One of the most anticipated movies of the fall is Joker: Folie à Deux, particularly for its introduction of pop superstar Lady Gaga into the role of Harley Quinn. Although this version of Harley will be decidedly different from her comic book counterpart, fans are still eager to see what Gaga will bring to the role. Now, along with starring as Harley, Gaga has released a companion concept album titled Harlequin. It features 13 tracks, most re-recordings of classic songs, and two Gaga originals.
Fans speculated for days an announcement like this was coming. Gaga posted on Instagram saying “I’m ready for my interview,” while another post stated “Don’t tell me what to wear.” A third post, which felt very Harley-esque, said “No duct tape. No mission.” There were also a few billboards teasing “6.5.” Her fans know that she numbers all her albums. The Fame would be LG1, and Born This Way would be LG3, etc. With her referencing Harlequin as LG6.5, it means she’s not classifying it as a full studio album. Her next studio album, which she only refers to as LG7 so far, hits in February. The first single arrives in October.
This is not the first time a pop superstar has released a concept album inspired by a character they portrayed in a film. Back in 1990, Madonna played singer Breathless Mahoney in the movie Dick Tracy. At the same time, she released I’m Breathless: Music From and Inspired by the Film Dick Tracy. It was a concept album, all sung in the style of her character. It’s where her hit single “Vogue” originated from. Gaga has been plagued by Madonna comparisons since the start of her career, some justified, and some less so. So if she gets compared once again to the Queen of Pop, well, she’s no doubt used to it by now. One thing’s for certain, her fans won’t care one bit, and will play Harlequin on a loop.