The Fame Monster
by Lady Gaga
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 2137 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,959 out of 2137
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 2137
  3. Negative: 135 out of 2137

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  1. rbrtprch22
    Feb 4, 2011
    10
    Pop phenomenon Lady Gaga does it again. Not only does she provide love-filled songs, but opposite of "The Fame", she talks about the dark side of fame. "The Fame Monster" is an addition to The Fame era. With 8 brand-new tracks, each one is about Lady Gaga's "fear monsters". She also proves that she can run over any artist in the industry with the singles including "Telephone feat.Pop phenomenon Lady Gaga does it again. Not only does she provide love-filled songs, but opposite of "The Fame", she talks about the dark side of fame. "The Fame Monster" is an addition to The Fame era. With 8 brand-new tracks, each one is about Lady Gaga's "fear monsters". She also proves that she can run over any artist in the industry with the singles including "Telephone feat. Beyonce", "Bad Romance" and "Alejandro". Some songs will make you want to cry, including "Speechless" and "So Happy I Could Die". Many are club-friendly.… Expand
  2. shakeel7
    Jan 16, 2011
    7
    Her first album was nothing more than Gaga capitalizing on a sound that had been popular in Europe for ages. She does the same thing with The Fame Monster, except she reaches back a little further, and a little more underground, and comes up with a sound that still isn't original, but is definitely more mature. There is nothing groundbreaking about this album but it's a short, sweetHer first album was nothing more than Gaga capitalizing on a sound that had been popular in Europe for ages. She does the same thing with The Fame Monster, except she reaches back a little further, and a little more underground, and comes up with a sound that still isn't original, but is definitely more mature. There is nothing groundbreaking about this album but it's a short, sweet collection of some great industrial pop music.… Expand
  3. Mateo-Delemorte
    Jan 6, 2011
    10
    I don't want to start off by saying it is the best album ever, but it is. I can listen to The Fame (also an amazing album) and into The Fame Monster loving every song. While The Fame Monster addition has a different feel than The Fame release, I like it's difference and oddness. The entire track list is fun and amazing. I'd like to mention that I have seen adverseness toward "Teeth", whileI don't want to start off by saying it is the best album ever, but it is. I can listen to The Fame (also an amazing album) and into The Fame Monster loving every song. While The Fame Monster addition has a different feel than The Fame release, I like it's difference and oddness. The entire track list is fun and amazing. I'd like to mention that I have seen adverseness toward "Teeth", while I would have agreed in the beginning; it grew on me., and now I love the song. Its weird but hard and different making it a great track. "Telephone" is my number one song off the album, while they are all great. Hope she can keep up the great work and keep the hits coming with "Born This Way", regardless of the public, her fans will love it.… Expand
  4. alberrrt
    Dec 19, 2010
    9
    Is a very good album, all the songs would be singles in an album of another artist. The best songs are Telephone and Dance in the Dark. However, all songs are great, there are only two somewhat weak: Teeth and So Happy I Could Die. But the best thing of the album is that Gaga just doesn't know to do dance and electronic songs. Speechless is by far, the best ballad of the year. Is a greatIs a very good album, all the songs would be singles in an album of another artist. The best songs are Telephone and Dance in the Dark. However, all songs are great, there are only two somewhat weak: Teeth and So Happy I Could Die. But the best thing of the album is that Gaga just doesn't know to do dance and electronic songs. Speechless is by far, the best ballad of the year. Is a great album that, if you like pop, you should buy.… Expand
  5. shafter
    Dec 5, 2010
    8
    Funny that it was given a 3 elsewhere on here. Only a few listens and it's totally magnetic. Bad Romance is possibly her best song to date - the point where the chorus kicks in just takes my breath away. That and the hypnotic Abba'esque Alejandro, make this worth the price alone.

    Maybe some are out-takes, but man. this is is just stunning!
  6. chommy
    Nov 25, 2010
    10
    A nice album. My only complaint is her ballads, because I believe her voice is more suited to dance/pop songs. She's the only decent pop star today, and the only one trying out new things, as Michael Jackson and Madonna did back in the 80s (though I wouldn't say Gaga is as good as them). Way better than Bieber, Swift, or Kesha.
  7. Drag
    Nov 21, 2010
    9
    Overall, the E.P is really strong and the standouts are the 3 singles: Bad Romance, Telephone, Alejandro and Monster. The only 2 tracks I find a bit below my expectations are Teeth and Dance In The Dark. Overall, The Fame Monster is enjoyable and is a great follow up to The Fame.
