Atwood Journal’s writers dive into the dazzling chaos and creativity of Girl Gaga’s newest album ‘MAYHEM,’ from her return to pop and inside battle with fame to unleashing the brand new period of dance pop.
Featured listed here are Atwood writers Bárbara Martínez Campuzano, Brian Denney, Danielle Holian, Dimitra Gurduiala, Josh Weiner, Kevin Price, and Noa Jamir!
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To start out, what’s your relationship with Girl Gaga’s music?
Josh Weiner: I’m proud to say I’ve been within the Little Monster Camp since simply concerning the starting. I used to be in eleventh grade within the 2008-09 college 12 months, when Girl Gaga’s first wave of hits occurred within the type of “Simply Dance,” “Poker Face,” “Paparazzi” and extra. A staggering 16 years have since handed, however I’ve continued to be a fervent admirer of the Mom Monster and have loved every of her ensuing releases. I’m glad that the longest dry spell between albums (5 years!) of her profession is now over, and I’m excited to share my ideas on her newest work, MAYHEM.
Noa Jamir: Equally to Josh, Girl Gaga’s music was a reasonably large a part of my childhood. Again then her music was at all times taking part in on prime 40 radio, and it appeared like she was making headlines each week. Even should you didn’t think about your self a fan, you knew who she was. Extra lately – possibly throughout the previous six or seven years or so – my connection to Gaga’s music has deepened past her radio hits. After seeing the 2018 remake of “A Star is Born” starring her and Bradley Cooper, I spotted there was a lot extra to her artistry than what meets the attention. I started to see her for what she is: a real artist via and thru. That film, amongst different issues she’s completed over time, confirmed the world that she places her all into each inventive endeavor. Moreover, her potential to shapeshift out and in of genres, from pop, to jazz, to folk-adjacent genres and extra has raised the bar for contemporary pop stardom, and her new undertaking MAYHEM is not any exception.
Kevin Price: My earliest reminiscence of listening to the identify “Girl Gaga” was again in 2008 after I flew with my mother to Florida to go to my uncle and he made us watch her efficiency on the Miss Universe stage. I used to be instantly intrigued but confused as to why my very conservative uncle sat us down to observe your entire efficiency of “Simply Dance” and was amazed by her presence, however that may be a true testomony to her highly effective aura. Ever since that introduction, I’ve been following her profession and think about her essentially the most influential artist of our era. She by no means stops pushing the boundaries of what music means, feels, and even appears like. Girl Gaga is nothing however an icon.
Brian Denney: I first realized I used to be a Girl Gaga fan after I caught myself watching the clock at school daily in eighth grade, ready for the bell to ring at precisely 3:05 so I might dash to fulfill my carpool. On daily basis, like magic, Poker Face would play on KIIS FM at round 3:15, and it shortly grew to become my favourite afternoon ritual that I couldn’t miss.Monitor after monitor, I discovered myself shopping for all of the 99-cent iTunes singles off The Fame till I lastly gave in and acquired the entire album. That was the second I knew: I wasn’t simply listening to Gaga—I used to be a fan. Since then, I’ve adopted each flip, each reinvention, and each surprising profession transfer. I’ve seen her in live performance, and caught together with her period to period – via dance-op, jazz, and even Home of Gucci.
Bárbara Martínez Campuzano: I’ve at all times admired Girl Gaga and her music, however I don’t assume I appreciated her sufficient as a baby. Then, ten years in the past when she carried out a tribute for The Sound of Music, I used to be in full awe of her vocals. I started to hearken to her in lots of locations, via her subsequent albums, and even within the films she performed in like A Star Is Born and Home of Gucci. Not solely do I think about her a terrific musician with a voice the world can’t reside with out, however she’s a terrific actress as effectively. There are songs of hers that I think about timeless, akin to “Born This Means,” which can be very inspiring for a lot of, and “Unhealthy Romance.”
