Rant part 2/3 (culmination):
I literally was in shock after seeing "Paper Gangsta" elimination... still can't process how that happened.
Before top 40? Just... how?
It constantly swaps with "Paparazzi" as my favorite song from "The Fame" and was one of the contenders for my 11. Probably in my top 3 of her deep cuts, too. I deliberately didn't comment on the song, since I had a lot to say about it and in no way saw it leaving so early. Let's do it now, then:
What a song. That fantastic piano riff sets the song apart in the first few seconds. The hard beat comes in and sets the tone immediately. Gaga's intentionally awkward and auto-tuned rap (with some
brilliant lines) is such a genius way of representing the manipulation, considering the song's inspiration and theme. And then comes the crowning glory: that pre-chorus and chorus combo is just too good to be true. As many of you pointed out, the pre-chorus is one of the best moments of the entire album. The chorus melody is so infectious and insanely catchy, yet manages to have that dose of melancholy which is present throughout the song. You could literally play that chorus on loop for hours and I wouldn't get bored of it. Simple, yet so freaking effective. The use of vocals as synths, as well as the ones which are reminiscent of the big hits from "The Fame", make it one of RedOne's best productions. I must point out the lyrics, too, which are amazing. With lines ranging from her signature and witty play on words
'sometimes I felt so Def in the Jam' to downright brilliant
'the dinners were nice 'til your diamond words melted into some ice' , it really shows how genius the song is and that Gaga wasn't playing with this one. The middle-8 with those vocals (which kind of sounds as distorted 'hallelujah' chants to me) is another amazing moment worth mentioning.
All that packed as a kiss-off to her label. A modern day masterpiece.
Truly one of the best things she's ever done, a missed single opportunity (still, it was used in the "Telephone" music video, not every song has that) and such a damn tune, yet you decided it isn't even top half of Lady Gaga's discography. I've always seen it as a fan-favorite and it really is puzzling to see a lot of weaker songs outlast it. It's a pity it didn't get a proper spotlight for its elimination, too, but I can understand the timing.
At least these voters had enough taste to recognize this ultimate gem and thank you so much for that:
Don't want no paper gangsta, oh-oh
Don't want no paper gangsta, oh-oh!
