MGK’s “Cliche” blends early 2000s pop-punk vibes with angsty lyrics and stadium-sized hooks. But is it just another throwback, or something more?
First Impressions
Machine Gun Kelly returns with “Cliche”, a track that screams early 2000s teen movie soundtrack—think American Pie, Freaky Friday, or John Tucker Must Die. If you’ve ever had Sum 41, Blink-182, or Good Charlotte in your CD player, this one will feel familiar.
It’s nostalgic, it’s loud, and it knows exactly what it is. But the question remains: is that a good thing?
1. The Sound: High School Movie Energy, in All the Right (and Wrong) Ways
✅ What Works:
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Guitar-driven energy – “Cliche” hits with heavy power chords and upbeat drums. It’s tailor-made for scenes of hallway chaos or someone getting dumped at prom.
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Catchy chorus – The hook is simple but effective. It sticks, whether you love it or not.
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Nostalgic production – It perfectly mimics the early 2000s pop-punk sound, with just enough modern polish.
❌ What’s Lacking:
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Predictable structure – Verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, final chorus. No surprises.
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Nothing new sonically – MGK plays it safe with the formula. You’ve heard this exact song structure on his past albums.
🎧 It feels like it belongs in a scene where the underdog skater kid finally gets the girl and wins a fistfight at school. That’s either genius or lazy, depending on how much you love nostalgia.
2. Lyrics: Self-Aware But Repetitive
The title says it all—MGK knows this song is a “Cliche,” and he leans into it hard.
🔥 Notable Lines:
“I’m just a cliche, but I’m okay with that!”
“I wear my heart on my sleeve, then I cut it off.”
✔ The Good:
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Embraces the genre’s core themes: teen angst, heartbreak, self-identity.
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Delivers what fans expect from MGK’s post-rap era.
✖ The Bad:
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Feels like recycled content from Tickets to My Downfall or Mainstream Sellout.
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Lacks the raw vulnerability or storytelling punch of earlier tracks like “Lonely” or “My Ex’s Best Friend.”
3. MGK’s Performance: Confident but Coasting
MGK sounds comfortable here—maybe too comfortable. He delivers with the confidence of someone who knows their fan base, but doesn’t feel like he’s challenging himself.
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Vocal energy: On point.
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Conviction: Unquestionable.
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Originality: Questionable.
If you’re new to his pop-punk era, this could win you over. But longtime listeners may find it a bit too by-the-numbers.
4. The Vibe: Like It Was Made for a 2000s Movie Soundtrack
Let’s talk about the real star of the show: the vibe. “Cliche” sounds like it belongs on the soundtrack of a teen flick where the emo misfit gets the cheerleader, just before the credits roll.
It fits into the same musical universe as:
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“The Anthem” by Good Charlotte
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“Fat Lip” by Sum 41
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“All the Small Things” by Blink-182
It’s not just inspired by that era—it is that era, rebranded.
🎬 MGK’s “Cliche” is pure Y2K-core—mall culture, spiked belts, and angsty eyeliner energy.
Final Rating: 7/10
✅ Pros:
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Captures the early 2000s pop-punk aesthetic perfectly
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Catchy chorus and high replay value
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Great for nostalgic listeners
❌ Cons:
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Lacks originality or lyrical depth
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Feels more like a “soundtrack song” than a standout single
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Might not impress listeners looking for growth
Who Will Love “Cliche”?
🎸 Pop-punk lovers
📼 Millennials looking for nostalgia
🖤 MGK stans who love his punk reinvention
Who Might Skip It?
📚 Listeners craving depth or lyrical complexity
🎧 Fans tired of the same formula
🎤 OG MGK rap fans still wishing for Lace Up 2
Final Thoughts
“Cliche” lives up to its name—in both the best and worst ways. It’s a fun, angsty anthem that doesn’t try to be anything more than it is: a nostalgic nod to a very specific era. If you’re down for a throwback, crank it. If you’re looking for something fresh, keep it moving.