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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ChrnoTodd
    Jun 11, 2011
    9
    "Oops.... Lady Gaga do it again". She can sing, she can write... she can all! Although some songs sound polluted, over half the album and get over it shows the potential of voice. Is undoubtedly one of the albums of the year ... do not expect any "Fame Monster, " but here we have another great job
  2. ZakkAttackk
    Jun 7, 2011
    8
    If you're looking for familiar 'pop' territory, or hope to hear Gaga's 'Bad Romance 2', you're going to be **** outta luck. This is a completely different feel for the Lady. It's like New Wave had a love affair with Metal, & then had a three way with House & Euro Pop/Trance. It's funky at times, and others it's insanely exhilarating. She has created her own form of mainstream music. ThereIf you're looking for familiar 'pop' territory, or hope to hear Gaga's 'Bad Romance 2', you're going to be **** outta luck. This is a completely different feel for the Lady. It's like New Wave had a love affair with Metal, & then had a three way with House & Euro Pop/Trance. It's funky at times, and others it's insanely exhilarating. She has created her own form of mainstream music. There is at least one song on this record for EVERYONE. Each song sounds different than the last. It's a huge mess of radically different forms of music, while all still being 'pop'. It's a beautiful mess, to say the least.… Expand
  3. 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
  4. MarcoMarcovic
    Jun 4, 2011
    9
    This is very good pop album, with variety of melodies. Lady Gaga menage to stay in focus and to remain on the top of pop musicians in the world. It is darker than her previous albums, but it is at the same time a little better.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. aaronpaul121
    Jun 2, 2011
    1
    Vocally, it was fine, but there is something in her voice that doesn't fit to the song. The song, lyrically, was really bad... it was horrible and disturbing. Although there was a message in it, it wasn't enough- vocally and musically- to bring it to life. Lady Gaga is a really good singer and I know she will bring something explosive to the music industry but this is not the song thatVocally, it was fine, but there is something in her voice that doesn't fit to the song. The song, lyrically, was really bad... it was horrible and disturbing. Although there was a message in it, it wasn't enough- vocally and musically- to bring it to life. Lady Gaga is a really good singer and I know she will bring something explosive to the music industry but this is not the song that blew me away. So disappointing......................… Expand
  8. Diegofunhouse
    Jun 2, 2011
    4
    I like The Fame but The Fame Monster not that much and now with Born This Way I was not disappointed at all because I was expecting an album like this, overproduced! I liked "Marry the Night" and I thought it would be a great album, I really don't like "Born This Way" and then the songs seemed to be the same, "Judas" is just a remake of "Bad Romance", then the album started to get evenI like The Fame but The Fame Monster not that much and now with Born This Way I was not disappointed at all because I was expecting an album like this, overproduced! I liked "Marry the Night" and I thought it would be a great album, I really don't like "Born This Way" and then the songs seemed to be the same, "Judas" is just a remake of "Bad Romance", then the album started to get even more boring due to the endless noise and repetitive sound. I know all of her fans love her new music just because it is new, but give it some time, soon it will not make much sense and Born This Way won't be in your favorite collection.… Expand
  9. more
    Jun 1, 2011
    10
    thought pjharvey would have made it, but nah, BORN this WAY, is the album of the year 2011. so far... i'm absolutely in love with every song, well 2 or 3 off, but they are on the deluxe edition anyway.
    Heavy metal Lover and Passion of his Love: GREAT songS!!!!!!
  10. 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!
  11. 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
  12. hugom2c
    May 31, 2011
    4
    Terrible album, it feels like I'm listening to the same song through the whole thing... not good Gaga. The Fame was amazing and now this? Sorry, I'm not buying it.
  13. iloveit123
    May 30, 2011
    0
    There are way too many cheesy moments for me on this album. And not good cheesy either. Its like she thought too hard to be cheesy. Melodies that remind me of a bad Cher or Celine Dion rip off (forget Madonna comparisons, i hear the cheesiness of Cher - and not even as good as Cher). Another thing that bothers me is that she shouts a little too much now when she sings.. Please Gaga, stopThere are way too many cheesy moments for me on this album. And not good cheesy either. Its like she thought too hard to be cheesy. Melodies that remind me of a bad Cher or Celine Dion rip off (forget Madonna comparisons, i hear the cheesiness of Cher - and not even as good as Cher). Another thing that bothers me is that she shouts a little too much now when she sings.. Please Gaga, stop shouting. Your voice isn't that bad, you don't need to "shout sing". And too much "awwwwwing". Seriously, it ruins so many of her songs, the little tricks she has to do on every single song. I cannot believe she called this the "album of the decade"... it is a mess. Terrible lyrics as well.… Expand
  14. amir_manraj
    May 29, 2011
    9
    Other than "Born This Way", which is way too similar to Madonna's 1989 single "Express Yourself", every song is fantastic. "Judas" and "The Edge of Glory" are brilliant.
  15. InMusic
    May 29, 2011
    10
    This album definitely lives up to the hype: With massive promo wormldwide, 'Born This Way' was the most anticipated album in years. I believe Lady Gaga has done the impossible by actually making true what she had promised. Best songs:

