Talk About Ripping Someone Off

I realize I'm probably behind the times on this one, but I finally heard the latest single from Lady Gaga called "Born This Way." Um, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it just Madonna's "Express Yourself" with new lyrics? How does this make for some great new song? Yes, the lyrics were good, but what was wrong with the original lyrics? Any why is this being dubbed as some musical triumph? I realize artists borrow from other artists all the time and have grown accustomed to hearing songs I love being sampled in newer songs, but sampling is a brief little interlude...not an entire song. Can someone please explain this to me? I'm feeling a bit lost about it.