Multi-platinum recording artist Machine Gun Kelly is back with a fresh, genre-bending new record titled lost americana. Over 13 moving tracks, MGK seeks to go on a personal
excavation of what he considers the American dream – all wrapped up in his signature alt-pop sound. The album also employs the help of his longtime friends and collaborators, including Travis Barker, Rook, SlimXX, BazeXX and more – one of many factors that makes lost americana one of his most defining yet.
MGK is undoubtedly on a path towards creative freedom as he tells his story on his own terms, exploring reinvention, success and struggles as he does so. And what better way to introduce an album titled lost americana than with the icon Bob Dylan, who famously reshaped American music, narrating the album trailer? Opening track ‘outlaw overture’ is an obvious hit, leaning on themes of addiction and rediscovering yourself. Listeners get a glimpse into how MGK views music early on in the lyric “all the pages are blank till my life goes to sh*t / I know I
do that on purpose just to write again.” It’s powerful and resonant in its suggestion that self-destruction can be a driving artistic force.
‘cliche’ is just that, but that’s why it works. It feels like it’s inspired heavily by boy band music and the lyrics that come out of those, but in the same vein, the song comes across like a sarcastic critique of that type of songwriting, where you’re kinda just rolling your eyes a bit. One of MGK’s aims with this album was to pay homage to different eras of American music – and in this instance, he’s clearly nailed the brief. Thematically, the song explores the desire for a stable love, while dealing with personal insecurities and the reality that life can be messy.
‘don’t wait, run fast’ is one of the album’s strongest. It’s already been announced as the song for the 2025 ESPN college football season, and it’s no wonder. A fast-paced, high-voltage single, it’s bound to get people on their feet while listening. ‘goddamn’ is more contemplative as MGK reflects on a relationship where he was partially at fault for its breakdown, and how he wishes it hadn’t ‘slipped through his fingers.’
‘vampire diaries’ was another one of the album’s preceding singles, and is another standout on an album with a good few of them. Inspired by the pop punk era that was raging in the early 2000s, it’s got aggressively catchy lyrics and irresistible energy. Considering it was produced by Travis Barker, it’s unsurprising that this song packs such a punch. With this shift back to another iconic genre, MGK proves that he is capable of success in every genre.
The vibe then switches up abruptly with the carefree ‘miss sunshine.’ It might just be the road trip anthem people have been looking for. Blending southern rocker-style twangs and a glossy finish, ‘miss sunshine’ offers a revitalising sense of freedom on an album that at times features very heavy themes. It’s followed by ‘sweet coraline,’ a track that chronicles the story of a disgruntled run-in with a rude fan. The song title is also a play on the famous Neil Diamond song, another reference to an iconic American music moment.
‘indigo’ and ‘starman’ are also both great listens – ‘starman’ in particular samples Third Eye Blind’s ‘Semi-Charmed Life.’ The references to fantasy (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter) during ‘indigo’ and the bridging between the past and present in the latter track add a sense of timelessness to each. Contrastingly, ‘tell me what’s up’ tackles big themes like drugs and the struggle to fit in, and these are complemented by (for the majority), toned-down instrumentals. ‘tell me what’s up’ also features the lyric “they told me pick a genre, I picked ’em all”, an obvious ode to how MGK views his art and its lack of definable boundaries.
‘can’t stay here’ is the beginning of the real emotional arc in the album’s second half. Part of what draws listeners to MGK is his dedication to telling the full narrative, no matter how messy or painful – and these last few songs definitely do that. ‘can’t stay here’ is dramatic and at some points haunting.
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lost americana‘s closing tracks are definitely where the more hard-hitting songs are located. MGK offers rare insight
into his relationship breakdown with Megan Fox on ‘treading water’, and addresses his prediction that he would
eventually “die alone.” Singing “this is the last time you hear me say sorry / that’ll be the last tear you waste on this
home,” it’s hard not to feel both sympathetic and concerned while listening, especially as the song also refers to a
stint that MGK spent in rehabilitation. ‘treading water’ is followed by ‘orpheus,’ a song that Fox actually has
writing credits on. With gentle piano and a whispering string ballad, it’s an allusion to the famous Greek love myth.
A love that spans the bridges of time, challenges and dimensions, it seems to be a reference to the tumultuous
relationship that the pair shared off-and-on from 2020 – one that featured extensively in the tabloids.
By the time one has listened to the entirety of lost americana, it’s clear that this is an evolution for MGK. He’s an
artist who continues to push the limits, and will likely continue to do so. But his fans – old and new – love that.
MGK is redefining what it means to be an artist today, and with lost americana he’s proving he won’t ever be boxed in.
