Paparazzi – Lady Gaga >Review
June 10, 2009Time to return to the bread a butter of this blog and review something.
The song in question is not one that I love, but as it’s just debuted at #27 on the ARIA charts, many people do.
After 3 killer dance tracks (Just Dance, Poker Face and Lovegame), Lady Gaga slows down to the more reflective Paparazzi. This trend for dance acts to delve into slow songs is nothing new and it’s these songs that are often longer lasting; remember Aqua – they had hits with Barbie Girl and Dr Jones, but their non-dance track Turn Back Time was their stand out record. I don’t think Paparazzi will have the same status, but time may prove me wrong.
Most songs about the paparazzi are merely a vehicle for the singer/celebrity to whinge about them (cf. Piece of Me by Britney or Whatchulookinat by Whitney). Instead this songs is a vehicle for her short-film video clip where her paparazzi boyfriend nearly kills her and so, between dance numbers, she takes her revenge, all to the delight of the media. The problem is, as a track it’s not dancy enough to be dance, it’s not snappy enough to be pop and not edgy enough to be interesting. It just goes through the motions of a more relaxed track, but with a slightly creepy stalker subtext. I think she’s trying to pull of a bit of a Gwen Stefani, who she sounds like in the bridge; however, she doesn’t have the vocal quality to pull it off – especially in the chorus. And what is going on with the lyrics? But it’s really all about the video (which is far from G-rated so use your discretion in viewing it). But watching the video makes me thing – who would want to live in that world of stardom (particularly if you end up like on the of the dead models in the clip)? It’s portrayed as a flippant, relationally empty and even dangerous world. Why do we seek after that when we know true life and ultimate meaning can be found in the person, Jesus?
I guess because the people who seek that don’t know true meaning can be find in Jesus. But your point is very true. And I agree with your assessment about the Paprazzi track.
Not a huge fan of Gaga, I find she is trying to be Gwen, but lacking in the edgy department. The only thing I would quibble about with your post is I think Barbie Girl was a way bigger hit for Aqua than Turn Back Time.
Paparazzi songs are huge. I think even Michael Jackson released one on his more recent album Invincible (a highly underrated album, in my view).But sometimes I think celebs who speak against paps are biting the hand that feeds them somewhat…