Post Malone, the genre-blurring artist known for his hip-hop, pop, and rock infused tracks, has surprised the music world by dropping a full-fledged Country album, ‘F-1 Trillion’. For fans and critics alike, the question isn’t just “why country?” but “is it any good?”. As a long-time follower of Post Malone’s evolution, even from his early days, I had to dive into this unexpected musical pivot and share my take.
Post Malone album cover
My appreciation for Post Malone dates back to Hollywood’s Bleeding, which remains a personal favorite in his discography. Witnessing his commanding stage presence at Leeds Festival in both 2019 and 2021 solidified my view of him as a compelling performer. However, a country album? It seemed like a far cry from the Post Malone we knew. Yet, ‘F-1 Trillion’ arrives, boasting 18 tracks, each a collaboration with some of country music’s biggest names. What’s immediately striking is that this isn’t a collection of covers; every song is original, co-written by Malone himself, showcasing a genuine commitment to this new genre exploration. He’s stated in interviews his lifelong love for country music, and this album feels like a personal passion project coming to fruition.
The album kicks off with the country rock infused “Wrong Ones” featuring Tim McGraw. It’s a bold opener, immediately establishing that Malone isn’t afraid to push boundaries, even dropping an explicit lyric, a signature Posty touch. This sets the tone for an album that respects country traditions while injecting Malone’s distinctive style. “Finer Things,” a collaboration with Hank Williams, Jr., delves into classic hell-raising themes, while “I Had Some Help,” his duet with Morgan Wallen, has already made waves, topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously – a historic feat. The bar anthem “Pour Me a Drink” with Blake Shelton, and the unlikely yet charming collaboration with Dolly Parton on “Have a Heart,” further demonstrate the breadth of talent Malone has assembled and his ability to blend with diverse country styles. Amongst these collaborations, “What Don’t Belong To Me,” one of his few solo tracks, leans towards a pop ballad feel, showcasing his versatility even within the country landscape.
Brad Paisley lends his signature guitar work to the melodic ballad “Goes Without Saying,” highlighting a catchy chorus and Malone’s evolving vocal delivery. “Guy For That,” featuring Luke Combs, is a standout track, with their vocal interplay creating a compelling dynamic, Combs’ twang providing a perfect counterpoint to Malone’s smoother vocals. This track even garnered BBC Radio 2’s “Single of the Week” recognition, signaling a significant crossover appeal. Combs returns on “Missin’ You Like This,” a fiddle-driven ballad, further cementing the album’s country roots.
Post Malone Grand Ole Opry performance
“Nosedive,” featuring Lainey Wilson, is another strong ballad on the album, but the energy truly ignites with “Losers,” featuring Jelly Roll. Jelly Roll, himself a crossover artist, brings a raw, anthemic quality to the track, making it resonate as an anthem for outsiders – perhaps reflecting Malone’s own genre-bending journey. The album also introduces listeners to rising stars like Nashville’s ERNEST on the upbeat “Devil I’ve Been,” and West Virginia’s Sierra Ferrell on the folk-tinged “Never Love You Again,” showcasing Malone’s ear for emerging talent within the genre.
A highlight of “F-1 Trillion” is undoubtedly “California Sober” with Chris Stapleton. This rootsy, harmony-rich track is pure fun and showcases the effortless blend of their styles. HARDY joins in on the intimate ballad “Hide My Gun,” while bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings adds his instrumental brilliance to “M-E-X-I-C-O,” “Right About You,” and “Yours.” “Yours” stands out as a particularly poignant track, with Malone reflecting on his daughter’s future wedding day – a surprisingly tender moment given his daughter is only two years old, adding a layer of heartfelt depth to the album.
‘F-1 Trillion’ isn’t a novelty project; it’s a genuine and successful foray into country music. Malone manages to weave traditional country sounds with his own musical DNA, reinforcing his reputation as an artist who defies genre boundaries. This move into country music is a calculated risk. While he might alienate some hip-hop purists, it’s more likely to broaden his appeal and introduce country music to a new audience. Malone’s voice, often underrated, is perfectly suited for country, so much so that you might even forget you’re listening to Post Malone singing country songs at times.
The album’s production, helmed by long-time collaborators Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, and Malone himself, is polished and enhances the overall listening experience. Released on August 16, 2024, ‘F-1 Trillion’ reveals more layers with each listen, solidifying its place as a noteworthy entry into Post Malone’s discography and the country music landscape.
F-1 Trillion Track Listing:
- Wrong Ones
- Finer Things
- I Had Some Help
- Pour Me a Drink
- Have The Heart
- What Don’t Belong to Me
- Goes Without Saying
- Guy for That
- Nosedive
- Losers
- Devil I’ve Been
- Never Love You Again
- Missin’ You Like This
- California Sober
- Hide My Gun
- Right About You
- M-e-x-i-c-o
- Yours
Long Bed Expansion:
Post Malone has also released a nine-song expansion to ‘F-1 Trillion’ titled ‘Long Bed’, featuring solo tracks. Country Central notes that these tracks capture an “authentic”, 90s-inspired country sound that genuinely suits Post Malone’s artistic persona.
Long Bed Track Listing:
- Fallin’ In Love
- Dead At The Honky Tonk
- Killed A Man
- Ain’t How It Ends
- Hey Mercedes
- Go To Hell
- Two Hearts
- Who Needs You
- Back To Texas
Malone debuted his country album at the Grand Ole Opry on August 14, 2024, marking his first live performance of these songs. Having recently moved to Nashville, his warm reception by the country music community was evident and genuinely heartwarming to witness. The 40-minute YouTube showcase is worth watching to experience this musical milestone.
Post Malone joins a growing list of artists crossing over into country, including Jelly Roll and The War and Treaty, and even Beyoncé. Jelly Roll’s CMA Award for Newcomer of the Year last year highlights this trend, and his acceptance speech is a testament to the genre’s evolving landscape.
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