Dimitra Gurduiala: For me, she is an icon. She’s been virtually a legendary determine who has accompanied me principally all my life, though I solely began following her severely after listening to a couple of covers of her songs on Glee, my favorite collection after I was youthful. I already knew hits like “Paparazzi” and “Poker Face,” danced to “LoveGame” with my mates and sang “Simply Dance” on the karaoke, however the true turning level was the episode of Glee the place they sang “Born This Means.” At that second, one thing shifted. Slowly however absolutely, I began to hearken to her music an increasing number of, to think about her as an icon of free speech and expression, relatively than only a singer. Though she is just not one of many artists I hearken to essentially the most, I started to have quite a lot of respect and admiration for her, which I proceed to really feel to at the present time.
Danielle Holian: I’ve ALWAYS been a fan – from discovering “Simply Dance” and “Poker Face” on the music video TV channels, I’ve been hooked ever since! After every album launch, I might get the bodily CD and actually hearken to it on repeat till I knew every lyric and beat to bounce to. Girl Gaga is considered one of my idols and a music artist who made me really feel impressed to jot down songs, finally working within the music business as a journalist and publicist. I’ve been a part of the Little Monsters membership for a really very long time, and with many songs to resonate and bop out to, I’m glad to be a part of this group. I’m thrilled to debate my ideas about MAYHEM.
What are your preliminary impressions and reactions to MAYHEM?
Noa: The primary hearken to MAYHEM felt like coming house and kicking off your footwear after a protracted day; it felt like an enormous aid, a breath of contemporary air. The file has a sound that feels so acquainted and so Gaga, but nonetheless she manages to create a totally new world inside it. It’s a enjoyable, thrilling sonic world through which she appears really assured and cozy in her artistic-skin. Although there’s themes of existentialism and moments the place she struggles with internal-conflict, I initially interpreted the album as being a celebration of falling in love, each with any individual and with life itself, in addition to showcasing her journey via the chaos of affection and life.
Kevin: MAYHEM is a quintessential Gaga file. Each track has this guttural sense of wanting to interrupt free from the norm and power the emotion to heart stage. She does this throughout your entire album, throwing pure pop bliss in your face whereas uncooked vulnerability is hidden all through her iconic ballads, but it surely nonetheless brings an amazing sense of pleasure to expertise. After the preliminary pay attention, it was tough to seek out anything to hearken to in the intervening time.
Josh: My preliminary thought was that the title is sort of correct. There’s loads occurring all throughout this hectic file, and it quantities to numerous sonic commotion. However the method works – it’s one other very robust file from the Mom Monster, and a helluva lotta enjoyable to hearken to, at that.
Brian: MAYHEM is the primary Gaga album shortly the place my instant response is to show the quantity up. It simply looks like her roots – daring, just a little chaotic, and fully unafraid to go large. There’s a confidence right here that makes it enjoyable from begin to end, leaning into new influences with out ever dropping its pop core.
It’s additionally precisely the sort of album I count on from an artist as huge as Girl Gaga. The sound is large, the manufacturing is elevated, and it by no means performs it secure. When you’re on the prime of pop music, there’s a accountability to push the style ahead – to make music that deserves the popularity it’s inevitably going to get. MAYHEM delivers on that.
Bárbara: This album is, to me, unpredictable as it’s what we might count on by Girl Gaga: it’s its title. The songs do give off chaos, in addition to confidence, turmoil, boldness… All of it turns into Mayhem and I like it. I at all times hearken to the albums by order, so with “Illness,” “Abracadabra,” and “Backyard of Eden” I knew immediately this was one other creative, daring Girl Gaga album.
Dimitra: Simply as my colleagues have already stated earlier than me, it’s a file that screams Gaga everywhere. It’s a breath of contemporary air, completely surprising, so acquainted but additionally so modern. I might simply already name it one of many albums of the 12 months.
Danielle: I loved the instant boldness and chaos of getting into the world of MAYHEM for the very first time. It was an exhilarating expertise listening to a sound that’s so acquainted, but Girl Gaga continues to be in a position to catch me off guard. I like her confidence, the expectational lyrics, and enthusiasm all through the album – whereas she shows vulnerability with a way of pleasure. It was an fulfilling pay attention from starting to finish. Wishing I might replay, and hearken to it for the primary time once more!
