Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM is life at its most all-consuming — reckless, euphoric, and devastating. It’s the sound of an artist surrendering completely, diving headfirst into passion with no safety net.

From the feverish pulse of "Disease" to the aching farewell of "Die With a Smile," Gaga crafts a world where love isn’t just felt — it engulfs, destroys, and rebuilds. This is Gaga in the deepest throes of love, stripped of pretense, creating from a place of raw, unshakable truth. MAYHEM doesn’t ask for permission –  it devours, leaving only the wreckage of something real.

Fandom Daily is here to break down and review each track below:

"Disease"

“Disease” kicks off MAYHEM with an intense, maximalist energy. Gaga immediately dives into inner turmoil, confronting personal demons in a track that’s both emotionally charged and sonically bold. The song’s driving beat and explosive chorus set the stage for an album that promises chaos and catharsis. Gaga’s vocals, filled with urgency, set a tone of recklessness that feels as if she’s on the verge of self-destruction. Even without the striking visual component of the music video, the track stands strong as an opening statement.

"Abracadabra"

“Abracadabra” presents a more playful, cheeky side of Gaga. With its trashy, whimsical energy, it brings a lighthearted touch to the album. The track feels a bit mischievous, taking on a carefree, almost carnival-like atmosphere. It stands in stark contrast to the heavier opening track, offering a breezy moment that shows off Gaga’s fun, carefree persona. It’s a catchy, infectious piece of pop that keeps the album from feeling too one-dimensional, adding layers to MAYHEM’s overall mood.

"Garden of Eden"

“Garden of Eden” is pure euphoric bliss. The song’s energy is undeniable, and the post-chorus is ridiculously catchy, giving the track an infectious, celebratory feel. Gaga’s playful lyricism (“I’ll t-t-take you to the Garden of Eden”) combined with the hooky, danceable beat creates an atmosphere of reckless abandon. It’s a celebration of hedonism, with a hint of dark fantasy woven into the lyrics, capturing the essence of both pleasure and chaos. It’s one of the most fun and spirited tracks on the album.

"Perfect Celebrity"

“Perfect Celebrity” is Gaga at her most introspective, confronting the hollowness of fame. The song exposes the vulnerability of living in the public eye and the emotional toll that comes with the unattainable ideal of perfection. It’s a raw, cathartic moment where Gaga unpacks the emotional weight of being constantly scrutinized. Her frustration comes across powerfully, and the track feels both a critique of fame and a way for her to reclaim her identity. It’s a standout in its emotional depth and lyrical honesty.

"Vanish Into You"

A slower moment, “Vanish Into You” shifts the album into a more introspective direction. The song explores the idea of disappearing into someone else, losing oneself in a consuming love. Despite its slower tempo, there’s an emotional resonance here, as Gaga contemplates the overwhelming nature of intimacy. There’s something haunting and tender about this track, and its softness provides a necessary balance to the high energy that defines much of the album. It’s a moment of vulnerability, allowing Gaga’s vocals to take center stage.

"Killah"

“Killah” is an electrifying track that channels the spirit of Prince with its funk-driven beat and sultry energy. It starts off as a nod to Prince and Bowie influence but quickly evolves into something more chaotic and intense, showcasing the collaborative work with Gesaffelstein. The song builds in intensity, with sharp beats and distorted sounds that intensify until the track crescendos into an all-out freak-out. It’s a perfect example of how MAYHEM is more than just an industrial dance record — it’s a genre-bending journey that keeps the listener on edge.

"Zombieboy"

“Zombieboy” is a tribute to the late Rick Genest, and it’s a brilliant combination of groove and glam. The track has an infectious rhythm, and its disco-tinged vibe gives it a fun, almost euphoric quality. Gaga’s playful take on the concept of the zombie transforms it into a joyous, celebratory track, with just enough edge to make it feel unique. The song plays with light and dark themes, creating a perfect balance between the two, and it’s undeniably one of the album’s highlights in terms of both energy and creativity.

