When Is Lady Gaga's Next Album Coming Out?

Lady Gaga's back, everyone. Sure, she technically never really went anywhere: in 2016, the artist went vampire for American Horror Story, scored a Golden Globe, and performed her heartbreaking track "'Til It Happens To You" at the Oscars — but the "Born This Way" singer also took a break from working on her own music, and fans have been clamoring for more Gaga ever since. But now, good news: she's officially back in the game, and better than ever. On Friday, Gaga released her brilliant new single "Perfect Illusion," and the new, super addictive song is so good, I can't help but get hyped for the rest of Gaga's fifth studio album — which, unfortunately, isn't here yet. So when is Lady Gaga's next album dropping? Here's what we know.

Patience is a virtue, but when it comes to Gaga's new music, I totally don't have it. Unfortunately, I'll have to — because we don't yet know when Gaga's new music will be released. Before you start panicking, though, know this: according to an interview with RedOne — whom Gaga has collaborated with for new tracks — on WPRO-FM in May 2015, her new album will drop in 2016. So, considering that Gaga dropped "Perfect Illusion" on Sept. 9, there's a good chance that the 2016 release date won't be too far off. If the artist is still planning to stick to the 2016 release goal, fans may only have to wait three and a half months — max — for new Gaga music.

It's been a very long time since we've received a proper pop album from the fashion and music icon. In November, actually, it will have been three years since the release of Gaga's album Artpop, which featured the singles "Applause" and "Do What U Want." Though Gaga did release an album with Tony Bennett, titled Cheek To Cheek, in 2014, fans have waited a seriously long time for dance-worthy Gaga tracks. "Perfect Illusion" is certainly one of those, which is only adding to the anticipation for the rest of Gaga's new music.

Another thing adding to the anticipation? Gaga's known collaborators on the new album, the title of which is still unknown. According to Billboard, Gaga has recorded a song with Florence + the Machine's Florence Welch, for instance. Also, in addition to working on her first single "Perfect Illusion" with "Uptown Funk" producer Mark Ronson, Digital Spy reports that Ronson will produce the entire album. Clearly there's already a lot to look forward to.

"Perfect Illusion" is the perfect start to Gaga's new album — but can it get here already?