This project was a tribute to her late aunt, Joanne. It opens with a strained version of “Diamond Heart” and it is followed by “A-YO,” where she shows her classic rock side. Gaga follows it up with the haunting title track and “John Wayne.”
While Florence Welch is one phenomenal vocalist, her collaboration with Gaga on “Hey Girl” sounded pitchy (a term used extensively on American Idol by then-judge Randy Jackson) and off-key. Welch was not able to add much or save this duet.
The only two prime cuts on this album are “Joanne” and her lead single “Perfect Illusion,” where her vocals are reminiscent of Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics. It closes with “Angel Down.”
The album had potential, but it lacked in its storytelling elements and fell short in many areas, thus leaving the listeners yearning for more.
The Verdict
Overall, Lady Gaga fails to impress on her new album Joanne. It was equal in disappointment to Artpop. Most of the songs are lackluster, lame and forgettable. To this day, her best albums are The Fame Monster and Born This Way. If one is a fan of her older musical work, chances are they might not like the direction the pop songstress went for this project. It garners two out of five stars.