Lady Gaga – a name synonymous with bold creativity, unwavering passion, and an unrelenting desire to push boundaries. Behind the iconic wigs, captivating performances, and chart-topping hits lies a trailblazer who has consistently defied expectations and blurred the lines between art, music, and culture. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Gaga has proven herself to be a master of reinvention – a true chameleon who has seamlessly transitioned from pop sensation to actress, fashion icon, and social activist.
Gaga’s Country Crossover
Lady Gaga is one of the most versatile artists in recent memory. Few of her peers could hold a candle to her unabashed artistry. Charting a course through Gaga’s career trajectory is a fickle task. There are many off-shoots that come as off-the-wall, but welcomed treats. Below, find our three favorite of Lady Gaga’s unexpected career moves.
Softening Her Sound: The Acoustic Ballads and Cowboy Inspiration Behind Joanne
First up on our list unexpected Lady Gaga career moves, we have her turn towards country: Joanne. Though this album has some of her traditional sound imbued throughout, Joanne is markedly softer than most of her albums. From acoustic ballads to songs about the ultimate cowboy, John Wayne, this album was a massive step in a new direction for Gaga.
Take my hand, stay Joanne
Heaven’s not ready for you
Every part of my aching heart
Needs you more than the angels do
Girl Where do you think you’re goin’? Where do you think you’re goin’?
Goin’, girl?
Collaborations with Tony Bennett
Next up on our list of Lady Gaga career moves, we have something in a similar vein. Gaga switched up her sound massively through her collaborations with Tony Bennett. Leaning on a jazz influenced sound, Gaga became a golden age vocalist. This version of Gaga would’ve found a comfortable home amongst Bennett’s generation.
On top of their musical collaborations being stellar, their unique relationship was always a comforting thought while Bennett was alive. Revisit their rendition of “Cheek to Cheek,” below.
Heaven, I’m in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek
Yes, heaven, I’m in heaven
And the cares that hung around me through the week
Seem to vanish like a gambler’s lucky streak
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek
A Star is Born
After conquering the music scene, Gaga decided to take over the silver screen. Gaga shined in this 2018 remake of A Star is Born. While everyone knew she would be vocally impressive, her acting skills didn’t disappoint either–and this wasn’t an easy role to play. The story of A Star is Born is emotionally heavy. Certainly not the kind of thing someone would expect a green actor to tackle. However, Gaga did so superbly in this unexpected career move.
That Arizona sky burnin’ in your eyes
You look at me and, babe, I wanna catch on fire
It’s buried in my soul like California gold
You found the light in me that I couldn’t find
Gaga’s Golden Age
Lady Gaga is one of the most versatile artists in recent memory. Few of her peers could hold a candle to her unabashed artistry. Charting a course through Gaga’s career trajectory is a fickle task. There are many off-shoots that come as off-the-wall, but welcomed treats. Below, find our three favorite of Lady Gaga’s unexpected career moves.
First up on our list unexpected Lady Gaga career moves, we have her turn towards country: Joanne. Though this album has some of her traditional sound imbued throughout, Joanne is markedly softer than most of her albums. From acoustic ballads to songs about the ultimate cowboy, John Wayne, this album was a massive step in a new direction for Gaga.
Take my hand, stay Joanne Heaven’s not ready for you Every part of my aching heart Needs you more than the angels do Girl Where do you think you’re goin’? Where do you think you’re goin’? Goin’, girl?
Jazzing Up Her Sound: The Unlikely Collaborations and “Cheek to Cheek”
Next up on our list of Lady Gaga career moves, we have something in a similar vein. Gaga switched up her sound massively through her collaborations with Tony Bennett. Leaning on a jazz influenced sound, Gaga became a golden age vocalist. This version of Gaga would’ve found a comfortable home amongst Bennett’s generation.
On top of their musical collaborations being stellar, their unique relationship was always a comforting thought while Bennett was alive. Revisit their rendition of “Cheek to Cheek,” below.
Heaven, I’m in heaven And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak And I seem to find the happiness I seek When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek Yes, heaven, I’m in heaven And the cares that hung around me through the week Seem to vanish like a gambler’s lucky streak When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek
Finding Comfort in Bennett’s Generation: The Timeless Appeal of Their Musical Partnership
This version of Gaga would’ve found a comfortable home amongst Bennett’s generation. On top of their musical collaborations being stellar, their unique relationship was always a comforting thought while Bennett was alive.
Gaga’s Cinematic Debut
After conquering the music scene, Gaga decided to take over the silver screen. Gaga shined in this 2018 remake of A Star is Born. While everyone knew she would be vocally impressive, her acting skills didn’t disappoint either–and this wasn’t an easy role to play.
The story of A Star is Born is emotionally heavy. Certainly not the kind of thing someone would expect a green actor to tackle. However, Gaga did so superbly in this unexpected career move.
That Arizona sky burnin’ in your eyes You look at me and, babe, I wanna catch on fire It’s buried in my soul like California gold You found the light in me that I couldn’t find
Conclusion
In “Applause: 3 of Lady Gaga’s Most Unexpected Career Moves” for American Songwriter, we delved into the fascinating career trajectory of the legendary artist. The article highlighted three pivotal moments that showcased Lady Gaga’s unwavering commitment to innovation and artistic expression. From her bold move to star in American Horror Story to her foray into acting and television, the singer demonstrated a willingness to challenge conventional norms and push beyond the boundaries of her musical identity. Additionally, her highly acclaimed role in A Star is Born cemented her status as a versatile performer, capable of navigating multiple creative mediums.
The significance of Lady Gaga’s unexpected career moves lies in their profound impact on the music industry and popular culture. By exploring new avenues and defying expectations, she has inspired a generation of artists to take risks and pursue their passions, regardless of conventional wisdom. Her unapologetic approach to creativity has paved the way for a new era of artistic experimentation and fusion, where music, film, and art converge to create something truly innovative. As we move forward, it will be intriguing to see how Lady Gaga continues to evolve and challenge the status quo, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
In the end, Lady Gaga’s trailblazing spirit serves as a powerful reminder that true artistry knows no bounds. Her willingness to defy expectations and push the limits of her craft has not only solidified her status as a legend but has also inspired a new wave of creatives to follow in her footsteps. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: Lady Gaga’s legacy will continue to inspire, provoke, and awe, leaving an enduring impact on the world of music and beyond.