Atwood Journal’s writers dive into the dazzling chaos and creativity of Woman Gaga’s newest album ‘MAYHEM,’ from her return to pop and internal battle with fame to unleashing the brand new period of dance pop.
Featured listed below are Atwood writers Bárbara Martínez Campuzano, Brian Denney, Danielle Holian, Dimitra Gurduiala, Josh Weiner, Kevin Price, and Noa Jamir!
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To begin, what’s your relationship with Woman Gaga’s music?
Josh Weiner: I’m proud to say I’ve been within the Little Monster Camp since simply in regards to the starting. I used to be in eleventh grade within the 2008-09 college 12 months, when Woman 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, Woman Gaga’s music was a reasonably large a part of my childhood. Again then her music was all the time enjoying on prime 40 radio, and it appeared like she was making headlines each week. Even if you happen to didn’t take into account your self a fan, you knew who she was. Extra just lately – possibly inside 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 noticed 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 achieved through the years, confirmed the world that she places her all into each inventive endeavor. Moreover, her means 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 mission MAYHEM is not any exception.
Kevin Price: My earliest reminiscence of listening to the title “Woman 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 look at the complete 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 take into account her probably the most influential artist of our era. She by no means stops pushing the boundaries of what music means, feels, and even appears like. Woman Gaga is nothing however an icon.
Brian Denney: I first realized I used to be a Woman Gaga fan after I caught myself watching the clock in school each day in eighth grade, ready for the bell to ring at precisely 3:05 so I may dash to satisfy my carpool. Every single day, like magic, Poker Face would play on KIIS FM at round 3:15, and it rapidly grew to become my favourite afternoon ritual that I couldn’t miss.Observe after observe, I discovered myself shopping for all of the 99-cent iTunes singles off The Fame till I lastly gave in and purchased 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 along with her period to period – via dance-op, jazz, and even Home of Gucci.
Bárbara Martínez Campuzano: I’ve all the time admired Woman Gaga and her music, however I don’t suppose I appreciated her sufficient as a toddler. 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 take heed to her in lots of locations, via her subsequent albums, and even within the motion pictures she performed in like A Star Is Born and Home of Gucci. Not solely do I take into account her an incredible musician with a voice the world can’t reside with out, however she’s an incredible actress as effectively. There are songs of hers that I take into account timeless, reminiscent of “Born This Means,” which can be very inspiring for a lot of, and “Dangerous Romance.”
Dimitra Gurduiala: For me, she is an icon. She’s been virtually a legendary determine who has accompanied me mainly all my life, though I solely began following her critically after listening to a number 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 buddies 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 take heed to her music increasingly, to think about her as an icon of free speech and expression, moderately than only a singer. Though she is just not one of many artists I take heed to probably the most, I started to have a substantial amount of respect and admiration for her, which I proceed to really feel to today.
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’d get the bodily CD and actually take heed to it on repeat till I knew every lyric and beat to bounce to. Woman Gaga is one among 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 neighborhood. I’m thrilled to debate my ideas about MAYHEM.
What are your preliminary impressions and reactions to MAYHEM?
Noa: The primary take heed to MAYHEM felt like coming residence and kicking off your footwear after an extended day; it felt like a giant aid, a breath of contemporary air. The document has a sound that feels so acquainted and so Gaga, but nonetheless she manages to create a very new world inside it. It’s a enjoyable, thrilling sonic world during which she appears actually 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 person and with life itself, in addition to showcasing her journey via the chaos of affection and life.
Kevin: MAYHEM is a quintessential Gaga document. Each track has this guttural sense of wanting to interrupt free from the norm and pressure the emotion to heart stage. She does this throughout the complete album, throwing pure pop bliss in your face whereas uncooked vulnerability is hidden all through her iconic ballads, nevertheless it nonetheless brings an awesome sense of pleasure to expertise. After the preliminary hear, it was tough to search out anything to take heed to in the meanwhile.
Josh: My preliminary thought was that the title is kind of correct. There’s so much occurring all throughout this hectic document, and it quantities to quite a lot of sonic commotion. However the formulation works – it’s one other very robust document from the Mom Monster, and a helluva lotta enjoyable to take heed to, at that.
