Born This Way
by Lady Gaga
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 2316 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,955 out of 2316
  2. Mixed: 109 out of 2316
  3. Negative: 252 out of 2316
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  1. dp2007
    May 23, 2011
    10
    If you're looking for a secondary Bad Romance or Just Dance, this album is not your cup of tea. This album shows the maturity of Lady Gaga. Born This Way is her finest work to date, and it nearly lived up to the hype that Gaga made it out to be. The Album Of The Decade? Maybe. The Album Of The Year? Sure. Either way, this goes to show that Gaga is here to stay.
  2. DrewPa
    May 23, 2011
    10
    17 Songs, 17 great Pop Tracks... in this album you can find an amount of ideas that could be enough for 5 albums by any other pop singer. And then you have a real singer. If you have to hear talking about a record for one year and a half, that's exactly what you want to listen to.
  3. Iswearimsmart
    May 23, 2011
    9
    Born this Way is a stunning pop album that I will be listening for a long time. What's funny is after the first listen, this was not my reaction. To put it bluntly, I was underwhelmed. There were good songs, but none seemed as catchy or defining as "Just Dance" or "Bad Romance." The album also felt kind of jumbled and random. After several more listens, not only did every song grow on meBorn this Way is a stunning pop album that I will be listening for a long time. What's funny is after the first listen, this was not my reaction. To put it bluntly, I was underwhelmed. There were good songs, but none seemed as catchy or defining as "Just Dance" or "Bad Romance." The album also felt kind of jumbled and random. After several more listens, not only did every song grow on me but the songs also felt more connected. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time to realize what Gaga is actually trying to say or do. Basically this album is part reflective and part self empowerment for her fans. Gaga is basically looking at her life, what she rejoices (religion... Judas, Black Jesus + Amen Fashion... plus plenty more have more subtle undertones of religion.) and what she has learned. At first it was almost jarring how much Gaga has changed. Wasn't this the artist whose debut album was a sexy commentary on Fame and it's consequences? Listen closely, and you'll realize she is still commenting on fame, but she is extending her message further. The more I think about it, the more impressed I am with her. Still, the album isn't perfect. "Judas" while catchy is a pretty weak and generic song (though it does have an interesting message... nothing groundbreaking though.) I've warmed up to "Hair" but it's still not the greatest. "Born this way" grew on me in a big way, but I wish the lyrics would have been more like the sexy, juicy and more subtle lyrics from "The Fame." These are not songs I hate, I don't think I hate any of Gaga's songs, she is just capable of better as evidenced by the rest of her album. "Government Hooker," "Schiebe" "Bloody Mary," "Americano," "Electric Chapel," "You and I," and "The Edge of Glory" are the stand out tracks from this album ("Black Jesus + Amen Fashion" is my favorite of the three additional tracks from the deluxe version, though all are good.) All and all this is a darker and weirder turn for Gaga, and I appreciate the effort. I'm tired of all this fluffy pop crap on the radio. If you are a dance music fan... you will love this album!… Expand
  4. dafahmi91
    May 23, 2011
    10
    I can't say any word except FANTASTIC!!!!!!!, keep it up Gaga......!!!!!
    every songs are addicting and gave me an eargasm I luv this album more than her previous album
  5. Drayke
    May 24, 2011
    10
    Born This Way is a spectacular album. It's been decades since a pop album of this caliber has been released. In some ways, it feels very familiar and retro. At the same time though, it feels totally fresh and almost alien at times. Elements of different genres and influences from decades past come together in unique ways to create songs that defy categorization. Electric Chapel is a sweet,Born This Way is a spectacular album. It's been decades since a pop album of this caliber has been released. In some ways, it feels very familiar and retro. At the same time though, it feels totally fresh and almost alien at times. Elements of different genres and influences from decades past come together in unique ways to create songs that defy categorization. Electric Chapel is a sweet, mellow pop track with 80s rock/metal instrumentals. Bloody Mary is a spooky cool mid-tempo electro ballad told from the perspective of the ghost of Mary Magdalene. Sheisse sounds like an early 90s concept of a "futuristic" song, with bizarre screams and faux-German chants mixed with a great beat and one hell of a chorus. The Edge Of Glory sounds like one of the best 80s power ballads of all time. It just took an extra 25 years to be written. All in all, this is one of the most memorable, eclectic, catchy, and frenetic pop albums in recent memory. It's a must-have for any pop fan.… Expand
  6. Hookerish
    May 24, 2011
    10
    I love it! every songs are single worthy, it's different from her previous work. definitely her best work yet, and one of the best album ever. definitely worth every penny.
