Why “How Bad Do U Want Me” makes sense to be the next single

[Chouchou 434]

Liddos~~

Recently, I saw that you guys were predicting what the next single from Mayhem should be, and I wanted to share some thoughts on that. After the impact of Abracadabra, I really think this era needs at least two more singles. From what I’ve seen, the contenders seem to be Vanish Into You, How Bad Do U Want Me, and maybe Garden of Eden.

However, you should take note that the music landscape is shifting. Since 2024, most of the songs that have had long-lasting success on the charts tend to have slower tempos, simpler melodies, and emotional, relatable lyrics. These are performing better than the louder, more experimental tracks—especially on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. That said, Abracadabra is actually doing great despite going against that trend, which makes it all the more impressive.

After the release of Abracadabra, which truly showcases Gaga’s signature eccentric, experimental side, many fans (including myself) are wondering: What’s next? What should be the next single off Mayhem? I’d like to throw in my two cents and say:
“How Bad Do U Want Me” is the strongest candidate for the next single, especially right now.

Here’s why:

🌍 Global Streaming Trends Have Shifted

Since around 2024, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in what kind of music dominates global charts. Take a look at Die With a Smile, Bird of a Feather, and Ordinary.  They’re about love, longing, vulnerability — and they’ve managed to stay on top of international charts for weeks or even months. This shows that listeners (especially casual ones) are leaning toward songs that are easy to stream, easy to replay, and easy to feel connected to.

“How Bad Do U Want Me” Fits the Trend Perfectly

This track might not scream “classic Gaga” to some, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It also has huge potential in the Asian markets, where ballads and gentle love songs have always performed well. Just look at the streaming numbers from Southeast Asia for similar songs — Die With a Smile became an unexpected smash in these regions.

☀️ Potential Summer Hit or Slow-Burn Chart Climber

Even if How Bad Do U Want Me doesn’t hit #1 overnight, it could be a slow-burn success, staying on the charts for a long time. Its streaming-friendly structure, emotional appeal, and broad reach could make it one of the standout tracks this summer — and a great move to balance the chaos of Abracadabra with something more introspective.

Final Thought

Choosing How Bad Do U Want Me as the next single isn’t playing it safe — it’s playing it smart. Gaga has always known how to read the room, and this could be her way of connecting with a broader audience again without compromising artistry.

Edited Thursday at 10:58 AM by Chouchou

[OliviaRodrigoStan 6,318]

You've chosen to speak with truth I see  

[Rahrahbitchson 19,014]

ChatGPT summarize this text for me

[Panchecco 17,529]

If that's the case I think it will be my most disliked single choice but I am not totally sure she's going for that song.. 

I kinda think she will push multiple songs this summer

[C1trus 4,301]

1 hour ago, Chouchou said:

They’re about love, longing, vulnerability — and they’ve managed to stay on top of international charts for weeks or even months. This shows that listeners (especially casual ones) are leaning toward songs that are easy to stream, easy to replay, and easy to feel connected to.

You just described Vanish Into You perfectly.   

It's a love song. The melody is catchy and it's easy to feel connected to because the theme relates to her hit song DWAS. 

HBDUWM is a great pop song but it gets into my nerves at times. I felt like there's so much going on while listening to it.

And yes, I'm also biased. 

[Sepsami 18,683]

I can see why but I just don't like the song compared to literally anything else on the album 

I can't imagine skipping a Gaga song on the radio but I might (not even DWAS, SHALLOW or MR got me to that point) 

[RainOnGaga 31]

i wonder what kind of music video we will get for the new single

[destructivelove 563]

1 hour ago, Rahrahbitchson said:

ChatGPT summarize this text for me

ChatGPT please summarize this thread written by ChatGPT, is wild lmfao

[LordByron28 1,035]

2 hours ago, C1trus said:

You just described Vanish Into You perfectly.   

It's a love song. The melody is catchy and it's easy to feel connected to because the theme relates to her hit song DWAS. 

HBDUWM is a great pop song but it gets into my nerves at times. I felt like there's so much going on while listening to it.

And yes, I'm also biased. 

I think you kinda hit the nail on the head as to why HBDUWM would be the better choice for next single. VIY appeals to a similar audience that DWAS already appeals to. DWAS is still doing incredibly well and is still in the top 10. HBDUWM sounds different from any other single Gaga has done before. It is incredibly radio and GP friendly. Random celebrities and politicians are using HBDUWM for their social media posts. Streaming is playlisting it as a song of the summer. VIY has not enjoyed this luxury. HBDUWM has the strongest potential of getting people to listen and/or buy Gaga/Mayhem that haven’t already. Gaga is known for surprising people by subverting their expectations. I think HBDUWM would be a great subversion for her that could really pay off as the song appeals to all generations.
 

She could go a number of different routes with the music video as well. A music video with Jo Calderone returning performing at a night club/bar with girls of all shapes, colors, sizes and trans thirsting over him and/or hooking up with him. 2nd act, they go back to where they live/stay feeling self conscious and doubt looking at themselves in the mirror when Lady Mayhem appears in the reflection pulling them into the mirror. Final act, the women including Gaga are out with makeovers looking beautiful in their Haus Labs makeup. They all lure different men into their bedrooms; you see they are under the influence of Lady Mayhem before they end up killing the guy they are with while Gaga dresses up as Jo Calderone again. The music video making pro-trans, body positivity, racial inclusion, and female empowerment statements as well as some campy 80’s summer horror flick influence and callbacks to Jo Calderone, Telephone, and You & I with the Lady Mayhem narrative present to tie it back to the album theme. 

Edited Thursday at 02:47 PM by LordByron28

[zzbrandon 49]

i don't think it will make a good mv

[zzbrandon 49]

unless it collaborate with Taylor, i see no reason it will top the chart, but it will more enhance the vibe that gaga can't  have a solo no.1 hit

 

[MountainMonster 392]

At this point, I’m feeling a little bummed like the era is already over. I’m not convinced we will have another single. And I’m becoming less convinced by the day that a deluxe is on the way… 

[georgesdvl 785]

are we even getting a new single?

[HelloHangoverz 17,289]

 there is no third single. Bookmark me 

Edited Thursday at 04:35 PM by HelloHangoverz

[julz 6,705]

I agree. Many agrees. I think even Gaga agrees, but i learned that putting out a single is a big decision, investment... by the label, her team and other close entities. Gaga is now at a level where many singles in an album era is not needed anymore, bec she is already established, very well known. We are lucky that we have 3 music videos from Mayhem (yes 3 ).

I am just so so glad that we have a staple single and a timeless single, which is Abra and DWAS respectively, from Mayhem. 

Dont get me wrong though, i continuously thirst for Gaga music videos, and promos.