The lowdown: It’s been well-established that we’re never getting The Old Gaga back, but at least the current iteration took a step back from the crazy ledge on this lead single from ARTPOP. Streamlining her signature quirk and fame-obsessed themes into a tight, synth-y package, she showed that she could still put the focus on catchy hooks, a headrush chorus and other things that regular pop music fans care about. The result was her biggest hit in years. On that note, though, would now be a bad time to mention that this new look is just a little bit boring on you, Gaga?
ATRL says...: "This song is pretty much Lady Gaga’s celebration of herself, and nobody else," madonnas wrote. "The rest of the album is very self-indulgent, but none of it is as brashly honest in its intentions as 'Applause.' I think that’s why I can handle it more than the rest of this mediocre mess." bluth thought it was "pure pop genius, although the spelling leaves a lot to be desired: A-P-P-L-A-U-*mumbles*." lovesong "liked it more when I first heard it," but has since found "mediocre." adrianbeane thought the song had "bad verses and great chorus: we've encountered that before on this album." Stevie concurred. "I remember someone calling the verses on this 'a major eye-roll,' and I couldn't agree more," he said, "but once that chorus hits, it's all worth it." AriNikoBradshaw boldly proclaimed it "the worst lead single released in the history of pop music."
Best bit: The first time that racing chorus kicks in, it's a total jolt.
