Post Malone’s latest album is “beautiful, timeless and thoughtful” says Kevin Bourne in his Austin album review.
Singer, songwriter and genre bending hitmaker, Post Malone, is back with his self-titled fifth studio album, Austin―a follow up to his 2022 release Twelve Carat Toothache.
Where his last two projects featured big names in hip-hop like Roddy Ricch, Gunna, DaBaby, Lil Baby, Future, Meek Mill, Travis Scott and Young Thug, his new project has no features marking a complete departure from hip-hop (at least for now) as he goes back his roots in alternative music. In recent years ,some have questioned whether artists like Post Malone should be considered hip-hop or not. Well, the debate has been put to rest.
The album features acoustic guitars from beginning to end that allow Malone’s vocals and songwriting to come to the forefront. Where popular music and hip-hop can sometimes be overly produced, the stripped down sound of Austin is refreshing, especially if you lived through the 90’s alternative rock era dominated by acts like Nirvana and Oasis.
Malone’s departure from mainstream hip-hop shouldn’t come as a surprise. He’s been vocal about his love for alternative rock music and even livestreamed a stellar Nirvana tribute three years ago that turned heads. He might even be a better rock artist than a hip-hop or pop artist. To borrow from Dead Prez, Post Malone is bigger than hip-hop. He’s a rockstar and he shows that on this album with its beautiful melodies, songwriting and acoustic guitar.
Among the standout songs on the album are “Green Thumb” with its beautiful melodies, vocals and writing, the seemingly Oasis inspired “Laugh It Off”, and “Something Real” where he gives fans deeper content with meaning.
Austin shows growth and confidence on Malone’s part as he puts the mainstream sound and formulas behind him and gives his fans a real piece of his heart. This album beautiful, timeless, and thoughtful and shows why he is one of the most talented artists today.
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