Singer-songwriter and actress Lady Gaga returns to take the music world by storm today with the release of her highly anticipated sixth solo studio album entitled Mayhem. Recorded primarily with famed producer Rick Rubin at his Malibu, California-area studio Shangri-La, Mayhem marks Gaga's first solo release in five years since the dance-pop punch of Chromatica in 2020. Despite the break, Gaga has stayed busy in the time between, acting in titles such as House Of Gucci and Joker: Folie À Deux.
Gaga also did soundtrack work for Joker, including a 2024 companion album called Harlequin. But now Gaga is back front and center with Mayhem, which is a pop-leaning, genre-blending experience, hearkening back to what made Gaga appealing to some of her earliest listeners while still offering something new. And the "Little Monsters," as her fans are called, must be salivating at the thought of having the Lady Gaga of "Poker Face," "Born This Way," "Just Dance," and "Bad Romance" fame ready to make a return to her roots. Especially with Gaga stating that Mayhem and its creation were guided by her profound love of music.
14 LoveDrug
Track 8 - 3:13
"LoveDrug" has the right stuff for the mindset of Mayhem, grooving on a thumping dance beat and thriving on the high of the endorphins of the moment. The party life has arrived, so absorb your pure base instincts and the allure of your vices and leave the introspection at the door. Some of the other songs on Mayhem hit these notes with a bit more crescendo compared to "LoveDrug", but there's still plenty of enjoyment to be found here.
13 Zombieboy
Track 7 - 3:33
Coming off as a purely disco-hinting glam dance strut, "Zombieboy" feels like a combination of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" night Halloween bass throb and Gaga's own trademark brand of Gothic meet cute lifted by her trademark vocal buoyancy. This tongue-in-cheek groover is more filler than frontrunner in the construction of Mayhem and its tracklist, but Gaga fans will enjoy how smooth the fun of "Zombieboy" happens to be.
12 How Bad Do U Want Me
Track 9 - 3:58
"How Bad Do U Want Me" strikes a tone that brings to mind the shiny pop veneer of Taylor Swift's 1989 era and the song "Blank Space" in how well its hooks attack. The mood speaks to relationship dysfunction being blasted out through the catharsis of a car ride with the wind in your hair, and this song turned up to the maximum. Gaga is certainly in her bag of tricks here, and "How Bad Do U Want Me" will get plenty of repeat plays as a result.
11 Shadow Of A Man
Track 11 - 3:19
To call back to Michael Jackson once again, "Shadow of a Man" brings to mind the type of vocal-ripping, instrument-pulsing, self-assured dance that would have made the King of Pop proud. It's an empowering bop that reminds the listener that with the talent she has, Lady Gaga won't be put into anybody's shadow. Whether they be men or otherwise. This album may be Mayhem, but "Shadow of a Man" rings out with confidence.
10 Don't Call Tonight
Track 10 - 3:45
For the strong dancefloor persona that absorbs the listener into Mayhem, "Don't Call Tonight" feels a little less like the party and a little more like the slow-burning hangover sandwiched in between before the next fun evening begins. There's a bit more vulnerability in between those cracks in the armor, but that's not about to stop Gaga from strolling in to do her thing. Her head may be on fire, but that's not about to stop the next act in the show.
9 Garden of Eden
Track 3 - 3:59
"Garden of Eden" feels like the perfect combination of a Gaga slice of head-nodding, rasping-rock pop with a heady dosage of influence that's reminiscent of old-school '80s-era Madonna sensuality. The dance floor is open, and the club is alive and popping, so enjoy the lights and soak in the highs. It's time to get taken down to the Garden of Eden. Will you eat the apple?
8 The Beast
Track 12 - 3:54
One of many impressive things about Lady Gaga's talent and artistry is her ability to make material that sounds grounded in her familiar palette of paints while also breaking down and exploring new grounds. "The Beast" does this well, as it feels like a slow-burning, almost sensual introspection of the self. The time is running out, and those moments are getting short with the clock at 11:59, so make them count for all they're worth. Feel those good things.
7 Disease
Track 1 - 3:49
"Disease" sets the table brilliantly as the opening track for Mayhem, as it gives off a murky, masochistic pop-funk flow that lets you know this journey might either end you or make you new again. There may be pain, but there will certainly be pleasure. Are you willing to take the chance and the risk to see if Gaga can cure your disease? As the great journalist Hunter S. Thompson once said, "Buy the ticket, take the ride."
6 Die With A Smile (Featuring Bruno Mars)
Track 14 - 4:11
Initially, it seemed unusual to see the Grammy-winning August 2024-released "Die With a Smile" duet Gaga did with Bruno Mars receive a release settled onto the end of Mayhem. Would it be a natural fit or seem tacked on to take advantage of the song's award win? But once you absorb the mood of this record, "Die With a Smile" actually makes for a fitting conclusion. After the highs, lows, and the dance floor endorphins fade, sometimes it's nice to be next to someone you love if the world is about to end.
5 Killah (Featuring Gesaffelstein)
Track 6 - 3:30
Of all the humor on Mayhem, "Killah" is arguably the most fun example. This song channels pure straight-up Prince, from the frilling instrumentation to Gaga's vocals sinewing between double entendres, confident self-assurance, and tongue-in-cheek snark that almost winks while talking a bit sleazy. Gaga also nails a trademark scream The Purple One would be proud to hear. There's even a bit of David Bowie sound in the mix, and Gaga sticks the landing just right.
