For everyone that’s ever watched their ex start talking to another girl and experienced complicated feelings about it, Mckenna Grace has written the perfect anthem for you: “Ugly and Rotten.”
Along with being a musician, the 19-year-old Grace is a hugely successful worldwide actress who started the craft at a young age. With many projects under her belt, she gave herself to writing music during the pandemic. In 2021, she released her first single, “Haunted House,” as featured in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which Grace also starred in. Since then, she’s garnered a large following for her music as well as her acting prowess.
“Ugly and Rotten,” in terms of breakup and end-of-relationship songs, is extremely fun. Grace writes about the freeing feelings of seeing how this relationship is changing her ex in what seems like for the worst. She comments on how his new girlfriend is running the scene, not him.
The chorus carries the storyline of the song:
“She’s got your throat under her foot / Hunting for prey / I’d call you miserable, but you’re not worth the phrase / It’s kinda funny, now you’re everything you hate.”
The instrumental component is especially thrilling, with its heavy electric guitar and a strong drum beat that cushions Grace’s rockstar vocals perfectly. “Ugly and Rotten” is reminiscent of the 2000s punk-rock scene, a la Avril Lavigne.
A music video was released along with the song, starting with Grace sitting in her car calling her friend and complaining about her ex’s new relationship. She talks about how he’s changed since getting with a new girl while she stalks him in his house with binoculars, eventually breaking in and looking at all of his new girl’s things. The video adds an extra layer of excitement to the song, showing off Grace’s true feelings about the situation while having a blast and a messy time with it.
Mckenna Grace has the perfect grasp on how to make a fresh, shiny sound that keeps listeners wanting more.
Listen to “Ugly and Rotten” and check out her music below.
Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube
