Singer-songwriter, actress, and pop icon Lady Gaga released her 14-track sixth studio album MAYHEM March 7. Following the theme of authenticity and self-love, this album empowers the listener with a sense of satisfaction within themselves. Gaga’s versatility keeps the listener engaged, however, the album would benefit from better rhyming lyrics. The album attempts to capture the nostalgia of her popular 2000s music and was successful because of the similar music styles.
“The Little Monsters,” or Gaga fans, have followed her music career since 2007, after she performed in a Burlesque show called “Lady Gaga and the Starlight Revue.” She released her debut studio album later that year. Gaga is known for her unique, eye-grabbing fashion style and bold fusion of R&B, funk, and pop music. MAYHEM was supposed to reignite her 2000s pop style, often referred to as the “Mother Monster” era.
MAYHEM’s opening track “Disease” has a great sound because of the contrast between the beat and vocals. The lyrics rhymed so well that they became easy to anticipate, but were much too slow for the funk-pop style. The chorus was too repetitive, making it bland.
The second track, “Abracadabra” is a high-energy, previously-released single featuring hints of heavy metal, tracing back to her early albums. The song starts off well with a quick and funky beat, but has become overplayed. The song embodies the magic of self-love and learning to find peace with yourself. “Don’t waste time on a feeling,” “Save me from this empty fight in the game of life.” Gaga has spoken out repeatedly about her insecurities about her looks and how she tries not to waste time on those thoughts. However, in the last year, social media fired shots at her with the “Don’t call me Gaga” meme mocking her side profile.
Track four, “Perfect Celebrity” starts as an electric grunge song that changes to modern-day pop, echoing her old music style. The rich range of vocals and beat make this song satisfying, and leaves listeners wanting more. As a household name, Gaga faces constant backlash and praise, and has had to accept that there will always be people waiting for her downfall. “You push and pull me, I don’t hurt at all,” “Sit in the front row, watch the princess die”.
“Zombieboy,” track number seven, stands out because of its early hip hop and electric mix intro similar to Blondie’s “Rapture.” This song would have been better if it had had a smoother transition between the intro and bridge. “Zombieboy” is a tribute to Gaga’s friend Rick Genest, her co-star in the “Born This Way” music video. Genest, who passed away in 2018, was given the nickname “Zombieboy” because of his intense tattoos that made him resemble a zombie. “Goodbye, I’ll see you in my dreams,” “You zombieboy.”
Track number 10 “Don’t Call Tonight” has an almost identical intro sound to “Alejandro,” one of her 2009 hit songs. This smooth pop-funk song, given a touch of robotic chorus and layered with raspy lines, perfectly captured Gaga’s signature sound. This disco-like song expresses the hardships of ending a toxic relationship cycle. “You pull me close and knock me down,” “Don’t call tonight unless you want to hurt me.”
MAYHEM is as Gaga hoped, similar to Born This Way in sound and style while still putting a modern-day pop spin on it. It seems “Mother Monster” is officially back, although this album couldn’t quite top her early pop era, because of its lack of intense catchy lyrics and beats. MAYHEM still had a great variety of sounds and styles for a short album, earning it a 4.5 out of five feathers.
