Lady Gaga is an artist that releases albums as full blown projects. It’s always accompanied by an array of visuals, looks, appearances, and concerts that match the aesthetic she is going for, with MAYHEM being no different. Like most people, when I saw Gaga with the brown hair, I began to think this meant a completely different vibe for her as an artist. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was actually a love letter to her fans. This album in particular is for us. 

     Right from the start we are hit with an instantly recognizable gaga-ism of darkness mixed with euro-dance. Was Disease the epic hot masterpiece we all expected after the iconic, though initially underappreciated, Chromatica? Not quite. It was a strong first single, but I would be lying if I said that it satisfied a craving I had since her previous album that got me through the pandemic. My slight hesitation quickly evaporated as soon as I heard Abracadabra. Within seconds, I knew, Gaga was BACK. I was full blown power dancing in my room listening on full blast through my headphones. (Something I think all listeners should experience at least once. The album sounds very different on headphones than it does on speakers, I mean duh.)

     The cheerleader-esque chanting of Garden of Eden keeps the momentum going perfectly transitioning into my favorite track off the album, Perfect Celebrity. Something about Gaga speaking directly to her haters, while giving us an upbeat rock anthem that also feels referential to my middle school days, makes me a happy listener. What makes this track also stand out from some of the others is that she is not afraid to give a slightly ugly note on “haaAaAatee me” while also revving up the intensity of every chorus.

     Vanish Into You is unfortunately, where as a listener, I begin to lose some steam. I am glad others are receiving the song very well; however, I would consider it the first skip. It’s a song we have heard a few times before already from her and there isn’t anything particularly new or inventive about it. Then BAM, we are hit with a new fresh sound. 

     Killah is one of the most unique songs on the album and definitely a career first. Although it gives me feelings I haven’t experienced since listening to The Fame the first time, it isn’t directly referencing The Fame. In fact, I would say that is one of the beautiful things about this album. It is referential without directly copying her previous work. How many artists can say they can do that, and do it successfully? This feeling continues for the next few songs, Zombieboy and LoveDrug. Solid songs crafted specifically for her little monsters that have been listening for years, with lines like: “We about to be up all night, wakin’ up a zombie - So put your paws all over me, you zombie boy!” Though admittedly by the end of LoveDrug, the nostalgia starts to wear off a bit. 

     Is there a Taylor Swift feature? Oh wait, no. It’s just How Bad Do U Want Me. This song in particular gives me mixed feelings. On one hand, I listen to it and don’t mind it. It sounds like an old 2ne1 song from 2010 and I don’t hate it. But then I think, is it because Gaga is singing it? If this was a Taylor song on the radio, how quickly would I press SKIP? I mean the lyrics are as generic as they get unfortunately. Can we start a petition to prevent songs from using things like “Ripped up jeans” to describe someone as edgy? 

     Speaking of other artists, apparently she resurrected Michael Jackson to coach her with the vocal delivery of the song, Shadow of a Man. Although this one almost falls into the generic territory it has such a ramped up, catchy as hell chorus, that it instantly becomes forgivable after the first listen. It is becoming my most played track. I can not stop screaming “DANCE IN THE SHADOW OF A MAN!” at least five times a day. Don’t Call Tonight is unfortunately pretty unmemorable and generic and I would classify it as the second skip of the album. It’s cute, but no one would notice if it was gone. In fact, I didn’t remember it was on the album until I looked back at the track list and realized I skipped one.

     The first third of the album was fast paced, the second falls in the mid range, with the latter third ending in her traditional fashion of ballads and slower love songs. (Dope, You and I, and Brown Eyes, or Speechless. Shout out to the VEVO live version with the bow. IYKYK.) The Beast is alright and does not stand out unfortunately. Which then leads into the somewhat better Blade of Grass. Although it has a familiar melody to a One Direction song I remember avoiding back in the day, it is mainly lifted by her amazing vocals. The problem is that I don’t see myself listening to it again and again because ultimately it’s repetitive and a little plain. Especially, because the album ends with the best ballad of them all, Die with a Smile. This song is a monster smash and she was very intelligent to include it on her album. 

     Mayhem will not be converting any new fans that were previously turned off by her “Rah, rah, ah-ah-ah Roma, roma-ma Gaga, ooh-la-la” style lyrics. However, for those of us who have been with her since the very beginning, it’s hard not to enjoy a legend referencing herself and yet still modernizing it for the current day. The real question is, is this album one she will want to tour?