Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars Drop Retro-Inspired Duet “Die With a Smile”
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars have teamed up to release their much-awaited duet, “Die With a Smile,” bringing together their unique talents in a captivating new track. The song, which debuted on Thursday night, blends Mars’ signature soulful style with Gaga’s powerful vocals, resulting in a mesmerizing ballad that’s sure to be a hit.
Although the music video embraces a ‘70s country aesthetic, with both artists dressed in matching blue suits and red shirts, the song itself is far from country. Instead, it channels the essence of Mars’ Silk Sonic era, featuring rich harmonies, a sweeping chorus, and emotionally charged lyrics. Mars begins the song with a smooth first verse, and Gaga follows, delivering a powerful second verse before they join forces for the song’s explosive finale.
The video’s visual style is reminiscent of a classic ‘70s Nashville TV show, complete with vintage instruments and a nostalgic color palette. Gaga’s towering Dolly Parton-inspired hairstyle and Mars’ white cowboy hat add to the retro vibe. The video concludes with a playful scene where the duo appears inside a heart-shaped animation, capturing the song’s blend of passion and nostalgia.
The collaboration began unexpectedly when Mars invited Gaga to his studio during a late-night session in Malibu. Gaga, who was wrapping up her own album, was immediately captivated by what Mars had started and decided to stay and finish the track with him. Reflecting on the experience, Gaga praised Mars for his extraordinary talent and vision, calling the collaboration a perfect match.
Mars, in turn, expressed his excitement about working with Gaga, stating that her contribution brought a unique magic to the song. The track was co-produced by Gaga, Mars, Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt, and D’Mile, who also provided instrumentation alongside the artists. The songwriting team included the talented James Fauntleroy, adding another layer of expertise to the project.
While the song isn’t connected to Gaga’s upcoming film, "Joker: Folie À Deux," its title, “Die With a Smile,” fits the darker themes of the movie. Gaga is set to star alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the film, taking on a fresh interpretation of Harley Quinn.