  7. Davvid93
    May 24, 2011
    10
    For this, her latest masterpiece, "Born This Way" was indeed born out of her. It's everything GaGa, from the star to beginning it is all fully her.
  8. Vic
    May 31, 2011
    9
    This album differs from previous Gaga's albums, but it's not worse and I guess not better. It's just different. There are no stand-out songs but every song is fun, cool and easy to listen. It's a totally commercial album that was made in a highly professional style! Not a lot of musicians can actually do something like that nowadays! It's a solid album and it leaves only positive emotions!
  9. enjoyjoyjoy
    May 24, 2011
    7
    Born This Way is just okay. The songs don't all sound the same, the production is interesting and positively uses electronic elements to the benefits of the 80s sounding song. This is Gaga's thesis. She's analytically studying the music she was probably born to. It's scratchy and raw but thankfully, not generic like today's contemporary pop. The only flaw is 'Americano' which, sadly, is aBorn This Way is just okay. The songs don't all sound the same, the production is interesting and positively uses electronic elements to the benefits of the 80s sounding song. This is Gaga's thesis. She's analytically studying the music she was probably born to. It's scratchy and raw but thankfully, not generic like today's contemporary pop. The only flaw is 'Americano' which, sadly, is a poor interpretation of last year's 'We No Speak Americano'. 'You & I' and 'Highway Unicorn' is broodingly long and is not up to par with the other songs. Speaking of which, the other songs would make a great partition to what could be album of the decade. Half of the songs are interestingly OK re-interpretations and mash-up of 'Teeth' and 'So Happy I Could Die', these songs may be the so-called 'fillers' but with Gaga there is no such thing. And she is doing 80s. She was like what, 1 years old? So she does not fully understand the aura, euphoria and situation of the world when those 80s songs came out to be loved by many, this may be the reason why some critics are giving BTW bad reviews. Those who do give good reviews realize that her efforts need be rewarded. Look where we are now. 'Friday'? Rebecca Black is the next-generation of pop so of course we need BTW. Let's just hope that in six months time, Gaga will come up an un-pretentious EP that will obliterate BTW's okay-ness and be EP of the decade. Amen.… Expand
  10. AndresAlfonso
    May 25, 2011
    10
    Buen álbum francamente pense que iba a ser un mal album pero despues de escucharlo me di cuenta que es muy bueno , con este album Gaga me ha impresionado va por el camino correcto ...No es el album de la decada pero si es Un Muy buen album POP ..
  11. DavidIsOverHere
    Oct 15, 2011
    9
    Needless to say, awesome album. Tiny Mix Tapes is obviously unprofessional and biased to give it a zero, especially when almost every other review disagrees with it. Those who hate this album are just prejudiced against mainstream music and are very bigoted about it, or they believe those dumb rumours of Lady Gaga being Satanic when they have no hard evidence. Period.
