Last month, Ohio rapper Machine Gun Kelly released his fifth studio album. Titled, Tickets To My Downfall, this album has a very different sound than what his fanbase is used to. MGK teamed up with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker to create a pop punk album. This album earned Kelly his first Billboard 200 #1 album. As a long time fan of MGK, I was interested in his new sound.

This album really showed a different side of Machine Gun Kelly.

Kelly’s usual rap lyrics touch on his party boy mentality and his substance use (and abuse). While Tickets To My Downfall still had some of these braggadocious lyrics, we were able to scratch more than just the surface. You get a small look at Colson Baker, the real man behind the Machine Gun Kelly persona. Here in which he discusses his lovelife as well as the loss of loved ones.

The 15 track album contains features from Pop-Alternative artist and ex-girlfriend Halsey and Travis Barker. Staying true to his hip-hop roots, Kelly also collaborated with Trippie Redd, blackbear, and Iann Dior.

The album also contains two conversational interludes that feature his girlfriend Megan Fox and best friend, comedian Pete Davidson.

Here is a track by track breakdown to know what you should add to your playlists, what is just ok, and what to skip:

“Title Track”: skip – As the opener of the album I honestly expected a little more. It sounded like a conglomeration of different songs that were put together for timesack.

“Kiss Kiss”: playlist worthy – This song gives me nostalgia, it feels like a cool 2000’s pop punk hit. It is super catchy and upbeat.

“Drunk Face”: just ok – The song isn’t bad but it doesn’t stand out.

“Bloody Valentine”: playlist worthy – As the first single off of the album it doesn’t disappoint. The song gained attention due to the video with Kelly and his now girlfriend Megan Fox. Travis Barker gives his signature, stellar drum performance.

“Forget Me Too (feat Halsey)”: playlist worthy – I think this song has very high radio potential. It is the perfect balance of rock and pop. A total headbanger and heartbreak anthem.

“All I Know (feat Trippie Redd)”: skip – The pair collabed on Kelly’s previous album and it was really good. This on the other hand, didn’t make the cut.

“Lonely”: playlist worthy -This song was an honest look into Kelly’s life. Here, he discusses the death of his father and aunt, as well as the complications of his birth.

“WWIII”: skip – The song is only 1 minute long and is just loud.

“concert for aliens”: just ok – Again, not a bad song. Definitely a pop punk track, but not memorable.

“My Ex’s Best Friend (w/ blackbear)”: playlist worthy – This song is super fun and catchy. I think this track would also get good radio attention.

“jawbreaker”: just ok – The pre-chorus and chorus are catchy but the verses don’t hold up.

“nothing inside (feat. Iann Dior)”: just ok – The beat is fun but otherwise nothing special.

“Play This When I’m Gone”: skip – The song is for his daughter, which is sweet but just like the first track, I expected the last track to be memorable and this just wasn’t that.

Overall Rating: 7/10