By Matt Scotto, Supervising Editor
Lady Gaga might possibly be taking over the planet. Her songs are all over the radio and internet, her videos are certified YouTube hits, and her fashion sense is all over the tabloids. Gaga has been churning out hit after hit ever since "Just Dance" was born almost two years ago.
After finishing her Fame Ball Tour, it was time for new material. On November 23 she released an "extension" of her 2008 debut album, The Fame, called The Fame Monster. The 8-track album can be bought alone, or as a deluxe edition that includes her whole first album, along with 2 bonus tracks.
Although Gaga's musical style hasn't changed much since last year, I'm not sure that the eight new tracks from The Fame Monster would necessarily fit in with her songs from her previous effort. The Fame contained lyrics about Cadillacs and liquor bottles. The Fame Monster contains content that is a little more relatable, as she sings about love in a tragic kind-of way.
The lead single, "Bad Romance," was clearly made for Gaga fans. The chanting "ra-ras" and "ooh-la-las" help bring in an irresistible club-ready chorus that happens to somehow crawl into your brain and stay there. A surprising duet with Beyonce named "Telephone" pretty much follows suit.
The pop crooner slows things down a bit with "Speechless," a ballad Gaga dedicated to her father. She sings "I'll never talk again/ Oh, boy, you've left me speechless" with much conviction and with an Elvis-like twang.
Gaga attempts to stray away from all the dance-pop with "Teeth." The jazz stomper feels a little out of place on the album, and fits in more with the snarkiness of The Fame. It's a fun little tune, nonetheless.
One of the biggest surprises on The Fame Monster might be "Alejandro," a Spanish-influenced track that is waiting to be paired with a tango on Dancing with the Stars. Gaga gets credit for injecting a little diversity into her music, which is hard to do with crazy pop-loving fans.
She sounds great here, and her staying power becomes more and more convincing with each single. The Fame Monster and its songs will have no problem increasing Lady Gaga's global domination. Good luck getting tickets to The Monster Ball, Gaga's second tour, which kicked off just recently. For those who have tickets, get ready to dance.
Lady Gaga’s eccentric style and live shows have brought her fame. (Photo Courtesy of mtv.com)