Lady Gaga Raises the Bar with New Album and Super Bowl Expectations

by Jacquari Harris
| October 10, 2016 11:10 pm CDT

As one of the hottest acts of the new millennium, Lady Gaga returns to music in full force with a new sound, a new look and news that she’s headlining the most watched sporting event in the world. On Sept. 9, Lady Gaga quenched the thirst of both her “Little Monster” fan base and music critics alike by delivering her anticipated new single, “Perfect Illusion.”

“Perfect Illusion” is the lead single from Gaga’s upcoming fifth studio album, Joanne. The pop-heavy track blends Gaga’s bold voice with guitar riffs, synths and a hint of disco, which proudly ushers in a new era for the singer.

The music video for the single was released on Sept. 20, which sees Gaga’s artistic ambition switch gears from glamourous and gaudy, to a more natural appeal, signaling a new direction for Mother Monster – excuse me, Miss Gaga. Gaga ditches the costumes and wigs for high-waisted cutoff shorts and a fitted black t-shirt, which bodes well with the video’s outdoor festival concept. The video was directed by Ruth Hogben and Andrea Gelardin, with Gaga’s co-writers of the song BloodPop, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and Mark Ronson all making appearances in the video.

Gaga’s toned-down and raw approach may be an adjustment for fans, but if Joanne is as good as Gaga’s drive for success, then her look is just a segue for an artist who sees longevity as the only thing that’s fashionable.

And to bring Gaga’s return to music to a fever pitch, the “Bad Romance” chanteuse is scheduled to headline Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium on Feb. 5, 2017. Rumors circulated on the internet after the release of “Perfect Illusion” that Gaga was performing at the big event, but the NFL didn’t confirm the news until Sept. 29.

As a great live performer, we know she’ll be pulling out all the stops to make sure Super Bowl LI has one of the most memorable halftime shows ever. Will she play coy and arrive with an army of dancers for a rendition of “Poker Face,” or maybe she’ll sit at a piano and belt out a David Bowie classic. Whatever she decides to do, expect the unexpected because Gaga is “coming soon.”

Houston’s own award-winning DJ Riddler shared his wish list for Gaga’s set during the Super Bowl, and you know what, he may be pretty close.

Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl Performance Wish List via DJ Riddler:

  1. Poker Face (Because of the Texas reference)
  2. Bad Romance
  3. Telephone (Hoping Beyoncé makes an appearance)
  4. Just Dance
  5. Perfect Illusion

However, I think Beyoncé may sit this one out, considering she had a big year in 2016 that was jump-started by the Super Bowl. But in the world of entertainment, you never know…

Joanne will be released on Oct. 21. The 11-song set features a collaboration with Florence Welch of Florence + the machine. See below for the full track list.

Joanne standard edition track list:

1. Diamond Heart
2. A-Yo
3. Joanne
4. John Wayne
5. Dancin’ In Circles
6. Perfect Illusion
7. Million Reasons
8. Sinner’s Prayer
9. Come To Mama
10. Hey Girl ft. Florence Welch
11. Angel Down

Joanne deluxe edition songs:

12. Grigio Girls
13. Just Another Day
14. Angel Down (Work Tape)

 

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