“MAYHEM” album cover
COURTESY | Spotify
Lady Gaga has reinvented both herself and pop music since her emergence 16 years ago. “MAYHEM,” her March 2025 release, takes listeners back to her early days of synth-heavy, dance-pop music. She may not be young anymore, but her newest album deserves a place in Gen Z’s playlists.
Lady Gaga’s release last year, “Harlequin,” was a collection of jazz and traditional pop songs. Although it highlighted her vocal ability in a new genre, it deviated greatly from her bold, unapologetic image. “MAYHEM” recaptures the dark, heavy sound of her older works.
Containing elements of her 2009 album “The Fame Monster,” this album brings synthy 2000s dance-pop into the 2020s.
“MAYHEM” opens with “Disease,” a track diagnosing her lover’s sickness and promising the ability to heal. As the song’s subject is tortured by metaphorical illness, the bridge’s intensity builds. She launches into the chorus, claiming suggestively: “I can cure ya/cure your disease.”
“MAYHEM” draws on artistic elements of powerhouse 2000s artist MARINA and current artists, such as Ava Max and Dove Cameron. She also isn’t afraid to break barriers. On “Abracadabra” Gaga blends nonsense words seamlessly into the chorus. “Abracadabra” hit #1 on Billboard Hot Dance/Pop Songs chart and #13 on Billboard Hot 100, an incredible feat for an aging artist.
“Garden of Eden” echoes Gaga’s pattern of religious symbolism in music. Her Catholic background weaves into her work through Christian imagery. Gaga’s 2011 album “Born This Way” contained religious themes in many of the songs, such as “Judas,” “Bloody Mary,” and “Black Jesus + Amen Fashion.” She continues that trend 14 years later. “Poison apple, take a bite,” Gaga entices the listener in “Garden of Eden.”
Gaga’s familiar theme of conflict and identity is explored in the ninth track, “How Bad Do U Want Me.” She says the man “like[s] the bad girl I got in me,” but deep down desires a “good girl.” Though drawn to her dark energy, the man is torn. She alternates between ideas of “good” and “bad,” illustrating her lover’s indecision.
The 14-track album closes with “Die With A Smile.” The single, released ahead of the album in 2024, became a trending TikTok audio, secured a nomination for Best Song of the Year and won the Grammys’ Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Bruno Mars takes the lead with his emotional tone, passionately dreaming of lifelong love. In contrast to “Disease,” Gaga closes the album in tenderness. Fans didn’t seem to mind.
The softer undertone of the album’s ending could set the tone for her future works. Personally, I hope she sticks with her synth-pop roots.
If “MAYHEM” tells us anything, it’s that her music continues to be young and fresh, despite Lady Gaga’s ascent to middle age. Through each line, she reclaims her place in pop. Her fast-paced verses and powerhouse vocals contribute to the music’s masterpiece. “MAYHEM” embraces disorder, duality, and identity in Lady Gaga’s new chapter.
