Next week, the musical thriller Joker: Folie à Deux will debut in theaters, showcasing Lady Gaga in the role of Lee Quinzel/Harley Quinn. In anticipation of this release, Gaga has unveiled a companion album titled Harlequin, announced just two days prior. The lead-up included a video for the track “The Joker,” where she creatively lip-syncs with the iconic Mona Lisa. This project is co-produced by Gaga alongside her partner, Michael Polansky.
However, Harlequin is not intended as the eagerly awaited sequel to 2020’s Chromatica. Gaga revealed that her seventh album will be released in February and positioned Harlequin as “LG 6.5.” The album primarily consists of covers from classic standards that align with the film’s narrative, along with original pieces where Gaga is credited as a songwriter. Notably, her rendition of the 1939 hit “Good Morning” features co-writing credits for her fiancé, Polansky. It also includes new songs like “Happy Mistake,” co-written with BloodPop, alongside the title track “Folie à Deux.”
Discussing the album’s creation, Gaga shared with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe:
The concept of dual identities has always been integral to my music. Creating characters for my songs has been a part of my identity, and Lee from Joker left a significant mark on me. The film is abundant in music that resonates with me, allowing me to explore this character deeply, enriched by the live performances, dance, outfits, and makeup. This led me to feel inspired to produce an entire album based on her essence. Lee is a complex character, and as a woman in music and a female producer, it was exhilarating to assert that, “This album will reflect my vision on my terms, whenever I choose. If I wish for blues, it’ll be blues. If funk, then funk. If soulful vibes, then soulful vibes.”
About the new track “Happy Mistake,” Gaga explained, “BloodPop and I worked on the initial ideas, and I elevated it. One lyric describes feeling like I’m playing a tragic role in a comedic play, where the audience cheers for the absurdity while I grapple internally. It illustrates the confusing disconnect when artists portray troubled characters, receiving applause while going through their struggles. This song encapsulates that paradox.”
A listening event for the album took place in Paris, where Gaga made a surprise appearance. She is set to promote Harlequin on Good Morning America (with Joaquin Phoenix) Friday morning, followed by an appearance on Graham Norton alongside Demi Moore and Colin Farrell that evening. Additionally, she will be featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night.
Enjoy the album through the stream below.
@extra_tv surprised 130 fans in London with a special listening party for her album “Harlequin,” accompanying #JokerFolieADeux! (: via Universal Music Group) #ladygaga #joker #jokermovie #joker2 #harlequin ♬ original sound – ExtraTV
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