Some MAYHEM for Your Monday
Gaga has done it again!
Hello! First of all, I hope everyone enjoyed the first day of Daylight Savings Time yesterday! It was a gorgeous, sunny day yesterday and I thoroughly enjoyed it on a long walk.
As promised on my Instagram Stories, I decided I wanted to write a quick review of the album I had on repeat all weekend: MAYHEM! This is the 7th studio album from the one and only Lady Gaga.
I’ve put my initial thoughts below for each song (and remember: this is just my silly little opinion):
Disease: The production of this song is so STRONG. Like I feel like I could walk a runway or fight a monster listening to that beat. I liked the song before, but in the context of the album, I love it even more.
Abracadabra: When this song was released during a commercial break during this year’s Grammys, it was an instant hit. It’s fun, loud, dancey, and reminds me of early 2010s Gaga.
Garden of Eden: The BEAT on this song??? Are you kidding??? Also, a song with religious references always seem to hit for me. Make sure you listen to the last 30 seconds of this song. It takes you on an incredible journey!
Perfect Celebrity: We know Gaga can do just about any genre and this rock-infused song proves that once more. This is a song with heartbreaking lyrics and a powerful instrumental, serving as a reminder of the costs of fame. Make sure you listen to the last 30 seconds too!
Vanish Into You: This song feels so sweet! It reminds me of that feeling you get when you start developing a crush on someone. I also think the vocals on this are beautiful.
Killah (feat. Gesaffelstein): As mentioned before, Gaga can do just about anything. Now, honestly, I don’t know too much about Prince or David Bowie, but this song reminds me of their music. The twang, the vocals, and the slick instrumental all have a nostalgic feel. Her performance of this song on SNL this past weekend aligned with this even more.
Zombieboy: This song kind of feels like a disco or an 80s prom! I know this song is going to be on all kinds of Halloween playlists this year.
LoveDrug: “I’m gonna dance until I feel right” is such a relatable feeling! The vocals in this song are powerful and the chorus is catchy. Another great Gaga pop song!
How Bad Do U Want Me: Now alot of people online are saying this song reminds of them of Taylor Swift’s music, which I totally can hear. This song has a sweet instrumental, a fun chorus, and a relatable “yearning for love” energy.
Don’t Call Tonight: The bridge of this song with the vocoder is my favorite part! Gaga’s vocals have this energy of anger, sadness, and love that not every artist can pull off.
Shadow of A Man: I saw at least one other person say this online, so I don’t feel that crazy….but does this song remind you of Michael Jackson? The fast lyrics in the chorus and the funky instrumental feel like something he would have released. I also now love randomly saying “shadow of a man” in that dramatic way that’s included in this song.
The Beast: Gaga can always slay a slow song! Now, I’m not always in the mood for a ballad, but when I am, I love it. This song has a spooky, sad energy…one of Mayhem, perhaps!
Blade of Grass: This song has a cute backstory! Apparently, Gaga’s fiance proposed to her with a blade of grass. This is another sweet ballad featuring Gaga’s powerhouse vocals.
Die With A Smile: This song is a hit for a reason! Both Gaga and Bruno Mars’ vocals are some of the best out there. At first, I didn’t think this song would make sense on this album, but the devastatingly romantic lyrics close Mayhem out nicely.
Overall, I love the album and I’m excited to keep exploring all of its complex parts.
Here are my top 4 songs (not in any particular order and subject to change) of the album:
Abracadabra
Garden of Eden
How Bad Do U Want Me
Shadow of A Man
Let me know if you enjoy reading album reviews—always down to write these. Hope you all have a great week!
With love,
Fletcher Rowe