by Cassie Schneider
“Gaga ooh la la,” seemingly, as a lifelong Little Monster, I was quite pleased when Lady Gaga announced an actual record would be released. Her announcement about this came after the commercial tank that was Joker 2: Folie a Deux, in which she assumed the role of Dr. Harleen Quinzel. She had released an accompanying album to the film called Harlequinn, which is good in its own category, an eclectic mix of jazz performances sung well (unlike in the movie). But fans like me have been itching for another pop album; her last “pop” album, Chromatica/Dawn of Chromatica, was released in 2020. Fans have been hopeful for an album, but truly didn’t know if we’d get one. Gaga has been open about her battle with fibromyalgia and how much pain she endures performing her signature dance numbers. Everyone’s fears were laid to rest, though, when she released what would be track 1 as a single.
On October 25, 2024, Lady Gaga released “Disease” with an accompanying music video. The song and video both contain familiar Gaga motifs of talk of the grotesque as well as pounding dance beats. The song was a refreshing lead into what would be the album. Many have said that Gaga lost her artistic direction some time ago, with projects such as Joanne becoming notorious to fans for being the skippable album in her discography. My personal favorite albums from her are her 2008 debut album The Fame and its 2010 follow-up, The Fame Monster. Being present for every album and every artistic direction, I sometimes wish she would go back to her roots and release sleazy dance songs. I understand the evolution of an artist and change must happen, but those two albums are nearly perfect. “Disease” is somewhat akin to this, feeling like a mature version of something that could be found on Chromatica.
The next track is the second-most popular on the album, but her most successful song with just her on vocals on the album. First released as a single accompanying the announcement of a full album, “Abracadabra” was released on February 3, 2025. “Abracadabra” is reminiscent of prime The Fame era Gaga. It has repetition, it tells a story, the beats contain elements of electronica and house music, and she says her signature “Gaga” adlib. The song and video went viral shortly after their premiere, and for good reason. Gaga revealed samples from Siouxsie and The Banshees’ “Spellbound,” while the music video references the video for her hit song “Alejandro.” It’s catchy, upbeat, and easy to follow. If anything, it looks like she’s having fun, which I believe is also something we haven’t seen from her in a while.
The actual first single she released ended up being the closing track of Mayhem, a duet with Bruno Mars called, “Die With a Smile.” Originally released on August 16, 2024, “Die With a Smile” has broken streaming records, kicking “Dance Monkey” by Tones & I to number 2 for most weeks streaming at number 1. The song is admittedly just a beautiful collaboration of strong vocals, but it stands alone as a slow dance type of song. Looking at her discography, the song is most similar to something found off of A Star is Born, having some resemblance to the motion picture hit, “Shallow.” Now having the full album out, “Die With a Smile” makes a perfect closing track to the album, providing a sense of closure while shifting the pace of what the album was going at.
All three singles prepared for Mayhem by giving us a sample of the underlying theme. Each song on the album could be found on any of her other albums. The full album is a continuation and celebration of her past works. For her long time Little Monsters like me, it was fun being able to recognize what song belongs where, all while still belonging in the entity that is Mayhem. I find releasing a whole new album instead of going on a re-releasing spree is a better way of celebrating your growth over time as an artist. Lady Gaga was able to produce something familiar yet entirely brand new.