    Heavy Metal Lover
    Scheisse
    Born This Way
    Judas Marry The Night
    Black Jesus / Amen Fashion
    Highway Unicorn
    Electric Chapel

    Growers:

    The Queen
    Fashion of His Love
  16. 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
  17. Swirler
    May 29, 2011
    9
    TFM left Gaga with a very hard act to follow, not to mention she did kinda blow her own trumpet stating this album was going to be the greatest pop record of the decade (!)

    BTW is having a fairly rough time with critics (and may I just say, typically the older ones finding it a little harder to grasp), IMO unfairly so. Reading many reviews, it almost seems like there is a fear of how much    TFM left Gaga with a very hard act to follow, not to mention she did kinda blow her own trumpet stating this album was going to be the greatest pop record of the decade (!)

    BTW is having a fairly rough time with critics (and may I just say, typically the older ones finding it a little harder to grasp), IMO unfairly so. Reading many reviews, it almost seems like there is a fear of how much influence and power Gaga is getting, so some are coming down hard in an attempt to burst her bubble.

    The album is genuinely catchy, intoxicatingly so even! Its very rare for me to actually listen to an album through and honestly not wish a track or two didnt exist, I absolutely love every single track on BTW!

    Also Id like to note that many reviewers feel obliged to point out the similarities of the title track and some point blank calling Gaga a fake and a rip off. If you watch the video to the track, about 20 seconds from the end she stares into the camera with the iconic Madge teeth - it all seems very deliberate to me! Even the some of the most harshest critics dont deny Gaga has talent, so why on earth would she resort to plagiarism after 1 album! The track BTW clearly has its similarities to Express yourself, as far as I can see it was a very obvious nod to Madonna - not an attempt to rip anything off.

