Celebrating ARTPOP, Mayhem and what's next.

[NightcallSmile 233]

Just came across this Brooklyn Nights performance, on Melbourne, and was reminded of how special it felt when this happened, for multiple reasons. 

One being that Brooklyn Nights is, simply put, a very nostalgic and beautiful song in Gaga's discography, which she did not release or ever perform in full, which in turn made all of this so surprising, in a good way. The other is that it confirmed something that I felt throughout Mayhem era, in contrast with Joanne through Chromatica, which was that Gaga got her self-esteem as an artist back, and with that a renewed sense of appreciation for her catalogue. 

I have this thought that after ARTPOP until Mayhem marks a very particular chapter of Gaga's career. After her first chapter, that is, the explosive debut from TF through ARTPOP's "fall from grace", narratively, it feels like Mayhem closed a second chapter of sorts. After the backlash from ARTPOP, as well as her personal issues and very misguided (to say the least) decisions during that era, it felt like Gaga had lost a lot of confidence in herself, which was evident in how she avoided talking about her earlier pop career and even performing songs outside of the mandatory big hits. This started to change shortly before Mayhem era, when she performed Americano at her jazz and piano show (that was the first sign for me, personally). And throughout the era it seemed like she was, again, passionate about her work from TF through to ARTPOP, and obviously very passionate about her new record. This in turn, it seems, also inspired Mayhem as an album, and we all heard the results. It seems to me that Joanne and Chromatica where (earnest) attempts at Gaga getting back to herself, but it was only with Mayhem that she really got there, and narratively post-ARTPOP, Gaga's artistic struggle has been to find a way back to herself. Now that she did, it makes me very excited about the future. Mayhem era was phenomenal, of course, but I'm very curious to see where she takes us next, and I suspect it will be the start of a third chapter in her career, narratively speaking. 

What are your thoughts? Anyone agree? 

[DESTROY UR DISEASE 22,522]

That's some really beautiful words that you've written and I totally agree. MAYHEM does really feel like she's this time truly found herself back. Especially after The Chromatica Ball when she's skipped the entirety of ARTPOP and Joanne (ok, except one song but still that was like halfway through the ball) I was really wondering if we'll ever get to hear these songs again. And it seems like she's finally made peace with that chapter of her life, that you're talking about. And if that is really true then I'm absolutely more than happy for her  she really seems happier than ever, and like this time for real

[AVeryGagaHolyDick 32,829]

I do agree that somehow, MAYHEM does feel like a happy ending to a difficult chapter, more than a new beginning.

I’d say her looking passionate again started with The Chromatica Ball. I know it’s not technically as great as The Mayhem Ball, but for some reason I feel that it was THAT TOUR. The fire in her eyes, her voice being super great again out of nowhere, her looking excited to celebrate and show off her talent rather than looking nervous to miss the mark. 

And to answer your question, I’m not fully expecting anything from LG8, other than the idea that it will actually be very surprising. MAYHEM was very classic Gaga followed by classic music performed by Gaga. I think LG8 will bring a new dimension.

Actually, I rarely ask myself what LG8 will be like. Cause I feel that we can’t be right. I think fans kinda expect the ballad route cause she’s just had a baby. And I feel the total opposite. Not dance pop or dark bops, or rock-influenced music or whatever we’re used to, but something out there and new. Like we’ve had Gaga, we’ve had Lady and now we’re gonna have a third part we don’t know exists. 

Think Requiem level of different (from her discography and others’) but with a completely different sound.

I feel like she’s gonna eat us? I know it’s weird but I feel the witch in her think “I’m gonna eat them and vomit them and they’re gonna love it cause I’ve got my spells.” Not in an Abracadabra way, more spiritual and towards us. 

 

Edited 2 minutes ago by AVeryGagaHolyDick