♪ FitHits: Lady GaGa’s The Fame Monster

Credit: kindofadraag

A few weeks ago, after borrowing this album from Erin and falling madly, deeply and passionately in love with its catchy poppiness, I started following Lady GaGaon Facebook. Much to my pleasure, Ms. GaGa updates pretty regularly—and she calls her fans “little monsters.” For some bizarre reason, this is the cutest and most perfect pet name for GaGafans in my opinion, and whenever I see it, I smile agreeing that, yes, I am a little GaGa monster. Heck, the woman is named after a Queen song. I really have no choice but to bow at her weirdly dressed feet and declare “I’m not worthy,” a la Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar circa 1992.

Now that I’ve declared my love, let’s review GaGa’s latest album release, The Fame Monster. This album is an addition/continuation to The Fame, showing the dark side of celebrity. As you’ll see though, this eight-track CD is plenty energizing and true to the monsters, albeit with more emotion and less overt sexuality (a good and a bad in my opinion).

The Track List: Lady GaGa, The Fame Monster

1. Bad Romance (4:54)—I’m a little more than obsessed with this one. And thank goodness I convinced my husband that she’s a talented performer (see Queen reference above) and not just a sex kitten so that I can listen to it on repeat without him threatening to leave me. Whether I’m cleaning the house, busting a move in the car at a stoplight (yep, been known to do that) or bumping up the speed on the treadie, it is my current go-to song. (And it’s super fun to sing the line “I’m a free bitch, baby!” I find it paradoxically inspiring.)
2. Alejandro (4:34)—This is a slower track than “Bad Romance,” but it’s still fun. The talking intro is super theatrical, and the entire song reminds me of Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita” with a GaGa twist. Save this song for the middle of your workout when you’re bored and need a distraction. This song tells a story.
3. Monster (4:09)—Definitely the darker side here with lines like “He ate my heart.” Poor Lady GaGa. But the track still has a dang good beat. And is kinda Brit-like. It’s really a great bitter warm-up song.
4. Speechless (4:31)—You can definitely hear the Queen influence of this track in the beginning, and then GaGa gives you almost a twang, and then it reminds me of some of the deeper feeling songs that Christina Aguilera did on this album (and, yes, that album was more than just wet ass-less chaps, believe it or not). Plus, she plays the piano in it, which I love. Perfect for a cool down.
5. Dance In The Dark (4:49)—This breathy, techno track instantly had a place in my heart when I heard its sampling of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper.” It’s definitely high energy and a little disco-y, but the lyrics are dark, even mentioning celeb tragedies, such as JonBenét Ramsey.
6. Telephone (3:40)—Featuring Beyoncé, this one is f-u-n. Very woman-empowering with some really freakin’ strong vocals. Perfect for a workout!
7. So Happy I Could Die (3:55)—Yes, this song talks about Lady touching herself a lot, but I think it’s more in a “I’m here; I’m present” sort of way. At least that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. This track makes for a great recovery song when doing intervals. Just beware, she sings about red wine a lot, and it sure gives this FBG a craving for a good red zin post-workout!
8. Teeth (3:40)—The final track doesn’t disappoint. It’s funky, fun and exactly what you’d expect for a dark Lady GaGa song, including a chorus repeating “Show me your teeth.” I love the song’s sass. And, again, it’s theatrics. Save it for when you’re ready to pick up the pace!

Now I know that not everyone loves the GaGa as much as we do. Tell us, do you love or hate her? And if you love her, what’s your fave GaGa song, little monsters? —Jenn