Brian: MAYHEM is the primary Gaga album shortly the place my quick response is to show the amount up. It simply looks like her roots – daring, a bit of chaotic, and fully unafraid to go huge. 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 form of album I anticipate from an artist as huge as Woman Gaga. The sound is large, the manufacturing is elevated, and it by no means performs it secure. If you happen to’re on the prime of pop music, there’s a duty 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 may anticipate by Woman 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 find it irresistible. I all the time take heed to the albums by order, so with “Illness,” “Abracadabra,” and “Backyard of Eden” I knew immediately this was one other creative, daring Woman Gaga album.
Dimitra: Simply as my colleagues have already stated earlier than me, it’s a document that screams Gaga in every single place. It’s a breath of contemporary air, completely surprising, so acquainted but additionally so progressive. I may simply already name it one of many albums of the 12 months.
Danielle: I loved the quick boldness and chaos of coming into the world of MAYHEM for the very first time. It was an exhilarating expertise listening to a sound that’s so acquainted, but Woman Gaga continues to be capable of catch me off guard. I really like her confidence, the expectational lyrics, and enthusiasm all through the album – whereas she shows vulnerability with a way of pleasure. It was an pleasurable hear from starting to finish. Wishing I may replay, and take heed to it for the primary time yet again!
How does this album examine to 2020’s Chromatica, and the remainder of Woman Gaga’s latest discography – what are probably the most placing similarities or variations?
Noa: MAYHEM has a really comparable essence to Chromatica; I’d say they’re undoubtedly sisters. Chromatica walked in order that MAYHEM may 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 had 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 cause (and possibly 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 document 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 much 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 may partly be on account 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 could, Gaga can all the time stay her ever-entertaining self and preserve various up her inventive decisions.
Kevin: Chromatica was purely a dance document, even acknowledged 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 1 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 are 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 actually takes a relisten to totally bear in mind how unhinged a few of Woman Gaga’s early albums like Born This Means are – the place she jumps from immediately recognizable Billboard-charting singles to totally 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 acquired is way more polished and easy. I feel that’s okay – it’s part of her evolution as an artist, and MAYHEM brings new components to her discography that preserve the gathering thrilling.
Bárbara: I feel there may be an essence to Woman Gaga that may be seen and listened to in each of her albums. She is aware of the way to make a track value dancing to, a superb pop observe. I feel I appreciated that from Chromatica, particularly along with her collaborations with Ariana Grande and BLACKPINK. Her new album is danceable, however the beats sound heavier, bolder. I’ve known as this new album daring, though up to now we’ve seen her launch issues that had been much more wild and risqué, as a result of her which means of mayhem could trace on the adjustments Woman Gaga has undergone all through her profession up up to now. 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 document.
Danielle: With every launch from Woman Gaga, what sometimes stands out first is that I do know it’s a Gaga track. There’s no document 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 acknowledged. Nevertheless, MAYHEM stands proudly alongside her total catalog, carving out its personal identification. Whereas it shares some similarities with Chromatica, its variations – significantly in tone and sound – shine a lot brighter. The songs on MAYHEM circulate 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 all the time really feel giddy to take heed to her music.
Woman Gaga teased MAYHEM with “Die With a Smile,” “Illness,” and “Abracadabra.” Are these singles trustworthy representations of the album?
Noa: This may very well be an unpopular opinion, however whereas “Illness” and “Abracadabra” match seamlessly on MAYHEM, I don’t suppose “Die With A Smile” sonically nor stylistically is sensible on it. Although I feel that track is completely lovely, 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 making an attempt to inform with this document. 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 usually a bit of anticlimactic, and that’s how I felt with this document. Regardless, the track is a shocking collaboration between two pop icons, that a lot is difficult to disclaim.
Josh: I see what Noa means and I agree that you could 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 it’s the very finish, virtually like a bonus observe, appears to be the very best place to incorporate the track on the observe record if it was going to be included in any respect.
However hey, sufficient throwing shade – “Die With a Smile” is a good collaboration and a testomony to Woman 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 come back.
