Music Mondays: Lady Gaga "Perfect Illusion"

A return to Music Mondays with a metal celebration from one of my all-time favorites. In what I would consider the most traditional music video she's ever made, Lady Gaga introduces us to the first single off of her forth-coming fifth studio album, Joanne, with frantic, dirty desperation. "Perfect Illusion" is a simple, heart-bursting metal anthem (co-produced by Mark Ronson) that has improved with every listen. No experimentation, no moody intros or breakthrough bridges... just a girl belting and dancing with everything she's got.

If this song is any indicator, Joanne (out Oct. 21) is going to be a return to Gaga's fine form (let's just pretend the majority of Artpop didn't happen, okay?) Because I'm feeling the need for more Gaga music in my life. Happy Monday, all!

xx

Artist: Lady Gaga | stream
Song: "Perfect Illusion" | download | stream
Album: Joanne
Directed by: Andrea Gelardin / Ruth Hogben

Music Mondays: Lady Gaga "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)"

During my recent speed drive up north, I got through the 9 hours total of driving by blasting music and singing my heart out. Don't we all? The primary song on my road trip playlist was Lady Gaga's rendition of the Nancy Sinatra classic, "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)."

The song is featured as a bonus track on Gaga's new jazz duets album with legend Tony Bennett, Cheek to Cheek, and while every song on the album is worth a listen, this one packs a punch. Gaga takes the stage alone, and the build of the song gives me chills. The original song is so iconic, Gaga's powerful singing chops serve only to enhance it.

The vinyl version of this record is being released tomorrow, October 14th, and according to Gaga and Bennet, vinyl is the way it needs to be heard (adding to my shopping cart now!)

I've always been a fan of Gaga's stripped down music, because god, can this girl sing. Tony Bennett, of course, just sets the standard, and his working relationship with Lady Gaga is one of a kind.

So check out the "Bang Bang" live performance above, recorded for an upcoming "Great Perfomances" PBS special, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek To Cheek LIVE!, airing October 24th @ 9 PM. If you only know Gaga from her "Poker Face" and "Bad Romance" singles, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you see here.

Artist: Lady Gaga
Song: "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" | stream
Album: Cheek to Cheek