POST MALONE - ‘OVERDRIVE’

Writer’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Post Malone's story of success is such a weird one: from making goofy music videos on YouTube, to one of the most successful pop/rap artists of the modern age. Yet, never going stale or boxing himself in, constantly finding new ways to keep his music and sound fresh.

His 5th studio album 'Austin' promises to be a more introspective look at the man behind Post Malone, with him playing guitar on every track according to interviews. Inspired by recent changes in his life, including becoming sober and introducing a child into the world. New single 'Overdrive' shows this off more than the previous two singles. Gone are the blaring trap hi hats and aggressive auto tuned vocals. Replaced with a more folk sound, with muted guitars and Post's natural vibrato shining through.

Topically it's not really something new for Post to cover, similar tracks like 'Rich and Sad' cover the idea of throwing away the fame and money just to be with the one he really loves. Here it could be interpreted in many different ways, first to his fiance, second to his newborn child, or lastly, to his fans - or perhaps all three. This new sound suits Post well, he's always been a better vocalist than his peers and it's great to hear him using it's strengths, rather than covering it in effects.

If the singles are anything to go by, 'Austin' could be Post Malone's best album since 2018's 'Beerbongs and Bentleys'. 'Overdrive' is stellar, while 'Mourning' and 'Chemical' are both massive highlights as well. Fresh off the back of a UK tour I hope it's not long till he's back as it'd be a pleasure to hear the new tracks live.