How does this album evaluate to 2020’s Chromatica, and the remainder of Girl Gaga’s current discography – what are essentially the most placing similarities or variations?
Noa: MAYHEM has a really related essence to Chromatica; I’d say they’re undoubtedly sisters. Chromatica walked in order that MAYHEM might run. And but, they’re nonetheless fairly totally different data in their very own methods. To me, Chromatica was an album of its time. The title alone jogs my memory of being within the throes of the pandemic when the collective unrest was rising every day. Songs like “Rain on Me” and “Enigma” off Chromatica outlined my 2020 and have been on the prime of my Spotify Wrapped that 12 months. The heaviness that got here with the COVID-19 lockdown has been considerably lifted in 2025, and for that purpose (and doubtless many extra causes), Gaga sounds extra liberated now than ever earlier than. On prime of that, MAYHEM appears to be very disco/funk impressed. It’s virtually as if Gaga wrote this file as a tribute to a few of her earliest inspirations. Every track looks like an homage to ‘80s pop, disco, and funk, (there are even hints of rock too), with sounds just like one thing you’d discover in a Prince or Bowie discography.
Josh: I can see that it capabilities as a sequel to Chromatica of kinds, though it’s additionally removed from a clone of it. This discrepancy might partly be as a consequence of the truth that the 2 albums share virtually not one of the similar producers – BloodPop, Benjamin Rice, and Axwell vs. Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and Gaga herself – or visitor artists, for that matter – Ariana Grande, Elton John, and Blackpink vs. Bruno Mars and Gesaffelstein. However hey, I’m simply glad that come what might, Gaga can at all times stay her ever-entertaining self and maintain various up her inventive decisions.
Kevin: Chromatica was purely a dance file, even said by Gaga. It was meant to get you off your toes throughout a really darkish time, however I really feel MAYHEM stands tall subsequent to all her earlier work. The similarities are considerably there, however the variations outshine the disco/party-style sounds Chromatica was stuffed to the brim with. All of the songs on MAYHEM are cohesive to at least one one other, with Gaga’s gargantuan voice on the forefront floating throughout sinister pop riffs and transitioning seamlessly to her jazzy/bubblegum pop facet which can be closely influenced by her love of David Bowie and the “art-pop” period within the ’80s. Each data belong subsequent to one another in her discography, however MAYHEM is Gaga maturing again into her roots.
Brian: It really takes a relisten to completely keep in mind how unhinged a few of Girl Gaga’s early albums like Born This Means are – the place she jumps from immediately recognizable Billboard-charting singles to completely wild tracks like “Authorities Hooker” and “Scheibe.” I used to be secretly hoping for a return to that degree of unexpectedness on MAYHEM, however what we obtained is rather more polished and easy. I believe that’s okay – it’s part of her evolution as an artist, and MAYHEM brings new components to her discography that maintain the gathering thrilling.
Bárbara: I believe there may be an essence to Girl Gaga that may be seen and listened to in each of her albums. She is aware of how one can make a track price dancing to, pop monitor. I believe I appreciated that from Chromatica, particularly together with her collaborations with Ariana Grande and BLACKPINK. Her new album is danceable, however the beats sound heavier, bolder. I’ve referred to as this new album daring, though prior to now we’ve seen her launch issues that have been much more wild and risqué, as a result of her which means of mayhem might trace on the adjustments Girl Gaga has undergone all through her profession up so far. Every track is thrilling and contemporary, and so they discover new genres like synth-pop whereas Chromatica was extra of a home and dance pop file.
Danielle: With every launch from Girl Gaga, what usually stands out first is that I do know it’s a Gaga track. There’s no file that I dislike, which makes placing her music on shuffle thrilling. Chromatica is undeniably a dance album, a vibrant escape designed to raise spirits throughout a darkish interval, as Gaga herself said. Nevertheless, MAYHEM stands proudly alongside her complete catalog, carving out its personal id. Whereas it shares some similarities with Chromatica, its variations – notably in tone and sound – shine a lot brighter. The songs on MAYHEM circulation collectively effortlessly, with Gaga’s colossal voice taking heart stage, gliding over darkish, sinister pop riffs after which effortlessly transitioning into her playful, jazzy, and bubblegum pop influences. You possibly can hear the echoes of her deep admiration for David Bowie and the art-pop motion of the ’80s all through the album. Each data undoubtedly deserve a spot subsequent to one another in her discography, however MAYHEM marks a return to Gaga’s roots, a strong evolution of her artistry. Regardless of the style or theme, I at all times really feel giddy to hearken to her music.
