Lady Gaga Channels The 1980s With A Little Help From R. Kelly On "Do What U Want"

posted in: Pop • Urban

2013 is going to go down in history as the year throwback pop took over the radio. Justin Timberlake led the Top 40 movement with “Suit & Tie,” Betty Who led indie acts with “Somebody Loves You,” and now Lady Gaga has recruited R&B legend R. Kelly to help her keep nostalgia alive and well with her ’80s drenched ARTPOP single “Do What You Want.”

Kicking off with a synth so thick it could rattle your skull through some decent headphones, “Do What U Want” is everything Gaga fans have been waiting for. “Applause” was a well-liked song, but it offered very little in terms of evolution from Born This Way. “Do What U Want” on the other hand, could not be more of a departure from the sound you’ve likely come to expect from Mother Monster. It’s relatively straightforward both musically and lyrically, though there are plenty of sexual undertones pulsing throughout, and nearly all her characteristic ‘theatric’ elements are nowhere to be found. This could be due to R. Kelly’s presence, but whatever the case, it makes for a single you won’t soon forget. Click below to stream “Do What U Want.”

ARTPOP is still a few weeks away from its November 5th release, but this seems like the beginning of the hype machine. Comment below and us know your thoughts on Gaga’s latest.