ARTPOP - LADY GAGA - SCULPTURE BY JEFF KOONSThe biggest global sensation in pop culture.. aka Stefani Germanotta.. aka LADY GAGA has just released her third album -ARTPOP. The first single Applause, helped to launch not only the new album, but Gaga's perfected persona - Performance Artist. Proving the power of her fame she so loudly sang about on her first and second albums, Gaga collaborated with none other than the biggest pop artist of his generation - Jeff Koons. Koons is having a pretty good year. He is happily married to a beautiful wife, has a house full of children, a studio full of staff, and a bank account that could make any Wall Street banker smile. Last week, the sale of Mr. Koon's balloon dog at Christie's for $58.4 Million dollars makes him the highest grossing living artist - ever. Koons created a living Lady Gaga that reflects his current exhibition of mirrored balls and also a nod to the sculptures that put him on the map. The artist made his name by immortalizing his first wife, Hungarian born, Italian porn star and then Senator, Cicciolina, in erotically posed sculptures. The Koons Gaga graces the cover of ARTPOP, in full color.
I wasn't the biggest fan of Lady Gaga's second album. I loved her first album and continue to listen to tracks regularly even now, almost 5 years later. So far, I must admit... I love the latest. Applause has the hook that makes it a dance and workout classic - more important and valuable than many reviewers acknowledge. With a nod to the B52's, Gaga continues to master sexy pop references that shaped her first two albums with the second single VENUS. Madonna continues to be an ever present influence, but with the latest album - the references are more quirky. I think the hidden gem is the title track. Artpop had me hooked in just a few seconds. The sultry beats and her purring voice.. it's Debbie Harry, it's David Bowie, it's Amanda Lear, it's referencing pop music and pop art in the best possible way.
Also, I MUST commend this woman. To be a beautiful young girl at the top of your career in 2013 and NOT be obsessed with looking sexy at all costs is a bold choice. It is the RIGHT choice, but a bold choice in a world of trashy Kardashians and young pop singers who can't get past looking as overtly sexual as possible. Thanks to Gaga for representing the cerebral beauty, and provoking thoughts - the most attractive aspect of all!
Get ARTPOP now.. you'll be enjoying it for months and years to come!
Click cover art to preview the album. Watch the video for Applause below.
Monday, January 27, 2014 at 12:12AM 
