Lady Gaga Drops Joker-Inspired ‘Harlequin’ Album

Last week, Lady Gaga announced her special project, made in the spirit of her Harley Quinn-inspired role as Lee in the upcoming Joker sequel. With the 13 song project, the multi-hyphenate artist takes method acting to whole new level, bringing listeners into the psyche of her character and her own dual persona as Lady Gaga.

The album opens with a run of contemporary renditions of American jazz standards and old Hollywood tunes by show business icons like Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin, and Frank Sinatra. For those that know Gaga for her infectious electro-pop songs, the sonic profile of the album may be a surprise. In place of pulsing synths and four-on-the-floor beats, big band production sets the backdrop for her theatrical and at times maniacal singing voice.

Gaga also belts out impressive soulful vocal runs on covers of “Oh, When the Saints” and “Gonna Build a Mountain.” Towards the end of the album the artist presents listeners with original tracks like “Joker,” “Folie à Deux” and “Happy Mistake,” all co-produced with her fiancé Michael Polansky.

Last week, Gaga teased the surprise project with mysterious hand-written Instagram posts and outdoor ads announcing the arrival of “LG 6.5.” For years, the artist’s fans have given her projects numbered codenames ahead their official titles. Dubbed “LG7,” Gaga’s seventh full-length LP will is set for release in early 2025. However, fans will get a preview of the record in early October with the release of the still unnamed lead single.

Listen to the full album below and stay tuned for updates on Gaga’s next project on Hypebeast.