Lead Photo: Interscope Records
If you’re anything like us, you’re eagerly anticipating the next album release from ‘Mother Monster’ herself, Lady Gaga. Expected in February 2025, the album’s first single, Disease, released in October, offered a very promising teaser, featuring the synth-pop beats and anthemic choruses we’ve come to expect from Gaga.
Ahead of the release of LG7, we rank Gaga’s six previous albums and offer a special mention to an underappreciated song from each album that deserves even more love.
6) Joanne (2016)
As lovers of dance-pop bangers, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Joanne is in sixth place. Produced by Mark Ronson and BloodPop and released in 2016, the lead single Perfect Illusion was an inspired launch that unfortunately didn’t reflect the sound of the album itself. A stripped-back release with soft rock and country influences, Joanne marked a detour from Gaga’s prior releases and, unfortunately for us, missed the mark. On a positive note, Joanne showcased depth and vulnerability in terms of themes and songwriting that we had not yet seen from Gaga, along with a varied artistic sound that highlighted her versatility as an artist and performer.
The song that deserves even more love: Diamond Heart
5) Chromatica (2020)
Released in 2020 and produced alongside BloodPop, Chromatica was a very welcome return to the dance-pop sound we’ve always loved. Exploring Germanotta’s own ‘pursuit of healing’, Gaga enlisted the help of iconic artists such as Ariana Grande, Blackpink, and Elton John. With lead singles Stupid Love and Rain on Me, Gaga returned to the mainstream playlists that had previously turned their back on Joanne. To us, Chromatica is the concept album we had waited for from Gaga and serves as a well-rounded, complete piece best enjoyed when listened to in its entirety.
The song that deserves even more love: Enigma
4) The Fame Monster (2009)
Following the massive success of her debut, Gaga released The Fame Monster the following year, which felt like The Fame’s evil stepmother. Dark, synth-heavy, and gothic, this album truly introduced us to Gaga as ‘Mother Monster’, a title she has proudly held ever since. Winning Gaga three Grammy Awards and containing iconic singles like Bad Romance and Telephone, the only reason this is our number 4 is that it’s only eight tracks long! It was through this album that Gaga truly proved herself a visionary, pushing boundaries with music videos like Alejandro and Telephone that stand the test of time.
The song that deserves even more love: Dance in the Dark
3) The Fame (2008)
Before her debut release, the words ‘Lady Gaga’ were everywhere, with people not knowing who she was or what she sounded like, such was the hype around her. All questions were answered when debuts Just Dance and Poker Face hit the airwaves like one of the greatest tag-teams in pop music history. Any doubts about her calibre were silenced by follow-up releases Paparazzi and LoveGame, and suddenly, ‘discostick’ was a term firmly lodged in public consciousness. Perhaps most surprisingly, Gaga showed equal prowess behind the piano on tracks like Brown Eyes, a prelude to the musical versatility we know today. In terms of debut albums, this was a phenomenal one and served as a powerful launch for the 22-year-old New Yorker. Special mention goes to Gaga’s INCREDIBLE performance of Paparazzi at the 2009 VMAs, which remains one of the most unbelievably theatrical performances in music awards history.
The song that deserves even more love: I Like It Rough
2) Artpop (2013)
Described as ‘a celebration and a poetic musical journey’ by Gaga herself, Artpop delivered electronic dance-pop and futuristic sounds that may still be ahead of its time 11 years later. To us, the lead single Applause remains one of Gaga’s best releases and served as a fitting introduction to an album full of creativity, energy, and stunning visuals. We still remember the anticipation for music video launches of singles like G.U.Y. and Venus, packed with dance routines, fashion, and subliminal messages from Mother Monster herself. Another special mention goes to Gaga’s show-stopping performance of Applause at the 2013 VMAs, featuring at least three quick changes and a dance routine that leaves us exhausted just watching it.
The song that deserves even more love: Gypsy
1) Born This Way (2011)
Could it really be anything else? 2011 was the peak of Gaga-mania, and the unforgettable album Born This Way cemented Germanotta as the world’s biggest pop star. Ever since she sang the chorus a cappella (while wearing the meat dress and standing next to Cher) and announced the album name via a new tattoo, we excitedly awaited the release of Born This Way. Who can forget her arrival in the egg/vessel at the Grammys in 2011, followed by her incredible performance launching the lead single of the same name? Perhaps even Gaga herself was surprised by how much the anthem resonated with the LGBTQ+ community. Follow-up singles like Marry the Night, Judas, and The Edge of Glory were met with equal adoration. Ambitious, brave, and adventurous, there are not enough adjectives to describe the album’s impact and undeniable legacy over a decade after its release.
The song that deserves even more love: You and I
What’s your favourite Lady Gaga album? What are you looking forward to in the release of LG7? Do you agree with our rankings? Share your comments on our choices below!