Lady Gaga has turned in her leather and lace for denim and fringe with the release of her new album, Joanne. The fourteen-track compilation, released Oct. 21, pays tribute to Gaga’s late aunt, Joanne, who tragically died from Lupus at the age of 19.

Joanne, Gaga’s first solo album since Artpop in 2013, offers a look at Mother Monster through a more vulnerable and unrefined lens. The artist even refereed to the recording of this album as a “soul-searching experience.”

In terms of sound, the music is more conservative than what we’ve seen from the singer in the past. Gaga accredits this to her role in American Horror Story (AHS), noting that she has “a little less of an instinct to be reckless with her music now because she’s reckless in other places.”

Another facet of the album that must be addressed is its country flare. The music’s pop foundation along with Gaga’s implementing of twangy beats and common country themes creates an incredibly unique sound. This album is like training wheels for any listener hesitant of country music.

“Diamond Heart”: As the opening track of the album, this track is an audio rollercoaster. Initially it is on the softer side, until the drum kicks in building up to the climactic and dramatic chorus. On the music spectrum, this track is more on the rock side, due to the heavy amount of drums and guitar.

“A-YO”: Gaga’s proclaiming of “Here we go” at the beginning of this track notifies listeners that the “country-ness” of the album starts now. You can’t help but picture her swinging a lasso throughout the opening verse. The artist gave a live performance of this upbeat tune on Saturday Night Live last week accompanied by Mark Ronson.

“Joanne”: Transitioning from the previous hoedown jam, “Joanne” is a refreshing, acoustic breather. Besides her voice, a single guitar is the only prominent sound, producing and sweet and intimate tone. As previously mentioned, this entire album is dedicated to Gaga’s aunt, Joanne, who the singer believes she is a reincarnation of.

“John Wayne”: It’s pretty obvious from the title that this song pays homage to actor John Wayne. She alludes to the actor’s role in countless western films when she sings that she craves a “real wild man” and a “cowboy.” This song is on the techno side of the spectrum, with a repeating riff similar to the one in C2C’s song, “Down the Road.”

“Dancin’ in Circles”: For any fans of Lady Gaga’s, “Alejandro,” you’ll love this song. The ominous tone and edge in her voice draw a striking resemblance to the singer’s 2009 hit.

“Perfect Illusion”: This song is pretty disappointing. In terms of sound, there is nothing new about it. This track might as well have been on Artpop. Not only this, but the song is just downright creepy. It makes sense that “Perfect Illusion” scored the AHS season 6 trailer.

“Sinner’s Prayer”: This song sounds straight out of a western film, starring Gaga as the heartbreaker. The singer unapologetically proclaims in the chorus that “I don’t wanna break the heart of any other man but you,” painting herself as a femme fatale.

“Come to Mama”: This immensely tender and meaningful track functions as the artist’s plea for world peace. She advises that “everybody’s got to love each other, stop throwin’ stones at your sisters and your brothers,” and warns “there’s gonna be no future if we don’t figure this out.”

“Hey Girl”: Hands down, this is my favorite track on the album. This song is a duet between Lady Gaga and the wonderful Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine. The two form a harmonious pair whose voices complement one another beautifully. I would definitely like to see the two record more music together in the future.  

“Angel Down”: Gaga revealed on a radio interview that “Angel Down” is about “the epidemic of young African-Americans being murdered in this country,” specifically, Trayvon Martin, who was shot dead at the age of 17 in 2012. The moving ballad addresses the topical issue of gun violence in the United States as well as the detriment of being a bystander to this problem.

“Grigio Girls”: “This song is about womanhood and sticking together,” Gaga said about “Grigio Girls.” The artist opens up in this track about her close friend, Sonja, who is suffering from stage four metastasized breast cancer in her brain and lungs. She sings about how her friends cope with the sadness and that, simply, it’s okay to cry.

“Just Another Day”: Inspired by David Bowie, Marc Bolan and The Beatles, this track stands out for its bouncy beat, strong brass section and its reliance on the piano. “It’s probably the most New York-glam-pop song on the album,” Gaga explained.

“Angel Down (Work Tape)”: This unedited “Angel Down” offers a look at the song in a simpler light. Instrumentally, it’s more minimalistic, however, Gaga’s raw vocals bring the song to a whole new level.

“Million Reasons”: The fourteenth and final track of the album, “Million Reasons,” is a gem. Throughout the song, Gaga’s voice is almost paradoxical: gentle yet impressively powerful. The lyrics as well as the vocals are vulnerable and beautiful.