| "Aura" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Lady Gaga | |
| from the album Artpop | |
| Released | November 6, 2013 |
| Studio | Record Plant (Hollywood) |
| Genre | |
| Length | 3:55 |
| Label |
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| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) |
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| Audio video | |
| "Aura" on YouTube | |
"Aura" is a song recorded by American singer Lady Gaga for her third studio album, Artpop (2013). She co-wrote and co-produced the track with Zedd and the psychedelic trance duo Infected Mushroom. Initially entitled "Burqa", an Infected Mushroom demo is the song's backbone. "Aura", which explores different facets of the singer, is a mariachi and EDM song with Western guitar and Middle Eastern musical influences and a dance production. Lyrically, it equates the life of a celebrity and stardom with religious oppression and subjugation.
Music critics were divided about the song. Reviewers praised its production and innovative composition but criticized its lyrics, which used the word "burqa" in a sexual manner. "Aura" was first performed live during Gaga's headlining iTunes Festival, and it was used in the trailer for Robert Rodriguez's Machete Kills (in which the singer co-stars). It was also part of the setlist of ArtRave: The Artpop Ball tour, and Gaga's Las Vegas residency, Enigma.