Lady Gaga’s Rock-Inspired Songs
Lady Gaga is one of the most versatile and influential artists of the 21st century. She is known for her eclectic and experimental pop music, as well as her flamboyant and provocative style. But did you know that Lady Gaga also has a strong connection to rock music?
In this article, we will explore how Lady Gaga has incorporated rock elements into her songs, albums, and performances. We will also look at some of the rock artists and bands that have inspired her, and how she has collaborated with them.
The Fame and The Fame Monster: Lady Gaga’s Debut Albums
Lady Gaga released her debut album, The Fame, in 2008. The album was a huge success, spawning hit singles like “Just Dance”, “Poker Face”, and “Paparazzi”. The album was mostly influenced by dance-pop and synth-pop, but it also had some rock influences.
For example, the song “Boys Boys Boys” was inspired by Mötley Crüe‘s song “Girls, Girls, Girls”. Lady Gaga said that she wanted to write a female version of the song that rockers would like too. The song features electric guitar riffs, hand claps, and a catchy chorus.
Another song that had rock elements was “Brown Eyes”. The song was co-written and co-produced by Rob Fusari, who also worked with Destiny’s Child and Will Smith. Brown Eyes was inspired by the British rock band Queen and, according to Gaga, is the most vulnerable song on the album.
Lady Gaga followed up The Fame with The Fame Monster in 2009. The album was a darker and more mature extension of The Fame, exploring themes like fame, love, sex, and death. The album also had more rock influences than The Fame.
For instance, the song “Speechless” is rock power ballad, the song has elements of 1970s rock, blues rock, glam rock and country music. Lady Gaga said that she wanted to create a song to inspire her younger fans to appreciate their parents. The song has a stomping rhythm, distorted vocals, and a chant-like chorus.
Another song that had rock elements was “Bad Romance”. The song was co-written and co-produced by RedOne, who also worked with Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez. The song has a dance-pop and electro-pop sound, but it also has a rock-inspired bridge, where Lady Gaga sings “I want your love and I want your revenge” over heavy guitar chords.
Born This Way: Lady Gaga’s Rock Anthem Album
Lady Gaga released her third album, Born This Way, in 2011. The album was a departure from her previous albums, as it had a more rock-oriented sound. Lady Gaga said that she wanted to make “the greatest album of this decade”. The album was influenced by various genres, such as metal, glam rock, industrial, and country.
One of the most rock-inspired songs on the album was “Born This Way”. The song was co-written and co-produced by Fernando Garibay, who also worked with U2 and Sting. The song has a dance-pop and synth-pop sound, but it also has a rock-inspired message, where Lady Gaga sings about self-acceptance and empowerment.
Another rock-inspired song on the album was “You and I”. The song was co-written and co-produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also worked with Def Leppard and AC/DC. It has a country-rock and blues-rock sound, featuring piano, guitar, and harmonica. The song also features a guest appearance by Brian May, the guitarist of Queen.
ARTPOP: Lady Gaga’s Experimental Album
Lady Gaga released her fourth album, ARTPOP, in 2013. The album was a more experimental and artistic project, as it explored the relationship between art and pop culture. The album was influenced by various genres, such as EDM, R&B, and hip-hop, but it also had some rock elements.
For example, the song “MANiCURE” is “a lot more rock based than the songs before it on the album”. Lady Gaga said that she wanted to write a song that was like a heavy metal pop song. The song features electric guitar, drums, and a rock-and-roll attitude.
Another song that had rock elements was “Dope”. The song was co-written and co-produced by Rick Rubin, who also worked with Metallica and Linkin Park. The song has an electronic rock sound and rock-inspired chorus, where Lady Gaga sings “I need you more than dope” over a piano melody.
Joanne: Lady Gaga’s Country Rock Album
Lady Gaga released her fifth album, Joanne, in 2016. She dedicated the album to her late aunt, Joanne Germanotta, making it a more personal and stripped-down project. Various genres like folk, country, and soul influenced the album, with added rock elements.
For instance, the song “Perfect Illusion” was co-written and co-produced by Mark Ronson, who also worked with Amy Winehouse and Queens of the Stone Age. The song has a disco and rock sound, featuring guitar, bass, and drums. Kevin Parker, the frontman for the Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala, produced and wrote the song as well.
Another song that had rock elements was “John Wayne”. The song was co-written and co-produced by BloodPop, who also worked with Haim and Grimes. It has a pop and rock sound, featuring guitar, synth, and a fast tempo. The song also features song writing by Josh Homme, the frontman of Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal.
Chromatica: Lady Gaga’s Latest Album
Lady Gaga released her sixth album, Chromatica, in 2020. She returned to her dance-pop roots with the album, drawing inspiration from 90s house music. Various genres like techno, trance, and disco influenced the album, with added rock elements.
For example, the song “Rain On Me” was a collaboration with Ariana Grande. The song was co-written and co-produced by Burns, who also worked with Lana Del Rey and Hurts. The song has a house and pop sound, but it also has a rock-inspired message, where Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande sing about overcoming their struggles and finding joy.
Another song that had rock elements was “Sour Candy”. The song was a collaboration with Blackpink, a K-pop girl group. The song was co-written and co-produced by Rami Yacoub, who also worked with Bon Jovi and Måneskin. It has a dance-pop and electro-pop sound, but it also has a rock-inspired attitude, where Lady Gaga and Blackpink sing about being sweet and sour.
A Star Is Born: Lady Gaga’s Recent Project
Lady Gaga also starred in the 2018 movie, A Star Is Born, alongside Bradley Cooper. The movie was a remake of the 1937 classic, and it featured original songs written and performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The movie was a musical drama, and it had a lot of rock elements.
For instance, the song “Shallow” was a duet between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The song was co-written by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, and Andrew Wyatt. It has a folk-rock and country-rock sound, featuring acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and piano. The song also won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Another song that had rock elements was “Always Remember Us This Way”. The song was performed by Lady Gaga. The song was co-written by Lady Gaga, Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey, and Lori McKenna. It has a country-rock and pop-rock sound, featuring guitar, piano, and drums. The song also received a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year.
The Bottom Line
Lady Gaga is a pop star who has embraced rock music in many ways. She has incorporated rock elements into her songs, albums, and performances. She has also been inspired by rock artists and bands, and collaborated with them.
Lady Gaga has shown that she is not afraid to experiment with different genres and styles, and that she is a true rock star at heart.
Check out Lady Gaga’s latest collaboration “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven” with The Rolling Stones, below: