Lady Gaga’s debut album The Fame came out on August 19^th, 2008. It was a smash hit selling nearly 5 million copies in the US. The Fame spawned 4 smash hit singles which included the number one songs, Just Dance and Poker Face. Lovegame and Paparazzi both hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

After Just Dance was released many thought Lady Gaga would be a one hit wonder similar to Katy Perry who also came out the same year. Lady Gaga has gone on to become one of the biggest pop stars in the world and has branched into acting, scoring an Oscar Nomination for her starring role in A Star is Born. Lady Gaga has gone on to have numerous hit songs. The Fame was only the beginning. A lot has changed over the years and Lady Gaga’s sound has evolved over time. Just Dance, Poker Face, Lovegame, and Paparazzi are classics in a growing list of songs in Lady Gaga’s catalogue. Just Dance still gets played on radio today. The Fame was a dance heavy album. Lady Gaga’s bread and butter is dance music which she does very well. Her recent album Chromatica went back to dance music.

The Fame may be known for Just Dance, Poker Face, Lovegame, and Paparazzi, but as a whole it is a solid album from start to finish. Starstruck is a fun song which also features Flo Rida & Space Cowboy. Beautiful, Dirty, Rich is a personal favorite. Money Honey is fun. Paper Gangsta is a unique piano ballad. Brown Eyes showcases Lady Gaga’s vocals which was done similarly on later tracks like Speechless and Dope on later albums.

Just Dance features Colby O’Donis and is a fun dance song that really sets the tone for the album. At the time, Poker Face was a bold song sonically and lyrically. It is impressive how Poker Face was able to become a smash hit and a durable hit over the years. Lovegame is another club ready song that is just as good now as it was then. Paparazzi was elevated after the music video and Lady Gaga’s performance of it at the VMAS. Paparazzi is a bit of a tragic song depending how one could look at it. Paparazzi was also the first song to set the stage for Lady Gaga’s theatrics that would continue on throughout her career.

The Fame is a solid debut album and I look forward to seeing what Lady Gaga will do next in her career.