dirrtyinc.com

The Fame Monster is an EP album by Lady Gaga, and is set to be released on November 18th 2009 (first in Japan). Originally, the album was going to be part of a re-release of Lady Gaga’s debut album The Fame, but following conflicts between Gaga and her label, Interscope Records, the eight new songs will now be released as a separate EP. However, the deluxe version of the album will contain the original The Fame album.

First Impressions
{“I think re-releases are unfair, It’s artists sneaking singles onto an already finished piece of work in an effort to keep the album afloat. Originally [my label] only wanted me to put out three songs and now it’s much more than that.”} Quoted from Lady Gaga herself, I think she has made an LP instead of an EP. I think this album is labeled as an EP because stylistically, it’s related to The Fame, only better!!!

The fact that she’s able to produce such fantastic quality material while touring the world in support of The Fame proves that she’s extremely professional about her job. I would say this album is an upstage of her debut. An essential album for this year and for eternity. =)

Track By Track Review

• Bad Romance
  Lead single from this EP. It’s a mammoth track. This song solidifies her status and proves that she’s no one ‘album’ wonder. Recommended to listen the album version instead of the Radio edit. The album version is uncensored and captures the essence of the album with it’s proper length of the song.
• Alejandro
  One of the promo singles of the album. It reminds of Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita” with a modern twist. Didn’t like this song at first but it grows on me with its vibe and the concept.
• Monster
  The chorus is DEAD SICK!!! So is the entire song too. She borrowed the “Mo, mo, mo, mo” hook from Pokerface but this song is definitely not Pokerface Part 2. Kinda similar though, but it’s “Mo, mo, mo, monster” in this case. One of the peaks of the album.
• Speechless
  Gaga try her hand at a ballad again. Co-written with Ron Fair (the president of Interscope), this song is dedicated to Gaga’s father. Has an 80’s-early 90’s acoustic rock ballad feel to it. Definitely better compared to the ballads she’ve done on The Fame. I like “Again Again” though.
• Dance In The Dark
  Another one of my favorite song currently. As I’ve reviewed, this song is a DISCO STOMPER!!!! It’s also her 2nd promo single from the album.
• Telephone
  Featuring Beyonce. This song leans more towards the urban-dance side. Uber catchy. I’m quite neutral on Beyonce’s verse. With or without her, this song already has it’s substance. Being a crossover track, Beyonce’s presence is much appreciated though. Icing on the cake is suppose.
• So Happy I Could Die
  The beats and the lyrics of this track is great. It’s Gaga territory with another vibe. Thumbs Up.
• Teeth
  The darkest song of this EP. HEARTS IT!!!! The collab with Teddy Riley is rather unexpected in a good sense. Beats are in staccato, marching-like style.

Final Verdict
Most artists would include a couple of lackluster songs for their re-releases, but not Lady Gaga. The songs are LP worthy, and all songs are single material. While The Fame feels rather Pop Glam, The Fame Monster packs a punch with a darker side, experiementing further sonically. She’ll dominate the world with this EP. Non-fans would bow down to her in respect, fans would worship this album. This album has a better consistency as compared to her already fantastic debut. She is currently the epitome of electronic pop currently and is undisputed in this genre in the long run too.

Lady Gaga said that this album is for her fans too. As compared to Mariah’s drabby “Memoirs”, Gaga appreciates her fans more by producing aurally exciting songs. This is an album that deserves a distinction. I wish I could give it 10 out of 5. A MUST BUY ALBUM!!!

(PS. I adore her to bits, but I loathe her over-zealous and exaggerated fans. They couldn’t really behave well.)

This album is scores a definitive full marks. (5 out of 5)