Lady Gaga – Harlequin (Album Review)

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Lady Gaga, especially in terms of her solo work. In 2021, she released Love For Sale, a follow-up record that serves as a continuation of her 2014 duet album with Tony Bennett, Cheek to Cheek.

On the album, Gaga and Bennett dive once again into the jazz aesthetic, reinterpreting some of Cole Porter’s best material. However, this record doesn’t represent Gaga stepping out of her comfort zone or opening a new era.

Her 6th studio album, Chromatica, marked a return to dance and electro-pop after the more country-inspired Joanne. In Chromatica, Gaga returned to the sound she’s known for. However, the album didn’t quite hit the mark. While it followed the expected direction, despite a few catchy tracks inherent to Gaga’s art, much of the album came across as forgettable.

Tracks like “Rain on Me” and “911” showcase Gaga’s ability to create hits within a hyper-pop production field, but these strengths don’t compensate for the overall forgettable nature of other performances on the album.

As for Gaga’s most recent material, she hints at the return of her artsy side, though not in the way we’re used to. While rumours swirl about a follow-up to Chromatica, Gaga has revealed that before the next album, we can expect something in between, labelled as “LG6.5.” This abbreviation suggests a surprise release, with Gaga’s recent venture into the film industry. Taking on the role of Harley Quinn in the highly anticipated Joker sequel, Gaga created a concept record from her unique perspective.

Harlequin is not merely a soundtrack to the film, as one might assume. While it does accompany the movie, it also highlights Gaga’s vision of Harley Quinn, diving into themes of toxic romance.

Following her Love For Sale sequel with jazz legend Tony Bennett, Gaga continues to reimagine older music on this record. Whether reinterpreting classics from the ’50s and ’60s, she completely immerses the listener in love-filled jazz ballads.

This record is far from a typical Gaga album, filled with dance-pop hits. Instead, it aims to create an atmospheric setting that combines electrifying jazz instrumentation with soulful and dreamlike blues.

Tracks like “If My Friends Could See Me Now” showcase Gaga’s vocal range so effectively that it feels as though these songs were made for the contagious charisma she brings to them.

Most of the album features upbeat instrumentals that emphasize the innocence and joy of love. Yet, Gaga also displays vulnerability and melancholy in “Happy Mistake.” With raw emotion Gaga reflects on the challenges in her film career & what it takes to be a lead female character: “I could try to hide behind the makeup, but the show must go on.”

Her heart-wrenching vocals and sorrowful guitar accompaniment actively support this powerful message, throughout the song, making “Happy Mistake” one of the strongest cuts from the album.

Interestingly, “Happy Mistake” and “Folie à Deux” are the only two original pieces on the album. While the former is a mournful ballad, the latter is a delusional romantic confession. These two tracks together showcase the ambiguity of love and human emotions.

When someone is deeply in love, even a minor detail can cause agony, yet all their problems can be soothed with a single smile.

One song that certainly stands out is “The Joker”. It features a mesmerizing rock accompaniment and Gaga’s vicious, raw vocals, switching from the romantic tone of previous tracks to a more self-aware, energetic approach. Here, Gaga mirrors her character’s descent into madness, becoming the Queen of the Joker.

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to enjoy this record as much as I did. The feel of experiencing the more old-fashioned aesthetic that is reminiscent of a stormy evening in the bar of Gotham City is an enthralling experience. When I played it through quality speakers, the entire atmosphere of my room shifted into a cozy, heart-warming space. However, despite my overall praise, parts of the album do feel somewhat forgettable because of the similar soundscapes across tracks. It can be hard to pick out highlights, as it feels as if the album continuously transitions from one song to another without you even knowing.

Score/Excellent: Overall, I dig this record. Gaga made me experience the multi-dimensional feeling of being in love, filling me with both enlightenment and hope, while also conveying more complex emotions like doubt and guilt.

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