MAYHEM by Lady Gaga? Steven Says 4/5

After a nearly five-year wait since Chromatica, Lady Gaga returns with MAYHEM, an album that feels like a love letter to all the Little Monsters who fell in love with her electrifying pop sound in the early 2010s. While Chromatica leaned heavily into house-inspired, hyper-produced dance music, MAYHEM brings back the essence of classic Gaga—bold, theatrical, and unapologetically pop—while infusing just enough innovation to keep it fresh.

One of the most refreshing aspects of MAYHEM is its resistance to modern pop trends. In an industry plagued by two-minute streaming-friendly singles, Gaga refuses to conform. Every track extends beyond the three-minute mark, giving songs the space to breathe, build, and deliver the kind of grand, cinematic pop experience that only she can execute.

Standout tracks like “Abracadabra,” “Garden of Eden,” “Killah,” and “LoveDrug” showcase Gaga’s ability to blend nostalgia with reinvention. The production is rich, the melodies are addictive, and the energy is palpable. The album’s sound transitions seamlessly from bass-heavy, high-energy anthems to more introspective moments, creating a well-paced and immersive listening experience.

One of the most talked-about choices on MAYHEM is the inclusion of “Die with a Smile.” Initially met with skepticism—how could a ballad fit into an album driven by aggressive, dance floor-ready beats?—it ultimately proves to be the perfect closer. The album’s structure allows for a natural descent into more mellowed-out instrumentals, making “Die with a Smile” an emotional and satisfying finale, rather than an outlier.

MAYHEM is Gaga in full control of her artistry, proving once again why she remains one of pop’s most compelling figures. It’s a return to her roots without feeling like a retreat—a masterclass in how to evolve while staying true to what made fans fall in love in the first place.

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