By james art Rating: 3/5 stars
Lady Gaga’s new album Harlequin, a companion to her latest film, Joker: Folie à Deux, is a mix of classic theater and jazz standards with funk and soft pop.
The spirit of the late great Judy Garland must have possessed Gaga during the first two songs as she brought to life Garland’s iconic song “Good Morning” (although it is most often associated with “Singin’ In The Rain”, written in 1939 d. for Garland’s film Babes in Arms) and “Get Happy,” which is commonly remembered as an iconic hit for the late singer in her film Summer Stock. Gaga’s vocals fit the tracks perfectly, with the exception of changes made to fit storylines and themes seen in “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
All the tracks on the album follow a similar style, with the lyrics changed from their original format to fit the image of her character Harleen “Lee” Quinzel. The chaotic energy is harnessed by Gaga’s powerful vocals as she glides from one song to the next. “Oh, When the Saints” is the first track to introduce an element of funk with energetic bass lines and jazzy deviations, while also channeling a more pop-sounding voice on behalf of the singer. The album’s rendition of the jazz standard is a sharp departure from its predecessors by ramping up the excitement and over-accompaniment. This only continues as Gaga flirts with old melodies and lyrics, taking listeners into the world of Harleen Quinzel, a character who is and always will be deeply troubled, growing as her relationship with the Joker deepens.
The two original songs on the album come as tracks towards the end. Of the two, “Happy Mistake,” track number 12, is a delicate piece that beautifully showcases Lady Gaga’s talent. The song is a stark contrast to the major musical highlights seen in the other larger-than-life tunes. Although excellently composed and performed, “Happy Mistake” feels awkwardly placed on the album. With the exception of the first two tracks, almost the entire album feels awkward in its places. The quick digressions from track to track are rough on the ears and on any music lover’s soul, but it makes sense for Gaga’s goal of capturing her interpretation of the infamous villain.
“Harlequin” itself is a good album that fits right in with the previous jazz albums Lady Gaga has released. However, the context of the album is necessary when listening due to the added hints of “Joker: Folie à Deux” and the overall exploration of Harleen Quinzel’s life. What she lacks in flow, however, Gaga makes up for with her stunning voice and spectacular arrangements of beloved classics. The album also helps to breathe new life into these songs for a younger audience, giving the opportunity to broaden the perception of standard classics in the predominantly electronic music world.
Image from Lady Gaga through Youtube