Lady Gaga – Mayhem

Lady Gaga’s seventh studio album, Mayhem, released on March 7, 2025, marks a triumphant return to her pop roots, blending eclectic genres and showcasing her artistic evolution. The 14-track project was executive produced by Gaga, Michael Polansky, and Andrew Watt, with production contributions from Cirkut and Gesaffelstein.

The album opens with “Disease,” an industrial pop track that delves into themes of battling inner demons. Critics praised its “fizzing, distorted synths” and “pounding, slightly industrial beat,” highlighting it as one of her best works in recent years. The accompanying music video, directed by Tanu Muino, was celebrated as a “cinematic, almost theater-like experience,” further enhancing the song’s impact.

Following this is “Abracadabra,” a spellbinding track that uses life’s trials as a metaphorical party. The song debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Pop Songs Chart, propelling Gaga to set a new record for the largest audience ever achieved by a female artist on Spotify, surpassing 124 million monthly listeners. The official music video, co-directed by Gaga, Parris Goebel, and Bethany Vargas, features a visually striking dance battle between light and dark personas of Gaga, showcasing her theatrical flair and commitment to high-concept productions.

“Garden of Eden,” co-produced with Gesaffelstein, captures the allure and chaos of nightlife through a fusion of 2000s pop and electro-grunge guitars. This track exemplifies Gaga’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and innovative. Another standout, “Perfect Celebrity,” offers a biting critique of fame with rock-infused defiance, reflecting Gaga’s introspective examination of her own celebrity status.

The album’s midsection features tracks like “Killah” and “Zombieboy,” which showcase Gaga’s penchant for genre-blending, infusing funk grooves with dark pop elements. These songs highlight her fearless experimentation and deep respect for her craft, offering listeners a rich and immersive experience.

“Vanish Into You” stands out as a theatrical, Bowie-inspired declaration of love in an apocalyptic world. This track underscores Gaga’s ability to mix vulnerability with audacity, delivering a powerful and emotive performance that resonates with listeners.

The closing track, “Die With a Smile,” is a collaboration with Bruno Mars that blends their distinct styles into a harmonious duet. The song has been celebrated for its catchy chorus and seamless integration of both artists’ vocals, further cementing its status as a highlight of the album.

In her own words, Gaga described the creative process of Mayhem as “reassembling a shattered mirror: even if you can’t put the pieces back together perfectly, you can create something beautiful and whole in its own new way.” This metaphor encapsulates the album’s exploration of chaos and transformation, celebrating music’s power to unite, provoke, and heal. 

To promote Mayhem, Gaga has embarked on a series of high-profile performances and appearances. She is set to host and perform as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on March 8, 2025, marking her return to the iconic stage. Additionally, she will receive the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award on March 17 before headlining Coachella on April 11 and 18. Gaga has also announced a massive stadium show in Mexico City on April 26 and a historic free concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on May 3, underscoring her commitment to connecting with fans worldwide.

Mayhem reaffirms Lady Gaga’s status as a master of reinvention, crafting an album that is as bold and eclectic as it is deeply personal. It stands as a testament to her artistic freedom and the transformative power of music, inviting listeners to embrace life’s contradictions and find unity amidst chaos.

Listen to this song and more new music premieres on “Drop Zone”, playing daily at 5.30pm PT/8.30pm ET on Channel R – Today’s Hits & Your All-Time Favorites.