Lady Gaga - Mayhem Review

Return to Music Reviews 2025

Lady Gaga’s latest album is a masterclass in blending nostalgia with innovation, skillfully incorporating elements of industrial, dance, and rock music while infusing her signature style with fresh, contemporary energy. From the very first track, it’s clear that this album will be both bold and multifaceted, a reflection of Gaga’s ever-evolving artistry.

The album opens with "Disease," a track that immediately sets the tone with haunting synths and soft, ethereal vocals. This moment of eerie tranquility is quickly shattered by a hard-hitting industrial-funk beat, packed with deep, pulsating basslines that create a hypnotic effect. Gaga’s commanding vocal presence is amplified through layered harmonies and playful, eerie ad-libs. The production nods to her earlier work while standing firmly in the present, offering a mesmerizing balance of familiarity and reinvention. It’s a powerful introduction, setting the stage for an album that thrives on contrast and intensity.

As the album progresses, Gaga explores a spectrum of emotions and sonic landscapes. "Abracadabra" feels like an auditory trip through the highs and lows of addiction. The track opens with a deep, off-kilter beat before bursting into a dance-driven chorus that is both euphoric and deeply melancholic. Her delivery is full of longing, and the juxtaposition between the vibrant instrumentation and somber vocal execution perfectly captures the tension of indulgence and consequence. The track’s 90s-inspired production evokes classic dance music, but the way Gaga molds it to fit her unique storytelling makes it feel fresh and captivating.

In "Garden of Eden," the album shifts into a more cinematic, atmospheric mode. A subdued beat and a haunting backing choir create an ethereal soundscape, allowing Gaga’s vocals to take center stage. There’s an undeniable grandeur in the song’s restrained intensity, with the chorus swelling in all the right places. The lyrical themes of temptation and transcendence add another layer of depth, making it one of the album’s most hauntingly beautiful moments.

"Perfect Celebrity" peels back the glamour of fame to reveal its dark underbelly. The track begins with a simple hi-hat-driven beat, mirroring Gaga’s hushed, almost confessional vocal tone. But as the song progresses, it transforms into an industrial-tinged anthem, reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails with its distorted synths and gritty basslines. The lyrics delve into the pressures of celebrity culture, showcasing Gaga’s sharp lyrical prowess and ability to turn personal experience into universally relatable art.

"Vanish Into You" takes a more playful approach, with airy guitar licks and understated drums giving it an almost whimsical quality. The track builds gradually, with Gaga’s voice soaring in the chorus, lending the song an anthemic feel despite its relatively minimal production. There’s a strong sense of emotional release here, as though Gaga is surrendering to the music itself, allowing the listener to get lost in its simple yet mesmerizing groove.

"Killah," featuring Gesaffelstein, injects the album with a dark, pulsating energy. The hypnotic bassline and Gaga’s almost hypnotic vocal phrasing create an immersive sonic experience. The track shifts gears midway, introducing a faster tempo that adds an unexpected thrill, reinforcing the song’s themes of danger and allure. The contrast between Gaga’s vocals and Gesaffelstein’s signature production makes for one of the most compelling moments on the album.

"Zombieboy" takes a sharp turn into funk-inspired territory, its infectious bassline and snappy drums evoking comparisons to classic 80s dance floor anthems. Gaga’s vocal delivery feels playful and dynamic, and the track’s lively energy makes it impossible to sit still. The Nile Rodgers-style guitar work in the background adds a layer of sophistication, making this track a standout for those who appreciate a blend of nostalgia and modernity.

"LoveDrug" is another highlight, featuring Gaga’s signature husky vocal delivery against a backdrop of eerie, atmospheric synths. There’s a raw, almost unfiltered passion in her voice that makes the song feel deeply personal. The instrumentalists shine here, crafting a backdrop that is both intense and mesmerizing. The deep, ominous synths add a sense of foreboding, reinforcing the song’s themes of obsession and desire.

"How Bad Do U Want Me" brings an interesting shift, with its soft yet deeply layered vocals reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s more introspective work. However, where Swift leans into sentimentality, Gaga infuses the track with an undeniable sense of conviction and intensity. The buildup leading into the chorus is particularly striking, giving the song a cinematic quality that elevates it beyond its influences.

"Don’t Call Tonight" is one of the album’s catchier moments, with a driving beat and well-placed synth flourishes that add depth to the track. Gaga’s vocal delivery effortlessly shifts between soft and commanding, keeping the listener engaged throughout. A robotic vocal effect in the background adds an intriguing textural contrast, making this track stand out in a unique way.

"Shadow of a Man" leans into disco influences, with a throbbing bassline and grandiose synths giving it a classic yet futuristic feel. Gaga’s precise vocal layering adds an extra dimension to the song, making it a polished yet emotionally compelling moment on the album.

"The Beast" is a slow-burning, tension-filled track that showcases Gaga’s ability to build anticipation. She begins with a subdued vocal delivery, allowing the deep, distorted bassline to take precedence. As the song progresses, it never quite explodes, but instead maintains an unsettling intensity that makes it one of the most thematically gripping tracks on the album.

"Blade of Grass" offers a tender, heart-wrenching moment amidst the chaos. With stripped-down acoustic guitars and soft piano accompaniment, the song highlights Gaga’s emotive vocal delivery. The sadness in her voice is palpable, making this a standout ballad that lingers long after it ends.

The album closes with "Die With a Smile," a track featuring Bruno Mars that brings a final touch of soulful elegance. The smooth vocal harmonization and well-executed instrumentation provide a fitting conclusion to an album that has taken listeners through a whirlwind of emotions and sounds.

At its core, this album is a deeply personal exploration of identity, fame, love, and loss. Gaga’s vocal performances throughout are commanding, vulnerable, and full of emotional depth. Her ability to switch between soft, introspective moments and powerful, soaring anthems is nothing short of impressive, and her versatility as an artist is on full display. The album also showcases her talent as a producer, with rich, layered arrangements that elevate the emotional tone of each song. The use of synths, industrial beats, and live instrumentation all contribute to a sound that is both immersive and expansive.

Lady Gaga has once again proven that she is not afraid to take risks and embrace new sonic territory. This album feels like a natural progression in her career, where she’s unafraid to experiment while still delivering what fans love most about her: raw emotion, captivating vocals, and an unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. Each track offers a new chapter in the story of Lady Gaga, inviting listeners to come along for the ride and experience her musical evolution firsthand.