Don't call it an album, really, do not. Lady Gaga's "Fame Monster" is definitely an EP, and if you bought the deluxe/super-de-duper/limited-edition/her-hair-is-attached-to-it boxset than you were also greeted with "The Fame" in conjunction with "Monster." It is the year of the Gaga.
From the now-famous battle cry of "Bad Romance" with it's club stomping sensibilities and bizarre lyrics (References to Hitchcock aplomb!) the "Fame Monster" is a set up for the crazy, but very seductive world of Lady Gaga.
8 tracks seems to be very skimpy, yet it's always better to go out with the audience wanting more. And yet, for all the black glitter allure of "The Fame Monster" the ambition, the expectation is a bit much. Gaga is a talented woman, with an ear for impressive, catchy pop hooks, but releasing new material so quickly after "The Fame" does show that there is still room to grow.
On an interview with Toure for Fuse, Gaga opened up about her idiosyncracies regarding love, monsters and pop fame. The album explores these 'monsters.' "Alejandro" with it's slice of Euro-disco, is one of the two tracks that deviate from Gaga's tried and true in-your-face dance aggresion.
Things get a bit creepy on "Monster" with lyrics like "he ate my heart," and "he ate my heart and then he ate my brains." Aside from the lyrics, "Monster" is the most radio friendly. This album was designed for the clubs.
Sasha Fierce or should we say, Beyonce, drops in on the claustophobic production "Telephone" which details a night at the club punctuated with incessant calls from a too eager amour. Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins produced "Telephone" and it does signify a break from the rest of the album, Sasha Fierce's guestspot as the tough-as-robotic-nails diva only amps up this single as another club jam.
"The Fame Monster" is not lean on club jams either, the swaying "So Happy I Could Die," is a personal favorite, while "Dance in the Dark" gets lost in the small shuffle. Tellingly, "Speechless" and "Teeth" the non dance-y cuts on the album highlight Gaga's ability to craft interesting pop songs. It's not a leap away from "The Fame" but for people who can't get Gaga out of their head, "The Fame Monster" is good enough to eat.
Grade : A-
Gaga Ooh La La
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