Girl Gaga teased MAYHEM with “Die With a Smile,” “Illness,” and “Abracadabra.” Are these singles trustworthy representations of the album?
Noa: This might be an unpopular opinion, however whereas “Illness” and “Abracadabra” match seamlessly on MAYHEM, I don’t assume “Die With A Smile” sonically nor stylistically is sensible on it. Although I believe that track is completely stunning, I really feel as if it may need made extra sense as a stand-alone single. Even the music video for it has little or no to do with the world of MAYHEM, whereas the music movies for “Illness” and “Abracadabra” really feel like chapters within the overarching story Gaga is attempting to inform with this file. I additionally don’t love the truth that the album ends with “Die With A Smile,” a track that got here out practically 6 months previous to its launch. I really feel like tacking on a track that’s already been launched on the finish of an album is typically just a little anticlimactic, and that’s how I felt with this file. Regardless, the track is a surprising collaboration between two pop icons, that a lot is tough to disclaim.
Josh: I see what Noa means and I agree that you would be able to inform that this track doesn’t slot in so completely with the remainder of the album, because it sounds fairly totally different from the remainder of the tracks. However then once more, it was such an enormous hit that I can see why they couldn’t resist the urge to tack it on. Having or not it’s the very finish, virtually like a bonus monitor, appears to be one of the best place to incorporate the track on the monitor record if it was going to be included in any respect.
However hey, sufficient throwing shade – “Die With a Smile” is a superb collaboration and a testomony to Girl Gaga’s ever-enduring star energy and hit-making capabilities, so I’m glad that it was finally included. As for “Illness,” and “Abracadabra,” I’ll agree that these songs are extra correct representations of the remainder of MAYHEM stylistically, so it made sense to make them each this album’s lead singles and opening two tracks. In each regards, they function a trustworthy preview of what’s to return.
Noa: That is sensible Josh, and it really sort of adjustments my perspective of “Die With A Smile” ending this album! Additionally, in keeping with a Spotify fan convention, Gaga defined that the album deliberately begins at its most chaotic level, whereas step by step changing into much less chaotic because the tracklist progresses, symbolizing the “mayhem” ending. With that data in my thoughts, “Die With A Smile” makes extra sense on this album, particularly following a strong love track like “Blade of Grass.”
Kevin: “Die With A Smile” was an odd single to launch first with this file, however I agree with Josh and Noa concerning the purposeful placement of the track as the ultimate track. Ending a file she poured her coronary heart and soul into with a lyric like “If the occasion was over and our time on Earth was via, I’d wanna maintain you only for some time and die with a smile” simply is sensible. The occasion is over when the file ends, however we celebrated all through so why not smile about it? For “Abracadabra” and “Illness,” a masterclass in how one can get your fanbase on board along with your subsequent undertaking, particularly us little monsters.
Brian: Perhaps it’s simply me, however I don’t assume “Abracadabra” actually sounds something like the remainder of MAYHEM. It’s considered one of my favourite tracks, however I wouldn’t say anything on the album actually sounds or feels prefer it. I do agree with Noa’s level that the “Illness” and “Abracadabra” music movies match completely in the identical universe, however the sounds of Abracadabra really feel extra like one thing that you’d hear on Artpop or The Fame. I believe callbacks like this are a part of what makes this album such a enjoyable pay attention for devoted followers like myself who’ve been on the Gaga bandwagon for some time now.
Bárbara: I do imagine that “Abracadabra” and “Illness” signify the rhythms and the final type of the album. In fact, “Abracadabra” has taken the spot as the highest track or one of many favorites of this file. Perhaps these three songs could also be its most memorable ones. I need to say, “Die With a Smile” might have fairly a unique vibe from the remainder of the songs, however it’s unforgettable, additionally standing out for the collaboration with Bruno Mars.
