A year after reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s rap chart, collaborating with Kanye West and touring with Justin Bieber, Post Malone released his highly anticipated commercial debut, “Stoney,” a 68-minute album with features from Kehlani to 2-Chainz.
The singer-songwriter has been subject to much controversy following the release and fame of his hit “White Iverson,” often being called a “culture vulture” and receiving discredit for this work. The release of “Stoney,” however, has demonstrated the rapper’s ability to repel through critics’ commentary. Influenced by a variety of genres, Post
expresses his versatility with hits like “Broken Whiskey Glass” and “Déjà vu.” Each song on the album has a unique range in sound, from guitar strings to drums, produced by various big name producers and Post himself.
The Five Standouts
“Broken Whiskey Glass”
Starting with the mysterious-sounding opener on the deluxe album, “Broken Whiskey Glass,” Post introduces listeners to the album with Wild West chords. The rapper then goes on to illustrate his experience in working for “the man,” a phrase often used to describe big business corporations. The song then transforms to pop-rap, and Post continues to recount his dissatisfaction and involvement with “chasing women” and how those experiences have molded his character and led to him “makin’ them [more] hits.”
“Déjà vu”
Déjà vu proves to be the collaboration of the century. Tour partners Justin Bieber and Post teamed up to produce a romantic-pop hit, gathering a total of 3.7 million streams in the U.S. post-release and reaching high on Billboard’s hip-hop and R&B chart. The melodic track is a reference to a girl with whom Post once had a fling. The song is considered to be the new “Hotline Bling” with Bieber’s famous and catchy line, “Tell me is this déjà vu? ‘Cause you want me and I want you.”
“Congratulations”
There are no other words to describe the track besides catchy and well-produced. The song was debuted live after a concert in San Antonio back in November, holding fans after delaying the release of his album in August. Post features Migos’ rapper, Quavo, and the famous producer, Metro Boomin. The song details the hard work it took in order for Post to get to the position he is in today, often “working so hard and forgetting to vacation.” The track, describing the rapper’s ups and downs, remains one of the strongest anthems on the album following “Déjà vu.”
“I Fall Apart”
Like “Déjà vu” and “Broken Whiskey Glass,” “I Fall Apart” illustrates the rapper’s experience with romance. The song instantly grabs listeners’ attention with the catchy hook detailing his failed love interest– the song takes you on a romantic three-minute ride. Post showcases his unique vocals, achieving a sound that balances well with the series of acoustic chords.
“Feeling Whitney”
The track, featured only on the deluxe album, gives off a Lumineers, Mumford & Sons-style indie vibe as Post melodically sings over a guitar, describing his search for a lover who will accept his imperfections. Produced by Louis Bell with instruments and vocals from Post himself, the song is a confession about the rapper’s failed romantic life and past relationships. He repeatedly mentions his drug use and alcohol consumption, which led him to isolation, negating his anxiety. The title is a reference to Whitney Houston and her drug abuse, a contributing factor to her death. “I was feeling Whitney, me and my homies sipping Houston,” is another reference to Whitney Houston as well as to Texas, being that Post is from Texas.
Post Malone’s musical technique is unlike any other. Growing up
listening and influenced by artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Tupac,
Post’s versatility is shown through those influences. The rapper’s
ability to produce meaningful and strong content that is universal,
using experiment in sound and vocals, is something that artists in the
modern music industry are lacking. His style is incomparable, and he
exemplifies a different style that ranges from country to folk to
R&B/rap. Overall, “Stoney” is a sublime debut with producers ranging
from DJ Mustard, FKi, Pharallel and Metro Boomin. The lyrics are
heartfelt, accompanied with a variety of instruments, making the album
well worth the wait.
