An in-depth exploration of a superstar who nearly single-handedly set a new standard for the world of pop music.
Throughout her career, Lady Gaga has continuously evolved, showcasing her complexity, fearlessness, and restlessness. Despite being in the spotlight for over a decade, the first part of her journey remains as daring and relevant as ever. From her debut with “The Fame” in 2008 to the hype surrounding “ARTPOP” in 2014, Gaga experienced a whirlwind of highs, lows, and controversies that captivated the public eye. With each release, Gaga created an event that sparked discussions on social media. Her imperial phase was a frenzy of activity, leaving little time for reflection on the depth of her artistic vision. Looking back at her first four albums – “The Fame,” “The Fame Monster,” “Born This Way,” and “ARTPOP,” Gaga’s ambition and dedication to achieving transcendence through her art were undeniable. She set a new standard in pop music, pushing boundaries in music, videos, fashion, and live performances throughout the 2010s.
Yet, coming down from the heights of her previous successes was an intriguing journey of its own for Lady Gaga. Following her collaborative album with Tony Bennett in 2014, she underwent a transformation from a seemingly invincible figure to someone more vulnerable and real. This evolution was evident in her 2016 album, Joanne, where she embraced a more balanced and genuine approach to her artistry. Lady Gaga’s impact on the music industry can be seen in the numerous unconventional, countercultural, and LGBTQ+ pop stars who have followed in her footsteps. Artists like Lorde, Sia, Nicki Minaj, Charli XCX, Halsey, Troye Sivan, SOPHIE, Janelle Monáe, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, and Dua Lipa have all been influenced by Gaga in some way. Despite the shift away from Gaga’s dance-pop sound in the late 2010s, her 2020 album, Chromatica, managed to revive and reclaim her throne as the queen of dance-pop by drawing on four decades of house music history, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Since then, she has been keeping busy; she recently released the future-house remix album, “Dawn of Chromatica,” took the lead on “Love for Sale” (Tony Bennett’s final record and live performances following his Alzheimer’s diagnosis), and had residencies in both pop and jazz piano in Las Vegas. Even though the iconic Lady Gaga, known for her attention-grabbing VMAs meat dress and unique artistry, may sometimes feel like a thing of the past, she continues to shine in moments like single-handedly carrying the 2020 VMAs during quarantine or stealing the show in Ridley Scott’s “House of Gucci.” Throughout her career, Gaga has showcased her versatility and fearlessness, cementing herself as an artist like no other. With 136 songs in her repertoire, there are surprisingly few misses, and her top 70 hits can compete with any pop star’s collection. This list aims to capture the emotional, autobiographical, and cultural significance of Lady Gaga’s music and videos, but like she said in her song, “I stand here waiting for you to bang the gong / To crash the critic saying, ‘Is it right or is it wrong?'” Let the debate begin.
