Lady Gaga: "Poker Face"

The first time I heard this acoustic version of the ridiculous club hit "Poker Face," I remember thinking that this couldn't possibly be the same person who urged me to roll my eyes to the back of my head and, you know, just dance. It appears Lady Gaga (birth name: Stefani Germanotta) can actually sing. Happy surprises!

I'm not going to rehash Lady Gaga's entire history for you here -- that's what Wikipedia is for, and there's way too much to tell -- but it's fascinating realize how she went from a no one performing in rock clubs in Manhattan to a legitimate international sensation within literally a year. And no modern artist has done a better job of shrouding herself in weirdness and secrecy. Conspiracy theories abound, and are super fun to follow, but it can veil how sometimes her music is, er, not very good at all.

But look! She can really can sing! This is just so much more accessible music and it's a reminder that she is actually a musician (and not just a puppet of the Illuminati) (allegedly, of course). Kid Cudi liked it enough to sample it. It's joyful. It's playful. And it confirms that the bow made of hair is weird-looking in every context, especially outside a music video. Enjoy.

"Poker Face," performed by Lady Gaga.
Original on "The Fame" (2008).