Lady Gaga’s “Applause”: Listen To Her First ‘ARTPOP’ Single In Full

Robbie Daw | August 12, 2013 9:50 am

Well, this is quite a surprise. Lady Gaga tweeted the following, just short time ago: “DUE TO HACKERS AN ABUNDANCE OF LOW/HIGH QUALITY LEAKS…WE ISSUE THIS POP MUSIC EMERGENCY…MONSTERS SPREAD THE WORD” And that pop emergency just happens to be the release of the lead ARTPOP single “Applause,” a full week ahead of schedule. (And, yes, KatyCats — “Applause” has arrived the same day as “Roar.”)

It’s only the first listen, but it’s clear that the song ticks all the right boxes when it comes to being a balls-to-the-wall pop delight. Head below to give Gaga’s first new single in two years a spin.

One of the first things that becomes apparent with “Applause” is that the cover art isn’t the only thing referencing David Bowie — Gaga’s delivery of the lyrics on the verses is a straight-up homage to the Thin White Duke.

Another notable thing about the song: Gaga makes good on her promise that, with ARTPOP, she’s getting back to her more “fun” nature from the days of The Fame. (Of course, the jury’s still out on the rest of the album.)

Gone are the urgent longings for meeting at the electric chapel, the metaphorical waxing on government hookers and the clinging to biblical demons. The most urgent plea from Mother Monster in “Applause” is for her followers to “put your hands up, make them touch!”

“Applause” instead delivers something that was missing from the bulk of the tracks on previous release Born This Way: an immediate sense that this is pop doing what good pop songs should do, which is grab you by the collar from the first listen and make you fall in love on the spot. “Poker Face” had it. “Paparazzi” and “Bad Romance,” too.

Chalk “Applause” up to another score for Lady Gaga. It’s been awhile, but we’re more than happy to say she’s back.

Oh, and as for Gaga herself, she seems overjoyed at the moment, despite the early release:

What are your own thoughts on “Applause”? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter.

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