Album Rating: 9/10
On March 7, 2025, Lady Gaga released her sixth album “Mayhem” through Streamline and Interscope Records, coming out at number one on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. The album skillfully pays tribute to her past – most noticeably Gaga’s “Fame Monster” days – but also supports a hopeful future for the singer.
Gaga returns to her roots, explicitly showcasing the dark, creepy and slightly hedonistic feel of her debut album while also incorporating elements from her other albums like “Artpop” and “Born This Way.” Additionally, the album’s songs contain elements of other famous artists like David Bowie, Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna. Gaga dabbles in a multitude of music styles, including electric pop, synth, disco, rock and industrial pop.
Prior to the album, the singles “Disease” and “Abracadabra” were released, peaking respectively at number fourteen and five on the Billboard Global 200. Like “The Fame” album, The first half of “Mayhem” is dark, intense and alluring. “Disease,” a very solid intro song, kicks off the album with its woeful, blaring and harsh tone and howling lyrics.
“Abracadabra” follows it up with its catchy, melodic chorus and features nonsense lyrics just like in Gaga’s hit song “Bad Romance.” The second half of the album, starting from the song “LoveDrug,” is more lighthearted, dreamy and lovestruck. Contrasting with how it began, “Mayhem” ends calm and wistful, featuring the track “Die With A Smile” sung by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, which won the 2025 Grammy for best pop duo/group performance.
Though most of the album’s songs are strong and catchy, there are a few filler songs that lack the quality and drive needed for the album.
Best Songs:
“Abracadabra:” First of all, the music video instantly reminds me of “Alejandro,” with Gaga dressed in an eerie, thorny red outfit. Though it is creepy, “Abracadabra” is very energetic and upbeat. This track blends elements of Gaga’s past songs and albums, like “Bad Romance,” “Artpop” and “Born This Way” while also being unique and independent. The chorus is very catchy, making “Abracadabra” a perfect song to get people dancing.
“Perfect Celebrity:” Though this song is more contemplative and relaxed than the tracks leading up to it, Gaga’s voice is smoother and more pressuring. The lyrics cut deep into the music industry, with Gaga exclaiming “You make me money, I’ll make you laugh,” but she also criticizes herself, singing “sit in the front row, watch the princess die.” This track goes back and forth between periods of calmness and passionate outburst, keeping the listener on edge.
“How Bad Do U Want Me:” This may be a little controversial, but I really, really like this song. It isn’t a filler song, but “How Bad Do U Want Me” doesn’t fit with the dark and threatening theme of “Mayhem” at all. The song is light, bubbly and love-tinged, with a fire melody and drumline. It sounds heavily like Taylor Swift, but is nevertheless a great tune.
“Blade of Grass:” There has been a striking pattern of Gaga including a heartfelt ballad in her recent albums – some examples include “Million Reasons,” “Always Remember Us This Way,” and “Yoü and I.” For “Mayhem,” “Blade of Grass” serves that purpose, providing a calm transition as the album nears its ending. It is a slow, mournful but passionate ode to Gaga’s fiancé Michael Polansky. Gaga’s voice is resonant and shaking with emotion, bringing out the powerful chorus and bridge in this song.
To conclude, Lady Gaga doesn’t disappoint with the release of her latest album – she once again reminds the world the successful and talented artist she is. “Mayhem” takes the listener on an intense and passionate journey that ends with a wistful feeling of disappearing into the distance. Overall, this album does a great job of showcasing Gaga’s unique talent and is full of exciting and catchy tracks!
