mgk – lost americana (Album Review)

mgk delivers a genre-blending, soul-baring journey on “lost americana.”

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TOP 5

5. vampire diaries

Clever and layered, “vampire diaries” uses metaphors and analogies to compare the life of a vampire to the life of a celebrity. The track is moody and magnetic, drawing you in with its sharp writing and haunting atmosphere. A thought-provoking standout.

4. godd*mn

Stripped-down and acoustic-leaning, “godd*mn” is a breakup and loss song that also reflects on growth, change, and adaptation. It’s about moving forward from someone or something you never thought you’d lose, and learning lessons you wish you’d known sooner. Emotional yet grounded, it lingers long after it ends.

3. miss sunshine

“miss sunshine” takes a psychedelic perspective on life, balancing fun energy with brutally honest observations. It’s entertaining without being overly heavy, touching on love, life’s chaos, and the special people you navigate it with.

2. indigo

One of the album’s most hip-hop-forward tracks, “indigo” brings mgk back to his rapping roots. It’s raw, blunt, and deeply honest, with a vulnerability that cuts through. For anyone questioning his genre shifts, this track is a reminder of why he made his name as a rapper in the first place.

1. cliché

This pop-leaning alt-rock love song might be one of my favorite tracks mgk has ever written. It feels deeply personal — not just another dedication to a loved one, but something specific, raw, and real. It’s modern-day punk romance, pulling at the heartstrings with its “I mess up a lot, I’m a little twisted, but I love you — please be patient with me” sentiment. Honest and vulnerable, it hits in all the right ways.

SONG-BY-SONG BREAKDOWN

1. outlaw overture (3.5/5)

2. cliché (4.5/5)

3. don’t wait run fast (3.5/5)

4. goddamn (4/5)

5. vampire diaries (4/5)

6. miss sunshine (4/5)

7. sweet coraline (3.5/5)

8. Indigo (4/5)

9. starman (4/5)

10. tell me what’s up (4/5)

11. can’t stay here (4/5)

12. treading water (3.5/5)

13. Orpheus (4/5)

RGM RATING

(78%)

Machine Gun Kelly’s newest album, Lost Americana (released August 8), is a bold, genre-spanning project that defies easy classification. Across its tracklist, Kells masterfully blends moody rock ballads, shimmering alt-pop, and his signature hip-hop influences into a seamless, cohesive body of work. While the sonics constantly shift, the emotional core remains steady — exploring themes of growth, love, heartbreak, and life’s inevitable ups and downs.

From the very first track, mgk sets an intimate tone, inviting listeners into his world without filters or pretenses. His willingness to lay bare his thoughts and emotions creates a unique connection, one that feels more like a conversation with a close friend than a performance. The lyrics carry a weight of experience, touching on both painful truths and hopeful reflections.

Throughout the album, mgk manages to balance commercial appeal with genuine artistry. Many songs have radio-ready hooks and polished production, yet they never sacrifice depth or authenticity. It’s a rare mix that allows lost americana to thrive as both an accessible listen and a deeply personal statement. The genre-blending isn’t just for show — it’s the sound of an artist comfortable in his own skin, unafraid to color outside the lines.

Ultimately, lost americana is more than just an album; it’s a musical diary chronicling where mgk has been, where he is now, and where he’s headed. It’s a record that invites repeated listens, each time revealing new layers and emotional nuances. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this is Machine Gun Kelly at his most vulnerable, versatile, and compelling.

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