Machine Gun Kelly brings ample energy and keeps it punk with respectable success on โpapercuts,โ but lacks innovative spirit.
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ith the release of ๐ฟ Tickets to My Downfall, ๐ Machine Gun Kelly shifted from rap to punk/alternative.ย 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 didnโt reinvent the game with his about face.ย On his single, ๐ต โpapercutsโ, much like Tickets, heโs successful embracing this artistic transformation, but he serves up nothing game changing or revolutionary.One pro regarding โpapercutsโ has nothing to do with the music.ย Here it goes, regardless. I love the cover art for the single. ย Machine Gun Kelly in a see-through shirt โ EYE CATCHING.ย Okay, with that out of the way, breaking down โpapercuts,โ he channels his punk side, singing in his lower register in an undertone.ย Respectable.ย This punk vibe works because he had similar energy when rapping.ย That said, the criticism is he lacks innovative spirit.ย Sure, he brings the attitude and energy, but the song doesnโt necessarily move me or resonate โ Iโve 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.
Final Thoughts ๐ญย
Likely, others will get more enjoyment and playability out of โpapercutsโ than I did. Machine Gun Kelly delivers a respectable record, mind you. That said, itโs not โawe-inspiringโ from my perspective.ย ย