Dimitra: Till lately, I completely agreed with Noa. “Die With a Smile” is de facto good, but it surely didn’t actually appear to me consistent with the remainder of the album, or at the very least what it appeared to wish to convey. Studying Kevin’s remark made me assume although, and I’ve to say it makes good sense, it gave me a solution to see the album from a unique perspective. Thanks Kevin!
Danielle: I don’t really feel “Die With a Smile” was illustration of the album as a single sonically, I really feel “Illness” and “Abracadabra” match the one releases higher and general accurating match the sound and vitality stylistically. To me, it simply didn’t match the remainder of the album, on the time. As one other monitor on the album, it’s addition. It additionally appeared just a little anticlimactic – however as a stand-alone launch, it’s a particular collaboration between Girl Gaga and Bruno Mars. I agree with Josh and Noa concerning the placement – it does work general, I believe it’s shocking to little monsters who anticipated one thing else, however might have obtained one thing a lot better in return.
MAYHEM has been billed as a return to Girl Gaga’s pop roots – “a declaration of creative freedom, a celebration of life’s contradictions, and a testomony to music’s energy to carry individuals collectively within the face of chaos.” Does this seize the spirit of those songs, and the place do you hear or really feel it most?
Kevin: Girl Gaga has by no means stopped her teachings to be your complete genuine self and he or she continues to exude that mantra via her music. She has the extraordinarily uncommon expertise to carry followers of all kinds of genres throughout the increasing sonic universe and it reveals! A number of individuals I’ve linked with, who push pop music out of their rotation, maintain excessive regard for Gaga. “Shadow Of A Man” is an anthem that I really feel many have missed, however I really feel the final message is “I’m me, and never a single individual can darken my gentle.” That is the true essence of what Gaga needs everybody to imagine in and that’s to imagine in your self.
Josh: On prime of the place I hear it essentially the most, I can even say the place I see it essentially the most– within the video for “Abracadabra,” which options loads of the electrical group choreography and wacky, colourful outfits that the Girl Gaga of my highschool years was well-known for. The only itself additionally has some echoes of hits from that period akin to “Unhealthy Romance,” as others have remarked, and the identical might be stated of a handful of the album cuts as effectively.
Brian: Very similar to every little thing Gaga does, I’d argue that description is a bit a lot – however isn’t that precisely why all of us love her? MAYHEM definitely looks like a return to the sounds and kinds that made her well-known. My favourite half is how over-the-top a few of her lyrics are, but her supply makes them really feel so playful and unserious. Take “Excellent Celeb,” the place she sings, “Choke on the celebrity and hope it will get you excessive, sit within the entrance row, watch the princess die.” It’s a lyric so dramatic that it virtually turns into comedic. To me, that’s a quintessential Gaga second we haven’t seen as a lot on current initiatives, and I’m so glad to see it make a comeback.
Noa: I strongly agree with all people, MAYHEM is really such an essential second in her iconic creative profession! “Abracadabra” particularly introduced a way of nostalgia for me. All the pieces about it, however notably the spell-binding chant “abracadabra amor-oo-na-na / abracadabra morta-oo-ga-ga” has the identical outlandish high quality of what made me fall in love with Girl Gaga years in the past. I might see myself as a 13 12 months previous once more, lip syncing that track in my room, voguing to it, and pretending there was a wind machine blowing via my hair and that I used to be in a music video alongside her. That track is peak Gaga for my part and looks like an homage to The Fame period.
Bárbara: MAYHEM evokes a sense that’s linked to her early work; I believe it’s an album influenced by her early beats and her previous. When some might assume that that is simply one other file from a well-known pop artist, many would relatively say that this can be a top-charting album with spectacular tracks that remind us of that Girl Gaga by no means left and can by no means depart what we first met her as: daring, harmful, and dramatic with some oddness to it. But Girl Gaga has stated it completely with the fourteen new tracks: she’s had many chapters, many faces, however she stays one and he or she’s free to be herself via her music.