  8. Spellkid
    Nov 6, 2010
    10
    Another blockbuster album by Lady Gaga. Bad Romance is the best song off the record. Bad Romance is just spectacular in every way. The song "Monster" is a close second. Each song is well written and produced.
  9. jacobddful
    Oct 26, 2010
    8
    This album is one of those rare cases where popularity and fame ACTUALLY helps a music artist. While some songs defianitly outshine others, every song is at least worth a 5th or 6th listen on your iPod.
  10. AndrewUltimate
    Oct 21, 2010
    9
    This is much more of what I was expecting from an artist even much higher above cookie-cutter-pop-stuff. This album shows a different and more intimate side of Lady Gaga than ever before, especially in her debut album, The Fame. "Dance in the Dark", & "Telephone" are amazing. The rest are also very good. This will probably be one of the best albums the Fame Monster will ever make.
  11. CriticalCritic
    Sep 16, 2010
    9
    A solid album with each song bringing substance to the album as a whole. Lady Gaga is truly a great musical artist. Whether you like her outrageous outfits and interesting personality, her artistry is absolutely amazing. Other than "Bad Romance" and "Dance in the Dark", none of these songs capture Gaga's talent. Most of the songs are actually just general electropop in the mainstreamA solid album with each song bringing substance to the album as a whole. Lady Gaga is truly a great musical artist. Whether you like her outrageous outfits and interesting personality, her artistry is absolutely amazing. Other than "Bad Romance" and "Dance in the Dark", none of these songs capture Gaga's talent. Most of the songs are actually just general electropop in the mainstream world, just with clever infectious melodies and choruses to make them stand out. However, Gaga is just starting her career, and these songs, though not timeless, are a great start for her soon-to-be gigantic career.… Expand
  12. gagaforever
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    OMG!!!!! My favorite album ever!!!!! "Dance in the Dark" is the best song on the album. The album shows a different side of gaga. "Speechless" is a song that usually makes me cry because of the ontent and how heartfelt it is...GAGA WILL NEVER BE TOPPED
  13. VeryCutePanda
    Sep 12, 2010
    9
    I don't need to say much, this is a highly enjoyable album and those that hate it are just haters with nothing to do. Bad Romance, Telephone, Alejandro, Monster, Dance In The Dark and Teeth are awesome, Speechless proves that Lady Gaga just isn't suitable to sing ballad and So Happy I Could Die is... well, disposable. What I love about her is her freshness, her creativity to createI don't need to say much, this is a highly enjoyable album and those that hate it are just haters with nothing to do. Bad Romance, Telephone, Alejandro, Monster, Dance In The Dark and Teeth are awesome, Speechless proves that Lady Gaga just isn't suitable to sing ballad and So Happy I Could Die is... well, disposable. What I love about her is her freshness, her creativity to create insanely catchy hooks and surprisingly good lyrics. Those that dismiss her as just another pop act are clearly mistaken,cause she will be her... for a really long time.… Expand
  14. GRSillyKid
    Aug 25, 2010
    10
    This is my favorite album. The best dance/electronic album ever made. It has catchy dance club songs (Bad Romance, Alejandro, Telephone), so as deep lyrics (Speechless, Dance In The Dark).
  15. Paxster
    Aug 16, 2010
    9
    So much more creative than her debut album, The Fame Monster is a masterful 2nd album. My personal favourite is 'Dance in The Dark'. An eery dance track which has a large madonna influence. 'Bad Romance' signals a change of emphasis to darker themes and sounds. This album sees Gaga expand and improve on the Fame. It's the best pop for a while and leads me to be excited by what her 2011So much more creative than her debut album, The Fame Monster is a masterful 2nd album. My personal favourite is 'Dance in The Dark'. An eery dance track which has a large madonna influence. 'Bad Romance' signals a change of emphasis to darker themes and sounds. This album sees Gaga expand and improve on the Fame. It's the best pop for a while and leads me to be excited by what her 2011 album might promise.… Expand
  16. GavGav96
    Aug 15, 2010
    9
    An impressive, creative, original piece of work. There may be only 8 songs, but I think they're ALL brilliant - especially Bad Romance, Monster, and Dance In The Dark. Good work, GaGa!
  17. tobylove
    Aug 14, 2010
    10
    I love her work, it's so marvelous. She continues her work wonderfully and this is even better that The Fame. She's getting better day by day. I can't even pick a favorite song on this album, I love them all!
