What makes Lace Up by Machine Gun Kelly notable?

Lace Up debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA, marking a significant commercial breakthrough for Machine Gun Kelly. The album's blend of hip-hop and rock not only established him as a versatile artist but also helped pave the way for a resurgence of rap-rock in popular music. Released on October 9, 2012, Lace Up was Machine Gun Kelly's debut studio album, arriving after his viral success with the single 'Wild Boy.' At this point, he had already gained a reputation for his energetic live performances and a strong online presence, setting the stage for his crossover into mainstream music.

Lace Up works well if you're into cathartic release of frustration, dynamic journey with peaks and youthful rebellion and energy.

How many songs are on Lace Up?

Lace Up has 16 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Released 14 years ago this October

Lace Up

Machine Gun Kelly · 2012

59 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock

A raw fusion of alternative rock and rap, driven by confessional lyrics and anthemic hooks that capture youthful rebellion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wild Boy — This track features a hard-hitting beat and catchy chorus, effectively showcasing MGK's dynamic flow and ability to blend genres. Its success as a single helped propel the album into mainstream recognition.
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Invincible — An empowering anthem, Invincible captures the spirit of resilience and determination with its anthemic chorus and motivational verses, resonating with listeners seeking empowerment.
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Save Me — The introspective nature of Save Me reveals MGK's vulnerability and personal struggles, offering a stark contrast to the more energetic tracks and highlighting his lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines rap and rock effectively, showcasing energetic performances but lacks depth in some areas.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, introspective track that sets a confessional tone before transitioning into high-energy anthems.
The last three tracks shift towards more reflective themes, slowing down the pace and providing a sense of closure.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

cathartic release of frustration
dynamic journey with peaks
youthful rebellion and energy
anxiety-driven urgency in lyrics

Maybe skip if you

prefer calm, soothing sounds
seek straightforward, consistent tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked Machine Gun Kelly's commercial breakthrough and wider recognition.
Career context: Released on October 9, 2012, Lace Up was Machine Gun Kelly's debut studio album, arriving after his viral success with the single 'Wild Boy.' At this point, he had already gained a reputation for his energetic live performances and a strong online presence, setting the stage for his crossover into mainstream music.
Stylistic neighbors: Lil Peep· Travis Barker· Post Malone

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

See My Tears

The narrative shifts from external observations to deep personal reflection, revealing intimate struggles and emotional pain.

This transition emphasizes MGK's complex character and invites listeners to engage with his vulnerabilities in a way that contrasts with the bravado displayed elsewhere on the album.