In Focus: Lady Gaga - Born This Way

   Lady Gaga


   Following months of anticipation, buzz, and taunting with leaks of single cover artwork and lyrics strategically leaked to various media outlets, Friday's release of Lady Gaga's lastest single "Born This Way" exploded into a flurry of debate around the authenticity of the pop stars latest work and whether it is or isn't the genuine article.

Record Review: Sia

Sia - We Are Born 4/5

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The Zero 7 alum, known for her chilled, atmospheric ballads like "Breathe Me," whips up a dizzying collection of up-tempo, quirky pop that's sugar coated and deliciously sinful. We Are Born's electro-pop plays up the Aussie native's wild side with goofy confidence.

Attributing her more upbeat sound to her relationship with JD Samson, of Le Tigre, and her childhood influences, Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. It's apparent from "Clap Your Hands," the album's first proper single, full of jagged guitars and synth beats that's ridiculous fun. Elsewhere, the hand claps of "Bring Night" to the ragged guitar riffs of "Never Gonna Leave Me" rein supreme.

In her more heartfelt moments, "Clouds" and "Be Good To Me," Sia possesses soulful vocals, that command emotion, yet remain optimistic never straying too far into moody or atmospheric ballads. The album closes on the airy, and lackluster Madonna cover, the only real misstep on an otherwise energetic and fun record.