LADY GAGA RETURNS TO HER ROOTS WITH ‘MAYHEM’ – Album Review

Photo Credit: Frank LeBon for Interscope Records.

Lady Gaga’s Mayhem feels like a revival of her earlier, wilder style – a journey through an eclectic, electro-pop landscape where chaos and creativity collide in a fierce explosion of sound. This album marks her return to the experimental energy that defined her earlier days, but with a much deeper emotional and artistic maturity. The result is a bold mix of dark electronic elements and deep emotional resonance, making it both captivating and powerful.

In an industry where celebrity turnover is faster than ever, Gaga has managed to stay relevant. The pressure to constantly reinvent oneself has led many artists to vanish from the scene, yet Gaga’s ability to remain at the forefront speaks to her unique talent and resilience. In recent years, it’s become harder for artists to maintain a distinct sound under constant scrutiny, and while this pressure has caused many to fade, Gaga thrives under such conditions. Tracks like Perfect Celebrity exemplify this drive. In the chorus, she boldly confronts her toxic relationship with fame with the lyrics: “Rip off my face in this photograph / You make me money, I’ll make you laugh / You love to hate me, I’m the perfect celebrity.” These words capture the raw, complicated dynamics of celebrity culture, where adoration and hatred are deeply intertwined. It’s a reflection of how she’s become a product of the media, endlessly dissected and consumed.

Much like her exploration of celebrity in her debut album The Fame, especially in the title track, Gaga continues to dive into the complexities of public life and the struggles of being in the spotlight. This time, however, she incorporates a rock-infused sound that adds a visceral energy to the track. The aggression in her vocals and the gritty production reflect her lived experience with fame, embracing both its allure and the toxicity of its love/hate dynamic.

Mayhem, however, doesn’t always flow as seamlessly as some of her previous works. While it’s a brilliant reflection of Gaga’s evolution, the album sometimes feels like a collection of individual tracks rather than a continuous journey. Each song stands out in its own right – energetic anthems like Garden of Eden and Zombieboy are sure to light up dance floors, while tracks like Abracadabra and Disease hark back to the chaotic, boundary-pushing sound of The Fame and The Fame Monster. At times, the shifts between genres, such as the blend of rock-infused elements with dance-pop, or Gaga’s more introspective moments can be jarring, making it feel like you’re jumping from one emotional space to another. It’s the kind of album that works when you add individual tracks to separate playlists but perhaps doesn’t offer the most cohesive listening experience from start to finish.

On a more personal note, Gaga recently shared the inspiration behind Blades of Grass. After a casual conversation with her husband about how she’d like to be proposed to, she jokingly said, “Just get a blade of grass from the backyard and wrap it around my finger.” To her surprise, he later proposed with a blade of grass, capturing a deeply personal moment. Her ring symbolises this intimate gesture, reflecting simplicity and meaning.

Blades of Grass is a stunning power ballad that resonates with her fans. The song’s vocals, production, and key change elevate it to a standout track. Co-writing it with her husband adds emotional depth, connecting with her “little monsters” on a personal level. The song blends personal love with universal themes of beauty and vulnerability.

The transition to Die With a Smile, the album’s final track featuring Bruno Mars, brings a shift from the darker, more introspective tones of the album to a lighter, more uplifting finish. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat energy earned it a GRAMMY for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. While it feels somewhat at odds with the album’s overall mood, it nonetheless offers a bright, energetic conclusion, reminding listeners of Gaga’s ability to blend depth with levity.

These tracks reflect her evolution throughout the industry, from her eclectic electro-pop beginnings to her collaboration with the late Tony Bennett and her acting role in House of Gucci. This album represents the culmination of her diverse career.

While Mayhem may not offer the most fluid, cohesive experience from start to finish, it remains a powerful testament to Gaga’s evolution as an artist. It captures her eclectic range, from dark, avant-garde work to energetic club anthems, and shows her willingness to embrace new styles while still honouring her roots.

In the end, Mayhem proves that Lady Gaga continues to redefine what it means to be an artist in the modern pop landscape.

Text Copyright 2025 © Emeli Meagher/ADRENALINE Magazine.

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