I'm not sure that's just objectively though. I mean sure we can talk about far better singers, musicians, producers and all that stuff but ultimately who decides how much talent you need to be that big? And in what areas? You obviously know far more than I in this area, and have heard far more talented people who never make it, but it does take a genuine spark to do what she has. Like I said, Bieber is similar, he is all pop and show but watch the Manchester one love gig and tell me that he at least can't do it to a respectful level. That at least puts these guys above most else and speaks to perhaps why they break that level even beyond other manufactured "stars".
She can sing ok, she can play many instruments ok, she can write a decent tune...but she can also put on a very good show just by herself doing all that and then knows how to amp it up. I have a lot more respect for that level than I do people who have everything done for them. Whilst not on the level of talent someone like Gaga genuinely has, I'd say she is still far beyond most others as a whole.
Plus, you have to admit, taking back her music the way she is doing is something else. Regardless of the reasons and the money behind it, the entertainment industry all round is rotten right now and using her power to fight back even a bit is something no one else even bothers with.
Then again I recently watched Blink 182 live and it was genuinely one of the best gigs I can remember, and I've seen a hell of a lot of the best over the years, so I'm questioning myself a lot about this stuff lately
Yeah as I said above I'm a big fan of hers.
What I mean about objectively is that the music is perfectly crafted but ultimately quite bland and incredibly safe. It's an amazing product but not even close to nudging any real artisic boundaries.
That is part of the secret to her success. She will never really alienate a fan. Some will grow out of crazed phase but it's always a nice warm fuzziness in their past. Like a Boy or Girl band but without the multiple personalities to manage. She can keep it all on track.
With only subtle directional changes she gets generation after generation of fans. It's a marketing bod and financier's dream. She has no notions beyond what she does and I have very few doubts she will be selling out stadiums in 20 years. She's a smart lady, a really solid songwriter, singer and guitar player but really an awesome business woman and brilliant entertainer. She's a phenomal package, but the actual music is kind of ordinary.
