Tabitha Wilson
American musician Post Malone has recently released his fifth studio album, Austin.
The record, titled after the rapper’s real first name, is his first without any guest appearances. Described as a synth-pop album, the troubled artist takes a more vulnerable approach to song-writing and focuses on his struggle with addiction. The project has a notably different sound from his previous work but is perhaps one of his strongest albums to date.
“I don’t understand why you like me so much / Cause I don’t like myself”
The opening track, Don’t Understand, features a melancholic guitar melody and frank, simple, yet effective lyricism: “I don’t understand why you like me so much / Cause I don’t like myself”. It’s a visceral, harrowing number, and definitely not what fans are used to.
The following number, Something Real, is a jarring shift in tone, but not an unwelcome one. A glorious choral opening leads into a cinematic, almost chaotic soundscape. The juddery, powerful bass, mixed with self-assured lyricism, makes this one of the standout tracks of the album.
STRUGGLE WITH ADDICTION
“Don’t wanna sober up”
Next up is Chemical, the lead single. A fast-paced, complex guitar melody helps to lift this song, which is itself quite wistful. A pensive feeling is also provoked by Mourning. This transgressive track is raw and deals with the singer’s struggle with alcoholism: “Don’t wanna sober up”.
Socialite further delves into the artist’s addiction battle. The track incorporates introspective lyricism with a gentle piano melody and strikingly beautiful vocals. Then there is Enough Is Enough, which again references his struggle, with an explosion of emotion in the chorus.
Too Cool To Die, Speedometer, and Buyers Beware feature glossy, synth-inspired beats, with the latter lacing a dolorous guitar melody with religious musings: “I don’t know where the fuck my Bible went / But I’m sure they’ll forgive me”.
VARIATION ACROSS THE ALBUM
“Please don’t leave / Cause you’re holding onto something special to me”
Another track that showcases Post Malone’s vulnerability, although perhaps for different reasons, is the soft, languorous Hold My Breath. The rapper sings “Please don’t leave / Cause you’re holding onto something special to me”, which could be interpreted as a reference to his fiancée and daughter. Post Malone has chosen to keep both his future wife and child out of the public eye, only revealing the existence of his baby on the Howard Stern Show in June 2022.
The upbeat Novacandy features a groovy, sustained beat, as does Sign Me Up, which takes inspiration from the 80s. The thumping beat of Texas Tea creates an atmospheric soundscape, and this tune, much like Overdrive, feels most like the artist’s earlier work.
While Landmine is a poignant piece which expertly layers a sublime choral arrangement, the delicate, stripped-back Green Thumb sees the songwriter at his most vulnerable. The closing number, Laugh It Off, combines a powerful guitar melody with a heavy drum beat. Post Malone certainly showcases an impassioned display of emotion entwined with impressive musical talent.
Despite being 17 tracks long, the album almost feels somewhat unfinished – as if the artist still has more to say. Yet this new style feels like the most authentic version of Post Malone, and it won’t be surprising if his next album goes down a similar path stylistically.
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Tabitha Wilson
Tabitha is an MA Journalism student at Sheffield University. She has previously worked as a maritime journalist, and studied politics at Durham University. She enjoys writing about music, culture, and travel.