Noa: That is sensible Josh, and it truly form of adjustments my perspective of “Die With A Smile” ending this album! Additionally, based on a Spotify fan convention, Gaga defined that the album deliberately begins at its most chaotic level, whereas progressively turning into much less chaotic because the tracklist progresses, symbolizing the “mayhem” ending. With that information 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 document, however I agree with Josh and Noa in regards to the purposeful placement of the track as the ultimate track. Ending a document she poured her coronary heart and soul into with a lyric like “If the celebration 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 celebration is over when the document ends, however we celebrated all through so why not smile about it? For “Abracadabra” and “Illness,” a masterclass in the way to get your fanbase on board along with your subsequent mission, particularly us little monsters.
Brian: Perhaps it’s simply me, however I don’t suppose “Abracadabra” actually sounds something like the remainder of MAYHEM. It’s one among 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 feel callbacks like this are a part of what makes this album such a enjoyable hear for devoted followers like myself who’ve been on the Gaga bandwagon for some time now.
Bárbara: I do imagine that “Abracadabra” and “Illness” characterize the rhythms and the overall type of the album. After all, “Abracadabra” has taken the spot as the highest track or one of many favorites of this document. Perhaps these three songs could also be its most memorable ones. I have to say, “Die With a Smile” could 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 just lately, I completely agreed with Noa. “Die With a Smile” is absolutely good, nevertheless it didn’t actually appear to me in keeping with the remainder of the album, or a minimum of what it appeared to wish to convey. Studying Kevin’s remark made me suppose although, and I’ve to say it makes good sense, it gave me a option to see the album from a unique standpoint. Thanks Kevin!
Danielle: I don’t really feel “Die With a Smile” was a superb illustration of the album as a single sonically, I really feel “Illness” and “Abracadabra” match the only 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 observe on the album, it’s a superb addition. It additionally appeared a bit of anticlimactic – however as a stand-alone launch, it’s a particular collaboration between Woman Gaga and Bruno Mars. I agree with Josh and Noa in regards to the placement – it does work general, I feel it’s stunning to little monsters who anticipated one thing else, however could have acquired one thing significantly better in return.
MAYHEM has been billed as a return to Woman Gaga’s pop roots – “a declaration of inventive 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: Woman Gaga has by no means stopped her teachings to be your total 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 forms of genres throughout the increasing sonic universe and it exhibits! A number of individuals I’ve related 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 overall message is “I’m me, and never a single individual can darken my gentle.” That is the true essence of what Gaga desires everybody to imagine in and that’s to imagine in your self.
Josh: On prime of the place I hear it probably the most, I can even say the place I see it probably the most– within the video for “Abracadabra,” which options loads of the electrical group choreography and wacky, colourful outfits that the Woman Gaga of my highschool years was well-known for. The one itself additionally has some echoes of hits from that period reminiscent of “Dangerous Romance,” as others have remarked, and the identical may very well be stated of a handful of the album cuts as effectively.
Brian: Very like all the pieces 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 Superstar,” 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 latest tasks, and I’m so glad to see it make a comeback.
Noa: I strongly agree with all people, MAYHEM is actually such an essential second in her iconic inventive profession! “Abracadabra” particularly introduced a way of nostalgia for me. Every thing about it, however significantly 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 Woman Gaga years in the past. I may see myself as a 13 12 months outdated yet again, 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 related to her early work; I feel it’s an album influenced by her early beats and her previous. When some may suppose that that is simply one other document from a well-known pop artist, many would moderately say that it is a top-charting album with spectacular tracks that remind us of that Woman 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 Woman 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 feel this document is one more affirmation that Gaga will all the time carry one thing surprising to the scene, that she’s going to (rightly!) do what she desires as a result of she will afford it. Every thing she does finally ends up being profitable, irrespective of how contradictory it could appear. Folks love Gaga and her artwork as a result of she places unbelievable ardour into all the pieces she does, whatever the style of music or the medium she makes use of. And I feel MAYHEM represents this freedom very effectively, even in having completely reverse tracks on the tracklist (like “Abracadabra” and “Die With A Smile”). Her music might be seen as chaos however she is queen of it, coordinating all the pieces like the very best of conductors. Completely fascinating.
