Lady Gaga's "Aura" (Or "Burqa") Demo Leaks

For more than a minute, Internet rumors had a mysterious yet-to-be-heard song called "Burqa" being pinpointed as Lady Gaga's lead ARTPOP single. We now, of course, know that's not true, as "Applause" is going to clap its way into your consciousness on August 19 (or, honestly, probably several days before that, when it leaks). Still, what of "Burqa"?

The song in question, now possibly titled "Aura," finally made its way online last night. Upon listening to it, it's clear that it's a demo — the vocals are too uneven in volume, the intro beat is pretty basic and the song seems to be missing a second verse. It's all very reminiscent of that day in spring 2011 when snatches of a rough version of "Judas" kept leaking left and right.

And speaking of "Judas," "Aura/Burqa" throws a bit of an initial wet rag on the notion that Gaga was going to be a little more "Poker Face" and a lot less Born This Way this time around.



There is something to be said for letting go of conventions and structure and being Art! Pop! Still, would it kill Lady Gaga to just give us another good old-fashioned verse-chorus killer, circa Fame Monster?