Lady Gaga's promotion posters around Los Angeles
Hannah Langley ’25
Executive Podcast Coordinator
Lady Gaga has been a pop enigma ever since she first gained attention in the early 2000’s. Her electric sounds have been extremely influential in pop culture for years and has shaped many unique communities. “Mayhem” is her newest album after releasing “Joanne” in 2016. Since then, her acting career has also brought about songs like, “Shallow” from “A Star is Born.” .
Gaga has brought back her classic sound that caught global attention in 2007 and still captivates many as the electric and heavy bass beats are back in a new and refreshing way.
Her opening song on the album is “Disease” and third track “Garden of Eden” truly nods to her first album from 2007, “The Fame.” The lyrics are fun, playful and the beat has upbeat bassy qualities, especially “Garden of Eden.”
Her single “Abracadabra” was released earlier this year and excitement surrounding her new album release was ignited. Radio stations have been helping the hype by playing this track on loop. It hinted at the Old Gaga coming back, bringing with it a whiff of her famous raw meat dress.
“Die With A Smile” is, of course, another radio hit featured on the album as her closing song with Bruno Mars.
“Perfect Celebrity” is a song dedicated to her journey through fame over the years. One cannot help but think back to her first deluxe album, “The Fame Monster” and appreciate the connections there. The aggressive rock song paired with Gaga’s powerful vocals are a reminder of how she has found herself anew in her original sound. “Shadow Of A Man” also features Gaga’s growling vocals and the music is slightly reminiscent of her hit song “Applause” in production.
“How Bad Do U Want Me” is more vulnerable and speaks of age old relationship problems, struggles Gaga has had and begs a simple question: how bad do you want me? “Vanish Into You” has lyrics that have callbacks to “Bad Romance” with softer edges. “The Beat” and “Blade of Grass” both have a slow 2000’s ballad breakup or maybe even a motivational Disney character arc feel to it and this new sound works so well for her voice. The music could also be seen as “Careless Whisper” by George Michael's cool younger cousin.
“Killah” has a more pop feel to it and has 80’s qualities to it that would make Prince proud. “Zombieboy” also has a similar feel to it but more old rock and pop. Both songs are going to be a Gaga fan favorite, a Rupaul’s Drag Race Lip Sync For Your Life to either song would be unforgettable.
“Don’t Call Tonight” has a disco theme to it and is layered with a classic Gaga electric touch. “LoveDrug” features beats and vocals fall into this 80’s-esque category but the producing of it makes the pop aspect of it truly come to life.
Gaga has brought back her old sound with new technology, adding to the old wave club music that has become a cult classic in the past couple of years. It is safe to say Lady Gaga has made a wonderful comeback album after a very successful career in the movie industry. Congratulations on her release and a thank you from her fans, because “Mayhem” is a wonderful album.
It is good to have Gaga back.