Lady Gaga, Abracadabra | Song Review

Award-winning musician and actress Lady Gaga keeps the magic going strong on “Abracadabra,” the third single from her seventh studio LP, MAYHEM.

“Like a poem said by a lady in red / You hear the last few words of your life /With a haunting dance, now you’re both in a trance / It’s time to cast your spell on the night.” Well, that’s fascinating, Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta)! The award-winning singer, songwriter and actress puts her dancing shoes on once more on “Abracadabra”. “Abracadabra” is the third single from her seventh studio album, MAYHEM.  Lady Gaga, watt (Andrew Watt), Cirkut (Henry Walter), John McGeoch, Pete Edward Clarke, Steven Severin, and Siouxsie (Susan Janet Ballion) penned “Abracadabra.” “Abracadabra” interpolates “Spellbound” by Siouxsie and the Banshees. Gaga, watt, and Cirkut produced it.

“Abracadabra” features some sickening dance music cues. An electrifying groove helps “Abracadabra” cook.  Also, the darker tilt of the song, alongside the minor key, make it compelling.  As always, Lady Gaga brings her ‘A game,’ delivering a personality-laden performance, showing off her powerful pipes. The songwriting is intriguing. “Pay the toll to the angels / Drawin’ circles in the clouds,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Keep your mind on the distance / When the devil turns around.” Word. In the refrain, she asks to “Save me from this empty flight / In the game of life.” Life is a key component of “Abracadabra.” Melodically, the song is colorful, particularly with accidentals that give it a Dorian flavor. The section to be is the Infectious, tuneful chorus with some nonsensical syllables in the mix:

“Abracadabra, amor-oo-na-na

Abracadabra, morta-oo-ga-ga

Abracadabra, abra-oo-na-na”

In her tongue she said, ‘Death or love tonight’.”

In “Abracadabra”, Lady Gaga remains true to herself and the artist we’ve come to know and love.  Is the needle moved? Not necessarily, but it’s another welcome addition to her catalog.

Lady Gaga // MAYHEM // Interscope // 3.7.25

[: Interscope]