Entertainment

After absolutely devouring the stage at Coachella, Lady Gaga has unleashed her latest full-length album, and I’ve had it on repeat ever since. Mayhem is loud, theatrical, gothic, romantic, and full of that signature Gaga chaos we live for. So naturally, I’m breaking it down track by track.

1. “Disease”

The single that set the tone for this dark, gothic pop era. When this dropped I was excited for the musical direction which feels like a return to the sounds of The Fame Monster and the sledgehammer beats of Born This Way. Plus with a vocal performance that’s part howl, part exorcism, Gaga came in hot. It’s goth-pop perfection and instantly screamed: she’s back, baby.

2. “Abracadabra”

Grand. Witchy. Unhinged. This track owns me. It’s giving Broadway coven with a side of sparkle. The video is spellbinding (literally), and I’m still stomping around my apartment chanting the chorus like it’s a summoning ritual.

3. “Garden of Eden”

A dance floor seduction where Gaga transitions between big vocals on the chorus and bratty rap on the verses. Honestly, t-t-t-take ME to the Garden of Eden.

4. “Perfect Celebrity”

Where The Fame was a satirical commentary on the hunger for fame and the tabloid culture of the time, here Gaga presents a darker side to celebrity and our current obsession with its commodification. This also feels so nostalgic for my dark millennial heart, a flashback to grunge and industrial rock of the aughts. 

5. “Vanish into You”

I’ve been saying this album feels like the endgame of Gaga albums, a greatest hits of new songs, here she gives us a callback to Artpop. Gaga gives us a rare peek behind the curtain here. It’s big, emotional, and campy. 

6. “Killah”

An update on the sound Gaga brought into the world with The Fame, this feels like a glam rock homage to David Bowie and Prince. It’s fun and quirky, she does some really interesting vocal stuff on it. It’s probably my favorite track on the album.

7. “Zombieboy”

Another track that feels born of The Fame Monster era, it really reminds me of “Disco Heaven.” Camp, humor, horror film vibes, and a nod to little monsters everywhere puttin’ their paws up.

8. “LoveDrug”

An arena rock moment that recalls Born This Way. She’s got us crying on the dancefloor. Huge chorus, huge feelings, huge synths.

9. “How Bad Do U Want Me”

Soft Gaga strikes again. This 80s-inspired bop has hints of Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) with powerhouse vovals. We all love the rap-talk bridge that’s gone viral asking, “that girl in your head ain’t real how bad do you want me for real?” 

10. “Don’t Call Tonight”

An absolute earworm that feels like a spiritual sequel to “Fashion of His Love.” I can’t get enough of the big chorus and grooving guitar. 

11. “Shadow of a Man”

Another one of my favorite Gaga tracks is “Bad Kids”, and this feels like a grown up version. Punky, messy, and full of heart. Gaga is not just a pop star—she’s a queer music icon with something to say.

12. “The Beast”

As we enter the tail end of the album, I do wish the ballads had been mixed into the track listing rather than lumped together. This is a power ballad that should hit harder. It sounds technically flawless, but feels a bit bland. Gaga’s vocals are giving everything, but the track feels slightly paint-by-numbers.

13. “Blade of Grass”

A gorgeous, stripped-down ballad that brings us into Gaga’s real-life romance. There’s something so soft and sincere here—and dare I say, country-coded?

14. “Die with a Smile”

Two pop icons. One emotionally adult duet. It’s not the Gaga collab I expected, but it’s the one I didn’t know I needed. Perfectly designed for pop radio, yes—but still a satisfying close to the Mayhem.

Mayhem is dark, dramatic, and delightfully camp. Lady Gaga is one of the few music artists who can continuously reinvent herself while still giving us that nostalgic serotonin hit. She’s built a gothic pop world that feels cohesive but lets her be weird, romantic, messy, and powerful. Is she reheating her own nachos? Yeah and that’s absolutely fine for this iconic diva. 

What were your favorite tracks on Mayhem? Which ones do you want to see her perform live in full drag vampire regalia?

Hello hello, Queer Music Club! 👋🏽

While it may have been out for a few weeks now, I’d love to have a kiki about certified queer music icon Olly Alexander’s debut solo album Polari. I’ve been a long time fan of Olly and Years & Years and I’m so excited to follow his journey into this new era. This album is sweaty, synthy, slightly chaotic, and very, very gay—in the best way possible.

So let’s get into this track-by-track breakdown of Polari, shall we?

1. Polari

We’re opening with a glitchy, electric fever dream that sounds like it time-traveled straight from a queer underground club in the late 80s. There’s a lot going on—brash beats, electric guitar riffs—but tbh, it’s a shame all these pieces just don’t add up to more. It feels more like an interlude, a chaotic amuse-bouche to set the vibe.

2. Cupid’s Bow

A synthy, 80s-tinged pop that lyrically takes us on a chase for unrequited love. Yes please. This feels on brand for Olly and I’m here for it.  

3. I Know

This track really builds on the album’s soundscape with chaotic beats, stabbing horns, and some diva vocals from Olly. We’re going full alt-queer-club-kid here, and I need someone to text me the address of whatever underground venue inspired this. Bring your mesh top and emotional baggage.

4. Shadow of Love

The cruising continues. Dark, dreamy, a little dangerous—the vibe is 3am right as you lock eyes with someone across a smoky dance floor. Olly’s vocals are serving sultry realness, and I am eating it up.

5. Make Me a Man

We’ve gone full maximalist on this track with so many competing ideas. It’s giving some Erasure vibes but I’m not sure it totally works. It’s been growing on me with time.

6. Dizzy

Olly’s Eurovision entry makes its appearance, and it honestly feels a little too polished and bland for the rest of the album. 

7. Archangel

This is my favorite of the singles that led to the album’s release. Lyrically, it feels very reminiscent of Years & Years’ early music and really takes me back to the 2010s. Nostalgia’s fun and this is pop perfection. Don’t @ me. 

8. Miss You So Much

And we’re back to the “all of the above” instrumentation of the album’s first half. I really want to love the driving chorus, but there’s just so much going on here.

9. When We Kiss

Another single I’ve really enjoyed. A dance floor tearjerker with whispered vocals and a pounding beat that makes you feel like the main character in your own emotional music video. This is what I come to Olly for. Danceable drama. Catharsis in glitter.

10. Whisper in the Waves

As close as we’re going to get to a ballad in this club. Dark, moody, and so vibey. I was hoping for a few more vocal runs from Olly (give me the drama!) but it’s still an interesting shift in tempo.

11. Beautiful

The sentiment here is sweet—maybe a little too sweet—but sonically we’re still deep in that neon-lit nightclub. I’m not texting my ex over it.

12. Heal You

Here it is, babes: the certified Pride anthem. It’s giving “rainbow flag waving dramatically in the wind” energy. Big vocals. Big message. I can’t wait to stomp through a Pride march with this queer empowerment bop blasting.

13. Language

We close out Polari with another moody, atmospheric track that feels a bit… vague? Lyrically it’s all over the place and aimless but the vibes are alright. A soft landing after a wild ride.

Final Thoughts

Not every track on Polari is perfect but there are definitely some tracks I’m really loving on this album and I appreciate the sound that’s being explored. This is a sweaty, seductive, and unapologetically queer ride.

Have you listened to the album yet? I’m dying to know what your faves are!