Post Malone, an artist known for effortlessly traversing genres, has officially planted his flag firmly in the landscape of country music with his highly anticipated album, F-1 Trillion. This foray into country is not entirely unexpected, given the genre’s surging mainstream popularity and Malone’s own stylistic inclinations hinting at country influences in his broader discography. For both dedicated “Posty” fans and country music enthusiasts, F-1 Trillion presents a compelling listening experience that warrants a closer examination.
Following up on earlier discussions about Malone’s stylistic evolution and foreshadowed country leanings, F-1 Trillion, released on August 16, 2024, delivers on the promise of “Country Posty” in full force. The album spans 18 tracks, each bearing Malone’s co-writing credit alongside contributions from established Nashville songwriters, signaling a serious and collaborative approach to his country music endeavor.
One of the most immediately striking aspects of F-1 Trillion is the sheer caliber of collaborations Malone has secured. The album boasts an impressive roster of country music royalty, including Hank Williams Jr., Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, and Brad Paisley, among others. Tracks like “California Sober” featuring Chris Stapleton, “Never Love You Again” with Sierra Ferrell, and “M-E-X-I-C-O” alongside Billy Strings stand out as prime examples of these successful pairings, showcasing a diverse range of country subgenres within the album.
Musically, F-1 Trillion occupies an interesting space within the contemporary country spectrum. It consciously avoids the overt “bro-country” tropes and the pronounced hip-hop influences sometimes found in artists like Morgan Wallen. Equally, it doesn’t solely adhere to traditional honky-tonk sounds. Instead, the album carves out its niche somewhere between pop-country, outlaw country, and the classic “Nashville sound.” This blend creates a sonic tapestry where each collaborative track subtly shifts its identity, reflecting the distinct style of the featured artist while maintaining a cohesive album feel.
Lyrically, the songs within F-1 Trillion are characterized by their cleverness and somewhat verbose nature. True to country music tradition, many tracks explore familiar themes – whiskey, heartbreak, and trucks, among others. While the songs are generally enjoyable and well-crafted, some might find them lacking in immediate memorability upon first listen, suggesting a depth that unfolds with repeated plays.
Addressing potential initial criticisms that F-1 Trillion relies too heavily on its star-studded collaborations – with 15 out of 18 tracks featuring guest artists – the extended release, F-1 Trillion: Long Bed, serves as a compelling counterpoint. This expanded version highlights Malone’s individual artistry within the genre, demonstrating his capability to stand alone as a country musician.
The nine additional tracks in F-1 Trillion: Long Bed delve into more personal lyrical territories and embrace a more pronounced traditional country sound, leaning towards honky-tonk and outlaw country aesthetics. Tracks within this extended release are arguably even more engaging and nuanced than those on the original album, offering a deeper exploration of Malone’s country sensibilities.
For instance, “Dead at the Honky Tonk” paints vivid lyrical pictures with lines like, “Knee-deep in the Bullitt, one foot in the dirt / Yeah, his bloodshot eyes are empty as a Monday mornin’ church / On a stool in the corner, where he’s been all week / Only way I know he’s breathin’ is he just took a drink.” This track, and others in the extended release, showcase a storytelling capacity that some might find less prominent in the initial F-1 Trillion tracks.
Similarly, “Back to Texas” acts as a heartfelt ode to Malone’s home state. The lyrics express a longing for familiar roots after extensive travels, capturing a quintessential country theme of home and belonging. Lines like, “And I’ma take every last dime / Stuffed under this mattress / And make a lonestar B-line / Take my ass back to Texas,” resonate with authentic emotion and relatable sentiment.
In conclusion, F-1 Trillion: Long Bed arguably represents the core country album that Post Malone truly set out to create. While the original F-1 Trillion provides a star-studded, broadly appealing introduction to his country persona, the extended release solidifies his place within the genre by showcasing his individual talent and deeper connection to traditional country music themes. Fans and critics alike are encouraged to experience the full scope of F-1 Trillion: Long Bed to fully appreciate Post Malone’s compelling and authentic foray into country music. Listen to the extended version and decide for yourself – is Country Posty here to stay?
