Title: Puppet Master
Length: 3:20
Label: Ruff Round Records
Genre(s): Synth-Pop, Euro Pop
Written By: Malik Jarvez
Produced By: Mr DJ Hurricane
Taken From: Falling Into Place
"Puppet Master" is the fourth single by Puerto-Rican American singer-songwriter Malik Jarvez and serves as the fourth track released from his debut studio album "Falling Into Place" which was released last month and spent two weeks at the top of the album chart. "Puppet Master" also marks the first single from the 26 year-old to be released after the albums release with his three previous single being released prior to the albums release. "Puppet Master" is a Synth-Pop blended with a euro pop track, giving the track a very European vibe which will go over well with his fans in those territories. The track was once again solely written by Malik himself with production handled by his label boss Mr DJ Hurricane, which can only mean that this was one of the last tracks produced or finished for the album. The track has a total runtime of three minutes and twenty seconds. Lyrically the track has similar theme to his #1 hit “Ex In My Bed” as it has the running theme of being unfaithful to his significant other and feeding them lies just to stay in there good books while playing dirty behind their back. Not only does the track follow “Ex In My Bed” lyrically but musically the track also follows a similar pattern and sound, with the up-tempo beat the way in which Malik delivers the vocals for the track also follow a similar pattern however “Puppet Master” showcases Malik utilising his falsetto vocal range which shows his range a diversity given Malik typically sings with a raspy deep tone.
Critical reception for "Puppet Master" has been generally positive with Mary Jenkins of 4music writing. "For me this was one of the standouts from his debut album and it actually has become one of my personal most played tracks within my Spotify since the albums release so I am glad that it is getting single treatment because it definitely deserves it". Mason Temple of NME gave the song a rating of 6/10 writing "Don't get me wrong its a bop for sure but for me it is too similar in sound and lyrical content to his smash hit "Ex In My Bed" but I can see the song doing well with his fans for sure I just feel like he could of dropped a different track as a single following the albums release." Jessie McVey for Idolitor wrote in her review. "This song is another bop from this young hotshot, It is super catchy and relatable to both men and women because let's face it 99% of us have been unfaithful to a significant other in our lives at least once so the song is for sure relatable." Mark Ventz of Digital Spy wrote in his review. "This is such an effortless track, its lyrics are naughty and portray the 26 year-old as unfaithful it makes the listener beg the question is his relationship as solid as it is portrayed in the media. Or is this song really playing on the real life reality of his relationship and we don't know it, but for sure a standout of the album, solid track for sure." James Connors of Rolling Stone wrote. "Bop personified if this song wasn't going to be released as a single it would've been a crime, such a strong tune I can sense another number one coming Malik's way with this one."
Malik wrote: so here it is single number four “Puppet Master” now again wasn’t the easiest track to write given the fact I’m a very loyal person but just like with “Ex In My Bed” I had to put myself in the shoes of someone else, I had to come at this track with the mentality of someone who was unfaithful so I had to channel that person and this track came about, I feel like again this is relatable to men and women but for different reasons obviously, for men it’s relatable because well there are men out there that embody the lyrics of this one, and ladies can relate because well some women seem to just attract these kinda guys that just mess them around, this was chosen as the fourth single purely because it seems to be quite the fan favourite from the many comments and the such that I have seen on social media so it was a no brainer for me to release this one as a single...I cannot wait to see my fans enjoy this track even more now that it is getting single treatment so enjoy guys!
LyricsTold you lies to save my skin
Kept you sweet with my honeyed words
I don’t blame you if you walk away
Played you like a fool
Used you because I’m afraid of lonely
Played with your heart like a fiddle
I have a hold over you like a ghost in the night
I’m only going to break your heart
Break you heart, smash it into pieces
But for some reason I love it, love it
Love seeing you cry
Call me an asshole, make you my slave
But I love playing you like the puppet master
I am the puppet master of your heart
Told you this and that to not raise attention
Can’t help myself
I get a kick out of playing the game
Keep you sweet and close
So I don’t have to mark my grave and lay in it
Playing the field of love
While you stick by my side
Unaware of the games I play
I’m only going to break your heart
Break you heart, smash it into pieces
But for some reason I love it, love it
Love seeing you cry
Call me an asshole, make you my slave
But I love playing you like the puppet master
I am the puppet master of your heart
Puppet master
Puppet master
I am the puppet master
Puppet master
Puppet master
Call me the puppet master
Told you what you wanna hear
Just so I can keep it wet
Making you look foolish for my own gain
Call me a control freak
Controlling you like a boss at your job
Your friends can see the truth
But I am in your head and have the power over you
Like a vampire in the dead of night
I’m only going to break your heart
Break you heart, smash it into pieces
But for some reason I love it, love it
Love seeing you cry
Call me an asshole, make you my slave
But I love playing you like the puppet master
I am the puppet master of your heart
Puppet master
Puppet master
I am the puppet master
Puppet master
Puppet master
Call me the puppet master
Call me an asshole, make you my slave
But I love playing you like the puppet master
I am the puppet master of your heart
Puppet master
Puppet master
I am the puppet master
Puppet master
Puppet master
Call me the puppet master
SOUNDS LIKE:
