Lady Gaga has already solidified her place as one of pop’s most iconic and genre-defying stars.
From her groundbreaking debut album The Fame to the cinematic A Star Is Born soundtrack, Gaga has consistently reinvented herself, delivering chart-topping hits like “Poker Face,” “Bad Romance,” and “Shallow.”
But on her seventh studio album, Mayhem, the Academy Award winner shows that even after nearly two decades of redefining modern pop, she still has everything to prove—and nothing to lose.
This album is a wild ride that veers through techno, disco, rock, and soul, all while revealing the deeply personal side of Mother Monster.
Here’s our take on every song from Mayhem, ranked from top to bottom.
14. “How Bad Do U Want Me”
While the track carries an ’80s-tinged synth-pop vibe, it feels like the odd one out on an album that feels so distinctly Gaga. The lyrics, though fun, seem more suited for someone like Taylor Swift, and the uncomplicated nature of the song makes it feel a bit lackluster compared to the rest of Mayhem. It offers a light reprieve but ultimately doesn’t stand up to Gaga’s other bold offerings.
13. “Don’t Call Tonight”
Where “How Bad Do U Want Me” fell flat, “Don’t Call Tonight” gains some ground, thanks to its funk-inspired instrumentation and an engaging talkbox bridge. However, it still feels strangely tame for Gaga. It tries to capture the energy of earlier hits like “Alejandro” but doesn’t quite get there. Still, the song’s momentum builds by the end, giving it some staying power.
12. “The Beast”
With a B-movie flair and a werewolf-inspired narrative, “The Beast” stands out as a dramatic ballad. Gaga’s voice growls with intensity, but the indulgent guitar solo makes this song veer into theatrical territory. It’s a fine track but never truly reaches the epic scale of her other hits.
11. “Die With a Smile” (feat. Bruno Mars)
This collaboration with Bruno Mars is undeniably solid, showcasing Gaga’s and Mars’ powerful vocals. But when compared to the chaos of the rest of Mayhem, it feels like an afterthought. It’s a nice, anthemic track that closes the album on a gentler note, but perhaps it wasn’t necessary in an album that thrives on bold risks and raw energy.
10. “LoveDrug”
On “LoveDrug,” Gaga channels ’70s arena rock influences, tapping into the spirit of classic bands like Boston and Foreigner. It’s a song that sits nicely between the darker tones of the earlier tracks and the lighter fare of the latter half of the album. Gaga’s belting vocals and the instantly-catchy chorus make this track a standout.
9. “Disease”
From the very first listen, “Disease” is an album opener that demands attention. The glitchy synths and driving beats establish an aggressive energy right from the start. Though it may be jarring initially, its placement as the intro track sets the stage for the sonic chaos that follows, making it an ideal beginning to Mayhem.
8. “Blade of Grass”
Gaga’s tender ode to her fiancé, Michael Polansky, this love ballad feels as emotionally resonant as tracks like “Million Reasons” and “Speechless.” Its sentimental nature and powerful vocal delivery show Gaga at her most vulnerable, proving once again that she is one of the finest vocalists in pop music.
7. “Killah” (feat. Gesaffelstein)
“Killah” is one of the album’s most thrilling moments, blending funk rock and experimental techno. Gaga’s powerful, commanding vocals pair beautifully with French DJ Gesaffelstein’s mind-bending electronic breakdowns, making this one of the most confidently audacious tracks on Mayhem.
6. “Vanish Into You”
With its glam-rock influences and breathtaking harmonies, “Vanish Into You” is possibly the most vocally impressive song on Mayhem. Inspired by David Bowie, the track is an irresistible call to dance, featuring Gaga’s mesmerizing vocal range as she sings about deep, unrelenting love.
5. “Shadow of a Man”
On “Shadow of a Man,” Gaga directly confronts sexism in the music industry, declaring that she will no longer be the one to “fall on the knife.” With a combination of disco guitars and electropop synths, Gaga delivers a blistering anthem that calls out gender inequality in the industry. It’s fierce, defiant, and utterly empowering.
4. “Abracadabra”
A true standout, “Abracadabra” plays with the magic of Gaga’s musical history while introducing a new, frantic energy. Reminiscent of Artpop and Born This Way, it doesn’t shy away from strange sounds or unpredictable shifts. This shapeshifting anthem has an infectious energy that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
3. “Zombieboy”
Just when you think Mayhem can’t get any more unpredictable, Gaga drops “Zombieboy,” an unapologetically campy disco track. It’s hedonistic, carefree, and full of the spirit that made fans fall in love with her in the first place. The song is a joyful, upbeat celebration that stands out in a sea of darker moments.
2. “Garden of Eden”
“Garden of Eden” is a track that blends the best of all Gaga’s musical styles, from gothic dark pop to gritty electronica to club-friendly bangers. It’s a tribute to the sounds that have defined her career, a fast-paced, infectious pop gem that will have listeners hooked from the first chorus.
1. “Perfect Celebrity”
It’s fitting that Mayhem ends with “Perfect Celebrity,” a song that feels like Gaga’s full-circle moment. Drawing on the rawness of her early performances, it reminds us of her ability to speak truth to the music industry while creating timeless, iconic songs. With a nod to her VMA performance of “Paparazzi,” “Perfect Celebrity” is as bold and daring as the artist herself.