The Fame
by Lady Gaga
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 1674 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,448 out of 1674
  2. Mixed: 94 out of 1674
  3. Negative: 132 out of 1674

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  1. aa
    Jun 25, 2009
    8
    I cant get Poekr Face outta my head. True, some songs arent that good. But overall, its pretty good.
  2. ElB
    Oct 25, 2009
    10
    All Hail the Next Queen of POP! Lady GAGA is the Real-Deal...she will ultimately crush all detractors in the wake of her upcoming tour-de-force. Love it 2 Death!!!
  3. EdP
    Jan 30, 2009
    8
    A brilliantly poppy debut album! There are some amazing slices of Euro-dance-pop on here. Best of the bunch is 'Poker Face', but worldwide smash 'Just Dance', 'Paparazzi', 'Boys Boys Boys', 'The Fame', and 'Eh Eh' are slices of credible pop heaven!
  4. GW
    Apr 9, 2009
    10
    I think Lady Gaga is amazing - not all songs on this album are winners, but the ones that have made it to the top, are there for good reason. What a delightful entertainer - she's got a style like none other and that's what's going to push her over-the-top. In my estimation, she's geniusly brilliant in all she does - with an innocence and coyishness that's fully I think Lady Gaga is amazing - not all songs on this album are winners, but the ones that have made it to the top, are there for good reason. What a delightful entertainer - she's got a style like none other and that's what's going to push her over-the-top. In my estimation, she's geniusly brilliant in all she does - with an innocence and coyishness that's fully deceiving. Her brilliance in the song "Just Dance" comes through with each 'voice' she finds to carry on a full conversation between 'voices' - each with their own unique attitude. I believe she is either a highly intelligent social commentator on (and engineer of) pop culture, or else a complete fool. That's what's so crafty about her. Either way, she's got the drive and the style that will send her to the Fame position she seems destined to have. I can't wait for the next album!!… Expand
  5. szapphiref
    Sep 11, 2009
    10
    She' s got the voice, the artistry, the theatrics, the imagery, the fashion and most of all the chutzpah into the album that it feels like the album is alive and breathing. The greatest pop album in this generation. It's also clever. Hiding the depth of its commentary on women and society under the skin of pop music.
  6. Seth
    Sep 19, 2009
    7
    While Gaga mania has become a fever now, she proves through The Fame that she has the goods. However, sometimes the goods start to repeat themselves, for instance "Boys, Boys, Boys" is a rehash of closely placed song "Money, Honey". But songs like "LoveGame", "Paper Gangsta", "Paparazzi", and "Starstruck" show this mistress of Dance has some pipes and some talent to go with it. This While Gaga mania has become a fever now, she proves through The Fame that she has the goods. However, sometimes the goods start to repeat themselves, for instance "Boys, Boys, Boys" is a rehash of closely placed song "Money, Honey". But songs like "LoveGame", "Paper Gangsta", "Paparazzi", and "Starstruck" show this mistress of Dance has some pipes and some talent to go with it. This ain't Britney here. Though, what worries me is where does Gagagita go after this? Hopefully she will follow Madonna's move and start reforming herself while staying true to herself… Expand
  7. JohnnyD.
    Dec 2, 2008
    9
    she deserves a nine, great music and lyrics. Cool aesthetically, her limited vocal range is what makes me giver her a 9 instead of the 10 she'd deserve. She's new, fresh and different.
  8. nr
    Dec 9, 2008
    10
    Excellent dance music and she actually sings who woulda thunk it.
  9. KPD.
    Jan 14, 2009
    8
    Great pop Album. All songs are catchy..what more do you want. If you like this album, make sure you invest into KYLIE MINOGUE's "X". same sound and great too!
