I used to be borderline obsessed with Lady Gaga. In college I loved The Fame and The Fame Monster so much that I ordered them on vinyl and picked up almost all of the singles (and their remixes) on vinyl / picture discs.

Then, for whatever reason, 2011’s Born This Way and 2013’s ARTPOP managed to completely pass me by. Out of the blue I decided to give ARTPOP a listen on Spotify as I drove to work on Monday. I was immediately hooked. The album is probably as close to a perfect pop album as anyone can get, at least to my untrained ears.

There is just so much about the album to love. The instrumentals are of the same hypnotic, energetic style that got me hooked to her first album and follow up EP. Her lyrics are catchy (love “G.U.Y.”), sexy (“Sexxx Dreams” and “Do What U Want” which features R. Kelly) and hypnotic (“Venus”). I love all of it!

The hit single “Applause” (which I somehow hadn’t heard until Monday) is incredible. I feel like she brings her unique Lady Gaga with a slight mix of Katy Perry and everything about the album works on every level. I can’t stop listening to the tracks over and over again in my car, and I’m not ashamed to have pop music blasting from my speakers as I cruise down the highway.

I especially love the slower paced, piano ballad “Dope”. Her voice is absolutely incredible. I love the deep, brooding tone of the song. The song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

I still haven’t listened to Born This Way, and I’m not sure if I want to. I love ARTPOP so much I’m almost afraid I won’t like her sophomore album as much.