Lady Gaga’s Harlequin feels like stepping into a vivid, swirling dream where the glitz of old Hollywood meets the unpredictable energy of Harley Quinn’s untamed spirit. The LP is an exhilarating fusion of jazz, pop, and rock, blending the timeless allure of cabaret with a playful sense of madness, making every track feel like it could be the soundtrack to Harley’s grand entrance into this new world. From the high-flying opener “Good Morning,” which rings with the joy of a showstopping Broadway number, to the shadowy depths of “The Joker,” where love and mania intertwine, Gaga embraces both Harley’s boundless enthusiasm and her darker, more dangerous edges. Through richly layered brass sections, sultry vocals, and moments of delicate vulnerability, Harlequin captures a larger-than-life spectacle that’s equal parts joyful, chaotic, and heartbreakingly human. With Gaga at the helm, every note feels like an invitation into a whirlwind carnival of sound and emotion.

Listen to the full project below:

“Good Morning”

Opening Harlequin with a burst of theatrical joy, “Good Morning” taps into the lively charm of classic jazz standards. Lady Gaga delivers a dazzling performance that feels like a Broadway showstopper, with vibrant brass instrumentation and rich, layered harmonies. Her voice shines through the uplifting melody, creating a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy. This track feels like Harley Quinn’s optimistic, albeit delusional, greeting to the world—a captivating entrance that sets the tone for the whimsical and chaotic journey ahead.

“Get Happy (2024)”

Gaga’s rendition of Get Happy is a glorious revival of Harold Arlen’s 1930s classic, but with a twist. Gaga’s interpretation is filled with intensity, capturing the complex duality of Harley Quinn. Her vocal control here is remarkable, transitioning effortlessly from bright and buoyant to something darker and more mysterious. The jazz arrangement is crisp and full-bodied, giving the song a modern edge while still holding onto its vintage roots. Gaga’s playful energy makes this track a joyful yet complex celebration of life’s chaos.

“Oh, When the Saints”

This track sees Lady Gaga taking a traditional spiritual anthem and turning it into something unexpectedly dynamic. With her powerhouse vocals at the forefront, the arrangement starts simple and slowly builds into a bombastic, jazz-infused anthem. The track exudes celebratory energy but also carries an eerie undertone that mirrors the unpredictable mind of Harley Quinn. Gaga’s theatrical flair adds layers of complexity to a song that many are familiar with, but here it feels fresh, fun, and slightly unsettling.

“World on a String”

Gaga channels her inner jazz diva in this sultry rendition of ">"World on a String," originally made famous by Frank Sinatra. Her voice dances effortlessly between light playfulness and sultry allure, capturing Harley Quinn’s playful nature with an undertone of danger. The smooth, delicate instrumentals highlight Gaga’s vocal performance, creating an intimate moment on the album. It’s a track that showcases her technical prowess, while the subtle shifts in tone bring out Harley’s volatile, unpredictable emotions.

“If My Friends Could See Me Now”

This Cy Coleman classic from Sweet Charity is transformed into a lively, fun anthem of self-confidence and rebellion. Gaga’s voice sparkles with mischievous glee, embodying Harley’s carefree attitude. The upbeat tempo and jazzy instrumentation complement her playful vocal delivery, turning the song into a whimsical declaration of independence. Gaga’s ability to tap into her character’s persona adds an extra layer to the performance, making it not just a cover but a deeply personal interpretation.

“That’s Entertainment”

Gaga’s theatrical roots shine brightly in this number, as she brings out all the drama and spectacle that the title promises. Her vocal performance is full of flair, combining elements of traditional musical theater with her own unique edge. The arrangement feels grand, with lush orchestration that creates an immersive listening experience. Gaga uses this track to showcase not just her vocal range but her ability to embody the larger-than-life personalities she channels, adding both humor and gravitas to the song.

“Smile”

In this deeply emotional rendition of Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile”, Gaga brings out the song’s bittersweet essence. Her delicate, expressive vocals make the track feel incredibly intimate, as if she’s singing directly to the listener. The stripped-back arrangement allows her voice to shine, creating a moment of vulnerability that stands in contrast to the more upbeat numbers on the album. This track showcases Gaga’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level, while also tying into Harley Quinn’s internal struggles.

“The Joker”

One of the standout original tracks on the album, “The Joker” dives deep into the twisted relationship between Harley Quinn and the Joker. Gaga’s performance is both haunting and seductive, with moody instrumentals that perfectly capture the dark, toxic romance at the heart of the song. Her voice carries a sense of longing and madness, drawing the listener into the tumultuous world of Harley’s obsession. It’s a brilliantly crafted song that mixes jazz influences with a more modern, cinematic sound.

“Folie à Deux”

This track’s title, meaning “madness shared by two,” encapsulates the complex dynamic between Harley and the Joker. The song has a dark, brooding quality, with Gaga’s vocals dripping with emotional intensity. The production is atmospheric, blending jazz elements with haunting, electronic undertones. Gaga’s performance here feels deeply personal, as if she’s channeling both Harley’s love and despair. It’s a powerful, introspective moment on the album that lingers long after the track ends.

“Gonna Build a Mountain”

Lady Gaga breathes new life into this classic, with a performance that feels both inspiring and slightly unhinged. Her voice soars over the jazzy, big-band arrangement, infusing the track with a sense of determination and ambition. But beneath the triumphant exterior lies a darker undercurrent, reflecting Harley Quinn’s own delusions of grandeur. Gaga balances these opposing emotions effortlessly, turning the track into a complex exploration of hope and madness.

“Close to You”

Gaga’s rendition of Burt Bacharach’s Close to You" is a tender, heartfelt moment on the album. Her voice is soft and emotive, capturing the aching vulnerability of the lyrics. The stripped-back arrangement allows her vocals to take center stage, creating an intimate, almost confessional feel. This track serves as a quiet respite amidst the more theatrical moments on the album, offering a glimpse into Harley’s more sensitive, human side.

“Happy Mistake”

An original song, “Happy Mistake” is a reflection on the unintended consequences of love and obsession. Gaga’s performance is raw and emotional, with lyrics that speak to Harley’s internal conflict. The arrangement is more contemporary, with subtle electronic elements woven into the jazz foundation. Gaga’s ability to convey both regret and acceptance makes this track a standout, as it delves deep into the emotional complexities of Harley Quinn’s character.

“That’s Life”

Closing the album with a bang, Gaga’s rendition of "That’s Life" is triumphant, defiant, and full of attitude. Her powerful vocals are front and center, delivering the song with a sense of finality and resilience. The big-band arrangement gives the track a celebratory feel, as if Harley Quinn is embracing her chaotic life with open arms. It’s the perfect conclusion to the album, leaving listeners with a sense of empowerment and a reminder of Gaga’s incredible range and artistry.

Harlequin is a true testament to Lady Gaga’s versatility and mastery of both jazz, pop, rock, and theatrical genres, with each track offering a unique glimpse into Harley Quinn’s complex psyche, combined with the artist that is Gaga who we all know and love.

Photo Credit: @ladygaga on Instagram.