  10. JonA.
    Jan 18, 2009
    10
    To have a great pop album you need the basics... fun/cheesy lyrics, big chourses, and over dramatic vocal arrangements. This is exactly what Gaga has mastered in... not only are these songs cacthy as hell, you can't help but want to listen to them over and over again. It's a solid pop effort and will do wonders for her career. Music aside...she brings it all together threw her To have a great pop album you need the basics... fun/cheesy lyrics, big chourses, and over dramatic vocal arrangements. This is exactly what Gaga has mastered in... not only are these songs cacthy as hell, you can't help but want to listen to them over and over again. It's a solid pop effort and will do wonders for her career. Music aside...she brings it all together threw her performances and videos and it leaves you addicted. She's a force to look out for.… Expand
  11. JV.
    Jan 18, 2009
    10
    This is awesome album!!! I like it rough rocks. She brings 70's/80's/90's in a mix to the mainstream.
  12. anonymousF.
    Mar 21, 2009
    10
    You go, GaGa girl! The Fame is, without question, the best pop album in a long time! Lady GaGa's clever fusion of Euro-dance, electro-pop, and pop-rock blew me away, and I'm sure it will for you, too! With Just Dance, Poker Face, Paper Gangsta, Paparazzi, The Fame, and Starstruck leading the herd, it's a party where everyone's famous, and everyone can "Just Dance" to You go, GaGa girl! The Fame is, without question, the best pop album in a long time! Lady GaGa's clever fusion of Euro-dance, electro-pop, and pop-rock blew me away, and I'm sure it will for you, too! With Just Dance, Poker Face, Paper Gangsta, Paparazzi, The Fame, and Starstruck leading the herd, it's a party where everyone's famous, and everyone can "Just Dance" to their own favorite!… Expand
  13. Shay
    Apr 16, 2009
    10
    One of the true great achievement of 08! This is true pop bliss at it's finest.
  14. JordanF
    Apr 29, 2009
    9
    Overall an amazing album. It's better than anything Britney or Christina have put out and it's a lot fresher too. The in-your-face jams of Just Dance, Poker Face and LoveGame are fun to dance to. It's undeniable.
  15. JacobT.
    Jul 22, 2009
    10
    First of all responding to one of the comments, Lady Gaga is not a one hit wonder. She already has two #1s with Just Dance and Poker Face. And another Top 5 hit with LoveGame. To me this is pop at its very very best. About 10 of the songs on The Fame are extremely solid, and the other 4 are still quite good. This is a DEFINITE must for an electro-pop fan. The beats are absolutely amazing First of all responding to one of the comments, Lady Gaga is not a one hit wonder. She already has two #1s with Just Dance and Poker Face. And another Top 5 hit with LoveGame. To me this is pop at its very very best. About 10 of the songs on The Fame are extremely solid, and the other 4 are still quite good. This is a DEFINITE must for an electro-pop fan. The beats are absolutely amazing and Lady Gaga's voice is original and wonderfully different. Her quizzical lyrics and odd but brilliant style make The Fame a marvelous album dripping with dance and sing-along songs. My favorite album of 2009!!!!!!! Go Gaga !!!… Expand
  16. JinkyB
    Aug 21, 2009
    10
    I really love this music album.
  17. KolbyL
    Aug 31, 2009
    10
    While I can see how people can hate Lady GaGa for some sexy lyrics, she undoubtedly has the ability and the balls to do it. This is the only album I have ever been able to listen to each song more than once without tiring. The songs are catchy, the sound is divine, and the artist is delivers iun a rush of fun, sex, and love.
  18. theheat
    Nov 24, 2008
    9
    Well beyonce disappointed us all with her latest and surprisingly this cd was a fresh, electronic dance cd that I enjoy popping in my car. Amazon.com also said it was one of their favorites they listend too also. You go LADY GAGA!!!!!
  19. jayK
    Nov 28, 2008
    8
    Its a good pop Album. Almost all song grow on you after some listens, I liked it. Its a chill album!
  20. DanielQ
    Nov 23, 2009
    10
    Lady GaGa's debut album is full of amazing dance beats that establish Lady GaGa at her place as the new Princess of Pop. Great album overall.
