If the world was ending and “Mayhem” was Lady Gaga’s last album, little monsters could die with a smile knowing she put out a work of art. Like the name implies, listening to “Mayhem” evokes a sense of chaos, but in the best way possible. The album sounds like a beautiful, messy collage of Gaga’s past music rolled into one masterpiece while also incorporating a wide array of genres that make it feel unique including disco funk, grunge rock and her quintessential electro pop sound.
The 38-year-old pop star kicked off the release campaign for “Mayhem” by dropping three singles, which included “Die with a Smile” featuring Bruno Mars, “Disease” and “Abracadabra”.
“Die with a Smile” was the first single to be received well by fans spending 29 weeks and counting on the Billboard Hot 100 while peaking at number one for five of those weeks. “Disease” and “Abracadabra” aren’t far behind, respectively peaking at number 27 and number 13 on the Hot 100 as well. With the album slowly, but surely becoming a fan favorite, “Mayhem” is projected by Billboard to surpass Tate McRae’s units sold for her album “So Close to What” that currently holds the record for the biggest debut week for a studio album by a female artist in 2025.
Album Highlights
Although singles are often chosen for their general appeal, catchy melodies and post-production ear worms, there’s typically other stars on the album that deserve more attention. In addition to the aforementioned certified pop bangers that encompass all of these qualities, “Mayhem” had plenty of other gems too.
“Vanish Into You”
Billboard has reported that “Vanish Into You” was one of these gems coming in at number one as the fan favorite for all the songs on “Mayhem” and it’s not hard to see why. The funky disco beat makes you want to forget your worries in favor of dancing the night away, Gaga’s soaring chorus vocals are powerful with a catchy melody you can’t stop humming after it’s over and the sad, but beautiful lyrics pull you in and make you want to truly listen.
Gaga describes the song as “an apocalyptic love song” in Spotify’s Little Monster Press Conference and goes on to describe the meaning of the song as wanting to “disappear into the person [she] loves the most.”
Although Gaga confirmed herself in her most recent Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe that “Blade of Grass” tells the story of how her now fiancé, Michael Polansky, proposed, it is unclear if “Vanish Into You” details part of their love story or not; however, the meaning still reigns true. Sometimes it’s easier to escape from the world into the love of a partner than to face reality, which in this case may have been the fame monster swallowing Stefani’s identity in favor of Lady Gaga’s.
“Killah” ft. Gesaffelstein
If “Vanish Into You” is wanting to hide in your partner, “Killah” is the antithesis with lyrics that scream wanting to be seen. The disco and rock inspired track is just as groovy as “Vanish Into You” (if not more), but instead comes from a place of pride and confidence. Gaga’s confidence as a sexual partner is so dangerous, she’s a metaphorical killer with lyrics like, “I’m gonna make you scream, that’s a matter of fact. I’ll be your fantasy.”
While much of the beginning of the album is dark, electro pop, “Killah” is a refreshing departure from the typical Gaga sound with influences including David Bowie, Prince, and Nine Inch Nails heavily shaping the track. Lyrically, it has the same flirty energy as “Love Game” off of Gaga’s debut album, “The Fame”, but this time puts her in control.
“Perfect Celebrity”
“Perfect Celebrity” directly reflects Gaga’s desire to be famous that she sings about in “The Fame”, but from the perspective of looking back after she’s attained it. It is one of the most important songs on the album given its in-depth lyrics, edgier sonic influence and is the cause for the name of the album itself. While in the past Gaga discussed the beautiful side of fame with songs like “Applause”, “Money Honey” and Starstruck”, she discusses the ugly side as grunge rock guitars wail behind her gritty voice in “Perfect Celebrity”.
Her lyrics reveal her complicated relationship with how she’s lost a part of herself in fame, but still craves the validation and monetary gain that comes with being famous with lyrics like “I’ve become a notorious being. Find my clone, she’s asleep on the ceilin’ now, can’t get me down.”
It’s as if the soul of Stefani Germanotta stays on the ceiling while Lady Gaga takes over her body and she resents the need she has for Lady Gaga, but must accept it. If this message had been wrapped up in a song like “Disease” it may not have had teeth, but the choice to arm it with heavy guitars and larger than life drums make the message incredibly powerful.
Honorable mentions from “Mayhem” include “The Beast”, “Blade of Grass” and “Garden of Eden” for the story they tell lyrically. “The Beast” goes hand in hand with “Perfect Celebrity” in painting Gaga’s relationship with fame in 2025 while “Blade of Grass” and “Garden of Eden” finally show her growth in finding love despite her difficulties in finding a meaningful romantic relationship in the past given her struggles with fame.
In totality, “Mayhem” tells a story of finding true love amidst the chaos that is navigating a life of fame. It is the older and wiser, grown-up version of Gaga’s debut album “The Fame”, but with the acceptance that comes from loving the beast within rather than trying to tame it. It is the perfect way to close out her past eras of chaos and usher in a new beginning filled with love, acceptance and stability.