Lady Gaga Causes Chaos as Reported by The Quietus
Lady Gaga is not often associated with being cute, as she typically embodies an otherworldly or threatening persona. However, the true Lady Gaga is actually quite adorable. In her approaching forties, with an established acting career and a successful long-term relationship, Gaga reveals a lighter side of herself in the live-to-camera promotional videos for her upcoming Saturday Night Live appearance, alongside Bowen Yang. These glimpses into her off-stage persona offer a refreshing contrast to the grandiose image she usually portrays.
“Mayhem” marks Lady Gaga’s sixth solo album, following a five-year hiatus since “Chromatica.” Including her collaborative works with Tony Bennett and various movie-related projects, this album represents her twelfth release since her breakout in 2008. The album delves back to her early material, reclaiming the edginess and innovative sounds that propelled her to global stardom.
The lead single, “Abracadabra,” captures the essence of Gaga’s debut era with its bold and catchy wordplay. Initially underestimated, the track shines when placed within the album’s context, following the slower, brooding opening track “Disease.” “Perfect Celebrity” explores the duality of Gaga’s public persona versus her private self, a recurrent theme that she has previously addressed in her 2011 album “Born This Way.”
Collaborating with Gesaffelstein on “Killah,” Gaga delivers a solid track reminiscent of Prince’s “Sign O The Times.” The song seamlessly transitions into a disco-infused mid-section with tracks like “Zombieboy” and “LoveDrug,” showcasing Gaga’s versatility in blending different genres and eras. “How Bad Do U Want Me” takes a more downtempo approach, drawing comparisons to Taylor Swift’s storytelling style with a retro synth-pop backdrop.
As the album progresses, tracks like “Blade Of Grass” explore themes of lasting love and commitment, inspired by Gaga’s real-life relationship with her fiancé Michael Polansky. The track’s minor chord power ballad aesthetic reflects a different side of Gaga, delving into the emotional depths of romantic devotion. However, the album’s conclusion falls slightly short, with “Blade Of Grass” feeling somewhat overwrought compared to the overall tone of the record.
Despite its minor flaws, “Mayhem” presents a cohesive body of work that harkens back to Gaga’s early brilliance while infusing fresh elements and modern sensibilities. Lady Gaga’s ability to reinvent herself while remaining true to her artistic roots shines through in this album, solidifying her status as a timeless icon in the music industry.