    BTW will get many many plays, honestly not been as taken with an album in a very very long time. Congrats Gaga    … Expand
  18. VeryCutePanda
    May 28, 2011
    9
    Those who criticize that we the fans give it high scores because we're fans are just ignorant, we like her music so we gave her high scores, fan or not if you like the album then you high scores, its just that simple. I have to say I have my doubts at first because I'm surprised that she actually chose to go for the artist creative album this early in her career, at first I thought it wasThose who criticize that we the fans give it high scores because we're fans are just ignorant, we like her music so we gave her high scores, fan or not if you like the album then you high scores, its just that simple. I have to say I have my doubts at first because I'm surprised that she actually chose to go for the artist creative album this early in her career, at first I thought it was career suicide but after I heard Born This Way... I feel stupid for even doubting her. This album will not appeal for those wishing to listen to just pure top 40 radio songs, it's not a mainstream album by any pop definition. She's an artist that wishes to experiments and grow during her career, this album is the result. It's definitely not album of the decade by any chance, but it's definitely a great pop album. It strays far from her roots and at times she is trying to hard in this album to please any fans possible, but at least she tries. Most of it were awesome, themes ranging from self-empowerment, immigrants, appreciate life and others positive theme. It definitely have a more gothic lyrics in this album, the chorus of the whole album can be repetitive at times but it's only a minor problem. If you find yourself liking this album then I think you have no problem agreeing that for an 'artist creative' album, this is one damn good pop album.… Expand
  19. YZJay
    May 28, 2011
    7
    The album is filled with diverse sounds that many people may not have heard in their lives. although all songs were great and felt they were engineered to run together in an endless loop, I felt highly uncomfortable while listening to some Of the songs. This is a great album, but the departure from her fame era music just felt wrong.
  20. jprego
    May 28, 2011
    10
    Wonderfu, Awesome, amazing, can not find words to describe this cd. Great songs, deep lyrics, this album is in a higher degree, much better than her previous ones. Simply a masterpiece
  21. Kravboy
    May 28, 2011
    10
    This Album is much different then her two previous works. There really are no bubblegum pop tracks like there was on "The Fame" and the only song reminiscent of "Monster" is the track "Judas" for its Bad Romance-esque style. Everything else about the music on this album is different. Which is an improvement since it shows Gaga's versatility in different styles of music. The messages areThis Album is much different then her two previous works. There really are no bubblegum pop tracks like there was on "The Fame" and the only song reminiscent of "Monster" is the track "Judas" for its Bad Romance-esque style. Everything else about the music on this album is different. Which is an improvement since it shows Gaga's versatility in different styles of music. The messages are also deeper than they were in her other works, also a good thing, and makes this album culturally relevant. The album is full of anthems, so if that is your thing you will love it. Some people don't like this album for the fact that it's not like "The Fame" but "Born This Way" truly shows the growth and maturity of Lady Gaga's Writing ability that was absent on "The Fame." A great Album overall. Recomended Tracks: Government Hooker, Americano, SheiBe, Bloody Marry, Electric Chapel, and You and I.… Expand
  22. Ropssberry101
    May 28, 2011
    0
    i personally think that this album is absolutely ridiculous. from the names of the songs, that can easily come from a child, to the production, oh, i mean over-production, then from the poor songwriting and similarity with other popular songs to repetitive concept on the album. it's a wreck. a music disaster. a collection of dumb songs for deaf teenagers who blindly worship their idol toi personally think that this album is absolutely ridiculous. from the names of the songs, that can easily come from a child, to the production, oh, i mean over-production, then from the poor songwriting and similarity with other popular songs to repetitive concept on the album. it's a wreck. a music disaster. a collection of dumb songs for deaf teenagers who blindly worship their idol to the max. poor poor poor. it's not worth buying. actually it's not even worth free downloading. it's terrible.… Expand
  23. B3NK3V1N
    May 27, 2011
    9
    Overall, I enjoyed the journey through the album. I think 'Marry the Night' and 'The Edge of Glory' were the perfect songs to begin and end it, respectively. In between the two, there were definitely more standout tracks than there were forgettable ones. A few songs from the album including, 'Black Jesus + Amen Fashion' and 'Fashion of His Love' probably could have been left out of theOverall, I enjoyed the journey through the album. I think 'Marry the Night' and 'The Edge of Glory' were the perfect songs to begin and end it, respectively. In between the two, there were definitely more standout tracks than there were forgettable ones. A few songs from the album including, 'Black Jesus + Amen Fashion' and 'Fashion of His Love' probably could have been left out of the bonus track version without losing the integrity of the album. But that being said, her vocals soared in multiple songs, whether it be operatic, disco, or Eighties sounding.

    Lyrically, it was refreshing to not hear about being in a club, getting drunk, or partying of which the Billboard Hot 100 has a lot (not putting a negative connotation on them of course, just saying). They were empowering, personal, and personable lyrics. Sure, there were some weak tracks, but the journey through the album is something that contemporary pop albums lack sometimes.    … Expand
  24. 4will93
    May 27, 2011
    9
    Born This Way is an amazing record full of meaning, quality and variety. If you wanna raise your self-esteem you should listen this album. The songs are not as catchy as the previous ones but they will grown on you after every time you listen to them.

    Songs review: Marry The Night: 10/10 Born This Way: 10/10 Government Hooker: 7/10 Judas: 9/10 Americano: 6/10 Hair: 8/10    Born This Way is an amazing record full of meaning, quality and variety. If you wanna raise your self-esteem you should listen this album. The songs are not as catchy as the previous ones but they will grown on you after every time you listen to them.

