Comprised of 17 songs with 10 featured artists, Post Malone’s “Hollywood’s Bleeding” is an experimental masterpiece that combines genres ranging from rock to pop and everything in between.
Malone’s third studio album came as a surprise, with its sudden release and already chart-topping hits. Just a week after its release, four songs off of “Hollywood’s Bleeding” have already hit the top 15 on Billboard’s Hot 100, climbing higher every day.
Among the chart-toppers on Malone’s third album are a myriad of other badass songs including “Saint-Tropez,” “Allergic” and “Take What You Want.” Each track has its own unique style, giving the album multiple façades, but remaining cohesive throughout by encapsulating Hollywood’s dark sides.
“Saint-Tropez” is the second track, opening with classic, boyish Post Malone lyrics: “Abs like Abercrombie Fitch. Mille, on my (wrist). Versace boxers on my dick. Bud Light runnin’ through my piss.” Despite the grimy lyrics, Saint-Tropez’s music video has already generated 3.1 million views in one day, proving its worth and influence on the album.
Besides, it wouldn’t be a Post Malone album without at least one Bud Light reference.
Next comes “Enemies” and “Allergic.” Both songs carry a more mainstream beat that is undeniably likable. Through these tracks, we get a glimpse of Malone’s vulnerable side, a side that he seldom reveals. “Enemies” carries the main theme of the album, discussing the betrayal and deceit of a supposed-friend while “Allergic” has an iconic pop sound that illustrates Malone’s struggle with drugs and separation.
A few tracks later, Malone is back to his harsh vocals and heavy guitar riffs in “Take What You Want,” featuring Travis Scott and heavy metal prince Ozzy Osbourne. At first, I thought this collaboration would be a cringe-worthy mess, but after a few plays, the track grew on me.
I can’t ignore how well Osbourne and Malone’s vocals complement one another. Malone’s extensive knowledge of music genres and instruments is displayed beautifully in this track, proving he isn’t confined to one genre and is capable of dominating outside of the rap world. Throughout the album, Malone reveals his ability to collaborate with artists from all different musical backgrounds and still manages to make the music his own.
After three badass albums and monumental tours, I can only imagine how good Post Malone’s fourth studio album will be. Until then, we have 17 brand new songs that will keep us entertained.
Rating: 4 / 5
Melissa Joseph can be reached at @melisstweetz on Twitter.