The planet Chromatica is a home for all the colors of the universe, the most glittering pop of the galaxy. But it is also Lady Gaga's trauma album that kicked off in January when she sat with Oprah Winfrey and for the first time talked publicly about how she was raped during her teens. Something that led to post-traumatic stress and pain syndrome.
Chromatica is about getting through the worst of it all and, hopefully, coming out stronger on the other side. To his help, Gaga has the dance floor, the bombastic, porky pop, the house piano from the 90's and some well-chosen artist collaborations.
First out: Elton John. Chromatica is a shameless flirt with Gaga's big gay audience. She is the fallen diva on her way back, full of messages about loving herself for who you are. Elton John's guest play is a gift to that audience, and a nice gift. He gilds dramatic Sine from above with a deep voice that sounds autotuned without being - in a good way.
The K-pop band Blackpink hosts Sour candy, one of the weaker, more boring tracks. Logically, since South Korea is a country where Gaga scented pop is still big and is also a gigantic market. Rain on me with Ariana Grande is a song that smells French electro. And being seen with Grande is a smart way to get a foot in the younger listeners who may have no relationship with Gaga.
But next to Grande, it is also painfully clear that Lady Gaga's persona and type of pop are no longer in the cry. Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and other big stars of today also work with darkness, though with a personal authenticity that Gaga completely lacks. Lady Gaga is and still remains much of a cartoon character.
As the pink alien in the music video for the single Stupid love, her first collaboration with Max Martin. A song with clear hit quality that sounds like pop did during the late 00's, with a decent dose of disco. It's hard not to think it's about a somewhat destructive love affair with the audience. Especially when, now after her less-appreciated excursions in jazz and country, she does what she may need to win back our stupid love: namely, classic gag pop.
Chromatica is not bad - but it is not exciting either. For what made her so interesting, fresh and brave ten years ago does not elicit the same feeling today, when it consists mostly of repetitions.