  12. ohaiKendyl
    May 31, 2011
    7
    Born This Way will more than likely be a masterpiece for die-hard GaGa fans. For everyone else, it'll just be a recommendation. It is certainly more different than any other pop album of 2011, for sure. Another shiny aspect of Born This Way is that it sounds like a remastered blast from the '80s. The standout tracks are "Electric Chapel" and "The Edge of Glory", which definitely drawBorn This Way will more than likely be a masterpiece for die-hard GaGa fans. For everyone else, it'll just be a recommendation. It is certainly more different than any other pop album of 2011, for sure. Another shiny aspect of Born This Way is that it sounds like a remastered blast from the '80s. The standout tracks are "Electric Chapel" and "The Edge of Glory", which definitely draw influence from '80s dance pop and europop. However, one of its weakest tracks are "Judas", which is basically a rewritten version of "Bad Romance", both having the same tone and meaning.… Expand
  13. Jake1994
    May 24, 2011
    10
    i really enjoyed that gaga changed her musical style on this album , The great pop-rock techno feel is great . I Enjoyed this album ALOT more than the fame and almost as much as the fame MonsTer
    Recommended this album to anyone wants an 80's feeling album and if your're a fan of Gaga
  14. GermanHooker
    May 25, 2011
    10
    10,0 ! After my first listen to Born This Way (Single) I didn't really know what to expect since the sound was quite different. But she had me after the first listen to that record... It's so different from what's going on in music right now. Her vocals are on point (she didn't really got the chance on THE FAME/THE FAME MONSTER to show what she's got), the songs are catchy, the lyrics fun10,0 ! After my first listen to Born This Way (Single) I didn't really know what to expect since the sound was quite different. But she had me after the first listen to that record... It's so different from what's going on in music right now. Her vocals are on point (she didn't really got the chance on THE FAME/THE FAME MONSTER to show what she's got), the songs are catchy, the lyrics fun and smart. I love it and its definitely on my FAVOURITE RECORDS OF ALL TIME-list.… Expand
  15. Kevinwho
    May 24, 2011
    10
    This album has something special. She sings with her heart and emotions, she wrote the whole album. It DOES have a meaning. The way she sings it's just perfect, she always gives a special touch to her music. I really loved it.
  16. bentspud
    Jun 17, 2011
    0
    Album of the decade? More like Epic Fail of the decade. Like her first two studio efforts, this record is nothing but a collection of pandering clichés and rehashed, derivative music that attempts to lay claim to substance by championing a completely plastic "love yourself, be yourself" movement. The truth is that it is as devoid of substance as the cheesy album cover andAlbum of the decade? More like Epic Fail of the decade. Like her first two studio efforts, this record is nothing but a collection of pandering clichés and rehashed, derivative music that attempts to lay claim to substance by championing a completely plastic "love yourself, be yourself" movement. The truth is that it is as devoid of substance as the cheesy album cover and simply reeks of desperation, insincerity and misplaced confidence bordering on egomania.… Expand
  17. Allthatjazz
    Jun 29, 2011
    6
    Whenever an artist claims to have made the best album of the decade, one can assume that they are going to let you down. Born This Way was supposed to be the album that pushes society into acceptance and equal rights, but instead it was a heaping mess of dance tracks and lyrics that are completely inconsistent. Gaga built this album up as if it was going to be like Marvin Gaye's "What'sWhenever an artist claims to have made the best album of the decade, one can assume that they are going to let you down. Born This Way was supposed to be the album that pushes society into acceptance and equal rights, but instead it was a heaping mess of dance tracks and lyrics that are completely inconsistent. Gaga built this album up as if it was going to be like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?" but instead it was like a less impressive version of "True Blue" by Madonna. I was sorely disappointed that I paid for the deluxe version of this album. It had some good songs but it was nowhere near as good as the Fame or the Fame Monster. I just hope this is Gaga's slump and that she recovers on her next album.… Expand
  18. theplasticmind
    May 27, 2011
    7
    BTW is not that bad, is all the way better than her old releases with no doubt, but i think she may be more strong and less full of herself when will make this, some songs are really good but others just dispossable, if the whole album have a artistic power that some songget may be flawless.
