The singer’s companion album to the release of Joker: Folie à Deux is a richly rewarding listen, combining jazz and soul in only the way that she knows how.
Ahead of her next album release next year, Lady Gaga offers something special for fans to enjoy in the build up to that album with a companion album marking the release of Joker: Folie à Deux.
Lady Gaga is no stranger to singing some classic songs as her albums with Tony Bennett prove. There is always such a confidence when she performs and this new album showcases this well with her performances such as ‘That’s Life’ and ‘Get Happy’ proving to be particular highlights.
Through her vocals, Lady Gaga is able to highlight the many different emotions that can be found in a single song, adding real personality to songs such as ‘sMILE’ and ‘Close to You’ that range from sadness to joyfulness in a matter of moments. Through her interpretations of songs, she is able to pick up nuances to it that make the listener see the song from a different perspective.
The arrangement of the songs can be a little bit more hit and miss – ‘That’s Entertainment’ while a lively and playful rendition, it feels a little bit too over the place tone wise. ‘Happy Mistake’ reveals the similarities between Harlequin’s character and Lady Gaga -particularly when she sings: “I can try to hide behind the makeup but the show must go on.” This is a song that feels raw and most personal to Gaga.
While perhaps as a whole this album is a little sedate, but it does boast of some surprises in the case of the songs ‘The Joker’ (which has an edgier feel to it in keeping with the darkness of the film and character) and ‘Folie à Deux’ that offer up a bit more variety to the album.
Overall, while this album is not an “official” Lady Gaga album it does still give her fans something to enjoy immensely until her next album is release. It is clear either way that the singer enjoyed herself immensely in the creation of the album and that in turn reflects onto the listener and the amount of pleasure they can take in listening to it.
By Emma Clarendon
The album is available to buy and download now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