Highly Suspect, Tokyo Ghoul | Track Review 🎵

Highly Suspect returns with “Tokyo Ghoul,” a hip-hop-tinged third single from MCID, their long-awaited, highly anticipated third studio album. 

After a three-year hiatus, Grammy-nominated alternative rock collective Highly Suspect is back! Johnny “gives zero fucks” Stevens and company announced MCID, their third studio album, following Mister Asylum (2015)  and The Boy Who Died Wolf (2016). After releasing promo singles “16” and “Upperdrugs,” the band shocks the world with “Tokyo Ghoul,” a hip-hop-tinged record featuring Young Thug and Steven’s alter-ego, Terrible Johnny.  We knew prior to “Tokyo Ghoul” that the hip-hop was coming. To quote the late, great Marvin Gaye, “Here my dear, here it is.”

From the jump, it’s clear that “Tokyo Ghoul” is a hip-hop joint.  It opens with minor key synths, a far cry from the rock Highly Suspect have been known for.  Terrible Johnny does sing the chorus, which is the first section of the song listeners are privy to. It’s memorable, featuring those signature Johnny Stevens nuances:

“You say that you love me
But I don’t wanna be your slave
So many people judge me
But would they follow me to my grave?
You say that you love me
But on if I stay the same
Baby, I’m leaving
Cause I don’t wanna play these games.”

From there, the rapping begins. Terrible Johnny busts rhymes, keeping things pretty simple.  Essentially, the tone is negative, as Stevens has lots of people against him.  It seems to be alluding to Fairweather, fake friends and fans (“I got these people around me / Say that they love me, most of them fake”) who aren’t committed to a change of pace (“Tell me how I should make art? / Nah, you don’t get this heart”).  Young Thug arrives on the second verse, in his own, unique style – ‘Slime language’ indeed.  As for Terrible, well, he returns with a final verse, referencing his life and seemingly, his evolution to an extent.

Final Thoughts 

So, what does one make of “Tokyo Ghoul.” Personally, I think if this weren’t attached to Highly Suspect, an established rock act, it would get a better reception.  When any artist shifts stylistically, it’s always a big risk.  That said, personally, I find “Tokyo Ghoul” to be quite enjoyable, and I’m eager to hear what MCID will sound like upon arrival.  Am I all in? No, not yet, but I’m willing to see where Terrible Johnny and Highly Suspect go.

Highly Suspect • MCID • 300 Entertainment • Release: 11.1.19

Photo Credit: 300 Entertainment