Lady Gaga is back in character as she embraces her role as Harley Quinn in the highly anticipated soundtrack, *Harlequin*, to accompany her performance in *Joker: Folie à Deux*. This fresh offering is a sumptuous collection of jazz standards, reflecting her affinity for rich, melodic arrangements that meld perfectly with her unique artistry. Packed with jazzy swing and nostalgic vibes, *Harlequin* is reminiscent of her previous collaborations with Tony Bennett, showcasing her emergence into this genre.

This album marks Gaga’s first dive into jazz standards since the passing of her beloved collaborator Tony Bennett last year. As she shared in an interview with *Rolling Stone*, her goal was to 'create a modern take on vintage pop.' Fans are calling this project 'LG 6.5,' a tantalizing hint of the music to come before her full album drops in February, which will be her first since 2020’s *Chromatica*.

In *Harlequin*, Gaga channels her admiration for Old Hollywood glamour and the eccentricities of her characters. One standout track, “The Joker,” is a reinterpretation of the classic show tune by Anthony Newley and Lesley Bricusse, once made famous by Shirley Bassey. Throughout the album, she weaves in echoes of Judy Garland, from lively renditions of “Good Morning” to the joyous “Get Happy.”

Tracks like “I’ve Got The World on a String,” originally penned by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, showcase her powerful vocals and playful charisma, while her invigorating scat performance in “If My Friends Could See Me Now” pays homage to the theatrical spirit of *Sweet Charity*. Some tracks take on a straighter tribute style, such as her interpretation of “Close to You,” while others, like the clever arrangement of “Oh, When The Saints,” serve more as creative exercises than standalone masterpieces.

But it’s her bold finale with “That’s Life” that truly shines, allowing Gaga to channel the swagger and bravado of Frank Sinatra. When she passionately belts, 'I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn, and a queen,' it feels like a profound affirmation of her multifaceted existence.

Among the treasures on the album are two original songs, including the deeply personal “Happy Mistake,” where Gaga uncovers the facade of her alter ego Harley Quinn. She touches on themes of hidden pain beneath the glitz and glamour, singing, 'My head is filled with broken mirrors... If I could fix the broken pieces / Then I’d have a happy mistake.' This poignant reflection resonates with her ongoing journey of self-discovery, and the album acts as a continuation of the stories she has been narrating throughout her career.

As fans await her next full-length album, *Harlequin* is a powerful and evocative bridge that connects Lady Gaga’s past with her future, enveloping listeners in a blanket of nostalgia enriched with modern flair. Don’t miss out on this lush auditory experience that marks the return of one of music’s most innovative artists!