Post Malone releases his long-awaited fourth album, Twelve Carat Toothache, a collection of his most personal trial and tribulations.
Album Overview
Even with the rapper’s deluxe edition, which includes “Waiting For Never” and “Hateful,” Malone’s album is a big question mark. The beautiful smoky production (heard on “Reputation”) becomes something watered down and predictable. In addition, his reprise moments are few and are in between to sound fully realized, leaving “Lemon Tree” to be a bit more sour than intended. Pitchfork said it best, “The songs on Twelve Carat Toothache swerve between pain and joy, and while Malone has always fit lament into his albums, these new sad songs don’t feel tortured, labored, or ungracious.” However, the unwavering husky production leaves no versatility for other emotions.
On the Ariana-esque “I Like You (A Happier Song)” with Doja Cat, the flirty beat works well for Malone in the first half, but the dubstep nearly kills Doja’s verse in the second. The production grows a bit stale and, in this case, caused Doja’s part to drag down the song. For thematic purposes, being a back-and-forth song, there’s a reason she was a feature, but maybe it wasn’t beneficial overall.
Of course, the genre-bending superstar Post Malone releases radio hits like “One Right Now“ (with The Weeknd) and “Rockstar,” but this record takes a hard pivot towards a more evolved artist. Who is he? That is still unclear. Compared to past albums like beerbongs & bentelys and Hollywood’s Bleeding, Twelve Carat Toothache tries for a thematic and cohesive storyline, but the signature Post Malone production and hazy sound hold it back.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the star-studded roaster on Twelve Carat Toothache. Here are some standout moments from Posty’s newest venture.
Twelve Carat Toothache (Deluxe) Favorites
Reputation
The introductory track is probably the only time we get the full picture of Twelve Carat Toothache from Malone. With a slow piano start, it is blatant, bold, and full of care. The layers surrounding the rapper’s vocals transform him into a ghost haunted by his past. He processes all confusing emotions of forgiveness and accountability and starts his path towards reputation redemption. Towards the end, more production comes like a wolf howling and darker drums, setting a promising sound that’s never heard again.
Cooped Up (with Roddy Ricch)
Malone’s distinct fun charisma is infectious, especially on this track with good friend Roddy Ricch. Part of the allure is the easy lyrical flow. With Apple Music, the rapper says, “We knew what we wanted to say, and we knew what we wanted to express. Not only in the song but in that particular moment, on the album.” While quintessential Malone production is there, like the hazy production and kick drum and clap, there are elemental breaks where he explores a bit more light, tempo shifts, and has fun with lyrics. If the essence of “Cooped Up” was made into an entire album, it would be an indominable experience
Love/Hate Letter To Alcohol (with Fleet Foxes)
This song burns a hole through everything we thought Post Malone could produce. It is both chaotic and melodic, where he details his struggles with alcohol and how he drowns his sorrows in it. This track is a clear fan favorite, complete with beautiful harmonies, echoes, vigor, and menacing instrumentals.
Waiting For Never
Thematically, this song is reminiscent of Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie.” Atmospheric production efforts help capture this feeling, but the track is a straight blaze. Malone takes the reigns of his relationship and feelings as he faces the realization that him waiting for change will solve nothing. He will be “Waiting For Never.” His straightforward approach to lyricism, which reflects the aggressive production, makes the track cathartic, addictive, and sellable.
Hateful
With each chorus, Post Malone reaches a new scream, a buildup of anger; it is completely captivating. The song details how his partner criticizes his actions, but they are equally just as bad. However, that is never acknowledged. This message becomes clear as the electric guitars rev in the background and emphasize every word throughout the bridge. Although the production wells, it disappears before delivering the final blow. Post Malone said it best, “Love is f*ckin’ hateful, hateful.”
