As someone who's been around before The Fame - no post-debut Gaga era has had a drama-free lead single. Bad Romance was too weird. Born This Way was too Madonna. Applause was too pretentious. Perfect Illusion is too underwhelming. Meltdowns are par for the course with her because she tries to be different and that challenges us to form opinions and reassess her each time. Many aren't used to that because the other popstars typically don't change significantly.
In varying time frames, people come round to her lead singles. Whether that's after a few listens, after seeing the video, or after the album comes out and they put less pressure on the lead because they find others they like. Some will never warm to it, but that's fine. I can appreciate it's frustrating to not like a song by your fave, but remember that there are other singles to come. This single isn't the be all and end all. Don't put the pressure of Gaga's future career and your fandom on one song.
Personally, I like the song. It hit me pretty quickly. Unlike Applause. I'm surprised by how polarising it's being because I don't particularly feel it's extremely bad/weird/different/unexpected enough to cause such strong opinions. I agree with some criticisms of it, but it doesn't ruin my enjoyment of it. It's only a song. Chill. And frankly, I'm unsure of how much respect I have for "taste makers" that love the stuff that's in the charts these days. It's so samey and uninspired. The most interesting popstar now is Beyonce which is an unexpected twist.
And on that point, remember that Beyonce led 4 with Run The World (Girls) and is bigger than ever now. An album is tapas, not one dish. If you taste something you don't like, there's plenty left to try.
In regard to criticism of her and how she's acting, the only difference I'm seeing from previous launches is that it's calmer. Born This Way and Applause had frantic launches. So much going on. This time it's been her in a chilled out outfit in some British radio stations. Beyond the teaser clip, there's no pomp and circumstance yet. I don't see an uninspired, unenthusiastic popstar - I see a quietly confident artist who is cautious of what's about to happen and preparing herself for impending criticism or praise.
What's going to be interesting is how Gaga and Bobby tackle this. While a lot of people love it, a lot of people don't. And unfortunately negativity is given more prominence. So, do they stick to their guns and push PI hard? Do they push it as per the plan, but prep single #2 in case it burns out? Do they opt for an album teaser to reassure folk? Do they release the album sooner, or do they release it later after another single? And what kind of song do they pick? They'll be getting mixed signals - it's not rock enough, it's too rock, at least it's not typical Gaga, bring back Just Dance! etc.
Don't envy them, it's tricky being a good popstar. It's much easier to just release on trend singles from hitmakers.
There was an insider a couple of weeks ago who said that PI would be different than her previous works, and her voice would be in the forefront and it would take around a week to really appreciate. (I didn't understand what that meant at the time)
Guys. I have found the light with Perfect Illusion.
When I first heard it, it was early in the morning and without headphones, so automatically, I was like, "Really? THIS is it?" Then I listened to it once more on my way to work WITH headphones. "Better," I thought, "But it's still meh." Flash forward a few hours later and the hook is STUCK in my head throughout the day.
Then I decided to listen to the song one last time last night while smoking. Took a few hits and listened to the song again, and I. WAS. HOOKED.
The problem with Perfect Illusion is that it almost completely ABANDONS the formula and structure of a Pop song (verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus), but somehow, it still has a Pop edge, which is what Gaga had been known for throughout her career.
This song is getting mixed reviews now, but Bad Romance had the EXACT same reaction with fans and the GP and it took a little while before it REALLY took off and started smashing. Just Dance also had the same reaction; Even though she was just starting out, but still.
The point I'm trying to get at here is that this song is a GROWER. Does it sound like a cluster****? Yes, but I feel that was intentionally done, both vocally and sonically, in order to properly convey the emotions of the song (confusion, sadness, anger, stunned, betrayed, scatterbrained, etc.).
Just give the song a chance is all I'm saying. I still have faith that not only will this song catch on, but it will end up becoming one of Gaga's top signature songs.
BOOKMARK me and call me delusional if you must, but it's happening.
It really is; People REALLY need to give this song some time. For some reason, Gaga's music is never loved in the present, but loved MORE in the future.
So yeah. Gaga is going to get the last laugh, like always.
I just realized that Gaga is truly the most loved singer on ATRL.
People were hyped when the PI cover dropped, everyone was speculating and talmbout how they were ready and now they are fake mad at her just to fit in with the rest of losers who refresh Kworb or quote verbatim from Paws Down Little Monsters in hopes that they can tear down the fanbase and Gaga but in the end, talent always wins and prevails.
1. Love Perfect Illusion after a few listens. Def. a grower
2. Don't let the negativity of some people ruin this era, the way they ruined the Artpop era.
3. Don't focus too much on the charts! What should happen, will happen. Nothing you'll do will change this fact.
Spread love my fellow Little Monsters, and enjoy LG5