MAX, Missed Calls | Track Review 🎵

New York pop standout MAX enlists fellow pop artist Hayley Kiyoko for the short but sweet “Missed Calls.”

Everybody needs some MAX in their life.  If you don’t have any, consider “Missed Calls” to be an opportunity to integrate this necessity.  The New York pop singer/songwriter has an absolutely terrific voice, which he only showcases once again on the single at hand.  Does he give his most dynamic, wow-inciting performance? No, but “Missed Calls” certainly gives you a sample of the versality he serves up.  But this isn’t all about Max Schneider.  He’s assisted by the ‘Lesbian Jesus’ herself, Hayley Kiyoko.

“Missed Calls” keeps things short, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s not sweet, at least to some extent.  Beyond MAX’s pipes, the production by Johnny Simpson is pretty sweet, particularly the swagger when that beat kicks in – wow.  To be fair, the keyboards and synths are pretty rad too.  At the beginning, the chorus sets up what “Missed Calls” is all about – missing the opportunity for a special, committed relationship.  This continues on the brief first verse, where MAX is regretful and desires to reconnect because he misses her.  As for Hayley Kiyoko, who also sings beautifully, she provides the female perspective, which both looks to the future while reminiscing on the past.  What I like most about Kiyoko’s verse is how it’s tailormade to who she is:

“Is it funny? Are you jealous?
That one day, I’ll make a girl feel as angelic
She’ll like all the music that I play
I miss the way you wanted me to change.”

Singing collaboratively the rest of the song, the bridge is particularly notable as both struggle with moving on.

“I know I played so hard to get, babe
It won’t be easy to forget
All the things that made us such a mess
And all the things that made this shit the best.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, there’s plenty to like about “Missed Calls.” It can be summed up as great vocals, great production work, and a relatable theme.  Where “Missed Calls” could’ve improved is more development as far as songwriting and even more impactful vocal performances.  Still, this short record is pretty sweet if you ask me.

MAX • “Missed Calls” (Ft. Hayley Kiyoko) • Colour Vision / Sony • Release: 5.1.20

Photo Credits: Colour Vision / Sony