"LoveDrug"

“LoveDrug” is a seductive, swaggering anthem that tackles the addictive nature of love. Gaga plays with the idea of love as a drug, combining a confident, playful tone with a raw, emotional undercurrent. The track is both sultry and introspective, with Gaga delivering a vocal performance that is full of attitude. The song dives deep into the complexities of romantic relationships and emotional vulnerability, making it more than just a fun, flirtatious moment on the album. It’s an irresistible track that reveals layers of emotional depth beneath its surface.

"How Bad Do U Want Me"

“How Bad Do U Want Me” has already caused quite a stir, especially among Taylor Swift fans. The track has an undeniable pop edge that feels like a perfect blend of the storytelling quality of Swift’s songs with Gaga’s signature experimentalism. There’s a catchy, almost playful energy here, but also a deeper emotional vulnerability as Gaga sings about the fear of rejection and the desire for connection. The song is full of emotional resonance, but what has fans talking is the way the lyrical themes and melodic structure seem to echo Taylor Swift’s style. Many fans have pointed out the similarities to Swift’s Rep era, sparking a whirlwind of comparisons. This unexpected fusion of pop styles gives the song an irresistible quality, making it one of the standout moments on MAYHEM.

"Don’t Call Tonight"

“Don’t Call Tonight” brings a funky groove back into the mix, but it doesn’t quite stand out as much as some of the other tracks. While it’s still catchy with its funky beat, the track feels a bit more familiar and doesn’t push the boundaries the way earlier songs do. It’s an enjoyable listen, but it doesn’t leave the lasting impression that the more experimental tracks do. It serves as a brief moment of fun before the emotional weight of the last few tracks takes over.

"Shadow of a Man"

"Shadow of a Man" stands as a compelling anthem of self-empowerment, where Lady Gaga confronts the challenges of asserting her identity amidst external pressures. The song delves into the struggle of maintaining individuality when overshadowed by societal expectations or significant others. The recurring imagery of shadows symbolizes the overshadowing presence that can obscure one's true self, while the act of dancing in these shadows represents reclaiming personal space and identity.

Musically, the track pays homage to icons like Michael Jackson and Prince, blending nostalgic elements with contemporary flair. The infectious basslines and dynamic vocal arrangements echo Jackson's signature sound, while the verses evoke the essence of Prince's "When Doves Cry," creating a perfect compositional balance. Lyrically, Gaga addresses the internal conflict between societal conformity and the desire for authenticity. Lines like "I don't wanna be in the darkness tonight, show me the light" highlight a longing for liberation and self-empowerment. The metaphor of being "the yellow in a purple sky" emphasizes the struggle to stand out and be true to oneself in a world that often demands conformity.

"The Beast"

“The Beast” is another ballad that taps into a darker, more haunting energy, with Gaga channeling Jackson’s style. Her vocal delivery is impeccable, but the song itself doesn’t quite reach the emotional highs that some of the other tracks do. While it fits thematically into MAYHEM’s exploration of horror and power, it doesn’t break new ground in the way many fans would expect. It’s a sound track, but compared to the adventurous spirit of some of the other songs, it feels a bit less innovative.

"Blade of Grass"

"Blade of Grass" is one of the album’s most breathtaking moments — a ballad that radiates pure, unfiltered emotion. Inspired by her fiancé Michael, the song captures love in its most intimate and unwavering form. Its strength lies in its simplicity, each lyric carrying the weight of devotion and quiet resilience. While other tracks may soar with intensity, "Blade of Grass" leaves an undeniable impact through its raw honesty and tender delivery. It’s a testament to her ability to strip everything back and let the emotion speak for itself, making it one of the album’s most powerful and unforgettable highlights.

"Die With a Smile"

"Die With a Smile" is a breathtaking finale, wrapping the album in a haze of soulful elegance and quiet intensity. The collaboration with Bruno Mars feels almost fated — their voices intertwine effortlessly, weaving a sonic tapestry that is both wistful and full of warmth. The song navigates the fragile intersections of love and loss, embracing life’s fleeting beauty with a hushed reverence. As the final notes linger, they leave behind a sense of haunting and cathartic closure, reinforcing MAYHEM's core themes of vulnerability and resilience. Despite its subdued nature, "Die With a Smile" lands as one of the album’s most striking moments—an ending that doesn’t just conclude the journey but elevates it.

Photo Credit: @ladygaga on Instagram.