Sweet_but_psycho -

The song received a divisive response from critics and the public:

As of early 2026, the song has surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify and its music video has over 1 billion views on YouTube. Lyrical Meaning & Themes sweet_but_psycho

The song was a massive global hit, reaching number one in . US Billboard Hot 100: Peaked at #10 . UK Singles Chart: Spent four consecutive weeks at #1 . The song received a divisive response from critics

Mental health advocates criticized the track for using terms like "psycho" and "out of her mind," arguing it stigmatizes those with actual mental illnesses. UK Singles Chart: Spent four consecutive weeks at #1

Critics noted homages to films like The Shining and Fatal Attraction . Critical Reception & Controversy

Uses saturated colors and vintage anamorphic lenses to create a "funhouse mirror" effect.

Ava Max explains the song as being about a person who is often misunderstood; "psycho" in this context refers to being passionate and uninhibited rather than a literal mental health diagnosis.