Global pop sensation, Lady Gaga, released her new album, “Mayhem,” on Friday, March 7. “Mayhem” is Gaga’s seventh solo studio album. Disco, traditional pop, electronic and house music all come together as one in this work. The album contains 14 songs and runs for 53 minutes. Two Life writers will share their thoughts in this dual review.
Noa’s Review:
Lady Gaga is a unique, sharp artist that has been a standout in the pop industry since her ascent to fame. Gaga is, and always has been, unapologetically herself. In ‘Mayhem’ her return to the music that made her so undeniably iconic is cleverly done, and it seems to me that she has done something new while referencing the old.
The opening track and one of the two singles of the album, ‘Disease’ is a wonderful push to the rest of the songs. The production is exquisite, and it is one of the most satisfying returns I have seen from an artist. Lady Gaga is known for her electro pop vibe, and this is it.
Some say ‘Disease’ is too extreme, but I say that this is exactly what we want from Gaga: this is who she is! There is no point in asking her to tame her sound when it is what made us fall in love with her in the first place.
The joy of listening to ‘Disease’ and the second track, ‘Abracadabra,’ is realizing that Gaga did not shy away from intense maximalist hyper pop.
“Poison on the inside / I could be your antidote tonight / I could play the doctor / I can cure your disease / If you were a sinner / I could make you believe” sings Gaga in ‘Disease’ and I thank you, Gaga, for being so peculiar and real.
There is no Gaga, or success of her music without the energy she displays here. It feels like a call back to “ARTPOP” and her first album, “The Fame.” The more she turns away from conforming to the standards of pop music, the happier I am and the better her songs are.
Sure, some of the songs are overly catchy and a little lacking in the originality department (i.e “Zombieboy”) but originality of the lyrics does not matter in the grand scheme of things when the beat is just oh so good.
The album is a throwback, but it is not tiring nostalgia and reused material; there’s something new in every song. Although, I do realize I am speaking as someone who has had her in their Spotify top five for forever.
Jumping a little bit ahead here, but “Blade of Grass” is a sentimental and sweet song. Her vocals are especially highlighted in this slower, more emotional ballad.
Gaga does the same in “Vanish Into You” (and by same I mean, pop off with her insane vocal talent). In “Perfect Celebrity” — in my opinion the best song on the album — Gaga shows her listeners that she has what to takes to produce a perfect pop song. The lyrics, the beat and the concept are all there for Gaga to wrap up with a perfect bow. Reminiscent of “Paparazzi,” it’s one of the most well executed concepts I have heard from her.
Rating: 4.5/5
Maleena’s Review:
Lady Gaga, being known for her originality, stage presence and star quality, it is no surprise that even 17 years after her debut, she is still producing hits. “Mayhem” proves to the world once again that Stefani Germanotta was destined for fame. “Mayhem” is extremely reminiscent of Gaga’s early career, though with more influences from the dance scene of the 1980s as opposed to her prior electronic 2000s sound.
The opener of the album, “Disease” sets the tone well for the first half of the album, which is obscure and original pop. Gaga has never been shy to darkness and strangeness and this song encapsulates her daring side well.
“Abracadabra” — a single off the album that many have already heard — is the perfect combination of old Gaga, disco and Madonna-esque voguing pop. If you are a longtime fan of Gaga like me, it is hard not to lose yourself in this song. “Abracadabra” is the perfect ode to Gaga’s first album, “The Fame.” “Garden Of Eden” also falls into this category well.
The songs following this begin to explore disco and an ‘80s nightclub sound more. A few of the tracks sound similar at this point and have less of a standout factor. However, “Killah,” featuring Gesaffelstein, is definitely one of the most unique on the album. “Killah” sounds similar to a Halloween dance song from the ‘80s, and although it is kind of strange, I am so here for it.
“Zombieboy” and “LoveDrug” are more basic songs, but they execute their jobs perfectly: to be catchy and fun to sing along to. These songs also have the perfect hints of the ‘80s residing in their instrumentals.
The next few songs follow the same dance theme. “Shadow Of A Man” is the standout. The tempo is extremely fast paced and is the best traditional disco representation we get on the album. It is very difficult to not get up and start dancing during the buildup bridge, as Gaga chants, “Can’t ignore the voice within / And a woman can’t lose, but you still pretend.” “Shadow Of A Man” is the last upbeat song on the album and does a phenomenal job of closing out this segment of “Mayhem.”
“The Beast” serves as a transitional song to the slower and final songs on the album. Though it does not follow the previous themes exactly, the ‘80s pop elements are still present in this song. “The Beast” is, in my opinion, the best song on the album and I had a very hard time choosing. “The Beast” has a similar instrumental sequence at times to Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight,” and fosters the same beautiful intensity of that popular song.
Shockingly, “Blade Of Grass” opens with strictly piano and Gaga’s emotional voice. The song is beautiful, but quite frankly, a little boring. However, it bleeds nicely into the final song on the album, “Die With A Smile.” As fun as this song is, it feels very out of place on “Mayhem,” so thankfully it was placed at the end of the album. Regardless, still a wonderful song.
Gaga showcases her impeccable vocal range and versatility on “Mayhem,” featuring dance music, a few ballads and songs with strong rock vocals. For brief moments, I got the feeling that this album was someone else trying to channel Gaga, but overall, “Mayhem” is a more mature, older sister to previously loved albums, such as “The Fame.”
Rating: 3.5/5