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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 (affiliate link). 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.
Shop Mayhem on CDandLP.com (affiliate link)
What were your favorite tracks on Mayhem? Which ones do you want to see her perform live in full drag vampire regalia?
