Born This GMA.

Set List:

Edge of Glory

Judas

Bad Romance

Born This Way

Hair

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way': A Track-by-Track Breakdown by Rolling Stone

"Born This Way" – 

Yeah, yeah: it's an "Express Yourself" bite. And yes: you've heard the song 700 hundred times in the last month. But Gaga's big hit sounds different in the context of the album that shares its name: like an experiment in the audacious plus-sizing of Eighties dance-pop.

"Hair" – 

Gaga is not the first songwriter to link self-esteem and liberation to free-flowing coiffure. (Remember that rock musical called, um, Hair? Remember "Whip My Hair"?) But she's definitely the most committed. "I am my hair!" she cries. Red One supplies the gale force hair-tousling synths. 

"Government Hooker" – 

The requisite "kinky" song – though what exactly Gaga is saying here isn't  clear: "I'll be your hooker/Government hooker," "I could be Mom/Unless you want to be Dad." But the techno-pop production, by DJ White Shadow, is gripping: a shape-shifting assemblage of buzzes, beeps and clattering beats. Choice couplet: "Put your hands on me/John F. Kennedy."

"Judas" – 

"Wear an ear condom" next time, Gaga sings in a track with one of the catchiest choruses on an album devoted to catchy choruses above all. Gagaologists will spend years pouring over the runes of that rapped bridge. ("But in the cultural sense/I just speak in future tense," etc.) The rest of us will be busy dancing to Red One's walloping production.

Further Reading: 

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady-gagas-born-this-way-a-track-by-track-breakdown-20110518

By Jody Rosen

COPYRIGHT ©2011 ROLLING STONE

Artistry.

Hooligans in Wondaland (Review).

 Bruno Mars + Janelle Monae

 

         All together, a really well put together show! The opening act, a British rapper, Plan B, did not seem to blend with the other two artists, stylistically, which was proven by the moans and groans coming from the majority of the audience members who were less than enthusiastic to hear beat boxing. After his set, there was a slight intermission as Janelle Monae's stage was brought on. I was unexpectedly impressed by her elaborate stage direction for such a miniscule stage, ie. four piece orchestra, on-stage costume changes, and intricate dance routines. Shortly following her 45 minute set, the performer whom the crowd was (impatiently!) awaiting, finally arrived. Bruno took his place, guitar in hand, with three trumpet players, a drummer, a bassist, and a backup singer, on a much larger stage than the other artists had performed on. His set consisted of each and every song on his album, including all of his #1 hits, mixed in with a few covers. Because it was the first night of the tour, his voice had never sounded stronger. The crowd knew the lyrics to most every song and continued to profess their love for Mr. Mars with the more than occasional "Marry me!" poster that would pop up. It became obvious that Bruno's passion for performing runs so deep and throughout the rest of the night it was more than apparent that Bruno Mars was made for entertaining. 

Overall: 4.5/5