  18. DavidIsOverHere
    Aug 14, 2010
    9
    This is actually better than her previous album. I can see what she is doing, "The Fame" was about the good things she expected about being famous, her aspirations to become famous etc. and "The Fame Monster" was about the bad things about fame which happened to her after becoming famous; every rose has its thorn :P

    The lead single, "Bad Romance", followed by other awesome tracks such    This is actually better than her previous album. I can see what she is doing, "The Fame" was about the good things she expected about being famous, her aspirations to become famous etc. and "The Fame Monster" was about the bad things about fame which happened to her after becoming famous; every rose has its thorn :P

    The lead single, "Bad Romance", followed by other awesome tracks such as "Alejandro", "Monster", "Dance in The Dark" are all catchy and fit the album very well. This album has changed the mindsets of some of the people who bashed on her previous album, it even turned her haters into her fans, albeit, some people are still incorrigible and will hate mainstream music regardless.    … Expand
  19. smijatov
    Aug 13, 2010
    10
    Much better than Lady Gaga's first album, 'The Fame Monster' manages where the first one fails: focus. It is much more focused on what Gaga is really about: good beats, interesting lyrics and just good music to dance to and enjoy oneself. After seeing the videos, too, it just all fits in perfectly. Basically, all of the songs are very good and they are all feel related somehow, even theMuch better than Lady Gaga's first album, 'The Fame Monster' manages where the first one fails: focus. It is much more focused on what Gaga is really about: good beats, interesting lyrics and just good music to dance to and enjoy oneself. After seeing the videos, too, it just all fits in perfectly. Basically, all of the songs are very good and they are all feel related somehow, even the stand-out ballad "Speechless" which is Gaga's first really good ballad.
    Also, her cooperation with Beyonce is noteworthy in 'Telephone,' which is one of my favourite dance tracks ever. Definitely, a much better album than 'The Fame' and an excellent 2nd album for Gaga. If she keeps this up, we're in for a treat when the next album comes out! Good work!!! Rah rah ah ah ah Roma, roma ma, Gaga ooh la la. :)    … Expand
  20. kollok
    Jan 25, 2010
    10
    This is a great album with some great vocals.
  21. FabioL
    Jan 22, 2010
    9
    I used to LOATHE Lady Gaga and was BAFFLED at why everyone enjoyed her so much. I even made a playlist of my favorite music which included: C,S,N and Young, James Brown, The Police, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Aretha... just to name a few, and I called this playlist "Lady Gaga is Going to Die"... I did this because I felt like society was really F***ed up to think that this girl had I used to LOATHE Lady Gaga and was BAFFLED at why everyone enjoyed her so much. I even made a playlist of my favorite music which included: C,S,N and Young, James Brown, The Police, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Aretha... just to name a few, and I called this playlist "Lady Gaga is Going to Die"... I did this because I felt like society was really F***ed up to think that this girl had talent. With this album, however, she completely changed my mind. I may not be a "Gagamaniac", but I certainly respect her at least. Just enjoy it for it's musicality. Not what she says, but how she says it, and how the music enhances these feelings she is trying to make into this... music. It's certainly beautiful and breathtaking at times. With this being leaps and bounds better than her first album, I wait for what she will come up with in the future.… Expand
  22. JaredA
    Jan 20, 2010
    7
    I do enjoy and love dance music, so naturally, Lady Gaga is a guilty pleasure of mine. Her music easily lights up any club it is played in; however, it is nothing groundbreaking. She has quite a unique public persona and crafts well-executed and functional dance music. Her music does not push any sort of boundaries, though; in fact, there are more talented electronic acts, the only I do enjoy and love dance music, so naturally, Lady Gaga is a guilty pleasure of mine. Her music easily lights up any club it is played in; however, it is nothing groundbreaking. She has quite a unique public persona and crafts well-executed and functional dance music. Her music does not push any sort of boundaries, though; in fact, there are more talented electronic acts, the only difference being that they have not be absorbed into the mainstream music culture. I did enjoy this ep and repeat it a lot throughout the year; however, with all the other outstanding releases throughout the year--Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Royksopp, Girls, Mastodon, The xx, Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear, Neko Case, Sonic Youth, Bat for Lashes, Assemblage 23, Angelspit, Rotersand, Rammstein, just to name a few--it is quite difficult for me to say this is even remotely close to being one of the best releases of the year. If you are a Lady Gaga fan like I am, then you already know what to expect and probably purchased it the week it came out like I did. The ep does feature a few standout and memorable tracks; "Bad Romance," with its Hitchcockian theme, and "Telephone," with its appearance by Beyonce and four-on-the-floor beats.… Expand
  23. TarekM.
    Jan 13, 2010
    10
    A beautiful album by Lady Gaga, it's even better than the first one.
