With New Song 'Disease,' We're Ranking All of Lady Gaga's Lead Singles

Lady Gaga is finally back with a proper lead single for her upcoming seventh studio album.

Though Gaga has kept Little Monsters fed lately with a one-off single with Bruno Mars - the chart-topper "Die With A Smile" - and a full album for the "Joker" sequel, it's been four years since her last album "Chromatica."

After a week of teasing new music, "Disease" is finally here. Though not much is known about LG7, "Disease" provides a taste of what's to come and it feels like a true return to form for Gaga. But more on that later.

To celebrate the new music, we're ranking all seven of Lady Gaga's lead singles from her major solo studio albums - from her "Fame" era through "Chromatica" and now her new era.

7. "Born This Way"

Her heart may have been in the right place but Lady Gaga's ode to the LGBTQ+ community, "Born This Way," has only aged like milk thanks to those confused lyrics. We still cringe when it's part of any Pride playlist and at this point we'd probably rather hear "Express Yourself" or "Waterfalls."

6. "Disease"

Right off the bat, fans will be transported back to Gaga's "Born This Way" era, specifically the sexy deep cuts and fan favorites of "Scheiße" and "Government Hooker." Not as in-your-face as those tracks, "Disease" is nevertheless a banger for Mother Monster. With sickly metaphors ("I could play the doctor, I can cure your disease") and a catchy chorus, "Disease" hints that LG7 is going to be a dark and twisted ride. The single is a solid introduction to a new era and a certified bop.

5. "Stupid Love"

"Stupid Love" offered a glimpse of Lady Gaga's sixth studio album "Chromatica," a pure dance album that came out as the pandemic ramped up and lockdowns began. Though it might be one of the weaker songs from the LP, it was a great showcase of what was to come. It's a club-ready bop - a refreshing return to form for Gaga who had been making music that you'd likely not hear while getting down on the dance floor.

4. "Applause"

From one of Gaga's most experimental efforts, "Applause" is the lead single off of "Artpop." It's a self-reflective song about the desire for fame; a theme Gaga has explored since the start of her career. It was also a jarring sound at the time, finding Gaga leaving behind the Top 40 glossy sound of her "Born This Way" and "The Fame Monster" eras, leaning more into her avant guard songs. Aggressive synths, Gaga's vocals booming, "Applause" is a fascinatingly weird song that's still somehow radio-friendly at the same time.

3. "Perfect Illusion"

One of the better songs off "Joanne," "Perfect Illusion" wasn't indicative of Gaga's attempt at a country album. Nevertheless, it's a standout and a solid glam rock song. Shimmering with guitars and synths (courtesy of Tame Impala's producer de'jour Kevin Parker), Gaga's soaring voice is well-suited for this kind of big rock anthem. (And we still gag a bit at that iconic key change!) More songs like this in the future, Ga!

2. "Just Dance"

This is where it all started. It's the single that put Gaga on the map. Over 15 years since it was released, it still holds up not only as one of Gaga's best lead singles but one of her best singles from her discography. Featuring vocals from Colby O'Donis and production from Akon and RedOne, it's a carefree song that understands exactly what makes a pop song a perfect pop song. It's one of the best tracks of the '00s and it was just a glimpse of what was to come from Gaga.

1. "Bad Romance"

There's not much to say that hasn't already been said. Gaga has not outdone herself with "Bad Romance," a career-defining single that showed the world what she was truly capable of, and it undoubtedly sounds like someone who is at the height of their powers. Not only is a it a perfect bop but its accompanying music video solidified Gaga as one of the biggest and most important pop stars of the 2010s.