Ever since Lady Gaga first hit the pop scene she has been a complete display of what it means to be creative and original, often times pushing the limits of what it means to be an artist.

 Sometimes it may be hard to remember that Gaga actually is a musician, especially when there are so many distractions – meat dresses, mile-high hair and zombie teeth – but on her newly released album “Artpop,” she gives listeners something new to talk about. 

 The album opens up with the strange, subliminal track “Aura.”

 Gaga invites listeners in to have a closer look at the unknown: “Do you wanna see me naked, lover? / Do you wanna peek underneath the cover? / Do you wanna see the girl who lives behind the aura, behind the aura?”

 The track is equipped with creepy laughs, bizarre lyrics, and an electronica beat to get listeners prepared for what is to come. 

 Gaga has always been one to be provocative and daring with her lyrics and nothing has changed on this album.

 Tracks like “G.U.Y.,” “Sexxx Dreams” and “Do What You Want” – Featuring R. Kelly – display Gaga’s obsession with lust and seduction.

 In “G.U.Y.” listeners are given an edgy beat with a catchy tune while Gaga sings about being in a power position with her relationship and taking control.

 “I wanna be that guy, G.U.Y. / The girl under you (GUY)… / I don’t need to be on top to know I’m wanted / Cause I’m strong enough to know the truth.“

 Aside from being risqué, Gaga tries to shakes things by bringing hip-hop into her mysterious world.

 She takes a brave and dangerous plunge into the world of trap music – a style originating from the southern United States with crunk music influences – with “Jewels n’ Drugs.”

 This track features rappers T.I., Too $hort and Twista. Individually, all four artists have something great to offer musically, but together the sound just seems a little forced and awkward.

 The thought of this collaboration was interesting, but the trap-pop track is full of abrupt transitions and empty lyrics that do nothing to enhance the album.

 Gaga takes a break from the madness with the heavy piano ballad “Dope.” I know I fu—- up again / Because I lost my only friend / God forgive my sins.”

 Throughout the track, Gaga slurs her lyrics creating a sense of honesty as she promises this drink is her last one.

 Surprisingly, this track shows an unexpected, honest vocal range from Gaga, allowing listeners to cool off before Gaga closes out the album with the potential club track “Gypsy” and radio hit “Applause.”

 “Artpop” is full of songs with underlying electronica beats, including topics touching on everything from drugs, lust, God and fame, providing listeners with something interesting.

 Gaga has been known to do what she wants, how she wants, regardless of what critics think, and this album fearlessly expresses just that. 

Anisca Miles can be reached at [email protected]