Guilty Pleasure No More

The entire cycle goes something like this: I loved Lady Gaga circa Just Dance, and from there everything she has released has gotten worse? Poker Face, she barely sings, then don't get me started on Love Games (Let's have some fun, this beat is sick; I wanna take a ride on your disco stick...!?!?!?!?! Definitely in the running for crappiest/creepiest lyrics ever). And then she released the worst thing to happen to Christmas since Nerf Herder's I've Got a Boner for Christmas...with no actual melodies and lyrics like "My Christmas Tree is delicious"...congratulations.

I mean, if I'm at a dance party, sure. Bring on La Bouche and whatever techno. But why so much speech? Why isn't she using her chops? Check out the original Poker Face at 2:37. It's like she's trying to sound like Fergie...I don't know.

So, I had given up on her a while ago. The best Lady Gaga I saw? Christopher Walken reading Poker Face! But then, somehow, I came across her "acoustic" videos...just her and a piano.

...I frikkin' love Lady Gaga again.

The first example I'm going to share? Paparazzi...not only is her belting absolutely perfect, the girl can play the piano! I mean, this one's a little repetitive, but I really enjoyed it.

The real revelation? POKER FACE. I have no words. It's got quirky piano accompaniment, she shows off her incredible voice. All the synthesizers, the dance beats...it gets old. But if she keeps appearing on radio broadcasts with her lounge lizard crossed with broadway belting and quirky piano, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

Jazz hands!