Lady Gaga’s “Applause” Music Video: Review Revue

After rush-releasing the single due to an early leak, Lady Gaga premiered the official video for “Applause” this morning (August 19) on Good Morning America. With eye-popping scenes of the singer transforming into a swan, writhing on a mattress and posing as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, the imagery is a lot to take in considering this generation’s short attention span. Our own Carl Williott said the clip is “more art and less pop,” noting that it “lacks the narrative structure and ‘wow’ factor of many of Gaga’s prior works.”

Gaga’s artistry has always been polarizing and the “Applause” video is no different, which left critics with divergent opinions. Read on to see what other reviewers had to say.

:: Consequence of Sound takes a playful jab at the singer’s current chart position, saying “Gaga’s head appears on a black swan and she boogies down in a clam bikini. If this doesn’t bump up her sales, I no longer believe in art.”

:: Our friends at SPIN quipped, “‘Some of us just like to read,’ she sings, and hey, that includes us. But it’s easier to clap for something that moves or touches you, rather than serves as an advertisement for Gaga as incomprehensible high-end brand.”

:: MTV joked that the clip “most certainly wasn’t your standard breakfast-hour fare,” continuing “It is obtuse, odd, and most certainly does not go well with oatmeal.”

:: Entertainment Weekly notes that, “In typical Gaga fashion, it’s all over the place,” and seemed impressed by the fact that she “crams an awful lot into three minutes.”

:: Vulture said “‘Applause’ is of course as catchy as can be, and the video does seem like the perfect visual companion to a mainstream dance-pop song about the relationship between art, artist, and audience.”

:: The Independent notes “the high energy accompaniment to her new track is a hotchpotch of imagery that seems to highlight the pop princess’ ever changing appearance.”

:: Lastly, Entertainmentwise believes Lady Gaga “will no doubt cause a stir with the singer writhing around for what is no doubt her sexiest video yet.”

What do you think of the “Applause” video? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!