  19. wkliew
    Jun 26, 2011
    9
    I have played this album numerous times without skipping a track.This is one of the most diverse albums with interesting lyrics and the dance beats are out of this world.Her vocals are pure without interference from auto tune which makes it very real.Each track is different,mostly 80s influence.Such diversity in an album is a rare find these days.Overall,it is better than the Fame & theI have played this album numerous times without skipping a track.This is one of the most diverse albums with interesting lyrics and the dance beats are out of this world.Her vocals are pure without interference from auto tune which makes it very real.Each track is different,mostly 80s influence.Such diversity in an album is a rare find these days.Overall,it is better than the Fame & the Fame Monster and vocally it is her best yet.… Expand
  20. RT_Air
    Jul 5, 2011
    10
    It's pop music at it's finest and definitely Gaga's best record to date. Standout tracks include Americano, ScheiÃ
  21. MovieMachine
    Jul 12, 2011
    9
    This is one of those albums that only die-hard lady gaga fans will talk about. What they're talking about, though, are the aspects of this album that make it pleasant, addictive, retrospective, and quite honestly, beautiful. It's not like gaga's trying to get attention. She's only trying to part her talent from the campy and repetitive "talent" circulating in every radio channel. Her songsThis is one of those albums that only die-hard lady gaga fans will talk about. What they're talking about, though, are the aspects of this album that make it pleasant, addictive, retrospective, and quite honestly, beautiful. It's not like gaga's trying to get attention. She's only trying to part her talent from the campy and repetitive "talent" circulating in every radio channel. Her songs are individually rhythmic and melodic, with novel lyrics and messages. Her tunes are catchy and jumpy, with entertaining and somewhat nostalgic beats. Overall, this album is both an accomplishment worth future accolades AND a piece of modern art.… Expand
  22. Spielberg00
    Aug 11, 2011
    7
    This album's great, but there's really only four songs you truly need from it: "Judas", "Born This Way", "Electric Chapel", and "Edge of Glory". Otherwise, it's just the usual Gaga fill-in we saw in THE FAME MONSTER.
  23. neisan_kun
    Jul 27, 2011
    9
    This album is software proof that art still lives in pop music. Lady Gaga has understood something about artistic freedom and lyrical depth. Something that seemed to be missing from the album's descendant, "The Fame Monster". Where it may not be as much as a commercial success, this album shows a much more bolder, stronger, and emotional kind of delivery. Where at points it may feelThis album is software proof that art still lives in pop music. Lady Gaga has understood something about artistic freedom and lyrical depth. Something that seemed to be missing from the album's descendant, "The Fame Monster". Where it may not be as much as a commercial success, this album shows a much more bolder, stronger, and emotional kind of delivery. Where at points it may feel rushed, cheesy, and overworked...it makes up for the artistry in the depth of the meaning of her music. Bringing together classical music, rock, pop, dance, jazz, and techno, Lady Gaga has made a true effort into creating something that is not mediocre. The religious imagery in "Born This Way" reminds us that art, faith, and music can all co-exist once again. And maybe Lady Gaga is the person to bring the three worlds back together.… Expand
  24. edwardmatias
    Feb 20, 2012
    5
    The sounds are not good for the human ears. Lyrically senseless. Somehow religiously blatant. BUT THERE IS THIS GAGA WITH A HUGE VOCAL EVOLUTION! In this album, Gaga proved she is a singer. There are only few tracks on Born This Way that made me rate this a lot higher: Born This Way, The Edge Of Glory, You And I, and The Queen. These four tracks can stand alone! The rest ---- i don't like them.
  25. smijatov
    Jul 16, 2011
    8
    Born This Way does not quite work as well as a unit as "The Fame Monster" did, for example. However, the songs individually are rather good! I fell instantly in love with "ScheiÃ
  26. CriticalCritic
    Jun 21, 2011
    8
    Not her best work to date, as the second half the album is mostly weak filler songs. At over an hour in length, it probably would have been wiser to leave out a few songs or choose to make the 5 minute songs a lot shorter. Nevertheless, the album is a nice fresh of breath air and brings something new to the current pop world (it may be 80's style, but it's not something every artist usesNot her best work to date, as the second half the album is mostly weak filler songs. At over an hour in length, it probably would have been wiser to leave out a few songs or choose to make the 5 minute songs a lot shorter. Nevertheless, the album is a nice fresh of breath air and brings something new to the current pop world (it may be 80's style, but it's not something every artist uses today). The first half of the album is pretty strong. "Marry the Night", "Americano", "Scheibe", and "Government Hooker" are typical Gaga, with the same catchy hooks that we all love. The rest of the songs are meh, but still better quality than most of today's pop releases. The last two songs are by far the best of the whole album: "You and I", an emotional ballad, and "The Edge of Glory", one of Gaga's stronger recent singles. Lady Gaga secures herself on top of the pop world with this album, which is much stronger than releases by Britney or Katy Perry.… Expand
  27. Guitar09090
    May 29, 2011
    10
    Not usually a big fan of pop music, I was pleasantly surprised by this album.