  24. Alicia
    Jan 12, 2010
    9
    This album includes the great pop beat songs from the fame but also incorporates the more rich tracks like Teeth ,Monster ,So happy I could DIe and even her own ballad Speechless.
  25. ChrisF.
    Jan 10, 2010
    10
    Lady GaGa is by far the most creative, inventive artist in pop culture today. She has found a way to reinvent pop music and make it interesting again. I LOVE her.
  26. FaytH.
    Jan 7, 2010
    10
    The darker side of Gaga is definetly compelling but lacked in depth, but she sure knows how to crank up tunes that most pop stars can only dream of. With standouts like 'Telephone', 'Bad Romance' and 'Teeth', this album will please both new and old fans. Now ... let's redefine the length of a 'studio album' shall we?!
  27. Sam
    Dec 29, 2009
    10
    The Fame Monster by Lady GaGa is an example of how Pop music should be. Each song is different from the last and shows that she does all sorts of music well. 8 great new songs as well as a CD with all songs from her debut album "The Fame" as well. A definite buy for near anyone.
  28. GG
    Dec 11, 2009
    10
    Strange how most reviews seem to praise Gaga yet none give the album a higher score than 80. The Fame slowly became a near perfect album for me and The Fame Monster, albeit very different in sound, mood and character, sounds extremely infectious and has some genuine gem moments. The girl is a pop genius and i pity those who say she is merely a copy of Madonna or whatever cause that is pure BS.
  29. GregF.
    Dec 5, 2009
    9
    Ultra-catchy hooks, dancefloor anthems, solid production and solid water-tight lyrics can be heard throughout the entirety of "The Fame Monster". The one and only flaw with the record, besides the incredbly short length, is that some of the songs sound a tab bit samey to Monster's predecessor "The Fame" for instance the lead single "Bad Romance" sounds like a re-upped version of Ultra-catchy hooks, dancefloor anthems, solid production and solid water-tight lyrics can be heard throughout the entirety of "The Fame Monster". The one and only flaw with the record, besides the incredbly short length, is that some of the songs sound a tab bit samey to Monster's predecessor "The Fame" for instance the lead single "Bad Romance" sounds like a re-upped version of GaGa's hit single "Poker Face" But Lady GaGa does show the listeners that she is evolving her signature euro-dance-pop style with tracks like the more urban track "Telephone" with Beyonce, the crazy romping sexually driven "Teeth" or the 70's rock derived ballad "Speechless. Monster is definitely a great listen and has many potential future singles on it!… Expand
  30. JoshS
    Dec 4, 2009
    10
    Amazing. Fans will love it and people that hate her will hate it. But if you listen without bias and you like pop music then you will fall in love.
  31. BrennanL
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    Perfection. lady gaga inspires new things on the fame. her music is much richer. you can tell shes grown as an artist over the past year that she rose to fame. this is an amazing album!
  32. BelfordH.
    Dec 3, 2009
    9
    There are some amazing songs on this album. Dance in the dark, bad romance and monster. Not to mention telephone. also there's the rather strange tune of allejadro overall i'd give it a 10 but is't just lacking the wow factor.
  33. JoshP
    Dec 2, 2009
    10
    Lady Gaga has more quality material on this album than many pop stars who have come out the past five years, she has a star quality and a raw talent in vocals and songwriting which can compare to Pop Royals Madonna and the late Michael Jackson with an artistic flare not seen since brit Art-Rock star Kate Bush! The Fame Monster boasts sheer brilliance with 8 sensationally epic songs Lady Gaga has more quality material on this album than many pop stars who have come out the past five years, she has a star quality and a raw talent in vocals and songwriting which can compare to Pop Royals Madonna and the late Michael Jackson with an artistic flare not seen since brit Art-Rock star Kate Bush! The Fame Monster boasts sheer brilliance with 8 sensationally epic songs including-Bad Romance,Dance In the dark,Teeth,Telephone,Monster,So Happy I Could Die,Alejandro and the epic rock ballad SPEECHLESS! one of the best albums of the decade from a star in the making! … Expand
  34. DarkT
    Nov 29, 2009
    8
    More ambitious than her first album, Can't wait what's in store for us next.
