This masterpiece thrives in destruction, chaos
The Mayhem has finally been unleashed—Lady Gaga’s seventh studio album has officially hit streaming platforms. Technically her eighth if you count Joker: Folie à Deux, the HarleyQuinn companion soundtrack, which Gaga considers her “6.5” record. “Mayhem” is an angry, 80s- and 90s-inspired, genre-less album that thrives in destruction.
The first two tracks are already familiar: “Disease,” the album’s lead single, and “Abracadabra,” which debuted during the Grammys. The final track, Die With a Smile, a Grammy Award-winning duet with Bruno Mars, closes out the record—but the real message of this album lies within its bleeding guts.
A throwback to the trappings of fame, “Perfect Celebrity” nods to “The Fame,” Gaga’s 2008 debut, giving OG Little Monsters a taste of classic Gaga. “Vanish Into You” is a desperate plea for the return of a lost love, while “Killah” unleashes vengeful energy, clearly inspired by Prince and the flood of “Purple Rain.” But now that she’s “killed a guy,” the lust still lingers in “ZombieBoy,” a track that throws it back to theHollaback Girls of the 2000s—if you know, you know.
“Love Drug” takes us on an addictive journey through a toxic relationship, chasing just one more hit to feel the high before the inevitable low. The album’s love story takes a turn with “How Bad Do You Want Me?,” a side-chick anthem for those who fell a little too hard for a good guy who wanted a taste of the bad girl. Side chicks have feelings too.
But all good (or bad) things must come to an end. “Don’t Call Me Tonight” is another plea to break free from the painful cycle of love. Yet, the shadow still lingers in “Shadow of a Man,” a sinfully heavy track gunning to be the song of the summer. Reminiscent of Michael Jackson, it’s a feminist anthem demanding to be brought out of any man’s shadow.
The album closes with “The Beast and Blade of Grass,” signaling the end of this chaotic love story— arriving at something light, something good, something not so dark.
“Mayhem” is an apocalyptic love story, as Gaga described in her Spotify press conference. Like most of her albums, it takes time to unravel her metaphorical lyrics—all written solely by her. From the start, “Mayhem” is chaotic, blending 80s and 90s influences with armageddon vibes of Y2K. It’s meant to be heard in the corner of a dark club, just out of view of the disco ball, with a throbbing beat pulling you into its lustful temptation. This album encourages you to wreak havoc, lean into your weaknesses, make mistakes, and ultimately, find your inner light within the darkness, even if you’re the one turning out the lights.
As time passes, we will no doubt uncover even more layers to this album. But considering today’s political climate, civil unrest, and overall discourse, “Mayhem” might just be what the world needs most. D.j. kill the lights.
