I know I’m 11 years late, but I just listened to The Fame Monster (Deluxe) for the first time.
I mean, I think that everybody has heard the album’s iconic singles, such as “Bad Romance,” “Poker Face” and “Just Dance.” But, I have never listened to the album all the way through until this day (I mean... a few days ago)! 23 songs is a lot of Gaga, but was it worth it? You’ll just have to keep reading to find out...
By the way, for anyone who is still confused, The Fame Monster is an extension off Gaga’s debut album The Fame, and The Fame Monster (Deluxe) is both albums put together.
The format of this review is going to be a little different. Today, I'll be highlighting my favourite and least favourite songs in their individual paragraphs. An album comprised of 23 songs is bound to have some highs and lows... let’s begin!
"Telephone" (featuring Beyonce) [The Fame Monster]
While The Fame and its extension pumped out many singles, “Telephone” always stuck out to me as one of the best. I don’t know if its the fact that its the soundtrack to every girls’ night out, the fun vocal stutters that add to the theme of the song or Beyonce’s verse, but this song is practically pop perfection. Not to mention that the chorus is super catchy and I’m always ready to burst out into a fully choreographed dance number when it comes on.
"LoveGame" (The Fame)
Amidst the production on The Fame driven by four on the floor drum patterns and saw synths, “LoveGame” is one of the most memorable songs on the album. When Gaga said “Let's have some fun, this beat is sick, I wanna take a ride on your disco stick” in the intro to the song, I just knew that I would be able to let loose and have fun while I listened to the song. One of my favourite parts about music is that not every song has to be so serious and emotional and that sometimes the fun songs are the best.
"Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" (The Fame)
When I listened to the 23 songs that are The Fame Monster (Deluxe Version), “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” stood out to me because of its unique production compared to the rest of the songs. The song is centred around a breakbeat, guitars, a dirty synth or two and Gaga’s voice. The track wasn’t clogged with electronic drums and stacks and stacks of cheesy synths. Of course, some of the electronic songs are great, but it was nice to get a break. Also, Gaga’s voice is so emotive on this song and sounds amazing. What else does a listener need?
"The Fame" (The Fame)
This song is definitely one of my favourites on the album. The title track off The Fame talks about the upsides and downsides of fame. She sings in the post-chorus “We live for the fame… isn’t it a shame… in it for the fame.” The song is a perfect summary of the album. In terms of production, I would describe it as if Robin Thicke and Katy Perry’s future producers (The Fame was released in 2009, Teenage Dream in 2010) had a child and Gaga’s producers were the godparents. Listen below:
"Money Honey" (The Fame)
I’ve talked about a lot of my favourites on The Fame Monster (Deluxe), but now it’s time for one of my least favourites. My problem with “Money Honey” is that its lyrics and production are too similar to other songs on The Fame. The lyrics are also about fame and vanity, similar to the title track on the album. In terms of production, this song is a worse version of the single “Just Dance.” In fact, I’m pretty sure some of the drum sounds are the same. Overall, the song is much weaker than its counterparts.
"Disco Heaven" (The Fame)
Of course, I have to end on a high note! “Disco Heaven” is the closing track on The Fame and it does the job well. As the title suggests, the song is a fun disco track that seems like the perfect way to start a night out. I feel like if this song were to come on at the club, everyone would get up and dance! It’s a fun song to end the album and this list.
Some honourable mentions: "Paparazzi" (The Fame), "Monster" (The Fame Monster), "Speechless" (The Fame Monster).
In conclusion, The Fame Monster (Deluxe Version) is an album full of highs and lows, bops and ballads, and iconic songs that we’ll all still be listening to in another 11 years.
Stream The Fame Monster (Deluxe Version) by Lady Gaga on Spotify and Apple Music.
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