Lady Gaga moves solidly back to pop with 'Stupid Love' single and out-of-this-world video

Lady Gaga’s throbbing new single “Stupid Love” dropped at midnight along with a spectacular music video that exploded with the pop star’s signature use of bold colors, tightly choreographed group dances and somewhat bewildering storyline.

Take the video’s exposition: “The world rots in conflict. Many tribes battle for dominance. While the Spiritual ones pray and sleep for peace, the Kindness punks fight for Chromatica.”

That’s a headscratcher that's also pretty dang exciting. And, anyway, it’s far less shocking than the opening of the “Born This Way” video.

What follows is an extraterrestrial, pink-haired Gaga dancing in a barren landscape studded with crystal formations. She sings lyrics like “All I ever wanted was love”, “Gotta have faith in me” and “I don’t need a reason. Not sorry I want your stupid love” as she bounces from one warring, monochromatically dressed faction to the next. At one point she breaks up a fight: Seething, she raises her hand in the air and levitates the two quarreling men. It’s the intergalactic equivalent of a mom grabbing two kids by the ears to stop a squabble.

It's all very sci-fi. Very on-brand. Very fun to watch.

Lady Gaga takes advice from her own music after tumble off stage: 'Just Dance. Gonna be ok'

“Stupid Love” is Gaga’s first new music in three years. It’s the lead single from the 33-year-old star’s upcoming sixth studio album, for which we have no title or release date yet. Judging by the solid synth and catchy beat, Gaga (real name Stefani Germanotta) has fully returned to her pop roots.

While we enjoyed her foray into other sounds with "Joanne," we're happy our pop monster mom is back.

We can’t wait to hear — and see — what’s next.  

Watch "Stupid Love" here: