Unveiling Hidden Treasures: Lady Gaga’s Early Career Anthems That Deserve a Spotlight

Co-written and recorded with Queen Bey herself, “Telephone” was one of Gaga’s boldest artistic statements upon release. A nine-minute-long tour de force featuring two of pop’s biggest divas, the song was a cinematic experience blending different movements and genres. From its opening spoken-word section to the climactic rap break, “Telephone” found new ways to keep listeners hooked. It also sparked healthy online debate about its themes of female empowerment and celebrity culture. While the single version received acclaim, the full recording was perhaps too ambitious for top 40 radio. With time, it has grown in stature to become regarded as one of Gaga’s most creative works. An early sign of the boundless creativity she would continue to display.

“Alejandro” (2009)

A dark horse from The Fame Monster, “Alejandro” showed yet another side of Gaga – the sultry storyteller. The atmospheric song painted a vivid picture of forbidden love with lines like “I know that we are young, and I know you may love me.” Musically, it had a sexy, cinematic quality enhanced by its accompanying video. While not as immediate as singles like “Bad Romance,” “Alejandro” revealed Gaga’s artistry went far beyond catchy pop songs. It proved she was capable of sophisticated songwriting with layered themes and melodies that revealed themselves over repeated listens. An early sign she would continue pushing creative boundaries, “Alejandro” deserves recognition as one of her most stylish and enigmatic works.