Lady Gaga to Release Harlequin, a Joker-Inspired Album This Friday
Lady Gaga is set to unveil a new album titled Harlequin on Friday, September 27. Described as a “companion album” to the highly anticipated film Joker: Folie à Deux, where she stars as Harley Quinn, the record promises a theatrical twist. Alongside its announcement, Gaga shared a sneak peek of the lead single, “The Joker,” which has already ignited fan excitement.
Harlequin is positioned as a bridge between Gaga’s 2020 Chromatica and her long-rumored seventh studio album, often dubbed “LG7” by her fanbase. In a clever tease, billboards with “LG6.5” have appeared in major cities, hinting at this project’s unique place in her evolving catalog.
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A Swing Through the Past?
The album’s tracklist hints at a retro vibe with titles like “Oh, When the Saints,” “World on a String,” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” pointing toward possible covers or reinterpretations of classic standards. Lady Gaga’s history with the Great American Songbook—most notably her Cheek to Cheek collaboration with Tony Bennett—suggests Harlequin may offer something nostalgic but with her signature flair. It’s a nod to timeless songs like “Smile” and “That’s Life,” which could take on new meaning in the context of Harley Quinn’s chaotic, emotional world.
A Cinematic Double Feature
In true Gaga fashion, Harlequin isn’t the only project tied to the Joker universe. Hildur Guðnadóttir’s Joker: Folie à Deux (Score from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) will also drop on Friday, adding depth to the sonic landscape of the film. Gaga is doubling down with a third release on October 4, the same day Joker: Folie à Deux hits theaters: Joker: Folie à Deux (Music from the Motion Picture). It’s shaping up to be a month full of both film and music for the singer-turned-actress.
What’s Next?
While Harlequin seems like an artistic detour, all signs point to Gaga’s next big chapter coming in February, when her long-awaited LG7 could finally arrive. For now, Harlequin sets the stage for her return to the character of Harley Quinn, blending her musical and acting prowess into a uniquely Gaga experience.
Harlequin Tracklist:
1. Good Morning
2. Get Happy (2024)
3. Oh, When the Saints
4. World on a String
5. If My Friends Could See Me Now
6. That’s Entertainment
7. Smile
8. The Joker
9. Folie à Deux
10. Gonna Build a Mountain
11. Close to You
12. Happy Mistake
13. That’s Life
This theatrical, jazz-infused record promises to take listeners on a ride through both Lady Gaga’s eclectic artistry and Harley Quinn’s madness. Buckle up!