The lowdown: This aggressive opening track from ARTPOP kicks off with a Spaghetti Western vibe that suggests the sequel to “Americano” nobody wanted. Thankfully, Gaga steers clear of that disaster, launching instead into a wild EDM convulsion of sexual suggestion. There are plenty of moments when the song threatens to derail—potentially grating production choices, her controversial appropriation of the burqa as a fashion statement—but Gaga somehow keeps it all under control, presenting listeners with an intriguing invitation behind her pop star aura and into the world of ARTPOP.
ATRL says...: "Aura" produced a lot of divided reaction. In its defense: "Ugh the instrumental is soooo good," raved stereo.love. "Gaga’s sickest production ever," wrote helloDer. "Amazing mysterious lyrics. The aura metaphor for both the burqa and Gaga’s fame is genius (stan confession: I still use the demo version on my iTunes)." bluth called it "her best chorus since 'Bad Romance' and the structure is Gaga at her best and craziest." JakeKills thought it was "honestly, the most fun song on ARTPOP and WHAT A CHORUS." Dark Miracles admitted, "When it leaked, I disliked it but that trailer for Machete Kills showed me that it's actually pretty good and one of few songs on ARTPOP that have replay value."
And offering an indictment: "Too much of a mess," lovesong argued. "It feels so unattached and sounds like a forced attempt at being edgy and controversial." August said the "beginning gives me 'Americano' teas, but fortunately this isn't as bad. Still bad," though. "How these absolutely disgusting verses (3/10) could be shoehorned into a song with such a chorus (9/10) is beyond me," adrianbeane scoffed. "It's amazing how she managed to turn a 9/10 demo into a 3/10 song with just a few subtle changes," J. YONCÉ marveled. "That is TALENT right there."
Edge of Glory offered his own mini-essay: "With tons of hype for ARTPOP, Gaga could've gone anywhere for the albums musical direction. So what does she decide to make for her album opener? A berserk EDM banger that mixes themes about feminism and sexuality along with lyrics about her artistry, with a sitar-aided intro telling how she 'killed her poor friend, [and] left her in the trunk on highway 10.' As with most descriptions of Gaga songs, it sounds totally nonsensical on paper, but she manages to turn it into one of the best songs on her new record. The best part: the chorus, where Gaga's heavenly smooth vocals ask her lover if they want to see the girl who lives 'behind the aura.' If what we've heard is just Gaga's disguise, her facade, if you will, then who wouldn't want to delve even deeper?"
Best bit: the beat during the middle eight—so good it saves the cheesy "Dance. Sex. Art. Pop." lyric
Bangerz
“Adore You”
“We Can’t Stop”
“Wrecking Ball”
“#Getitright”
“Drive”
“FU” ft. French Montana
“Do My Thang”
Prism
“Legendary Lovers”
“Birthday”
“Walking On Air”
“Dark Horse” ft. Juicy J
ARTPOP
“Venus”
“G.U.Y.”
“Sexxx Dreams”
“Do What U Want” ft. R. Kelly
“Artpop”
“Gypsy”
“Applause”
Britney Jean
“Alien”
“Work Bitch”
“Passenger”
BEYONCE
“Pretty Hurts”
“Ghost”
“Haunted”
“Drunk In Love” ft. Jay Z
“Blow”
“Yoncé”
“Partition”
“Jealous”
“Mine” ft. Drake
“XO”
“***Flawless” ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“Heaven”
“Blue” ft. Blue Ivy
“Grown Woman”
Bangerz
“Adore You”
“We Can’t Stop”
“Wrecking Ball”
“#Getitright”
“Drive”
“FU” ft. French Montana
“Do My Thang”
Prism
“Legendary Lovers”
“Birthday”
“Walking On Air”
“Dark Horse” ft. Juicy J
ARTPOP
“Venus”
“G.U.Y.”
“Sexxx Dreams”
“Do What U Want” ft. R. Kelly
“Artpop”
“Gypsy”
“Applause”
Britney Jean
“Alien”
“Work Bitch”
“Passenger”
BEYONCE
“Pretty Hurts”
“Ghost”
“Haunted”
“Drunk In Love” ft. Jay Z
“Blow”
“Yoncé”
“Partition”
“Jealous”
“Mine” ft. Drake
“XO”
“***Flawless” ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“Heaven”
“Blue” ft. Blue Ivy
“Grown Woman”
Beyonce almost has more than all the other girls combined.
Bangerz
“Adore You”
“We Can’t Stop”
“Wrecking Ball”
“#Getitright”
“Drive”
“FU” ft. French Montana
“Do My Thang”
Prism
“Legendary Lovers”
“Birthday”
“Walking On Air”
“Dark Horse” ft. Juicy J
ARTPOP
“Venus”
“G.U.Y.”
“Sexxx Dreams”
“Do What U Want” ft. R. Kelly
“Artpop”
“Gypsy”
“Applause”
Britney Jean
“Alien”
“Work Bitch”
“Passenger”
BEYONCE
“Pretty Hurts”
“Ghost”
“Haunted”
“Drunk In Love” ft. Jay Z
“Blow”
“Yoncé”
“Partition”
“Jealous”
“Mine” ft. Drake
“XO”
“***Flawless” ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“Heaven”
“Blue” ft. Blue Ivy
“Grown Woman”
(Alien can stay until top 15)