  21. DarkSTAR
    Dec 4, 2009
    9
    Lada Gaga's debut is a whirlwind, fast-lane journey into the life or the rich, fabulous and utterly filthy. Appropriately titled "The Fame" Gaga's delightfully twirks eletronica and 80s pop. Nearly all of the album works as a solid dance efforts, but Gaga falls short is some songs, namely "Brown Eyes." The ballad falls flat against the backdrop of the club pounding hits. While Lada Gaga's debut is a whirlwind, fast-lane journey into the life or the rich, fabulous and utterly filthy. Appropriately titled "The Fame" Gaga's delightfully twirks eletronica and 80s pop. Nearly all of the album works as a solid dance efforts, but Gaga falls short is some songs, namely "Brown Eyes." The ballad falls flat against the backdrop of the club pounding hits. While not highly innovated and often too over-produced, "The Fame" offers some of the best dance hits in years. ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: "Poker Face", "Paparazzi", "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich", "Starstruck", "LoveGame" ALBUM DUDS: "Eh, Eh", "I Like It Rough", "Brown Eyes".… Expand
  22. DaveC.
    Apr 21, 2009
    9
    To me, this is an undeniably good album. I never would've thought I would like it is much as I do, but it's so hard not to get into these songs. Lady Gaga has a knack for writing songs that you actually don't mind getting stuck in your head. They are catchy in all the right ways. Granted, some of the songs border on filler material, but overall, this is an extremely solid To me, this is an undeniably good album. I never would've thought I would like it is much as I do, but it's so hard not to get into these songs. Lady Gaga has a knack for writing songs that you actually don't mind getting stuck in your head. They are catchy in all the right ways. Granted, some of the songs border on filler material, but overall, this is an extremely solid debut. Some of it seems ridiculous, but it's almost as if Lady Gaga is shoving it in your face, saying "I know this is cheesy, over-the-top pop, but you're going to love it!" And I do. I really do.… Expand
  23. DrakeM
    Aug 26, 2009
    10
    Lady GaGa comes into the pop genre when it was really beginning to crumble upon its self from the meaningless lyrics from singers just trying to seize fame. "The Fame" has brought forth a new wave of original artistry from one that used to only provide the hits for others. Her vocal abilities range from a dance club hit to a powerful ballad. All sides of the pop genre spectrum are Lady GaGa comes into the pop genre when it was really beginning to crumble upon its self from the meaningless lyrics from singers just trying to seize fame. "The Fame" has brought forth a new wave of original artistry from one that used to only provide the hits for others. Her vocal abilities range from a dance club hit to a powerful ballad. All sides of the pop genre spectrum are excelled by Lady GaGa's debut album, and this is just the beginning.… Expand
  24. MarkK.
    Nov 29, 2008
    8
    I am not a fan of pop; at all. However, The Fame by Lady GaGa is a huge guilty pleasure for me. There isn't a dud track on this album, which is really rare for a mainstream pop album. The last few songs loose focus on the whole obsession with fame theme the rest of the album has and there is a useless rap by Flo-Rida, but otherwise The Fame is so, so close to being the perfect pop I am not a fan of pop; at all. However, The Fame by Lady GaGa is a huge guilty pleasure for me. There isn't a dud track on this album, which is really rare for a mainstream pop album. The last few songs loose focus on the whole obsession with fame theme the rest of the album has and there is a useless rap by Flo-Rida, but otherwise The Fame is so, so close to being the perfect pop album. Check it out, it's a lot of fun!… Expand
  25. CF
    Dec 11, 2008
    10
    Crazy dance-syth album! so fun at parties. great lyrics, even better musicality. this album combined with her high energy stage shows result in one successful artist.
  26. NikolaD
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    Probably the best pop / dance album in the first decades of the 21st century.
  27. ChrisM
    Nov 22, 2009
    10
    Still listening to this album a year later.
  28. peazeroni
    Apr 3, 2011
    9
    I think this is one of the great pop albums of all time. It eschewed its day's pop standards and made it to the top of the charts off its own merits. Every song on here is gold. Don't miss "Paper Gangster" or "Brown Eyes."
  29. deyoung96
    Sep 27, 2011
    10
    the people that say lady gaga sucks are wrong...i mean how many hits does she have? like 20! that's a ton! So people need to stop saying that her music sucks and calling people names because they like lady gaga. i get made fun of everyday for liking her...but i don't care one bit because she inspires me and over 30 million more people out there.
