

Critical Hits: “Stupid Love”, “Rain On Me”, “Free Woman”, “Fun Tonight”, “911”, “Sour Candy”, “Sine From Above” and “Babylon”

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Sources: Variety | The Oprah Magazine Lady Gaga: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify