Austin＜限定盤/Milky Clear Vinyl ＞

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 hes sounded to date. Finally embracing the guitar-based, rock side of his personality, its 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: theres 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 isnt a pure "rock" album or peppy "Posty-gone-bubblegum" exercise by any means, its definitely Post Malone at his most mainstream-accessible and, beyond that, freer than anything hes done previously. Mr. Post is still sad and struggling with the trappings of fame and alcohol -- conveyed on a couple of Austins sparse, dour moments ("Dont Understand" and "Green Thumb") -- but this time around, hes 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 Postys 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 "Fur Elise" thats paired with a genius vocal run of said song. Thats just one of many moments thatll stick in your head long after the album ends. Melodic and heartfelt, Austin surprises at nearly every turn, whether thats by an unexpected sonic detour or the simple fact that Post Malone has never sounded this fearless. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

アーティストが自身の本名を冠した作品は往々にして集大成的な内容になるが……ますますラップにこだわらず純粋なグッド・ミュージックへ振り切った本作は、彼のやってきた音楽が独自の境地に辿り着いたといえる快作だ。"Novacandy"の彼らしいメランコリックなムードから、XTCかREMかと思うようなキャッチーな楽曲まで、全編にポップネスが充満している。
bounce (C)池谷瑛子