Malcolm Todd, Chest Pain (I Love) | Midnight Heat

In the 11th edition of Midnight Heat (2025), we tone down the heat to explore the heartbroken vibes behind “Chest Pain (I Love)” by Malcolm Todd.

Ah, bring on Midnight Heat ! Wait – it is not usually hot at midnight! Well, it is steaming hot at midnight when it comes to this naughty, innuendo, and sex-laden column featuring songs intended for nighttime. These risqué, unapologetic records often raise eyebrows and temperature alike. In the 11^th  edition of Midnight Heat (2025), we tone down the heat to explore the heartbroken vibes behind, “Chest Pain (I Love)” by Malcolm Todd.

“My chest is hurting, my feet can’t fall out of bed / I don’t know where to go, so I’ll lay here instead / With my symptoms, symptoms of sorrow and dread.” What in the world is going on with Malcolm Todd?  It’s those pesky matters of the heart, folks. “They all said it would fade but again and again / I love, I love.” In “Chest Pain (I Love)”, he’s in love, yet, the object of his affection is not there with him. Major bummer. This ‘love’ thing is making the ascending alternative/indie artist sick emotionally and physically.  Todd penned “Chest Pain (I Love)” alongside Charlie Ziman and Jonah Cochran.

The chorus marvelously sums up his ailments and feelings.  Beyond the centerpiece is one verse where Todd expresses his longing.  “I’ve been so busy / But now that I’m alone, where did you go?” He asks, adding, “Why can’t you live at home tonight and stay with me /… Please, I wanna see what we would be if you were by my side.” Straightforward lyrics, Todd sings beautifully and honestly and sounds relatable.  Everyone has experienced the plight that is love, so, his heartache comes off as universal.  Beyond the singing, the musical accompaniment is sweet, blending alternative, pop, and a dash of R&B.  The bass line is robust, the guitars add spice, and the keys provide color.  Notably, strings amplify the drama and emotion near the end. Set in compound duple meter, “Chest Pain (I Love)” gets a nice lilting feel.  Ultimately, Todd’s unfortunate experiences with the loss of love are our listening pleasure.

Malcolm Todd // “Chest Pain (I Love)” // Columbia // 2024

Malcolm Todd, Chest Pain (I Love): Midnight Heat No. 11 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia; Francesco Ungaro, Hasan Muneer, Natan, Tazz Vaughn from Pexels; AcatXlo, Aristal Branson, Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay]