ARTPOP

ARTPOP
Name	ARTPOP
Type	studio
Artist	Lady Gaga
Released	November 6, 2013
Recorded	2012–2013
Studio	Record Plant, Henson Recording Studio, Electric Lady Studios, Shangri-La
Genre	Pop, electronic, dance-pop
Length	52:19
Label	Interscope
Producer	Zedd, DJ White Shadow, Madeon, RedOne, Paul "DJ White Shadow" Blair

ARTPOP ARTPOP is the third studio album by Lady Gaga. The album followed her work on The Fame Monster, Born This Way, and stage collaborations with Stefani Germanotta's peers, and arrived amid publicity from appearances at Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show, the MTV Video Music Awards, and the Grammy Awards. It combined contributions from producers associated with Zedd, RedOne, Madeon, and collaborators linked to Tony Bennett, Beyoncé, Elton John, Adele, and David Bowie in various industry contexts.

Background and recording

Recording sessions occurred after Gaga's tours with The Monster Ball Tour and studio work at Record Plant, Henson Recording Studio, Electric Lady Studios, and Shangri-La (recording studio). Gaga enlisted producers who had worked with Katy Perry, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, and Madonna to craft songs inspired by visual art exhibitions at institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and cultural events including Art Basel. Writers and musicians who previously collaborated with Tony Bennet, Paul McCartney, Stuart Price, RedOne, and Zedd contributed to sessions reflecting influences from Andy Warhol, Marina Abramović, and Jean-Michel Basquiat-adjacent performance art. Guest vocalists and performers linked to T.I., R. Kelly, and electronic acts connected to Daft Punk and Skrillex also participated in studio work.

Musical style and themes

The album explored synth-pop, electro-pop, and dance-pop with elements reminiscent of productions by Max Martin, William Orbit, Stuart Price, and Danja. Lyrical themes referenced fame narratives similar to those of Madonna's provocations, the identity studies seen in Marina Abramović's performances, and celebrity critique appearing in works by Tracy Emin. Songs juxtaposed party anthems associated with Calvin Harris and introspective balladry akin to Adele and Sia compositions. Production textures ranged from EDM flourishes tied to Zedd and Madeon to retro disco touches recalling Chic and Giorgio Moroder collaborations.

Release and promotion

The lead-up included singles circulated to outlets such as iHeartMedia-affiliated radio stations and performances on televised specials including Saturday Night Live and European broadcasts like The X Factor UK. Visual promotion drew on fashion shows at venues associated with Harper's Bazaar and Vogue (magazine), and campaigns referencing exhibitions at the Tate Modern and art fairs like Art Basel Miami Beach. Promotional appearances featured collaborators known from MTV Video Music Awards stages and the Brit Awards, and live segments tied to streaming platforms connected to Vevo and YouTube Music.

Critical reception and accolades

Reviews ranged from praise comparing its ambition to works by Madonna and David Bowie to criticism echoing debates around Kanye West and M.I.A. records. Major outlets that previously covered The New York Times, NME, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork offered mixed analyses, citing production parallels with Max Martin and thematic parallels with Lady Gaga's peers like Katy Perry and Rihanna. Despite mixed critical consensus, the album received nominations and mentions in circles connected to the Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and regional ceremonies such as the NRJ Music Awards.

Commercial performance

Upon release the album debuted on charts monitored by Billboard 200, the UK Albums Chart, and the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia. Initial sales figures reported on systems used by Nielsen SoundScan placed it among top entries alongside releases by Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé. Subsequent chart trajectories intersected with singles' performance on the Billboard Hot 100, airplay on networks operated by Clear Channel Communications, and streaming tallies aggregated by services linked to Spotify and Apple Music.

Track listing and formats

Standard and deluxe editions appeared across physical formats including CDs distributed by Universal Music Group and vinyl pressings handled by labels associated with Interscope Records. Bonus tracks and remix packages featured contributors from the electronic scene tied to Skrillex, Diplo, and Calvin Harris. Promotional singles were serviced to playlists curated by platforms like Spotify and radio programmers affiliated with iHeartMedia.

Personnel and production credits

Credits included producers and songwriters who had credits alongside Zedd, RedOne, Madeon, DJ White Shadow, and musicians with histories of work for Madonna, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber. Engineering and mixing personnel had prior roles on sessions for Max Martin-produced pop records, albums by Adele, and soundtracks tied to Tim Burton films. Mastering and design teams comprised professionals whose portfolios included projects for MTV, Vogue (magazine), and major label catalogs managed by Universal Music Group.

Category:2013 albums Category:Lady Gaga albums