Album Review | Post Malone - Hollywood's Bleeding
Published:September 16, 2019
Post Malone's third studio album is here to display Posty's hit-making success.
Post Malone and going Platinum, name a better duo. Post Malone is no longer a striving new artist, he's been around for a couple years now. With hit after hit, Post Malone knows what it takes to make your records stick and spread like wildfire. As an artist, Post has the pedigree to understand what works for him and what doesn't, allowing him to thrive and succeed with consistency and individuality.
In 2016, which seems like forever ago to many, Post Malone dropped "Congratulations" with Quavo and "White Iverson." The masses took these songs with heart and the rest is history. By setting himself up with a strong foundation, Post Malone subsequently gave himself high expectations. His debut album, Stoney, had a strong, positive reception. But then he followed that up with beerbongs and bentleys, which had "rockstar" with 21 Savage and "Psycho" with Ty Dolla $ign. When it comes to second albums, artists either have a sophomore slump or a natural progression. In Post Malone's case, it was clear he knew his sound and worked hard to perfect it. Many of his songs have reached or are close to reaching a billion streams on streaming services, which is insane for any artist of any genre. He's proven time after time that he has what it takes to be successful in this musical environment.
Even without an album, Posty was still able to make some sort of influence in 2019's soundscape. Teaming up with Swae Lee, Sunflower was created to accompany Sony's Into the Spider-Verse. For weeks, this song was everywhere, topping charts and getting radio plays. This was such a strong effort from the two, helping solidify Post Malone's status as an artist at the top of his genre (alongside Swae Lee). Hollywood's Bleeding aims to capture the success Post Malone has received, as well as demonstrate some sort of evolution.
Due to the numerous tracks on the album, I will group songs together if needed.
Hollywood's Bleeding
Post Malone begins his venture with a song titled the same as his album. In this introduction, Post Malone utilizes a bit of a slow build up, adding riffs and drums later on. Once the beat kicks in, you just know it's a Post Malone track. This track hits on overcoming the toxicity in the business, as he sings Hollywood is bleeding, but we call it home. It's a hard-hitting opener, one that surely sets a serene tone for the album.
Saint-Tropez
With an almost eerie trap beat, Post Malone has fun with this one. Utilizing his iconic autotune vocals, this is a mix of feel-good music and laid-back vibes. In the chorus, he emphasizes how hard he's worked for his success, and this track celebrates the outcome of his dedication. It's classic Post Malone, and this album is already off to a great start.
Enemies (ft. DaBaby)
The production on the first track is bouncy and is a similar formula that Post Malone has used before (see Spoil My Night ft. Swae Lee). On top of that, DaBaby comes in and adds his own spin, rapping that he went double platinum with no features. As 2019 was a tremendous break-out year for DaBaby, his inclusion only further helps to bolster his status. Enemies speaks on the loss of Post Malone's friends, but with his successful career, he's able to move on.
Allergic & A Thousand Bad Times
Allergic speaks on a potential relationship epitomized by sad vibes only. It discusses an impossible relationship that forces Post Malone to be reclusive and hide himself. In this track, he compares his lover and his demons. Similarly, A Thousand Bad Times repeats a lot of the same values that Allergic offers, which is the idea that he's letting someone else (probably a lover) "ruin" his life.
Circles
While the past couple of songs have been a bit more sad, this production is groovy and uplifting, even if the lyrics aren't. Post Malone emphasizes heartbreak, and you can feel it in his vocals (who hurt you?). Circles is one of those records that feels bittersweet, smooth and rough. This is a highlight of the album, for sure.
Die For Me (ft. Future & Halsey) & On The Road (ft. Meek Mill & Lil Baby)
In this section of his album, Post Malone adds the help of a handful of other artists to create some bangers. In Die For Me, Future and Halsey add their own perspectives on relationships, while On The Road showcases the sacrifices and work ethics of Meek Mill, Lil Baby, and Posty. While both songs are solid efforts, there's not too much that stands out.
Take What You Want (ft. Ozzy Ozbourne & Travis Scott)
The year is 2019: you look at your phone and you see a track with Ozzy Ozbourne, Travis Scott, and Post Malone. It's real, and the song goes hard! Ozzy's vocals with the guitar riffs at the beginning add another dimension to the track, infusing rock with rap. In today's era of modernizing genres and fusing music, this track is memorable and a surprise, for sure.
I'm Gonna Be
I'm gonna be what I want... I'm gonna do what I want. Post Malone is just oozing with confidence, so much that he seems fearless in every way. It's contagious, even to the point where he asks the listener if they can feel the same vibes he does. A confident Posty is one that makes good music, and we appreciate that.
Staring At The Sun (ft. SZA) & Sunflower - Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (ft. Swae Lee)
If there were songs that were meant to follow each other in this album, it is definitely these two. By now, everyone knows about Sunflower and the energetic production that just makes you want to dance and feel good. Staring At The Sun mimics that energy and unites SZA's vocals with the positivity emerging from the sound. It's fun music; it's for everyone.
Internet
This song reflects Post Malone's distaste towards the Internet and how social media has been used negatively in regards to the lives of many artists. From music leaks to social media hate, it is understandable why someone as famous as Post Malone could be harmed by it.
Goodbyes (ft. Young Thug) & Myself & I Know
Post Malone recruits Young Thug for a track about desiring someone to be gone from his life, but it's too difficult for him to handle. The trap-heavy beat emphasizes how melodic his relationship was, covering up the struggle to break it off. In a similar vein, Myself speaks on how Post Malone would've wanted to experiences some of his biggest moments by himself, knowing how other people treated him. The third track, I Know follows the trend of heartbreak with a good melody. Production is on par, as per usual.
Wow.
Sometimes you just have to save the best for last, and that is exactly what Post Malone has done. In terms of replay value, Wow. definitely blows the others out of the water. It is a certified banger, one that is sure to break your speakers and send the dance floor into a frenzy. With this album, Post Malone definitely got us saying wow.
Final Take | Review 9.5/10
Post Malone has definitely mastered the whole "coming out with an album" ordeal. His theme was consistent, his features complementary, and his production at a great level, as always. I'll have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of Post Malone, but I give credit where it's due. He's endlessly putting out hits and utilizes his vocals as an instrument for prosperity. I enjoyed this album. Standout tracks for me were Saint-Tropez, Circles, Take What You Want, and Wow.
Pros
If you like his older stuff, this album doesn't stray too far from his sound
There's plenty of diversity; a good mix of trap, sadness, and good vibes
Good replay value, as well as some songs for parties