Chromatica – A Deeper Love

I’ve been all over the map with Lady Gaga. From the earliest feelings of fascination, intrigue and amusement with her cheeky stunts, to the fatigue of her public thirst that would follow. It rounded out years later when it all came into picture, and the world of onlookers came to realize that– surprise!- she was a super talented singer/songwriter all along, and most of her bullshit was meant to get everyone engaged enough to figure that out. It worked.

The day of a Lady Gaga album release is something of a holiday in the music world; even if you don’t ascribe to the particular religion, you can’t ignore it, and you’re better off enjoying the hoopla that comes along with the cause.

Gaga is best served fun and light. Chromatica is a return to the days of drunken girls & gays shrieking at the sound of her song coming on in the club, or the dorky dads shamelessly head bobbing while singing along in the car. Stefani isn’t trying to have you sign her petition here. She just wants you to dance. Ask her and she’ll tell you in what is essentially the thesis for her entire body of work “All I ever wanted was love.“

The internet chattered months before it’s delayed release that Chromatica would be something of a follow-up of Artpop, Gaga’s 2013 rave and EDM inspired album that preceded a stretch of more serious work (Joanne and the A Star is Born soundtrack) that would follow. From the first single “Stupid Love,” we knew what we were in for: a good fucking time.

“Stupid Love,” “Sour Candy feat. BLACKPINK” and “Alice” take it easy on lyrical structure, but hit you hard with beats. Picture yourself, drunk and swaying alone in the corner of a party, mouthing a chorus to yourself absent-mindedly seconds before you pass out or barf. Those words are nothing particularly groundbreaking , but the feeling delivered is neck-deep. This album is about getting lost in a vibe and floating atop thick glittery clouds. Nothing wagered, nothing lost.

Sad bangers are plentiful in Chromatica. “Plastic Doll,” “Replay” and “Fun Tonight” highlight the harder parts of love or self discovery, but will still move you toward the dancefloor. Never before would anyone dance this hard to the words “I’m not having fun tonight!”

The album’s hardest thumping track is “911,” which falls somewhere between “Judas” and “Artpop” from Gaga’s previous projects. It feels like walking into a neon-lit palace at the top of a night out and immediately seeing people you’ve only ever heard of but never met. It feels rich, sexy and absolutely cool.

“Enigma” showcases Gaga singing at full force and has a wildly exciting arrangement with bongo drums, disco synth uplighting and bass bass bass. If ever you sought an anthem to spin in circles to, arms outstretched, congratulations. This is your song.

With only three features, this album stays focused on Lady Gaga. “Sine From Above (with Elton John)” gives thought provoking texture to the album, and takes breaks to grow, shrink, and grow again even more slowly before exploding into an intergalactic rave starring none other than Sir Elton himself, mystifying from somewhere above and beyond. Their harmonizing is striking. Their words, pointed.

Symphonic interludes break up your journey into Chromatica, and give much needed pauses amid all the partying. Beautiful strings guide you into the next chapter, emotionally recharged and ready to take another shot.

“1000 Doves” would please any wasted, crowded party, but it hasn’t the impact and distinction of so many other tracks on Chromatica. A remix might blow it in another direction, but as is, it fails to make the impact that the standard of Chromatica has set.

Chromatica is an event for seasoned party-ers only. It is incredibly cohesive, which can be applauded by some, or critiqued for others who would rather see Gaga spread her wings fully to display the range and variety that she’s truly capable of. As a chapter, however, this album dials it all the way up and leaves listeners thrilled and tired, like any good party. Gaga put it best with her Instagram post timed exactly to the album’s drop worldwide: “Welcome to Chromatica. Now dance motherfuckers!!!!!!!”