  35. JustinY
    Nov 29, 2009
    10
    Yes, she is a Madonna rip-off, but Maddie had it easier with the shock factor and music back in the 80s. I think both The Fame and Monster are great, the latter actually sounds like a pre-Fame recording. I mean, the girl can write and sing.
  36. PeterQ
    Nov 28, 2009
    10
    Lady gaga keeps it coming with 8 amazing new songs, each different, as well as catchy. they are also based on severeral different "monsters" she discovered while on tour. telephone is, by far, the most catchy song, followed by Bad romance and speechless. Overall, the album is worth the 8 dollars on itunes.
  37. RayR
    Nov 26, 2009
    7
    Good follow-up to The Fame but she should have added more tracks and released it as her second album. The standouts are Dance in the Dark and Telephone which pairs her with Beyonce. There is definitely a darker theme here. Speechless fails to show her soft side and Teeth is a letdown. Otherwise, a solid mini-album for Lady Gaga. Listen to: Dance in the Dark Skip: Speechless
  38. SebB
    Nov 26, 2009
    10
    Amazing album that completes The Fame era, Telephone will be the Poker Face of the album and a worldwide #1 success. Dance in the Dark is Marilyn Manson meets Madonna. 7/8 songs are truly worthy of being singles and add to Lady Gaga's talent.
  39. RodH
    Nov 26, 2009
    10
    She out-did herself!!
  40. UhOh
    Nov 26, 2009
    10
    PERFECT. She's a genius and stands out from the rest. Creates songs that are radio worthy and artistic. And she can sing. The song "Monster" is my favorite and "Dance in the Dark" is the most creative. "Telephone" is catchy and "So Happy I Could Die" is addicting. Her voice sounds incredible on "Speechless" and "Alejandro" has an awesome beat. Buy it !
  41. ShaneT
    Nov 25, 2009
    10
    On;y criticism is that its too short. This album explores deeper themes than The ame and boasts catchy numbers like Bad Romance and Telephone. The lone ballad Speechless shows a side to Gaga that most people wouldn't have expected.
  42. TimK
    Nov 24, 2009
    10
    Fantastic followup to the Fame. Several different styles and influences represented from gothic to 80s dance, from Bowie and Queen to ABBA and Madonna. Standout tracks include: Bad Romance, Monster, Telephone and Dance in the Dark.
  43. FolaG
    Nov 24, 2009
    9
    The only reason this album did not get a ten, is i'm not sure about the track "Teeth". It's too all over the place. Otherwise, this album is AMAZING. Every other song, including the extra song "No Way". "Monster" is an amazingly catchy club-banger... I cannot stop listening to it ."Telephone" is the perfect collaboration between two pop-icons. Love "Dance in the Dark" and "So The only reason this album did not get a ten, is i'm not sure about the track "Teeth". It's too all over the place. Otherwise, this album is AMAZING. Every other song, including the extra song "No Way". "Monster" is an amazingly catchy club-banger... I cannot stop listening to it ."Telephone" is the perfect collaboration between two pop-icons. Love "Dance in the Dark" and "So Happy I Could Die". "Alejandro" and "Bad Romance" are equally amazing. Also, "Speechless" is Gaga's best ballad, yet. She proves to everyone that she truly can sing--very well. It's got lovely lyrics and is one of my favorites of the album. This is a must buy!… Expand
  44. Anonymous
    Nov 24, 2009
    10
    A very worthy album; Here she evolves into a self aware celebrity, exploring the darker side of the Fame while incorporating new styles of music into the equation. On the surface she's just another pop star, but underneath all that, when you listen closely to the lyrics - particularly in "Speechless", and 'Dance in the Dark", you will find the talented Lady behind the GaGa. A very worthy album; Here she evolves into a self aware celebrity, exploring the darker side of the Fame while incorporating new styles of music into the equation. On the surface she's just another pop star, but underneath all that, when you listen closely to the lyrics - particularly in "Speechless", and 'Dance in the Dark", you will find the talented Lady behind the GaGa. There are 8 songs on this album, and none are bad. Highly recommended to listen to, and buy.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2009
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The Boston Phoenix
    May 2, 2012
    88
    Not only does this new song cycle retain the Euro-tastic sheen of its predecessor, it outdoes it in sheer dance-floor whump.
    Read full review
  2. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    91
    Only after being overwhelmed by the sheer visibility of her warp-speed relaunch did I realize how enjoyable and inescapable her hooks and snatches had turned out to be.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    75
    In her music videos and live shows over the past year, Gaga has worked hard to demonstrate her creative ambition and stylistic range, and that project continues on The Fame Monster.
    Read full review
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