We Cast Music: Telephone

Song: Telephone

Artist: Lady Gaga

Album: The Fame Monster

Best of 2009

2009 was the year of Gaga, unmistakably. Her debut album came out in August of 2008, and while first single "Just Dance" had climbed to the top of the charts at the end of that year, it was 2009 that she took over, releasing better singles "Poker Face" and "Paparazzi" that ruled the airwaves. As fan-dom spread through the world for the NYC-bred 23 year old, it wasn't so much of a surprise that she planned a re-release of her debut with new songs. But EIGHT new songs? And just as the new single "Bad Romance" was being released, it was then stated that these new eight songs were not just padding for the re-release, but now her sophomore album. As the track listing didn't change from when the "extra" songs were announced, I thought she was crazy.

But the I heard "Bad Romance" and while I was absolutely a fan of hers, loved the debut and all, it was with "Bad Romance," her best song (and video, see below) that I realized that this girl was the new face of pop music. And then to hear "The Fame Monster," which is more consistently good than "The Fame," it's almost like... where did this girl come from?

"The Fame Monster" is filled with great songs, the ABBA meets Madonna meets Ace of Base "Alejandro," the future-disco dance anthems "Monster," "Dance in the Dark," and "So Happy I Could Die" Then you have the out-of-left-field (sort of) weirdness that is the Queen-esque ballad "Speechless" and the freak-flag closing stomper of "Teeth" proving that the sky is the limit for what sound this woman can go for.

As "Bad Romance" has just become her fifth straight number 1, she is about to release the second single, "Telephone" featuring Beyonce which you will soon hear EVERYWHERE. And unlike the Writer/Producer jigsaw puzzles that Britney and acts of her ilk release, Gaga writes every song she releases. So like "The Fame," "The Fame Monster" has one consistent vision, one creative concept that she carries throughout. She's already announced her third record will come out late this year (does she sleep?)

Lady Gaga is the new Madonna. Just a little more talented.

Enjoy.

Telephone