Austin is the album that
Post Malone hinted at for years. As close to being self-titled as possible, this is the most authentic and vulnerable he's sounded to date. Finally embracing the guitar-based, rock side of his personality, it's bound to be polarizing. On one hand, this set is a gift for fans of such pop-polished hits as "Circles" and "Sunflower" (as well as his online rock covers, like the
Nirvana tribute he did in 2020). However, for listeners pining for those "White Iverson" days, this might be a jarring shift: there's no guest features or booming, trap-heavy production to be found (the closest he comes is on the bittersweet "Mourning" and the stomping "Texas Tea"). While
Austin isn't a pure "rock" album or peppy "
Posty-gone-bubblegum" exercise by any means, it's definitely
Post Malone at his most mainstream-accessible and, beyond that, freer than anything he's done previously. Mr.
Post is still sad and struggling with the trappings of fame and alcohol -- conveyed on a couple of
Austin's sparse, dour moments ("Don't Understand" and "Green Thumb") -- but this time around, he's bloodletting with the help of a guitar, some synth-kissed production ("Speedometer"), and the occasional bit of country twang ("Hold My Breath"). Hit single "Chemical" is a breezy, pop punk-leaning surge of energy, while the midtempo "Too Cool to Die" borders on soft rock. The yearning indie pop of "Enough Is Enough" soars to the arena rafters, just as the wry closer, "Laugh It Off," could inspire a stadium full of lighters (or phone flashlights). Album standout "Something Real" is the true star of the show: swelling with the power of a backing choir and towering production on the chorus, the track pushes
Posty's frustration to the point of bursting on tense verses that chart his various struggles. And just as his cries to the heavens break through the clouds, he drops a head-spinning, profane reference to "Fuer Elise" that's paired with a genius vocal run of said song. That's just one of many moments that'll stick in your head long after the album ends. Melodic and heartfelt,
Austin surprises at nearly every turn, whether that's by an unexpected sonic detour or the simple fact that
Post Malone has never sounded this fearless. ~ Neil Z. Yeung
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