HAIR

HAIR
I think it is pretty clear to see that Gaga has her own original, authentic style. All of her so called "crazy" outfits and performances are there to made a statement, and sure, to entertain. However, for Lady Gaga to achieve her internationally recognizable style, she sometimes plans her outfits and performances months in advance. This is something Gaga must be very proud of. She has her own style and her own artistic vision. Her songs preach about self-acceptence and being proud of who you are. This leads me to HAIR, Gaga's new hit. Lady Gaga released her next hit single HAIR on Monday, May 16, 2011. I waited 2 days to write a review because I felt it is important to listen to the song at different times in order to form my concrete opinion on the song, and to understand it the best.

What it sounds like: A bunch of artists you probably never really thought you’d hear in the same place, as a Dr. Luke-esque dance pop beat is adorned by woozy Weezer synths, Boys Like Girls-style backing “oh-oh”s. The song features great synthesizers and dance beats, Lady Gaga's specialty. My initial thought was that it sounded like a Bruce Springsteen song with the piano and saxophone, but with a more rock feeling. Also, the last line of the song reminds me of one of Miley Cyrus' songs: It's the Climb (seriously). The song has a pop/ dance feel to it, but could also be called rock. With Gaga's vocal talents she could perform it under any genre. However, if I had to pick non rock or pop, it would be jazz. A jazzy edition sung live by the Lady Gaga herself would be spectacular.

"Pros: First and foremost, that Gaga spends much of the song declaring “I am my hair” and does not come off as a complete dolt for doing so. Gaga’s use of her hair as a metaphor for her style and independence may be a little out-there, but the confidence and clarity of her message and the righteous conviction of the music provides support towards the metaphor, and in return, causes the listener to understand what Gaga is saying perfectly clearly. The overarching message of the song is to be comfortable with who you are; this song is about having confidence and being proud your style and your overall self. Gaga has said that HAIR is her favorite song on the album. Its one of my favorite songs of her released to date. It has the typical Gaga feeling which is what I like the most. It's a powerful song. I am excited to hear her perform it live. And the musical amalgamation, while jarring at first, actually turns out to be quite a potent mix. All the little touches are great—the sprinklings of “Thunder Road” piano and saxophone (though this is neither the great Clarence Clemons’ first nor finest appearance on the album), the subtle appearances of the classic “Be My Baby” drum beat (when has this ever not been a welcome addition to a pop song?), Gaga’s final wails of “my haiiii-aiiiirrr!!“—and the chorus brings it all together in one hands-in-the-air moment of glorious individualistic release. You will be very surprised how much you enjoy listening to this song."

Yearbook Lyric: “This is my prayer / That I’ll die living just as free as my hair.”

Gaga Hashtags: Stutter hook, disco, freedom, parents, being a teen, Springsteen, piano breaks, prayer, pop, rock, dance, figurative language

POPDUST SAYS: Coming in at #6, quite possibly the best-ever Lady Gaga song to share its name with a mixed drink.

On the surface there isn't a lot to be said about the song. This song is another example that shows how honest and beautiful pop music can be. If looked at in depth and on a serious note, the songs provide insight on Gaga's life. Certainly Gaga incorporated the Springsteen feel into the song because Gaga was a huge fan in But the words speak for themselves. Although the song's title is symbolic for Gaga's style, the words aren't necessarily take as much effort to understand the underlying message. Like Born This Way, this song is very literal. Here is the first stanza/verse:

Whenever I'm dressed cool

My parents put up a fight.
And if I'm a hot shot,
Mom will cut my hair at night.
And in the morning,
I'm short of my identity.
I scream Mom and Dad,
Why can't I be who I wanna be?

This reveals that Gaga's parents have had AN effect on Gaga. They have limited Gaga's artist freedom by limiting what she can and can't wear. It sounds bad but Would Gaga have the same artistic output if she didn't feel limited and had to push for her art? Probably not. Part of Gaga's inspiration and made her to determine to be a star was for revenge. And if it did, I'm sure we wouldn't see the same outlandish hairstyles she has worn. (Look above!) Like other artists said, It's a big Fuck You to everyone who told I wouldn't make it.

This was shown when she performed at the MONSTERBALL:

“Tonight, I want you to forget all of your insecurities. I want you to reject anyone or anything that has made you feel like you don’t belong, or don’t fit in, or that you’re not good enough, or pretty enough, or thin enough, or can’t sing well enough, or can’t dance well enough, or can’t write a song well enough, or you’ll never be No. 1, or you’ll never win a Grammy, or you’ll never fill an arena, or you’ll never be a superstar. You just remember that 

YOU ARE A FUCKING SUPERSTAR AND YOU BORN THIS WAY!

(how inspiring)

I just wanna be myself,
And I want you to love me for who I am.
I just wanna be myself,
And I want you to know, I am my hair.

I've had enough, this is my prayer,
That I'll die living just as free as my hair.
I've had enough, this is my prayer,
That I'll die living just as free as my hair.
I've had enough, I'm not a freak,
I'm just here trying to play cool on the streets
I've had enough, enough, enough,
And this is my prayer, I swear,
I'm as free as my hair.
I am my hair

Sometimes I waltz around,
Put on red highlights.
Just because I want my friends,
To think I'm dynamite.
And on Friday rocks in,
High school dance.
I got my bangs too hot,
That I don't stand a chance.

I just wanna be myself,
And I want you to love me for who I am.
I just wanna be myself,
And I want you to know, I am my hair.

I've had enough, this is my prayer,
That I'll die living just as free as my hair.
I've had enough, this is my prayer,
That I'll die living just as free as my hair.

I've had enough, I'm not a freak, I'm just here trying to play cool on the streets

(This is for those who doubted Gaga. This line is so powerful because it is Gaga's peaceful way of telling the public that she is an artist to her core, not some silly entertainment pop singer. Her music and her fashion are part of her artistic freedom and are part of her artistic vision)

I've had enough, enough, enough,
And this is my prayer, I swear,
I'm as free as my hair.
I am my hair

I just want to be free, I just want to be me
And I want lots of friends who invite me to their parties.
I don't wanna change, and I don't wanna be ashamed.
I'm the spirit of my Hair, it's all the glory that I bare.

I am my hair, I am my hair
It's all the glory that I bare
x2

I've had enough, this is my prayer,
That I'll die living just as free as my hair.
I've had enough, this is my prayer,
That I'll die living just as free as my hair.
I've had enough, I'm not a freak, I'm just here trying to play cool on the streets
(During Gaga's high school years, she felt like an outcast. She just wanted to fit in. She just wanted to be the cool kid at the party. Well Gaga, look at yourself. Is there anyone who is bigger than you?

(VMA outfits)
(Telephone)
(Gypsy 05 leather jacket)

I've had enough, enough, enough,
And this is my prayer, I swear,
I'm as free as my hair.
I'm as free as my hair.
I am my hair.
I am my hair.
HAIR is simply Gaga's cry for her feeling of acceptance from other people. It is her plea.
SMILE, you're so fucking famous.
Engulf yourself in boundless freedom.

Listen to it HAIR