Sonic Brilliance: A Review of Post Malone’s Latest Album “Austin”

Album Review: Post Malone props up ‘Austin‘ with shining singles, some filler

By Matthew Simons

July 28, 2023

Post Malone, the tattooed rapper and singer, has solidified his place as one of the most important names in contemporary pop. With his unique blend of melodic rap, catchy pop hooks, and vibrato-laden vocals, he has shattered records and garnered worldwide acclaim. His latest album, “Austin,” named after his birth name, Austin Post, offers a personal and confessional look into his life. However, while the album showcases some shining singles, it ultimately falls short of its potential.

A missed opportunity for sonic brilliance

With 14 Top 40 hits under his belt, Post Malone is undeniably talented in crafting radio-friendly songs. However, “Austin” lacks the consistency and cohesion that would have propelled it to triple-platinum status. The album consists of 18 songs, many of which feel like musical filler. While there are standout tracks with catchy choruses that will undoubtedly resonate with fans, they are too few and far between.

Despite its shortcomings, “Austin” offers a refreshing departure from Post Malone’s previous work. At its core, the album can be best described as alt-rock, showcasing the artist’s unabashed love for rock music. The opening track, “Don’t Understand,” sets the tone with its slow and somber acoustic guitar, accompanied by Post Malone’s natural and emotive vocals. The transition to the more-produced “Something Real” lacks the same impact but remains a solid addition to the album.

Among the standout singles, “Chemical” stands out as a fast-paced and danceable track with singalong verses and chorus. “Mourning” follows a similar vein but delves into more melancholic and troubled themes. The heartbreaking refrain of “I’d do anything to be cool to you” in “Overdrive” adds a layer of emotional depth.

One of the album’s highlights is the stripped-down track “Green Thumb,” where Post Malone’s vocals and guitar take center stage. The result is a haunting and emotional piece that showcases the artist’s raw talent.

An album burdened by filler songs

Despite the strengths of these singles, the rest of “Austin” suffers from a lack of standout moments. Approximately 10 songs fail to make a lasting impression or simply pad the album’s runtime without adding to its sonic context. Many of these tracks blend together, bogging down the middle portion of the album. Songs like “Novacandy,” “Too Cool to Die,” “Sign Me Up,” and “Socialite” fall victim to this pitfall.

The cumulative effect of these filler songs culminates in “Speedometer,” which opens with an almost David Byrne-like rock drumbeat and high-pitched synth melody. However, the lyrics feel out of place and lack the impact expected from a soft rock song. Lines like “I just bought a new Lamborghini / That S.O.B. cost two-twenty-five” may work in a larger-than-life hip-hop track but feel awkward in this context.

A verdict for listeners

While “Austin” showcases Post Malone’s genre-blending abilities and a promising venture into alt-rock, it falls short of delivering a cohesive and exceptional album. The reliance on standout singles and filler songs creates an unbalanced listening experience. However, for listeners who have struggled to connect with Post Malone’s previous work, “Austin” offers a fresh and different sound that may help bridge the gap.

A recommended approach to experiencing the album is to curate a playlist of the standout tracks, such as “Chemical,” “Mourning,” “Overdrive,” and “Green Thumb.” These songs exemplify the sonic brilliance that Post Malone is capable of.

Overall, “Austin” highlights Post Malone’s talent as a songwriter and vocalist but ultimately lacks the consistency and cohesiveness needed to make it a stellar album. As the artist continues to evolve and experiment with his musical style, it will be interesting to see how he navigates the delicate balance between innovation and maintaining a strong artistic identity.