ARTPOP's cover was horrific, so already this album is a step in the right direction. It's not over the top or inoffensive, and that may be seen as a shocker to some. But simplicity is good sometimes. I like it. Pressing on...
'Joanne' is the name of her late aunt and also her middle name (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta). During a surprise appearance on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio show yesterday morning, Gaga reveals:
"The decision to name the album Joanne was in tribute to my father's sister who died when she was 19."Her aunt lost her battle to lupus in 1974.
The project may include 11 songs, along with three additional bonus cuts on the deluxe version.
She has already released the album’s lead single 'Perfect Illusion,' and a Ruth Hogben-directed video is set to premiere soon.
Other confirmed tracks that will appear on the album include, 'Sinner's Prayer', 'John Wayne', 'Joanne', 'Ayo' and 'Hey Girl.' The album features collaborations with Mark Ronson, Father John Misty, and Hillary Lindsey, among others.
Song concepts
Joanne: Tribute to late aunt
John Wayne: Gaga's "incessant need to run after wild men" and getting bored of "the same old John."
Sinner's Prayer: Gaga tells her lover, "Look, I don't want to break the heart of any other man but you, but I know that I'm a sinner."
In related news, Gaga will cover one of Amy Winehouse's signature songs to support the late singer's foundation. The recording will be featured on Amy's YouTube channel, set up to raise money for the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Things seem to be going well for Gags. She has a hit TV show on her hands as well. American Horror Story premiered last night to solid cable ratings of five million viewers.
OK.
Have I missed anything out?
Exciting times to be a Gaga fan huh?