Danielle: Woman Gaga has all the time supplied one thing genuine along with her artistry – regardless that she will supply one thing fully totally different, or etched along with her signature mix of genres that increase throughout the sonic universe. MAYHEM is a stand-out second in her music profession – whereas feeling related to her earlier catalog. It’s actually exceptional 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 bear in mind immediately loving “Zombieboy”; I knew it was going to be my favourite track off the album the second it began enjoying. 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’ll inform she had enjoyable recording it. I am keen on how a lot she leans into her artistry and the way arduous she works to make lengthy lasting, significant artwork, nevertheless it’s additionally actually refreshing to listen to her simply having enjoyable and never taking it too critically. At this level, she’s earned the appropriate to try this.
Kevin: “Killah” oozes pure type and my first thought was “This appears like if 9 Inch Nails lined Prince.” The closely distorted bass vibrating and the shiny twinkle of guitar emits this sense of bulletproof armor and your enemy can’t pierce via your confidence. A number of different tracks stood out, however realizing 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 means to not take all the pieces so critically. It has components taken from The Fame and pulls you into the world of creating unhealthy choices on the dance flooring.
Josh: Noa and Kevin truly already named a few of my favorites – “Backyard of Eden” is one among my favorites, partly due to its central lyric (extra of that beneath) and I do just like the nod to her outdated inventive ally, ZombieBoy (I nonetheless bear in mind seeing him within the “Born This Means” video in 2011 and it Creeped. Me. OUT!). I additionally like “Superstar” so much, and provided that her first album in 2008 was known 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 Dangerous Do U Need Me” is hearth for certain, as effectively. Oh man, this document has some severe highlights, little doubt!
Brian: “Vanish Into You” is the standout for me – the manufacturing here’s a masterclass, and manages to seize all the pieces MAYHEM has to supply. It’s acquired these near-perfect pop hooks layered over wealthy, advanced manufacturing. Greater than another observe on the album, “Vanish Into You” units the tone for what’s to come back. It blends traditional pop sensibilities with a cool electrical guitar, introducing components that unfold extra totally on tracks like “Killah.”
Bárbara: One among 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 beautiful, and it’s much 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 completely happy 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 may be very acquainted and in contact with Woman 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 probably the most. The tribute to Rick Genest then made me a bit of teary-eyed, I admit – he may solely deserve such an iconic track, could 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 could’t get out of your head, all wrapped up in wealthy, intricate layers, this observe is in a league of its personal. Greater than another track on the album, it units the stage for all the pieces to come back. It’s like an ideal fusion of timeless pop vibes and funky electrical guitar riffs that preserve you hooked from begin to end.
Do you’ve any favourite lyrics to date? Which traces stand out?
Noa: I hate to confess this, however there wasn’t a lot that significantly struck me lyric-wise on MAYHEM. I acquired the impression that she was trying to be weak all through the document, however the lyrics for probably 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 number of moments that basically caught out to me, like on the observe “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 actually unique and significant. And the track as an entire 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 very lovely energy ballad, and it’s one of the essential songs off the document for my part.
Kevin: Woman Gaga is aware of the way to get a crowd off their toes and the intro to “Zombieboy” is a first-rate instance of the way to get the celebration 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 title 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 gained’t be used for my love and neglected to cry.” A testomony to be heard and by no means take no for a solution.
Josh: In typical Woman Gaga type, this album has acquired a wholesome sprint of “Hmmm I ponder what she’s acquired in thoughts with that one” lyrics. One which stood out to me was, “I may very well be your girlfriend for the weekend. You would be my boyfriend for the evening,” on “Backyard of Eden.” It acquired 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 a bit of journey north when this line got here on.
Brian: I’d need to disagree that the lyrics on MAYHEM really feel surface-level or lack resonance. If something, they’re traditional Gaga – her music has all the time 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 come back? Surely.