Dimitra: I believe this file is yet one more affirmation that Gaga will at all times carry one thing surprising to the scene, that she’s going to (rightly!) do what she needs as a result of she will afford it. All the pieces she does finally ends up being profitable, irrespective of how contradictory it might appear. Folks love Gaga and her artwork as a result of she places unbelievable ardour into every little thing she does, whatever the style of music or the medium she makes use of. And I believe MAYHEM represents this freedom very effectively, even in having completely reverse tracks on the tracklist (like “Abracadabra” and “Die With A Smile”). Her music could be seen as chaos however she is queen of it, coordinating every little thing like one of the best of conductors. Totally fascinating.
Danielle: Girl Gaga has at all times provided one thing genuine together with her artistry – regardless that she will supply one thing fully totally different, or etched together with her signature mix of genres that increase throughout the sonic universe. MAYHEM is a stand-out second in her music profession – whereas feeling linked to her earlier catalog. It’s really outstanding how she has had many eras, kinds, all whereas remaining true to who she is as an artist.
Which track(s) stand out for you on the album, and why?
Noa: I keep in mind immediately loving “Zombieboy”; I knew it was going to be my favourite track off the album the second it began taking part in. I additionally learn that the track is a tribute to the late Rick Genest, who starred in Gaga’s revered video for “Born This Means,” which simply makes the track really feel much more particular. It’s stuffed with a lot life, and you may inform she had enjoyable recording it. I like how a lot she leans into her artistry and the way laborious she works to make lengthy lasting, significant artwork, but it surely’s additionally actually refreshing to listen to her simply having enjoyable and never taking it too severely. At this level, she’s earned the suitable to try this.
Kevin: “Killah” oozes pure type and my first thought was “This seems like if 9 Inch Nails coated Prince.” The closely distorted bass vibrating and the shiny twinkle of guitar emits this sense of bulletproof armor and your enemy can not pierce via your confidence. A number of different tracks stood out, however figuring out Gaga loves to make use of biblical references all through her music, “Backyard Of Eden” was such a nod to her early releases and infamous potential to not take every little thing so severely. It has components taken from The Fame and pulls you into the world of constructing unhealthy choices on the dance flooring.
Josh: Noa and Kevin really already named a few of my favorites – “Backyard of Eden” is considered one of my favorites, partly due to its central lyric (extra of that under) and I do just like the nod to her previous inventive ally, ZombieBoy (I nonetheless keep in mind seeing him within the “Born This Means” video in 2011 and it Creeped. Me. OUT!). I additionally like “Celeb” loads, and on condition that her first album in 2008 was referred to as and about The Fame, it’s encouraging to see that Gaga can nonetheless present some intriguing perception into this matter the higher a part of 20 years later. “How Unhealthy Do U Need Me” is hearth for certain, as effectively. Oh man, this file has some critical highlights, little question!
Brian: “Vanish Into You” is the standout for me – the manufacturing here’s a masterclass, and manages to seize every little thing MAYHEM has to supply. It’s obtained these near-perfect pop hooks layered over wealthy, advanced manufacturing. Greater than another monitor on the album, “Vanish Into You” units the tone for what’s to return. It blends basic pop sensibilities with a cool electrical guitar, introducing components that unfold extra absolutely on tracks like “Killah.”
Bárbara: Certainly one of my favourite songs of all time, and a part of the brand new album, is “Die With a Smile,” which has been praised because it got here out. The intro of “Vanish Into You” is gorgeous, and it’s just like the track I beforehand talked about as a result of they’re extra associated to peace, affection, and so they act as a touch to joyful endings. Nonetheless, “Backyard of Eden” and “Abracadabra” stand out as effectively, they’re extra electro, with synthesizers and influences from her early work that make these songs particular to somebody who could be very acquainted and in contact with Girl Gaga’s music.
Dimitra: “Killah” and “Zombieboy.” Listening to Gesaffelstein’s contact on the primary one is magical, however Zombieboy is maybe the one which has stayed in my coronary heart essentially the most. The tribute to Rick Genest then made me just a little teary-eyed, I admit – he might solely deserve such an iconic track, might he relaxation in peace.
