"Drama" is described by the band as exactly what was happening at the time, pointing out the "most unimportant problems in life that everyone is obsessed with" such as interest in Katy Perry and Taylor Swift rather than major political issues.

[2] "Drama" is composed in 44 time signature in the key of D major and follows a tempo of 156 beats per minute (bpm).

The band took a hip-hop approach to the song, taking inspiration from Kendrick Lamar while incorporating their own sound.

[3] During AJR's The Click Tour in 2018, they revealed the step-by-step production of the song, showcasing the use of distorted drums and snares, hi-hats, a "kinda dark and moody but also a little bit partyish" bassline, piano, violin, spoons, and a pitched-up vocal sample of Jack Met.

[6] Time additionally complimented "Drama", describing it as "calling attention to some of the more challenging elements of contemporary social life while maintaining unstoppable melodic momentum".