  30. ussrsalinas
    Jan 29, 2012
    10
    A very well put together pop album. Whit this album she showed that she can writes great catchy pop songs. It's sexy, it's fun, it's smart it's everything a pop fan could ask for.
  31. Diman
    Jun 15, 2012
    9
    Inspired by dancing rhythms of the disco, the album became a hit of 2008. The star became a star. Poker Face is most popular song EVER. Album of 2000's.
  32. step
    Nov 8, 2013
    10
    Amazing.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Amazing...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ness… Expand
  33. AngeloNaorbe
    Nov 21, 2015
    9
    The Fame presents a raw GaGa who is in the verge of exploring the world of fame and its sub-dimensions. The songs are fresh and are reminiscent of 80's pop world.
  34. Thalindo
    Jan 17, 2018
    10
    A futuristic, dancing and street's album with a 80s and 90s influence. It gets better than that all
  35. PEUMARCONDES
    Sep 15, 2016
    10
    Um Pop revolucionário! Simplesmente o melhor álbum Pop até a data. Eletrizante, dançante. Com elementos que lembram os anos 80. Remetendo a Madonna, Michael e inusitado David Bowie. Uma obra prima para um álbum de estréia .
  36. Imperia
    Oct 3, 2016
    9
    Lady Gaga y electro-pop mas fieles a la escena Pop, es un álbum muy bailable y muy fiel al genero disco gay. Es la combinación perfecta para finales del 2008 donde se pedía a gritos música como esta.

    Como su nombre lo indica "The Fame", el salto a la fama de una de las artista mas importante de la ultima generación, siempre ocupara un lugar especial en aquellas personas que anhelaron lo    Lady Gaga y electro-pop mas fieles a la escena Pop, es un álbum muy bailable y muy fiel al genero disco gay. Es la combinación perfecta para finales del 2008 donde se pedía a gritos música como esta.

    Como su nombre lo indica "The Fame", el salto a la fama de una de las artista mas importante de la ultima generación, siempre ocupara un lugar especial en aquellas personas que anhelaron lo "Freak" en este neo mundo.    … Expand
  37. lisboa
    Jun 8, 2017
    10
    One of the best pop albums, amazing, unique sound, very sweet, gaga knows how to make fascinating pop music, one of the best concept album that many do not achieve.
  38. Jadericka
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best Debut Album of all time. This album is such a masterpiece and very work of art.… Expand
  39. Avriloveigne
    Dec 31, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pretty Solid. The album is built on a in-depth context that is the Fame. Songs complement each other as a full album. We can see Gaga hiding behind an avant-garde persona, but the deep cuts like Brown Eyes and Summerboy reveal the more natural side of her. The production is pretty catchy, the lyrical content is on point for a commercial success aimed album.… Expand
  40. cosmicakita
    Nov 24, 2021
    8
    What an amazing debut. I really enjoyed this album. Congrats Gaga!
    Highlights: Just Dance, LoveGame, Poker Face, Beautiful, Dirty, Rich, The Fame and Money Honey.
  41. miyai
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Without question, 'The Fame' is one of the greatest pop albums ever and shows how a debut album should be done.
  42. camilacacio
    Aug 26, 2023
    10
    It somehow became one of my favorite albums. I had already heard the most iconic songs, but never the album in its entirety. The production of the album takes you to a futuristic place, even if it is a work carried out in the last decade. So nostalgic.

    It's hard to pick just one as my favorite.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2008
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    70
    Fueled by heavy dance tracks and popping electronic beats, The Fame, the first album by the glamorous Lady Gaga, is a well-crafted sampling of feisty anti-pop in high quality.
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  2. Billboard
    80
    The full-length The Fame proves she's more than one hit and a bag of stage tricks.
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  3. Boston Globe
    80
    Listen a little closer to the sly, snarky lyrics and glam grooves on this feisty debut and you'll hear that this former downtown New York spice girl has at least a few things on her dirty mind.
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