I want to write this before the video drops, because this isn’t about the visual it about the message, it’s about the sound. I feel like the reception to Perfect Illusion has been mixed or at least, anyone who has expressed dissentiment with the track, might hopefully understand it more after reading this.
This is going to come from a few directions but I will try to keep it is as succinct as possible. Firstly, Perfect Illusion is a perfect illusion. It’s almost what ARTPOP intended by “my ARTPOP could mean anything”. If anything, this is a totally natural construct of a wider understanding. The song also shows the vulnerability that we haven’t experienced vocally since the end part of Bad Romance. I don’t talk about celebrity relationships but the song, of course could/is also about her relationship status/love, but also cocaine (or your preferred drug of choice), but also a conceptual reality.
If anything, it is one of the most universally relatable songs ever written in the history of time.
Again, a reason why I feel it has been critically under-rated as a piece of art. Maybe, it just takes time to sink in.
Anyway, from a production standpoint, you’re talking to a human who LOVED Grimes and Bloodpop’s GO, so that future bass element alone brings entire levels of joy to my life. Gaga’s vocal delivery is UNPRECEDENTED in her career – the rawness, key change and range alone are TO BE RIVALLED BY ANY CURRENT ARTIST. Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Bloodpop, Tame Impala – you superheroes of music.
Also, and I know this is going to sound odd, but I am going to address it anyway because most people writing “reviews” about a song probably won’t address this. Gaga is one of THE ONLY white pop artists in the current climate to show massive solidarity for Black Lives Matters, and is an exception to humanity who has transcended music and art and is an unrivalled deity. So please understand if you are a person of colour, you have more than just an ally, you have a woke goddess of the future backing you.
Finally, briefly on the artwork and direction. Mindset, rawness, documentary approach – all exactly how it should be done at this stage, considering history and the need to musicians to revalidate themselves in a digital era gone awry.
Peace and thank you Lady Gaga.