Listen: Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper's "A Star Is Born" (OST)

Who would have thought! I mean really, who would indeed. A Star Is Born is every bit a classic tale of showbiz rise and fall, charting the story of a fading crooner chancing upon a young cabaret singer, instantly falling in love with her (You are music to my eyes, he sings) and her powerhouse talent, and bringing her out on his concerts and giving her an opportunity to shine. A familiar path ensues: her career takes off big time while his goes into decline. In short: A Star Is Born. It's a story of heartbreak that has been revisited several times before, but between Bradley Cooper (taking up duties as the film's director, co-producer, co-writer, co-composer and lead actor) and Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born turns out to be just as impressive, considering that both are making their debuts in a field the other is well-known for. And it's this irresistible dynamic that supercharges the songs they feature in, whether be it country-themed (Maybe It's Time, Diggin' My Grave, Too Far Gone), or operatic (I Don't Know What Love Is), or powerful balladry (Shallow, Always Remember Us This Way, Is That Alright?, Before I Cry, I'll Never Love Again), or synth-pop (Heal Me). Music-wise, it also gives Stefani Germanotta the room to try out different styles without the pressure that comes with a new Lady Gaga album, and that might just be the biggest factor working for it.