Ava Max has officially made her return with the release of her long-awaited third studio album, Don’t Click Play, which arrived today (August 22) via Atlantic Records. And from the very first track, the pop star isn’t shying away from one of the biggest conversations surrounding her career: comparisons to Lady Gaga.
On the album’s bold opener and title track, Ava sings directly about the chatter: “On X, that’s a real hot topic of conversation / She’s a sample, singing, Gaga imitation / But can’t Kings & Queens look good with Poker Faces? / But I’m loving myself, even if you hate it”
Related
With these lyrics, she takes control of the narrative, nodding to both her 2020 hit “Kings & Queens” and Gaga’s iconic “Poker Face,” while also making clear that she’s unapologetically embracing her own artistry.
Don’t Click Play arrives after months of delays, reworks, and a sudden social media disappearance that had fans speculating about Ava’s next move. Originally slated for late 2024, the project was reimagined after Ava scrapped much of the initial material, explaining that it lacked the cohesion she wanted.
Don’t Click Play ultimately took shape as a 12-track collection that blends pop, dance-pop, and heartfelt ballads. It features the previously released singles “Lost Your Faith,” “Lovin Myself,” and “Wet, Hot American Dream,” along with fresh cuts such as “How Can I Dance,” “Sucks to Be My Ex,” and “World’s Smallest Violin.”
Just hours before release, Ava finally broke her month-long silence online with a cryptic but telling message: “In due time, I have so much to say. But for now, Don’t Click Play.”
Leave a Reply