Lady Gaga delivers a fascinating fictional self-portrait with “Harlequin.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. Smile
Covering a Charlie Chaplin song is deeply befitting for both a Joker production and for Lady Gaga herself.
“Smile” was a song based around the central musical theme for Chaplin’s incomparable masterpiece Modern Times, and Gaga delivers a take on it here that feels intimate, invasive, and modern in unexpected ways. With an airy production and delivery, combining twinkling piano keys with simmering big-band backing and occasionally distorted production filters, “Smile” is a great addition that feels like it cuts straight to the core of Gaga’s thematic intent with this entire album and character in striking form.
4. Oh, When the Saints
The instrumental intro here, with its explosive cymbals, screeching guitars, and high-octave church organs, may not break new ground for a song about saints, but it’s undeniably captivating.
What truly surprises, though, is the abrupt shift into minimalist, almost intrusive production right after—muted drums and subtle, percussive bass and guitar play create a stark contrast. As the track progresses, the layers from the intro gradually reemerge, seamlessly blending with the key changes and cyclical structure to elevate this classic song in unexpected ways. Special mention goes to the ripping, harmonized guitar solo midway through, which perfectly complements Gaga’s increasingly powerful vocals.
3. If My Friends Could See Me Now
In this track, Gaga and producer Benjamin Rice unleash the jazzy aesthetic more intensely than ever.
“If My Friends Could See Me Now” features the most off-the-wall, jazz-infused percussion on the album so far, alongside rapid-fire brass riffs and even a full-on scatting performance from Gaga. In short, it’s got everything. It feels like Gaga is daring anyone who thought the previous, more pop-polished track hinted at a shift in direction. Instead, she proves she’s in complete control, taking a sharp turn and delivering a raw, high-octane burst of jazz-fueled adrenaline that hits like a punch to the gut.
2. Folie à Deux
The titular track for the upcoming Joker sequel begins with sweeping orchestral stings that perfectly set the tone for Gaga’s lullaby-like crooning.
There’s a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic synchrony in the production, with each string line pulling you deeper into the richly textured world Gaga and her team have built. As the song progresses, the bridge introduces harmonized vocals carrying the lead melody while the instrumentation suddenly shifts, pulling the rug out from beneath them. The drums become more forceful, and the brass section sinks into bold, resonant tones, creating a stunning crescendo that amplifies the disorienting, subversive feel of this haunting waltz. Truly captivating.
1. That’s Entertainment
Harlequin follows its most jazz-heavy track with its most show tune-centric number, “That’s Entertainment.”
This classic is so iconic that entire film compilations of musical numbers were named after it, placing significant pressure on Gaga to bring her full theatrical flair. Unsurprisingly, Gaga delivers in spades. From the lively, upbeat opening to the half-time outro, practically begging for eye-high kicks, this track sees Gaga fully embracing the grandeur and spectacle of an old-school movie musical. It’s a bold, joyful dive into pure theatricality, perfectly suited to her larger-than-life persona.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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RGM RATING
(B+)
In her newly released tie-in album Harlequin, Lady Gaga delves deeper into her portrayal of Harley Quinn from Joker: Folie à Deux through a captivating musical exploration. While the film has yet to premiere, it is a musical sequel to the 2019 Joker and is expected to feature many, if not all, of these tracks in some form. As such, Harlequin acts as both a return to Gaga’s jazz roots and a tantalizing preview of the artistry, preparation, and musical intensity she has infused into her performance.
Harlequin is a richly layered album, brimming with innovative interpretations of classic showtunes. Gaga, one of today’s most versatile and singular performers, showcases her immense talent and theatrical flair, delivering a collection of showstopping numbers that further solidify her unique place in the music industry. It’s an outstanding project that serves both as a standalone album and a window into the world of Joker: Folie à Deux.
