“Love For Sale” Overview
From “Cheek to Cheek” to “Love For Sale”, Lady Gaga joins Tony Bennett again for another glamourous jazz album. The pop icon helps the 95-year-old legendary jazz singer with his final album. And, although Gaga recently released “Dawn of Chromatica,” this album is a far cry from such chaotic pop, as it’s full of Cole Porter classics. “Love For Sale” sees Gaga both bubbly and soulful. Likewise, Tony glides on the doo-waps, and Gaga soars high; it’s a harmonizing paradise. Lush orchestra, trumpet pick-me-ups, quick bass, and heartfelt piano offer a pocketful of emotions on each track.
Lady Gaga Says “You’re The Top”
“You’re The Top” sees the pop singer embody Judy Garland, singing, “At words poetic, I’m so pathetic / That I always have found it best.” Bennett bounces compliments back and forth with Gaga, starting with “You’re the top! / You’re the Coliseum /You’re the top! /You’re the Louver Museum.” Their bashful energy carries through a sparse drum set chiming each word, many a pow from the orchestra, and uplifting trumpets. The final track has feet rhythming along with its spring-happy beat up until the climactic end.
Tony Bennett Is “So In Love”
“Love For Sale” only has two songs purely sung by Tony, the first being “So In Love.” The track is a suspenseful waltz with lyrics of a love-mad character, “Even without you, / My arms fold about you, /You know darling why, /So in love with you am I.” His voice is heavy, full of longing and hope. The wooshes of stars and the build-up of both strings and piano becomes heart-wrenching- it’s hard to believe it’s just a cover! He leaves his lover with a dooming reminder, parting with the last woosh, “So taunt me, and hurt me, / Deceive me, desert me, /I’m yours, till I die…”.
“Love For Sale” Is A Playful Track
The duo sparkles on the title track. Bennet sings, “Appetizing young love for sale /Love that’s fresh and still unspoiled.” Bass strings are steadily plucked, keeping the listener up on their toes and also drumming along. Gaga, again, embodies a Judy Garland tone, shimmering along a full orchestra, her vibrato lighting up the room. She croons, “I know every type of love/ Better far than they.” Trumpets follow the singers out, closing a boisterous track with a playful wink.
Gaga Is Lost on “Do I Love You”
Lady Gaga contemplates her feelings on “Do I Love You.” The violins are slow, harping with the singer, “Would I miss you, would I? / If you ever should go away?” It’s a spotlight moment, a confession, for the pop singer. Her voice wavers over the instrumental in a wistful hope she finds her answer. Still, it seems lost on her. As the song closes, the doo-wop slows, and the lush walls fall into a crescendo. Her farewell wavers on one word until the track completes, “Don’t I show you I do / Just as you love / Me.”
“Love For Sale” sees Gaga wish a joyous and saddening goodbye to her beloved collaborator and friend Tony Bennett. It’s an album worth listening to on a good day, and if you’re in a bad mood, hope to get your feelings up.
Do you enjoy this album just as much as we do? Let us know in the comments!
