The songs of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars helped define the music of the 2010s. However, their latest collaboration, “Die with a Smile On,” seems to have missed the mark. The song has been described as deadly dull, with its instrumental carrying the flavor of cheap, disposable, cheesy radio rock from the 70s. This contrasts sharply with expectations set by Mars’ characteristically smooth R&B and Gaga’s powerful vocal performances.
Mars once made a song about loving someone so much that you’d be willing to die for them, called “Grenade.” Its lyrically far-fetched premise garnered mixed reactions, suggesting that dramatic declarations of love can sometimes feel insincere. Similarly, “Die with a Smile On” discusses the morbid theme of wanting to be with someone you love when you die, a sentiment that, while arguably more profound than “Grenade,” still carries an unsettling morbidity.
In their previous works, both artists have demonstrated their ability to blend different musical styles effectively. With her song “Do What U Want,” Gaga showed she could write smooth R&B akin to Mars’ style, and Mars has dance tracks that resonate with Gaga’s signature sound. Given these capabilities, the decision to produce a soft rock love song has puzzled fans and critics alike.
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The duo had been hinting at a collaboration for some time, sparking fan speculation. Lady Gaga recounted that after a long day, Mars invited her to his studio to listen to the beginnings of what would become their duet. She arrived around midnight, impressed by the initial creation, leading to an all-night session where they completed the song. Despite their respect for each other and the initial excitement, the final product has not resonated well with audiences.
Both artists have been absent from the music scene for a while; Mars’ last album was “An Evening with Silk Sonic” in 2021, and Gaga’s last studio albums were “Chromatica” in 2020 and her collaboration with Tony Bennett on “Love for Sale.” They announced their duet on social media, revealing a retro-themed cover and setting high expectations for their fans. Despite these anticipations, the single will not be part of Gaga’s upcoming seventh album but is rather an independent piece meant to tide fans over until her next major release.
This collaboration, wrapped in high expectations and significant fanfare, ultimately serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in fusing distinct artistic styles and themes, especially when venturing into the complex interplay of love and mortality in music.
