Born This Way by Lady Gaga (#484)

In this high-energy episode of Backwards Beats Podcast, Dan and Carl dive into Lady Gaga’s bold and eclectic 2011 album, Born This Way (Rolling Stone’s #484). Recorded during a sleepy spring evening, the hosts bring humor, insight, and deep musical analysis to Gaga’s electronic, dance-driven celebration of identity, empowerment, and defiance. They explore Gaga's musical fandom, theatrical flair, and fearlessness in confronting social issues, all while unpacking the album’s rich production and music theory layers — and of course, throwing in a few fake ads and laughs along the way.

Key Points

• Context & Impact: Born This Way is rooted in Gaga’s advocacy for self-love and LGBTQ+ rights, wrapped in high-energy dance pop with religious and personal themes throughout.

• Production & Style: A diverse producer roster (including RedOne, DJ White Shadow, and Mutt Lange) creates a vibrant mix of electronic subgenres, classic rock influences, and theatrical flair.

• Musical Theory Insights:

  • Frequent use of minor keys, Lydian mode lifts, and even rare touches like Locrian melodies.
  • Club-ready four-on-the-floor beats dominate, but Gaga infuses operatic intros, unexpected chord shifts, and stylistic surprises.
• Standout Tracks:
  • "Marry the Night" – Sets a cinematic and energetic tone with a Lydian bridge lift.
  • "Born This Way" – A defining empowerment anthem influenced by Carl Bean’s 1977 song.
  • "Government Hooker" – Dark, industrial flavors and a hint of Locrian melody.
  • "Americano" – Flamenco and mariachi influences collide with theatrical flair.
  • "You and I" – A country-rock departure featuring Brian May of Queen.
• Album Flow:
  • Strong, unified front half; a brief slump in the middle; a rallying, arena-sized finish with "You and I" and "Edge of Glory."
• Cultural Commentary:
  • Discussion of Gaga’s homage to Madonna, her complex relationship with religion, and her legacy of embracing musical diversity and showmanship.

Music Referenced

• Harry Styles
• Kenny Loggins
• Shakira
• Bonnie Raitt
• Marvin Gaye
• Kylie Minogue
• U2
• AC/DC
• Def Leppard
• Shania Twain
• Radio Gaga by Queen
• We Will Rock You by Queen
• The Beatles
• Love Song by The Cure
• I Was Born This Way by Carl Bean
• Nine Inch Nails
• DJ White Shadow
• Die Eier von Satan by Tool
• Rihanna
• La Bouche
• Real McCoy
• Crazy Nights by Kiss
• Turn On The Night by Kiss
• My Way by Kiss
• God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You II by Kiss
• Shout It Out Loud by Kiss
• Iron Maiden
• Bruce Springsteen
• Never Gonna Get It by En Vogue
• Reload by Rob Zombie
• Metallica
• Brian May

Join us next week when we cover The Anthology by Muddy Waters