"Gag Order," released on May 19, touches on Kesha's personal struggles during her time in the entertainment industry, including the alleged emotional and physical abuse she endured at the hands of her former producer, Dr. Luke. The album is her final release under Dr. Luke's label, Kemosabe Records, per a contract she signed when she was 18. The cover art features the singer with a plastic bag over her head, and the album's title is meant to reference her inability to speak or comment on the longtime legal battle she faced with Dr. Luke.
In June, Dr. Luke settled his defamation suit with Kesha. "Only God knows what happened that night," Kesha said in a statement, according to Vulture. "As I always said, I cannot recount everything that happened. I am looking forward to closing the door on this chapter of my life and beginning a new one. I wish nothing but peace to all parties involved."
Dr. Luke added, "While I appreciate Kesha again acknowledging that she cannot recount what happened that night in 2005. I am absolutely certain that nothing happened. I never drugged or assaulted her and would never do that to anyone. For the sake of my family, I have vigorously fought to clear my name for nearly 10 years. It is time for me to put this difficult matter behind me and move on with my life. I wish Kesha well."
Kesha announced the album, entirely produced by Rick Rubin, on April 25, and cited her spiritual experiences, anxiety, and the COVID-19 pandemic as her primary influences. "I feel like I'm giving birth to the most intimate thing I've ever created," she told Rolling Stone in April.
"Gag Order" features tracks like "Eat the Acid," "Fine Line," and "Only Love Can Save Us Now."
