March 12, 2025

Mayhem: A Queer Cinema Catchup & Referential Review

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison are once again joined by Dr. Khaliden Nas of the Referential podcast to review Lady Gaga's latest album, 'Mayhem.' Together, they discuss Gaga's evolution as an artist; reflect on their personal relationships to her music; and complete a track-by-track analysis.


00:00 Welcome to the Queer Cinema Catchup and Referential collab

01:10 Personal Histories with Lady Gaga

03:42 Gaga's Evolution and Public Persona

08:31 Reactions to Born This Way

17:40 Theater Kid Roots and Artistry

20:04 Expectations for the New Album

35:12 Madonna's Influence and Pop Culture Shifts

36:10 Album Review: Mayhem's Chaotic Intentionality

36:57 Fan Feedback and Emotional Themes

37:35 Comparing Albums: Fame Monster vs. Mayhem

39:32 The Pressure of Reinvention in Pop Music

42:10 Success Anxiety and Artistic Authenticity

50:15 Track-by-Track Breakdown: Disease & Abracadabra

53:39 Garden of Eden and Perfect Celebrity

57:50 Vanish into You & Killhah

01:01:20 Zombie Boy & Gwen Stefani

01:03:1 Love Drug

01:06:40 Taylor Swift and 80s Influence in How Bad Do U Want Me

01:08:12 Diverse Songwriting Styles

01:10:13 Emotional Ballads (Blade of Grass) and Personal Stories

01:21:11 Final Thoughts and Final Review




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.