Applause turns 7 today. Here’s a thread on why this era remains one of the best and most ambitious moments in recent pop history:

Let’s start with a little background. The first time Gaga mentioned Applause was back in November 2012 when she started teasing lyrics from the song on LittleMonsters and Twitter. The song was initially refered to as “The Applause”.

Gaga started working on Applause with DJ White Shadow while on tour in 2012. Gaga confirmed that she was in major pain during the writing sessions due to her yet undiagnosed broken hip. On top of that, she was ruthlessly fought by the media for her weight and even her addictions.

It was “the applause” and “the way that the fans screamed and cheered for her” that kept her going and worked as inspiration for the song. They even recorded their screams and used them in the production of the song.

On July 13, 2013, after a 6 month hiatus, Lady Gaga officially launches the ARTPOP era and announces Applause as the lead single of the highly anticipated album. The song was originally scheduled to be released on August 19.

A few days later, Gaga’s best friend and make-up artist Tara Savelo posts a photo that had fans speculating that she’s hinting the single cover for the song. The Inez and Vinoodh artwork was officially released on July 28th.

Applause and Roar, the two most highly anticipated singles of 2013 by the 2 biggest popstars of the planet, were released on the same tracking week, leading to one of the worst stan war pop culture had seen in ages.

Despite the two popstars openly supporting each other, both fanbases embarked on the infamous “Roar Vs Applause” drama, an event such big for pop culture that even inspired an entire episode on Glee. (A Katy or a Gaga?”)

Applause ended up peaking at #4 on Hot 100, became her biggest radio hit in the US ever and it remains a staple in Gaga’s discography, her tour setlists and essential playlists. It’s currently certified 4x Platinum in the US.

The Inez and Vinoodh directed music video, was inspired by Gaga’s passion for shape shifting and transforming and her love for the stage and the arts. It includes major references to Boticelli, Andy Warhol, Jess Koons etc.

Applause’s underperformance compared to Roar had major impact on the rest of the ARTPOP era and led the already biased media to sabotage the album. Gaga herself wasn’t left unaffected. Exhausted by the negativity, she daily begged fans to stop the drama and spread online kindness

Despite the negativity sent her way, Gaga managed to serve one of the most flawless single eras of her career. She wanted to return to the stage so bad and she proved it with a series of performances still remembered today. Her ambition and drive was visible since day one.

Now the fashion of the era is a whole other thread by itself but I’ll try to narrow it down. Her style, the looks, the wigs, the outfits, the makeup. Literally top tier impeccable fashion. (1/3)

(2/3)

(3/3)

Gaga’s ambition for ARTPOP and Applause is rarely witnessed in modern day pop culture. Her drive during this era was insane despite what she was going through. She literally was hungry, she gave everything she had for her artistry.

Applause was too ahead of its time just like ARTPOP was. It took most of her peers years to explore themes similar to those she made an entire album for in 2013. Years later, pop culture could only dream of top tier moments like this one.