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 feel you’re so proper Brian, the lyrics are 100% traditional Gaga! This album can be undoubtedly extra targeted on being high-energy and danceable than it’s about lyricism and poetry. I assume I solely want there have been extra songs like “Excellent Superstar,” and extra moments the place the listener may actually get a glimpse into her internal world, past the surrealism and considerably imprecise metaphors. I discover her commentary on fame and her expertise with the music business to be tremendous attention-grabbing and essential, and simply personally would’ve liked to see her lean much more into it lyrically-speaking. However regardless, MAYHEM completely goes to be successful document on dance flooring the world over, 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 Dangerous Do U Need Me,” but depth isn’t an element on this album. One which caught my eye, although, is “Excellent Superstar,” during 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 snort” are lyrics that replicate a private wrestle that Woman Gaga has needed to face in opposition to public opinion and being a star. It could be one of the self-reflective songs present in MAYHEM.
Danielle: Can I say that I’m fascinated with all of Woman Gaga’s lyrics? I am keen on the disco like excessive vitality within the manufacturing, and the lyrics as typical Gaga type. Like Brian talked about in regards to the iconic new chant: “Abracadabra, amor-oo-na-na / Abracadabra, morta-oo-ga-ga / Abracadabra, abra-oo-na-na.” This can be in every single place for the subsequent whereas – and it’s welcomed. I really like how the lyrics are catchy!
The place do you are feeling MAYHEM sits within the pantheon of Woman Gaga’s artistry?
Noa: I feel MAYHEM is deservedly an enormous second for Woman Gaga. Her previous data reminiscent of Joanne, Cheek to Cheek, and even Chromatica – although particular in their very own methods – match into particular niches, and so they every entice very totally different audiences. MAYHEM however is an album for all Woman Gaga followers as an entire; it’s an album for the little monsters who’re all grown up now. The place a few of her previous tasks would possibly look like side-quests of kinds and confirmed the depth of her artistry, MAYHEM looks like a homecoming. It’s all the pieces there may be to like in regards to the fabulous, unending enigma that’s Woman Gaga.
Kevin: Woman Gaga has churned out a few of the biggest music this millennium, however MAYHEM is her ode to all the pieces she has achieved in her profession so far. It stands out in varied methods, displaying her many skills of songwriting, manufacturing, however in the end underlines the truth that she is not only 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 Woman Gaga is much from over making music.
Josh: Oh man, these outdated Woman Gaga data certain have quite a lot of nostalgia of their favor at this level, don’t they? Mayhem has acquired some catching as much as do in that regard, however I’ll say that, off the bat, that is probably the most I’ve ever been impressed by any one among her albums. It makes for an incredible hear throughout, and regardless that it hasn’t acquired the nostalgia card in its hand simply but, I’d say it’s not too early to name this one among her perfect tasks ever (it’s already acquired the best mixture rating of any of her LPs on Metacritic, as an example).
Brian: MAYHEM looks like a pure evolution in Woman 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 huge, assured, and unafraid to take up house.
My first thought after I listened to MAYHEM was, “I can’t 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 only some artists like Gaga can pull off. For me, MAYHEM sits comfortably alongside her largest pop moments, proving that she nonetheless is aware of the way to make huge, arena-filling music that feels each contemporary and deeply genuine to her artistry.
Bárbara: One among my first ideas when listening to MAYHEM is how a lot it’s a reminder of the outdated (or the primary tasks of) pop from Woman Gaga. “Abracadabra” is a nice and nostalgic echo of songs like “Simply Dance” and “Born This Means.” So, like lots of her songs, hopefully a few of this album will undergo years and generations as memorable. I feel this album, which exhibits inventive evolution, is genuine, natural, a pure Woman Gaga achievement in her musical journey.
Danielle: MAYHEM, for me, is the primary Woman 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, in fact. Listening to the album for the primary time introduced me again to when The Fame, The Fame Monster and Born This Means had been launched – my youthful self can be stoked to listen to all of her catalog and now a homecoming the place each inch of this document has a nostalgic vibe for the little monsters, but additionally affords one thing new for the brand new listeners.
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:: stream/buy MAYHEM right here ::
:: join with Woman Gaga right here ::
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“Backyard of Eden” – Woman Gaga
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© Charlie Denis
MAYHEM
an album by Woman Gaga
