The Anxiety of Influence in the Age of Reheated Nachos
The concept of "the anxiety of influence," coined by literary critic Harold Bloom in 1973, describes the struggle artists face to create something original in the shadow of previous works. Today, this idea has taken on a new life in pop culture, particularly through the metaphor of "reheated nachos." In internet slang, "reheating someone else’s nachos" means taking old, stale ideas and presenting them as fresh. Recently, Lady Gaga faced accusations of doing just that with her new single, "Abracadabra," which draws heavily from her older work. When asked about it, Gaga confidently declared, "My nachos are mine. I invented them, and I’m proud of them." This assertion of ownership is not just about defending her creativity but also about reclaiming her legacy in the face of skepticism and criticism.
The Evolution of Gaga: From Mimic to Original
When Lady Gaga first rose to fame over 15 years ago, her bold style, provocative performances, and catchy pop anthems set her apart. However, she also faced accusations of being a "mimic" and a "poser." Artists like M.I.A. and Madonna criticized her for borrowing too heavily from those who came before her. While it’s true that Gaga drew inspiration from musical provocateurs like Madonna, she also understood something fundamental about influence: when done thoughtfully, it can transform the generic into the mythic. By blending her influences with fierce performances and a compelling narrative, Gaga carved out her own unique identity. Her journey from being labeled a copycat to becoming a trailblazer is a testament to the power of reimagining the past to create something new and meaningful.
The Return to Form: Lady Gaga’s Mayhem
Lady Gaga’s seventh album, Mayhem, marks a return to the bold, chaotic energy of her early career. The album opens with two singles, "Disease" and "Abracadabra," which revisit the dark, theatrical fun of her 2009 EP, The Fame Monster. These tracks evoke the same sense of Halloween-inspired mischief that defined her breakout era. However, the album quickly expands its ambitions with tracks like "Garden of Eden," which combines familiar elements from her debut album, The Fame, with fresh arrangements. This approach isn’t about imitating her past works but about capturing the feeling of revisiting them. "I’ve been feelin’ this familiar feeling," Gaga sings, distilling the essence of pop’s unique ability to evoke nostalgia while still feeling innovative.
A Celebration of Gagaisms: Retro Vibes and Emotional Depth
Mayhem is a celebration of Gaga’s signature style, blending oompah synths, stammered sea-shanty melodies, and vocals that swing between pageant-queen drama and gutter-punk rawness. The album pays homage to a wide range of influences, from Tina Turner to Nine Inch Nails, but never feels derivative. Instead, every reference is reimagined and supercharged, creating a soundscape that feels both retro and cutting-edge. Tracks like "Abracadabra" race through references with the intensity of a sprinter, while "Zombieboy" opens into a bridge that feels like a sun-shower on a hot day. "LoveDrug" even imagines a duet between Daft Punk and the E Street Band, showcasing Gaga’s ability to merge seemingly incompatible sounds into something cohesive and exciting.
Unpacking the Emotion: A Journey Through Time and Identity
Beyond its sonic experimentation, Mayhem is deeply personal, delving into Gaga’s experiences of fame, trauma, and self-discovery. Her rise to stardom was fraught with challenges, including sexual assault, personal betrayals, and mental and physical health struggles. While her 2020 album Chromatica approached these themes with sleek, almost detached precision, Mayhem is explosive and chaotic, diving headfirst into the messiness of her past. The album is a form of musical archeology, excavating the unruly parts of her identity that defined her early years. On tracks like "Perfect Celebrity," Gaga confronts the horrors of fame with a grunge-inspired growl, while "Vanish Into You" uses a disco beat and cabaret piano to portray a twisted kind of puppy love. These songs are sharp dramas, capturing the highs and lows of her journey with unflinching honesty.
From Provocateur to Legacy: Gaga’s Reclamation of Self and Sound
Today, Lady Gaga is a far cry from the leather-jacketed provocateur who once spilled fake blood on live TV. At 38, she’s an Oscar winner, a happily engaged woman who describes herself as "boring" and nurturing a desire to start a family. Yet, with Mayhem, she proves that she still has the power to shock, inspire, and evolve. The album is not just a return to her roots but a reclamation of the joy and chaos of her early career. By embracing her past without shying away from its pain, Gaga reminds us that art is often about rediscovering what’s been lost and making it new again. In doing so, she has cemented her status as a pop icon, influencing a new generation of artists like Chappell Roan and Addison Rae. Mayhem is a testament to her enduring legacy, proving that even reheated nachos can taste fresh when served with creativity and heart.