Meghan Trainor – Criminals
Released on September 20, 2024, as the lead single from the deluxe edition of her album Timeless, “Criminals” shows Meghan Trainor stepping into a sultrier, more daring pop territory. With playful lyrics and a confident groove, the song portrays forbidden love as a crime worth committing.
Song Overview
“Criminals” is a cheeky pop track layered with catchy hooks and a slow-burning rhythm. Trainor sings about a relationship that feels so good it must be wrong, fully embracing the thrill of crossing moral lines. Lyrics like “Lock me up ’cause I’ve been bad / And I know I’ll do it again” celebrate indulgence and self-awareness, wrapped in an empowering pop package. The production blends sexy guitars, retro-tinged beats, and tight harmonies to deliver both sass and sophistication.
Songwriting and Production
The song was written by Meghan Trainor, Tyler Johnson, and Josh Kear. Production was led by Meghan’s brother Justin Trainor, with additional production by Andrew Wells. Their collaboration results in a finely polished sound that emphasizes Meghan’s expressive vocals while layering instrumental textures that support the theme of guilty pleasure.
Charts
“Criminals” peaked at No. 100 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its impact was stronger on other charts. It reached No. 92 in Canada and climbed to No. 5 on Poland’s Airplay Top 100. In the U.S., it entered the top 10 on both the Adult Pop and Pop Airplay charts. Its inclusion as the opening theme for the Netflix miniseries The Perfect Couple caused a major boost in popularity, increasing its streaming numbers by over 1,700%.
Music Video
Although no official music video has been released, Meghan performed “Criminals” live throughout her 2024 Timeless Tour, including a standout performance at Madison Square Garden. A lyric video and visualizer were made available on her official channels, using bold visuals and moody tones to mirror the song’s themes of danger, desire, and playful rebellion.
“Criminals” marks a confident step forward in Meghan Trainor’s musical evolution. Framing love as a crime, she delivers a playful, powerful track that both seduces and empowers. As part of Timeless, it stands out as a bold anthem of self-acceptance and risk-taking.
Meghan Trainor - Criminals (Live from Madison Square Garden)
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