by Lady Gaga is undoubtedly one of the most successful and influential pop artists of all time. With six studio albums under her belt, countless hit singles, and awards too numerous to count, Gaga has cemented her status as a true icon in the music industry. However, even with her massive success, some of Gaga’s best and most interesting songs tend to get overlooked amongst her biggest hits. For those looking to discover new Lady Gaga tracks or revisit some deep cuts, I’ve put together the ultimate playlist of underrated Gaga songs perfect for lighting up a fun Wednesday night.
Kicking things off is “Paper Gangsta” from Gaga’s debut studio album The Fame (2008). This disco-funk inspired track shows off Gaga’s early rapping skills alongside her signature blend of pop and dance music. With its pulsing bassline, funky guitar licks, and Gaga delivering playful lyrics about a woman who isn’t who she seems, “Paper Gangsta” is an infectious way to get the party started. The song demonstrates Gaga’s versatility right out of the gate and proves she was always more than just a pop star.
Another standout from The Fame is “Monster.” One of Gaga’s darkest and most intense songs, “Monster” takes listeners to a different side of Gaga that many may not expect. Powerful vocals are paired with intricate lyrics describing the monster within us all. With its pounding beat and ominous tone, “Monster” creates a mood that is somehow both unsettling yet thrilling. It showed that even in her early days, Gaga was willing to take risks and push creative boundaries beyond just danceable pop songs.
Jumping to her third studio album Born This Way (2011), the beautiful ballad “Hair” deserves more recognition. A moving ode to self-acceptance, “Hair” celebrates individuality and embracing our true selves regardless of society’s standards. Gaga’s vulnerable yet strong vocals paired with inspiring lyrics make “Hair” the perfect song to put you in an uplifted mood. It highlights Gaga’s skill as a songwriter who can craft anthemic pop songs with deeper meanings.
Also from Born This Way is the bonus track “Highway Unicorn (Road to Love).” An electro-pop delight, “Highway Unicorn” has an instantly catchy beat and giddy lyrics about finding your soulmate. Gaga flexes her vocal range over bubbly synths, creating the vibe of joyfully cruising down the highway with the top down. Its message of following your heart on the road to love makes “Highway Unicorn” the ideal song to put a smile on your face.
Gaga took many creative risks on her 2013 album Artpop, but one song that deserves more love is “Dope.” With its sophisticated jazz influences and funky rhythm, “Dope” stands apart from Gaga’s typical pop sound. Lyrically, she discusses society’s stigmatization of drug culture while maintaining the song has a double meaning as just simply calling something “dope.” Gaga’s sultry vocals paired with intricate instrumentation make “Dope” one of Artpop’s most musically interesting tracks.
For a taste of Gaga’s country influences, 2016’s “Joanne” gives fans “Diamond Heart.” A sparse yet emotive ballad, “Diamond Heart” allows Gaga’s powerful vocals to shine through with emotional lyrics about love and loss. Accompanied only by acoustic guitar and subtle production, “Diamond Heart” highlights Gaga’s raw talent and versatility to tackle different genres beyond dance-pop. Its beautiful melody and vulnerable storytelling qualities make “Diamond Heart” a perfect song for getting lost in your feelings.
Gaga’s most recent album Chromatica (2020) houses the brooding electronic gem “Sine From Above.” Dark pulsing synths create an atmospheric backdrop for Gaga’s ethereal vocals and sci-fi inspired lyrics about otherworldly connections. “Sine From Above” takes listeners on a journey through its constantly shifting soundscapes and demonstrates Gaga pushing her creative boundaries once more. Its experimental yet cohesive sound makes it a thrilling addition to any dance party playlist.
For some lighthearted fun, Gaga’s self-described “drunk text to [her] friend Joanne” “Grigio Girls” is a must. A bubbly ode to friendship and good times with the girls, “Grigio Girls” puts listeners in a celebratory mood from its opening notes. Gaga flexes her comedic chops over upbeat instrumentation, singing lyrics that any girl gang can relate to. Its sassy yet playful energy is perfect for singing along with your best friends on a Wednesday night out.
The Fame Monster EP (2009) houses yet another underrated gem in “Speechless.” A surprisingly emotional ballad, “Speechless” allows Gaga’s powerful vocals to shine through on lyrics about love, heartbreak, and feeling lost for words. Accompanied only by a piano, “Speechless” highlights Gaga’s raw talent for storytelling through song. Its vulnerable yet anthemic quality makes “Speechless” an impactful listen that can leave listeners feeling empowered even in times of sadness.
Rounding out this playlist is another standout from Born This Way – “The Edge of Glory.” While not exactly obscure, “The Edge of Glory” often gets overshadowed by the album’s massive title track. However, it deserves just as much recognition for its soaring melody and inspirational message. Gaga belts her powerful vocals over an orchestral arrangement, singing about living in the moment and following your heart’s desires. Its grand yet upbeat sound is perfect for feeling on top of the world. “The Edge of Glory” proves Gaga can craft anthemic pop songs that will move listeners emotionally and make any event feel like a celebration.
In conclusion, this playlist offers only a sampling of the gems hiding within Lady Gaga’s impressive catalog. With six albums spanning different genres, Gaga has no shortage of deep cuts that deserve more recognition. These underrated songs showcase her versatility, creativity, and raw talent that have cemented her status among the greats. Whether discovering new favorites or revisiting old ones, this collection of tracks is guaranteed to keep the party vibes flowing on any fun Wednesday night in. Gaga’s music has something for every mood, and these deep cuts prove she is so much more than her biggest hits. Dancing and singing along to the unexpected sides of Gaga is sure to make any night more memorable.