Danielle: “Vanish into You” completely steals the present for me! The manufacturing is pure genius – it completely captures each little bit of what MAYHEM brings to the desk. With flawless pop hooks that you would be able to’t get out of your head, all wrapped up in wealthy, intricate layers, this monitor is in a league of its personal. Greater than another track on the album, it units the stage for every little thing to return. It’s like an ideal fusion of timeless pop vibes and funky electrical guitar riffs that maintain you hooked from begin to end.
Do you might have any favourite lyrics thus far? Which traces stand out?
Noa: I hate to confess this, however there wasn’t a lot that notably struck me lyric-wise on MAYHEM. I obtained the impression that she was trying to be weak all through the file, however the lyrics for essentially the most half felt sadly skin-deep. Particularly contemplating the quantity of writers credited on every track, I want the writing was as spectacular as her vocal supply. However with that being stated, there have been a couple of moments that basically caught out to me, like on the monitor “Blade of Grass” the place she sings: Come on and wrap that blade of grass round my finger like a solid. It’s a metaphor about marrying somebody you like, and it’s one which I’d by no means heard earlier than. It feels really unique and significant. And the track as a complete is an ode to her fiancé/co-producer Michael Polansky, so it’s no surprise she sings it with a lot emotion and fervour! It’s a extremely stunning energy ballad, and it’s one of the crucial essential songs off the file for my part.
Kevin: Girl Gaga is aware of how one can get a crowd off their toes and the intro to “Zombieboy” is a first-rate instance of how one can get the occasion began. “We about to be up all evening, wakin’ up a zombie, so put your paws throughout me, you zombieboy.” This screams 2007 Gaga earlier than she was a family identify and her dire love for making music for individuals to bounce to, even when they thought it was corny. One other lyric I caught after a number of listens was in “Shadow of a Man,” when she calls for to be heard singing “Trigger I received’t be used for my love and disregarded to cry.” A testomony to be heard and by no means take no for a solution.
Josh: In typical Girl Gaga type, this album has obtained a wholesome sprint of “Hmmm I ponder what she’s obtained in thoughts with that one” lyrics. One which stood out to me was, “I might be your girlfriend for the weekend. You could possibly be my boyfriend for the evening,” on “Backyard of Eden.” It obtained me pondering, “Hmmm why does the man solely get a fraction of the allotted time because the woman right here? Is there any type of energy dynamic occurring right here? What makes the distinction between a weekend and an evening in Gaga’s thoughts, precisely?” Perhaps I’m overthinking this one a bit, however I do admit that my eyebrows took just a little journey north when this line got here on.
Brian: I’d must disagree that the lyrics on MAYHEM really feel surface-level or lack resonance. If something, they’re basic Gaga – her music has at all times been at its finest when it leans into the surreal. Are these lyrics going to win her a Pulitzer? Most likely not. However will they be blasting on dance flooring for years to return? Indubitably.
So far as traces that stand out, MAYHEM delivers an immediately iconic new chant: “Abracadabra, amor-oo-na-na / Abracadabra, morta-oo-ga-ga / Abracadabra, abra-oo-na-na.” I can already hear the streets of West Hollywood shouting that one in unison.
Noa: I believe you’re so proper Brian, the lyrics are 100% basic Gaga! This album can be undoubtedly extra targeted on being high-energy and danceable than it’s about lyricism and poetry. I suppose I solely want there have been extra songs like “Excellent Celeb,” and extra moments the place the listener might actually get a glimpse into her inside world, past the surrealism and considerably imprecise metaphors. I discover her commentary on fame and her expertise with the music business to be tremendous fascinating and essential, and simply personally would’ve cherished to see her lean much more into it lyrically-speaking. However regardless, MAYHEM completely goes to be successful file on dance flooring internationally, and that was most likely what she was going for anyway!
Bárbara: The lyrics are fairly catchy, particularly within the choruses of “Abracadabra” and “How Unhealthy Do U Need Me,” but depth isn’t an element on this album. One which caught my eye, although, is “Excellent Celeb,” through which she addresses fame and its downsides. “I look so hungry, however I look so good,” “You like to hate me,” or “You make the cash, I’ll make you snigger” are lyrics that replicate a private wrestle that Girl Gaga has needed to face in opposition to public opinion and being a star. It could be one of the crucial self-reflective songs present in MAYHEM.
