Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello, Bad Things | Track Review 🎵

Midwest rapper MGK and up-and-coming pop star Camila Cabello showcase mad chemistry on “Bad Things.”

Every now and again, a hit song by a surprise cast of characters comes about.  That’s the case with burgeoning hit “Bad Things.” Midwest rapper Machine Gun Kelly experienced a smidgen of success with his rebellious “Wild Boy” single.  As for Camila Cabello, her first taste of success came by way of Fifth Harmony, though she recently left the X-Factor birthed girl group.  Regardless, Cabello projects as a savvy solo artist, already cementing a teen-pop hit with Shawn Mendes (“I Know What You Did Last Summer”) and now with Machine Gun Kelly.

Simply put, “Bad Things” is a gift to pop radio.  Not only is it a gift to pop radio, but to both artists involved, particularly Machine Gun Kelly.  Fans of MGK’s tough, Cleveland flow may write off “Bad Things,” but those less invested in MGK may give the MC a second look (or first).  To his credit, MGK hasn’t really altered his assertiveness, it’s simply more well-rounded to fit the mold of this romantic pop song. He’s still not playing around:

“And we’re both wild
And the night’s young
And you’re my drug
Breathe you in ‘til my face numb
Drop it down to that bass drum
I got what you dream about
Nails scratchin’ my back tat
Eyes closed while you scream out…”

As for Cabello, she is simply exceptional here.  Vocally, she showcases her potential, exhibiting a radiant vocal tone, bursting with youth.  She shines on the memorable chorus, clearly the selling point of the record:

“Am I out of my head?
Am I out of my mind?
If you only knew the bad things I like
Don’t think that I can explain it
What can I say, it’s complicated…”

In addition to delivering the melody stunningly, Cabello is spot-on with her ad-libs.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Bad Things” is pop gold.  It’s not game-changing, but enjoyable by all means.  As aforementioned, this is a lift for Machine Gun Kelly.  For Camila Cabello, it shows that she’s a viable solo artist through and through.

Machine Gun Kelly • bloom • Bad Boy / Interscope • Release: 5.12.17

Photo Credit: Bad Boy / Interscope