Rating: 9/10
Lady Gaga has made her long-awaited return to pop music following the recent releases of her “Joker: Folie à Deux” companion album, “Harlequin,” and her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Die With A Smile.”
On Oct. 25, the 38-year-old singer released “Disease,” a new single, alongside an accompanying lyric video. She released the music video for the song four days later.
The result is a grungy, dark-pop song that harkens back to the days of “The Fame Monster” and “Born This Way.” The nearly four-minute track marks the return of the style that sent Gaga into stardom in the first place and is a much-welcomed comeback.
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The song opens with a glitchy, electropop beat, accompanied by dark synths — courtesy of producer Cirkut, which marks the first time the two have worked together on a musical project.
Gaga intimidatingly sings of her lover “runnin’ out of medicine” in a growly lower register before the song explodes into the moody and instantly catchy chorus.
When Gaga sings, “If you were a sinner, I could make you believe,” she not only captures your attention but immerses you into her glorious world of musical madness.
Things slow down in the bridge, giving a strong, emotionally-packed vocal performance before the song descends into blissful chaos in its final chorus. The single comes to a close in spectacular fashion, filled to the brim with her signature belting and disorienting sound effects.
“Disease” is the strongest pop song Gaga has released in years. Not only is this the Gaga we’ve come to know over the years, but this is her pulling from past aesthetics and turning it into something fresh.
While she’s proven herself countless times as an influential figure in pop music, this new single further cements Gaga’s ability to evolve her artistry in a modern and authentic way.
“Disease” signals the start of a new musical era for Gaga. If this single indicates the sonic direction her upcoming album will take, it will be an intriguing listen for fans and newcomers alike.
