Machine Gun Kelly - “Mainstream Sellout” Album Review

posted April 1, 2022 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by Savannah Swartz

Machine Gun Kelly released his newest album “Mainstream Sellout”. This album consists of fifteen songs and an interlude, making the album about 40 minutes long.

Originally, the album was going to go by a different name of “born with horns” which is the first song on the album. However, after already getting a tattoo of the album name, MGK decided to change the name to “Mainstream Sellout”.

The main genre of this album is pop-punk, and features artists: Willow, Blackbear, Bring Me The Horizon, Lil Wayne, iann dior, Gunna, and Young Thug & Landon Barker.

The album is similar to MGK's previous work; however, his new music reflects changes that have occurred in his life since his last album.

Many of the songs sound very similar to each other, but all with their own special touches. There are many songs that begin by clicking in on the drums and then go very heavy band wise. While other songs are lighter on the drums and rely more on the bass to keep time.

Along with that, another way that the singer differentiates his music is by changing the way he sings. Some of the songs are more rap and others are more traditional singing. Even on songs when he is singing, he differentiates his songs by the way he delivers the lyrics.

MGK started out releasing rap music at the beginning of his career, however made the genre switch on his last album “Tickets to my downfall”. This new release is his second album in the pop-punk genre.

Fans of the artist have been waiting for new music since September of 2020 and are more than excited for this new music. Fans of the genre probably have very few complaints, while listeners who are not used to the genre will find the songs a bit repetitive.

Even though the melodies and messages are somewhat repetitive there are specific parts of every song that keep the listeners engaged. Whether it’s a fun beat or a relatable lyric each song has something slightly different to bring to the table.

One of the new topics the artist sings about is the passing of his father, which occurred after his last album dropped in 2020. None of the songs are strictly about this tragedy in the artist’s life, however multiple songs include a line or more about it.

MGK including this personal tidbit in some of the songs makes them much more personal and real. It adds a level of sadness to these mainly upbeat punk songs.

The variety of featured artists add a different taste as well. Many of the artists are featured just in one verse and supply the song with a rap. Obviously, MGK has experience rapping and could create his own raps, which he does in some songs, but having others add a verse makes the songs more individualized.

Not only does the album feature musical guests, but also features comedian Pete Davidson in an interlude called “Wall of Fame”.

Rating: 8/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Songs: “mainstream sellout,” “fake love don’t last (feat. Iann dior),” and “sid & nancy”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Songs: “Twin flame” and “WW4”

Savannah Swartz is a first-year communications major. To contact her, email sms9072@psu.edu.