Lady Gaga Clarifies Status of ‘Harlequin’ Album

Lady Gaga has addressed fan confusion over whether her latest release, “Harlequin,” should be classified as her next studio album. The acclaimed singer stepped into the role of the villain Harleen ‘Lee’ Quinzel, also known as Harley Quinn, in the anticipated film “Joker: Folie à Deux,” scheduled for release next month. In an effort to enhance the film’s narrative, Gaga introduced “Harlequin,” a companion album, on Friday.

The artist has notably dubbed this album “LG 6.5,” suggesting that it serves as a bridge rather than her seventh official studio album. Speaking with Rolling Stone, Gaga revealed her deep connection with the character Lee, stating, “I had such a deep relationship with Lee. And when I was done filming the movie, I wasn’t done with her.” The album is described as an exploration of multiple genres, aiming to capture both her musical identity and the essence of her character.

In clarification, Gaga emphasized, “It’s not my next studio album that’s a pop record, but it is somewhere in between, and it’s blurring the lines of pop music.” Significantly, “Harlequin” is distinct from her pending seventh studio album, for which the first single is slated for release in October. The full-scale album is anticipated to follow shortly thereafter, adding to the artist’s extensive discography that most recently features “Chromatica,” released in 2020.

“Harlequin,” released via Interscope Records, offers a mix of covers from beloved jazz classics, along with original compositions that echo the artistic themes and character insights from “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The release positions itself not just in the lineage of Gaga’s works, but as an exploration of dual identities, a recurring motif in her music career.

Lady Gaga, while deeply engrossed in her Harley Quinn persona, remarked to Apple Music, “For me, this idea of dual identities was always something that was a part of my music-making.” Her artistic journey through this project was further illuminated by the film’s storytelling and creative processes, extending her exploration of character-driven artistry.

The film “Joker: Folie à Deux” will make its theatrical debut on October 4, with fans eagerly awaiting both cinematic and musical experiences from the multifaceted performer.