The Fame (music cd) by Lady Gaga
Interscope Records, 2008

Summary:
The Fame is best selling dance-pop album that is still spawning hits a year after it has been released. "Just Dance" was the first single to reach the top of the charts, followed by "Love Game," "Pokerface," "Paparazzi," and now "Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)" is currently making its way to the top. Even slower songs towards the end of the album like "Brown Eyes," and "Summerboy," still have strong beats.

Critical Evaluation:
I am not a huge fan of dance music, but Lady Gaga has won me over. This album is so fun and addicting, and especially great to listen to while cleaning or exercising. The eccentric Lady Gaga herself is fascinating to follow and only adds to the power of the music. The lyrics are not brilliant ("Let's have some fun/This beat is sick/I want to take a ride on your disco stick"), but definitely more substantial than most dance songs. In the current climate of recession and war, The Fame is a great escape after NPR has worn you down.

Listener's Annotation:
No one will get you moving quicker than Lady Gaga.

Information about the Artist:
Lady Gaga (real name: Stefani Germanotta) learned to play the piano when she was 4 years old, and by the time she was 17 was studying music at New York University's Tisch School of Arts. She was signed with a label by the time she was 20. The Fame is her first full-length album.

Genre: dance-pop music

Curriculum Ties: none

CD-talking Ideas: I would probably just play the CD, or describe the type of infectious electronic dance music it is.

Interest Age: This album would be appropriate for ages 13 and up.

Challenge Issues:
There are some questionable lyrics on this album, and people might have a problem with Lady Gaga herself, running around without pants like she usually does. I would explain the library's selection policy and give the challenger a complaint form to fill out.

Why I chose this CD:
Lady Gaga is incredibly popular right now and every self-respecting young adult library should know who she is. Teens and adults alike can't get enough of her.