My Take on Gaga’s “Mayhem”: A Deep Dive for Little Monsters

Mysterious | Electric | Dangerous

Okay, Little Monsters, buckle up because we have SO much to unpack with Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem.” I’ve been trying to put my thoughts together for days, but honestly? Every time I sit down to write, something else happens! Interviews, SNL, awards, a tour announcement, her birthday… it’s like Gaga knew we needed a constant stream of excitement. But finally, we’re here. Let’s get into it!

Initially, I admit, I thought it might be another standard pop offering, full of wild lyrics and a dance-heavy beat. But as I’ve spent more time with it, “Mayhem” has revealed itself to be something far more intricate. The more I’ve played it, the more I’m obsessed.

Mayhem is a proof that Lady Gaga knows what the monsters like, she’s loyal to her art and her fans. That doesn’t mean we don’t love when Gaga adventures herself in the films industry, or a different genre like jazz or country. We love all Gagas! Talking about her work over time as a musician, we can definitely see similarities of previous albums with Mayhem, including Chromatica. Chromatica was released in 2020, during a time when people were asking so badly for the pop-mother-monster-Gaga, and it came when the world needed the most: Pandemic. And now with Mayhem, a mysterious yet joyful album, it’s also another release during dark times, mainly in the US where we’re dealing with so much hate and lies. Gaga knows when we need her the most and she’ll be there for us.

“MAYHEM” crafts a darkly glamorous world, fusing desire and danger through a provocative and confrontational lens. The album’s vibe is a fusion of gothic-industrial aesthetics and high-fashion decadence, creating a “beautifully dangerous” atmosphere. Central to this is a powerful, almost cult-like persona, exploring themes of obsession, power, and rebellion. The lyrics are charged with an intense, raw emotion, exploring forbidden desires, all while maintaining a mysterious and seductive aura. Despite the macabre song themes and visuals, the songs are upbeat and very energetic.

Only Gaga could deliver songs like “Disease” with such compelling metaphor and provocation. The storytelling in these songs is WILD, although it’s pretty clear that Gaga’s own experiences are blended into these tracks. “Perfect Celebrity,” for example, speaks volumes about the public’s expectations of fame, a theme many artists explore. “Blade of Grass” is another personal song inspired by the moment Michael Polansky proposed to Gaga wrapping a blade of grass around her finger (isn’t that so cute?). Ultimately, though, it’s art, and its primary purpose is to entertain, especially in these crazy times we’re living in. And “Mayhem” is undeniably entertaining. The lyrics are rich and intriguing, a far cry from the more simplistic pop hits we’re used to. Talking about hits, maintaining relevance for decades in the music industry, especially with the emerge of new talent, is no small feat. But Gaga’s dedication to “Mayhem” is evident, and she continues to reign supreme in a lane of her own – after all, there’s no other Mother Monster. Speaking of uniqueness, she just won the iHeartRadio Innovator Award. Beyond the award itself, handed over by Grammy winner Doechii (who I’m obsessed with, by the way), Gaga’s acceptance speech was a powerful message to being true to yourself.

Her SNL performances were nothing short of spectacular. The visuals, the energy—wow. I’m already hyped for what she’ll bring creatively to more visuals, red carpets and live shows. And speaking of stages, we have so much to look forward to: she’s set to headline Coachella 2025 on April 11th and 18th; Gaga’s concert in Rio on May 3, following Madonna’s iconic record-breaking concert last year on Copacabana Beach with over 1.5 million fans; and, of course, The Mayhem Ball Tour in the US and Europe. I can’t wait!

According to Gay Times, Lady Gaga is hitting new peaks with her seventh album – commercially and critically. After making history with Spotify’s longest-running #1 ever with ‘Die With A Smile’, her collaboration with Bruno Mars, Mayhem has now become her most lauded to date. On Metacritic, Mayhem currently features a score 83/100, making it her first album to receive “universal acclaim”.

To sum up, I’ve really enjoyed “Mayhem” and have listened to it repeatedly without getting tired of any song. This piece of work makes me so proud and grateful to have Gaga as an artist of our generation. You can hear “Mayhem” on Spotify and all music platforms, and buy the physical copies (vinyl, CD, and cassette… YES, cassette, and it’s super cute!) on her website ladygaga.com or Amazon. I’m curious to know how you are enjoying Gaga’s latest album so far, so please leave your comment below with your thoughts. And stay tuned, Little Monsters, because as Gaga herself declared during her iHeart Innovator Award speech, “this is just the warm up.” We know that Mother Monster always delivers, so get ready for whatever she has planned next!