    Songs review:

    Marry The Night: 10/10
    Born This Way: 10/10
    Government Hooker: 7/10
    Judas: 9/10
    Americano: 6/10
    Hair: 8/10
    Scheisse: 9/10
    Bloody Mary: 10/10
    Bad Kids: 9/10
    Highway Unicorn: 8/10
    Heavy Metal Lover: 8/10
    Electric Chapel: 10/10
    Yoü & I: 10/10
    The Edge Of Glory: 10/10    … Expand
  25. opinioncanvas
    May 27, 2011
    7
    Was she really born this way!?

    What a massive 2 years. From the nervous girl who sat with Jonathan Ross on his sofa to the meat wearing music master! She has gone from strength to strength and more eccentric by the album. â
  26. Diz
    May 27, 2011
    5
    Most of the reviews here, no doubt, come from her fan base. Of course her fan base is going to love what she does. If you want a more accurate review then I would google it to find what regular people think of the album. That being said, I don't consider myself a fan of Lady Gaga for reasons unrelated to her music so it's not important to the review of her music. Born This Way is a greatMost of the reviews here, no doubt, come from her fan base. Of course her fan base is going to love what she does. If you want a more accurate review then I would google it to find what regular people think of the album. That being said, I don't consider myself a fan of Lady Gaga for reasons unrelated to her music so it's not important to the review of her music. Born This Way is a great pop album with the occasional rock vibe, but it is not an epic album or the 'album of the decade' that some people say it is. I've been listening to the album since it leaked and so far I'm pretty much split down the middle of LOVING half the album, liking the majority of the rest, and hating Born This Way (the song not the album). Marry The Night, Government Hooker, Judas, Hair, Schiebe, and Bloody Mary are the most stand out tracks in my opinion. The only track I don't like is Born This Way because I don't like that people (non fans of Gaga) ask me if BTW is my "anthem" and it's far from. The rest of the album is good, but a bit underwhelming. Songs like Heavy Metal Lover and Electric Chapel have great instrumentals but just when you expect her to belt out singing, she stays on the same level. Does not make it a bad song, but it could have been better. The Fame Monster is definitely a much better album, but Born This Way is a great pop album. I highly recommend a listen, but it does not live up to the hype that surrounds Lady Gaga.… Expand
  27. KittyKat1582
    May 27, 2011
    10
    This album is perfect, this album makes the fans feel like superstars and thats why its just so amazing. My favorite tracks are Bloody Mary(its so odd, but it makes it unique) and Black Jesus+Amen Fashion.
  28. perfecto
    May 27, 2011
    10
    Extraordinary album. So deformed, intense, powerful and strange as the same Lady Gaga. It is a work of authorship, a masterpiece full of unforgettable songs with memories of the seventies and eighties passed through the filter cool. Lady Gaga promised a masterpiece ... and she did when everyone doubted I could do at 25 years. This album is indispensable for any lover of music and basic inExtraordinary album. So deformed, intense, powerful and strange as the same Lady Gaga. It is a work of authorship, a masterpiece full of unforgettable songs with memories of the seventies and eighties passed through the filter cool. Lady Gaga promised a masterpiece ... and she did when everyone doubted I could do at 25 years. This album is indispensable for any lover of music and basic in contemporary pop. Lady Gaga is a genius. And this album is one of the many reasons for this truth.… Expand
  29. RogerSmith97
    May 27, 2011
    9
    ThisThis Album Is Overall Good.. Below Is A Track Listing And A Score Out Of 10-
    Marry The Night 10/10, Born This Way 10/10, Government Hooker 8/10, Judas 8/10, Americano 2/10, Hair 8/10, ScheiÃ
  30. HunterG776
    May 27, 2011
    10
    Lady GaGa aka Pop Queen 2011, may have taken a giant leap away from her previous album , The Fame, towards the music of Far East Movement, she still manages to make some outstanding music. From the thumping Dance Songs 'Judas', 'Marry the Night' and 'SchieBe' to the soft delicate 'You and I' GaGa aims to please, and Succeeds.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »