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So, Born This Way is out, and I, being too curious for my own good, got the album (you can't really beat the $1 deal that was on Amazon.com). Anyone have thoughts on the religious slant of the album? It's rather odd, although the creepy electronic chanting on tracks like "Government slaw" works. And just about every track features some weird scream or squeal from Gaga. I really like this one: But I find myself angered at the lyrics around 2:53. "Dum dum da di da." Really? REALLY? You couldn't think of something more substantial? Maybe it's a commentary on the way that some people mindlessly follow religion :P I could also do without the chanters saying "Gaga." Excellent, excellent dance/pop song otherwise, from the artsy distorted backgrounds and vocals to the twisted mythology, cryptic lyrics, and relaxed tempo. Lady Gaga meets the Bible meets Steampunk. I'm pretty sure she says Punk-tius instead of Pontius too (although the booklet that comes with the CD lists it as Pontius). Is this song about Jesus' mother (there seems to be a reference to some pietà in France)? Mary Magdalene? Mary I of England? Love it.

I think a lot of people expect her to be a role model because of her exposure, and she certainly is to many people. Now there are going to be some people who look at her and say "look at how she's dressed and check out those skimpy clothes" and complain that she's having a negative impact on kids, encouraging them to dress skimpy also. I don't really think that's the case, although there is certainly an element of shock and awe in order to get attention (that's part of her, and many other pop stars', business model - maybe this is something worth talking about too). In relation to her messages being "sick," I think that's missing the point. I doubt she's encouraging unstable romances, for example. Rather, she's making commentaries on society, with her clothes, lyrics, videos, and maybe even music. She also sends the message that it's ok to go against the grain. Sure, many young people won't get it and they'll take her ideas at face value, but that's not like promoting vodka to kids, is it? Then again maybe there is something inherently "sick" in what she does. Any other ideas?

I really enjoy what she does. Always shocking, new videos and decent pop music imo.