    In the past, Gaga had often spoken of her rock influences in her music, then kept churning out pure pop singles such as Telephone and Alejandro, with none of these rock influences to be found at all. But when you listen to this record, the image and the talk finally clicks with the music. Don't get me wrong,    Not usually a big fan of pop music, I was pleasantly surprised by this album.

    In the past, Gaga had often spoken of her rock influences in her music, then kept churning out pure pop singles such as Telephone and Alejandro, with none of these rock influences to be found at all. But when you listen to this record, the image and the talk finally clicks with the music.

    Don't get me wrong, this is a pop album. But the influences from other genres such as rock, heavy metal, industrial techno and even opera and jazz separate Lady Gaga from the bland Rihannas and the Britneys, and shows off her raw talents as a pop musician with actual substance - something that is nowadays hard to come by.

    The album is not without it's dull moments, however. Songs like Judas and Bad Kids seem promising from the start, but the choruses, however catchy, let them down. However the huge choruses on songs like Marry The Night and The Edge of Glory show that Gaga has kept her ability to keep writing anthemic, catchy pop hooks, while making credible and meaningful music at the same time.

    You and I is a fantastic track, a country rock anthem about reconciling with a past lover, that leads off into a Hey Jude-esque sing-a-long near the end. Think Elton John meets We Will Rock You, with Queen's very own Brian May on the guitar. Heavy Metal Lover, another stand out, is an epic track with pounding electro beats, and lyrics like "I want your whiskey mouth / All over my blonde south" show Gaga's 'nasty girl' side.

    Bloody Mary, a personal favorite of mine, has huge bassy synths in the verse, with Gaga's vocals drifting into a demonic state at one point each verse (cue Illuminati whispers!) that provides interesting variation, and a beautiful, soaring chorus. The song boasts arguably the best lyrics on the album, for example "We are not just art for Michelangelo to carve / He can't rewrite the aggro of my furied heart". Other highlights include the heavily rock inspired Electric Chapel, the Berlin techno dance track Scheià    … Expand
  28. popculture95
    Jun 4, 2011
    10
    I think the sounds present in the album are much more original than those contained in "The Fame Monster. " I really appreciate the work done by Lady Gaga with this album and confirm his ability and his talent. I am italian and I can't speak english very wel, so I hope to make myself understood.
  29. Leeway
    Jun 4, 2011
    6
    BORN THIS WAY is just so OVERBLOWN! It doesn't embrace Lady GaGa's random-unique style instead this album just plays with the same beat. Its perfect, rushed cover art, weird style and yet no fun or excitement comes out into play. Whats with Jesus and his apostles? Very Odd-Ball, maybe she has nothing else to say? This album is quite a disappointment but it stays true to what it is so IBORN THIS WAY is just so OVERBLOWN! It doesn't embrace Lady GaGa's random-unique style instead this album just plays with the same beat. Its perfect, rushed cover art, weird style and yet no fun or excitement comes out into play. Whats with Jesus and his apostles? Very Odd-Ball, maybe she has nothing else to say? This album is quite a disappointment but it stays true to what it is so I can't complain about that but I wish it could've been better.… Expand
  30. dmontgomery199
    Jun 4, 2011
    10
    I think every song on this album is amazing and the 80's theme it had to it makes this one of the best albums ive ever heard. I don't want to say much but LADY GAGA IS THE NEW QUEEN OF POP
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2011
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
  1. Billboard.com
    Sep 25, 2014
    86
    Lady Gaga promised her fans (perhaps a tad prematurely) that her new album would be the greatest of the decade. But even if the next nine years bring something better, we're unlikely to hear anything bigger than Born This Way.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 8, 2011
    60
    Born This Way feels like the first proper Lady Gaga album. [Aug. 2011, p. 114]
  3. Prefix Magazine
    Jul 6, 2011
    60
    Gaga has always been able to anchor her haughty conceptual undertakings with simple, catchy tunes, but with Born This Way, the persona and the message are starting to bleed into the songs. It's not a good look.
    Read full review
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