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Lady Gaga’s 2008 breakthrough “The Fame” was one of the most successful debut albums in recent history, not only a hot seller, but a critically praised record at that. Its impact could be measured in a million ways, but on its 15th anniversary the album’s Grammy success comes to mind.
“The Fame” wasn’t an overnight sensation, it was a slow riser. Debuting at number-17 initially, the album was helped by word-of-mouth and its lead single “Just Dance” being a budding hit (number-27 that week). In December, when the Grammy nominations for 2009 came out, “Just Dance” was nominated in the category now called Best Dance/Electronic Recording, a major feat for Gaga, whose album wouldn’t even be eligible until the next Grammys cycle.
The album rose slowly as the song grew and reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200 in March 2009. By then “Just Dance” had already become a number-one hit (although it lost the Grammy), and the album had achieved another chart-topping hit, “Poker Face,” as well as the top-five “LoveGame.” That summer Gaga dropped “Paparazzi,” the fourth top-10 hit from that era.
Four top-10 hits is a huge feat, especially for a debut era, and it meant Gaga was much more than just a flash in the pan: she was a bona fide superstar. She was also helped by the publicity she got for her campiness, her extravagant red carpet appearances, and her vocal LGBTQ+ advocacy. As such, Gaga was a well-rounded pop star, having not only the hits but a clear public persona that would prevent her from being a one-era wonder.
Grammy time came around again. Due to old Grammy rules, “Just Dance’s” nomination the previous year made Lady Gaga ineligible for Best New Artist, which many considered unfair. After all, Gaga was very clearly the biggest and most acclaimed new act of the season, and would’ve won in a shoo-in (instead, that award went to the country group Zac Brown Band). Regardless, Gaga was aiming at much more than just Best New Artist. When nominations were announced “The Fame” was up for five awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Poker Face,” plus Album of the Year.
Gaga’s label, Interscope, submitted her to the dance categories, while entering their other big act that year, Black Eyed Peas, into pop categories, though one could argue “The Fame” could’ve beaten BEP’s “The E.N.D.” for Pop Vocal Album if given the chance. “Poker Face” beat BEP’s smash hit “Boom Boom Pow” in the Dance/Electronic Recording race. “The Fame,” unsurprisingly, also won for Best Dance/Electronic Album, edging out releases from David Guetta, LMFAO, The Crystal Method and Pet Shop Boys.
Many would argue that “The Fame” should’ve won something in the general field, perhaps even Album of the Year. It’s hard to go against that train of thought. Taylor Swift‘s “Fearless” was a worthy champ, but “The Fame” was arguably more impactful, as it ushered in a new wave of pop-dance music without falling into dance music stereotypes that make critics leery of the genre. Either way, “The Fame” has gone down as a classic, and a correct choice for the Grammys where it did win.
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