Born Stefani Germanotta, Lady GaGa racked up a strong reputation as both a songwriter and performer before proper release of her first single "Just Dance." For such a flamboyant, edgy performer, this song is rather tame, but it does provide a path to get Lady GaGa noticed by the mainstream. It's catchy and may just get you up off the couch, but my guess is there is much more interesting music yet to come from Lady GaGa.

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Akon has turned into one of pop music's most effective generators of new talent. Lady GaGa was one of the more promising New York-based new artists in pop music, even snaring briefly a contract with Def Jam, when Interscope put her to work with Akon. The result is a significant hit single that also features another Akon protege Colby O'Donis .

"Just Dance" has strong energy and features Lady GaGa's striking voice, but it ultimately adds up to rather bland dance-pop. If you are a fan of this song, the flashy and glam-oriented Lady GaGa has even better music in her pocket to introduce to you. Dig a little deeper into her debut album The Fame .

Lady GaGa has fearlessly staked out her position in underground music circles in New York with a fierce embrace of pop music styles of the past. This stance is likely to provide an opportunity to re-energize mainstream pop music with the spirit of the underground. For the moment, Lady GaGa manages to find support and an audience ranging from fans in New York clubs to those watching her on tour with New Kids on the Block .