Machine Gun Kelly, papercuts | Track Review

Machine Gun Kelly brings ample energy and keeps it punk with respectable success on “papercuts,” but lacks innovative spirit.

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ith the release of Tickets to My Downfall, Machine Gun Kelly shifted from rap to punk/alternative.  Obviously, he looks the part of rock star, and for the most part, the shift was successful. Still, while Tickets to My Downfall had its share of successful moments, Kells didn’t reinvent the game with his about face.  On his single, “papercuts”, much like Tickets, he’s successful embracing this artistic transformation, but he serves up nothing game changing or revolutionary.

One pro regarding “papercuts” has nothing to do with the music.  Here it goes, regardless. I love the cover art for the single.  Machine Gun Kelly in a see-through shirt – EYE CATCHING.  Okay, with that out of the way, breaking down “papercuts,” he channels his punk side, singing in his lower register in an undertone.  Respectable.  This punk vibe works because he had similar energy when rapping.  That said, the criticism is he lacks innovative spirit.  Sure, he brings the attitude and energy, but the song doesn’t necessarily move me or resonate – I’ve heard these many times before. Predictably, the guitars are heavy and driving, while the drums are also heavy, with emphasis on kick, snare, and hi-hat. The chorus is gargantuan, which is good, but, of course, also predictable.

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Final Thoughts  

Likely, others will get more enjoyment and playability out of “papercuts” than I did. Machine Gun Kelly delivers a respectable record, mind you. That said, it’s not ‘awe-inspiring’ from my perspective.  

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Machine Gun Kelly • “papercuts” • Bad Boy / Interscope • 8.13.21

[: Bad Boy, Brent Faulkner, Interscope, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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