A common theme we see in a musician’s discography is a self-titled album to introduce oneself and share personal stories with the world. Austin Post, or Post Malone, doesn’t hold back when writing about his own demons, vices and relationship in his latest album, Austin.
Post Malone Takes A Different Approach With ‘Austin’
On Friday, July 28, Post Malone, dropped his highly-anticipated fifth LP, Austin. With eight diamond-certified songs under his belt, there’s no doubt Post knows the formula for a smash hit. He came out swinging with an unmistakable vocal quaver and mellow hip-hop bangers filled with earworms. Melodic rap was his forte, but he also delved into country, R&B, alternative pop and rock.
But for his fifth studio album, he takes a different approach. The project is a sucker for guitar and and he dives head first into pop. With production by Austin himself, the guitar plays a significant part in each track. Austin strips down the hitmaker, leaving a vulnerable side for the world to hear.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health
To begin with, the album opener “Don’t Understand” sets the tone with an acoustic guitar riff and Posty’s signature quivering vocals. “I don’t understand why you like me so much / Wish I was someone else / You say you got a million reasons / But I can’t think of one.” His self-loathing is prominent on the track as well as throughout the album.
In a beautiful place with everything his money can buy, stardom does not grant him the one thing Post is craving: peace. The choir-assisted “Something Real” captures the singer’s dark reality of alcohol abuse, loneliness and anxiety. He drinks whiskey to fall asleep and lights a cigarette just to take the edge off. Austin’s wealth and status means nothing because he is left numb and unsatisfied.
Overall, alcohol abuse is a common theme throughout the project like the singer-songwriter’s previous works. In “Novacandy” Post sings about the short lived high from drugs and alcohol that take away his pain momentarily. He is constantly searching for more, downing his problems with another brewski. “No, I never felt anything better than this / I would give up my tongue for a taste / Even though I know it’s catch-and-release / Dopamine overdose.” His lyrics about self-destructive behavior hide behind the colorful pop instrumental. “Novacandy” and many other tracks on Austin have the key elements for a Top 40 pop radio hit that will quickly be overplayed.
Racing For Love
Besides his unhealthy habits, Austin describes falling face down on the pavement in love with someone. “If you think I have a soul to save / I might have a little faith / Take that shit for a ride / You sold me / If your love is a cult, then I’m in it (Sign me up),” he sings in “Sign Me Up”. Malone continues this idea on “Speedometer” where he gets pulled over for speeding in his Lamborghini to see his partner and have sex. Riding off the adrenaline, he suggests they, “make a baby tonight.”
The closing track “Laugh It Off” begins with acoustic guitar strumming just like the opener. In the somber lyrics, Post is coping with his relationship issues and poor habits by “laughing it off.” He does this rather than wallow in self hatred. Seemingly, his vices have consumed his relationship and he is not ready to give them up. “Took my cigarettes and flushed ‘em down the drain / OK, OK, I’m lying,” he sings in “Laugh It Off.” Hopefully the next project sees Post overcome his addictions and find inner peace. But, easier said than done.
