Michael Polansky, the fiancé of Lady Gaga, stepped into the music limelight and co-wrote her new single with her, entitled “Disease,” which dropped today, October 25, 2024. Better known for his work in the tech and philanthropic communities, Polansky’s contribution to this track with Gaga-in conjunction with producers Andrew Watt and Cirkut-has been an unexpected addition but an exciting one into her latest project.
The song “Disease” represented not just another recording of Polansky’s songwriting foray into the universe, but it brought fresh creative synergy into the ever-evolving musical odyssey of Gaga.
“Disease” hearkens back to a darker, heavier dance-pop Gaga, which is actually quite similar in style to her 2011 album Born This Way. The single ditches haunted piano chords and deep industrial synths for brooding energy, tempered only by its hammering EDM beats. This multi-dimensional production creates a beating, cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of some of the boldest and more adventurous Gaga soundscapes, amplified with her signature flair for the dramatic.
Polansky’s influence doesn’t stop there- he even had a hand in nudging the long-awaited return of Lady Gaga to pop. Since the release of Chromatica, her album born out of a difficult time in her life in 2020, Gaga had questioned going back into pop. It wasn’t until Polansky came around and helped her learn to love it all over again that he became the inspiration she needed: to re-enter the studio with a newfound look and creative drive.
The vocal performance by Lady Gaga is as dynamic as it is powerful with “Disease”. Soaring with intensity above the track’s distorted guitar riffs and thunderous basslines, unique sound elements such as the jarring clinks of chains add even more edge. Gaga’s raw energy on this track is immense, holding a dramatic edge to the emotive expression, which shifts from vulnerable to intense in mere beats.
Disease” is a tantalizing first look at the album, which will come sometime in spring 2025. The title and themes, for the moment, remain under tight lock by superfans, who already refer to the album as LG7. They have been furiously speculating, based on a number of hints Gaga has given that the album is going in an entirely bold new direction.
Meanwhile, Gaga’s new album, Harlequin, was just as huge this September. Building the cinematic score for Joker: Folie à Deux, in which she acted opposite Joaquin Phoenix, the record provided a haunted element of Gaga’s work that played nicely with her on-screen character, Harleen “Lee” Quinzel. In any case, Gaga continues to prove her dexterity and dedication to creative expansion with Polansky by her side.
