Back in 2019, when days were brighter and lighter, Post Malone ascended on the music scene with his third studio album. And, while the American musician explored new facets of himself as an artist, he also entered uncharted territory with the album. “Hollywood’s Bleeding” didn’t just mark Post’s exploration into indie-pop, but also served up a mammoth impact on the pop music landscape.
“Hollywood’s Bleeding” is home to two of Malone’s most successful singles to date – ‘Circles’ and ‘Sunflower’, featuring Swae Lee. Both of these numbers scored No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In fact, ‘Circles’ went on to chart a record-breaking 39 weeks in the Top 10 of the chart. In addition, the 2019 release also features a roster of big names in music – Ozzy Osbourne, DaBaby, Meek Mill, Halsey and Travis Scott.
And, if that wasn’t enough, the album has now officially spent a year in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart, making it one of the very few in chart history to do so. A year after its release, it stands at No. 10 on this week’s chart ranking. And, while some of its success can be attributed to the big-name singles like ‘Circles’, ‘Sunflower’ and ‘Goodbyes’, a large part of its longevity lies in the album’s versatility. Hit next to get a taste of Post Malone’s lesser known but equally dazzling tracks from “Hollywood’s Bleeding”.
1. Allergic
This high energy, indie-acoustic track will throw you straight into the lap of 2000s nostalgia – the kind reminiscent of Avril Lavigne’s early sound. And, the style of music is not all that will catch you off-guard. Paired with some disarming songwriting detailing the nature of a toxic relationship, Post Malone dons a new feather in his cap – one of electric vulnerability.
In the pre-chorus of the track, he gives you the perfect taste, singing: “I took your pills and your drugs just to feel something else/ ‘Cause I can’t feel you no more.” So, if you need a song that understands your sadness, but gets you grooving at the same time, this is your go-to.
2. Hollywood’s Bleeding:
Disillusionment finds a new face in Post Malone’s opening track. “Hollywood’s Bleeding” sees Malone detailing listlessness using his signature vocal tones against a cinematic, acoustic-trap arrangement. And, while the theme of the track runs the risk of sounding all too familiar (the revelation that Hollywood is not all that it’s made out to be isn’t a new one), Post saves the day with witty metaphors and striking imagery.
“Outside, the winter sky turnin’ grey/ City up in smoke, it’s only ash when it rains/ Howl at the moon and go to sleep in the day/ Love for everybody ’til the drugs fade away,” are the lines that mark the main verse. And, so the singer-rapper takes you on a journey through the dark side. Unexpectedly captivating in its style, this one is a sure-shot underdog that notches higher and higher with every listen.
3. A Thousand Bad Times:
With this tongue-in-cheek track, Post Malone takes witty quips to a whole new level. Singing of a relationship where one feels used and comes out on the other side, well – petty, Post paints a relatable picture. Set to a pleasant chord arrangement and the singer’s lilting vocals, this song is a foot-tapper.
In the chorus, Post sings, “I had a thousand bad times/ So what’s another time to me? / You try to burn my house down/ But what’s another house to me?” If that doesn’t give you an idea of the petty fun Post has with the song, here’s another look. In the second verse, he sings, “And I don’t wanna meet your mama/ She prolly crazier than you/ I’m gonna need some thicker armor/ To spend another night with you.” Hit play, ASAP.
4. Die For Me:
On this track, featuring two huge names in commercial music – Halsey and Future – Post Malone serves up pop-punk grit, peppered with light rock elements. Giving space to both the featuring artists to tell their own story, while also sharing his own, Post gets back at an ex-flame with sharp words. In a revealing moment of songwriting, Malone lets listeners in on a crazy reveal. He sings, “Remember when you got my ass arrested/ At least when I was in jail, I got some rest in.”
In the pre-chorus, he delivers the final punch, writing “Ooh, I surrender/ time to forget ya/ I’m too tired to forgive ya/ it’s too hard on my liver/ And you know it’s all over now.” Offering variety with vocal tones, genres and hard-hitting songwriting, this track is the full package.
5. Internet
“Well, f*ck the internet, and you can quote that” – well, we just did. And, that lyric from Post Malone’s ‘Internet’ pretty much sums up the essence of this track. In this “no-f*cks” given song, Post Malone calls out social media, the internet and all of its pros and cons. Making no bones about the fact that he hates the scrutiny he receives, and painting a relatable picture of the world’s obsession with the Internet today, this song delivers an absolute score.
The anxious ball of nervous energy that Post Malone is comes unraveled in this track.
By: Ahalya Narayanan