Album Review: Hillary Yaas, ChroFATica

ChroFATica is a complete parody album of Lady Gaga's Chromatica album written and performed by Toronto Drag Queen and parody songstress Hillary Yaas. The only way to describe this album is with three words: campy, crass and crude.

Hillary Yaas is an unhinged performer, embodying specific characters for each song. The subject matter ranges from pandemic related problems of overreactive Karens and online shows, to the KING Chris Pine and a tasteful tribute to John Candy. While not everything hits, as some of the premises are convoluted, there are pops of hilarity throughout that make ChroFATica an engaging listen.

The whole album has a big DIY feeling, as Hillary Yass produced every element herself. From the green screened music videos made in iMovie to the karaoke ripped backing tracks with unmixed vocals, the rough-around-the-edges production is charming at first but grate over time. Unfortunately, the only reference for ChroFATica online were the audio tracks on YouTube. A live performance would have been a better experience, as proven in her recent successful run at Kingston Fringe, and something to definitely watch out for.

The novel concept of parodying a full album makes for a hot, chaotic mess of an experience. While a far cry from solidifying Hillary Yaas as Toronto’s Weird Al, ChroFATica is certainly an impressive feat and allows Hillary’s character work to shine. 

Experience ChroFATica here.