Danielle: Can I say that I’m fascinated with all of Girl Gaga’s lyrics? I like the disco like excessive vitality within the manufacturing, and the lyrics as typical Gaga type. Like Brian talked about concerning the iconic new chant: “Abracadabra, amor-oo-na-na / Abracadabra, morta-oo-ga-ga / Abracadabra, abra-oo-na-na.” This will probably be everywhere for the following whereas – and it’s welcomed. I like how the lyrics are catchy!
The place do you are feeling MAYHEM sits within the pantheon of Girl Gaga’s artistry?
Noa: I believe MAYHEM is deservedly an enormous second for Girl Gaga. Her previous data akin to Joanne, Cheek to Cheek, and even Chromatica – although particular in their very own methods – match into particular niches, and so they every appeal to very totally different audiences. MAYHEM alternatively is an album for all Girl Gaga followers as a complete; it’s an album for the little monsters who’re all grown up now. The place a few of her previous initiatives may seem to be side-quests of kinds and confirmed the depth of her artistry, MAYHEM looks like a homecoming. It’s every little thing there may be to like concerning the fabulous, unending enigma that’s Girl Gaga.
Kevin: Girl Gaga has churned out a number of the best music this millennium, however MAYHEM is her ode to every little thing she has completed in her profession to date. It stands out in varied methods, displaying her many abilities of songwriting, manufacturing, however in the end underlines the truth that she isn’t just a musician, she is an artist. I don’t wish to name this her magnum opus, regardless that it’s fairly near being so, however everyone knows Girl Gaga is much from over making music.
Josh: Oh man, these previous Girl Gaga data certain have numerous nostalgia of their favor at this level, don’t they? Mayhem has obtained some catching as much as do in that regard, however I’ll say that, off the bat, that is essentially the most I’ve ever been impressed by any considered one of her albums. It makes for a terrific pay attention all through, and regardless that it hasn’t obtained the nostalgia card in its hand simply but, I’d say it’s not too early to name this considered one of her best initiatives ever (it’s already obtained the very best combination rating of any of her LPs on Metacritic, as an illustration).
Brian: MAYHEM looks like a pure evolution in Girl Gaga’s discography – much less of a reinvention and extra of a refinement. If The Fame was the explosive debut, Born This Means was the boundary-pusher, and Chromatica was the lengthy awaited return to the dancefloor, then MAYHEM is Gaga at her most confident. It’s large, assured, and unafraid to take up house.
My first thought after I listened to MAYHEM was, “I can not wait to listen to this reside at Coachella.” It’s an album that makes the listener wish to expertise it – and that’s one thing that just a few artists like Gaga can pull off. For me, MAYHEM sits comfortably alongside her greatest pop moments, proving that she nonetheless is aware of how one can make huge, arena-filling music that feels each contemporary and deeply genuine to her artistry.
Bárbara: Certainly one of my first ideas when listening to MAYHEM is how a lot it’s a reminder of the previous (or the primary initiatives of) pop from Girl Gaga. “Abracadabra” is a pleasing and nostalgic echo of songs like “Simply Dance” and “Born This Means.” So, like a lot of her songs, hopefully a few of this album will undergo years and generations as memorable. I believe this album, which reveals creative evolution, is genuine, natural, a pure Girl Gaga achievement in her musical journey.
Danielle: MAYHEM, for me, is the primary Girl Gaga signature-styled album that she has launched in a very long time… the likes of Joanne and Cheek to Cheek nonetheless maintain a particular place for me, after all. Listening to the album for the primary time introduced me again to when The Fame, The Fame Monster and Born This Means have been launched – my youthful self could be stoked to listen to all of her catalog and now a homecoming the place each inch of this file has a nostalgic vibe for the little monsters, but additionally provides one thing new for the brand new listeners.
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:: stream/buy MAYHEM right here ::
:: join with Girl Gaga right here ::
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“Backyard of Eden” – Girl Gaga
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© Charlie Denis
MAYHEM
an album by Girl Gaga
