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Week 6:

Post Malone

Artist Introduction

Alright here we go. For context, Austin Post is originally from the Syracuyse Area and grew up in the Dallas Fort Worth part of Texas. He's known for having a variety of music, but is considered to be one of the largest modern day superstars in all of the world. This music will be totally different from everything we've listened to so far. Please keep an open mind and just try to have fun with it. Is it the best music out there, no, but it's definitely a fun listen, so enjoy.

Joe Cascella

Sunflower

This song makes perfect sense for an animated superhero movie about spiderman. It's catchy, fine, nothing special at all. Swae Lee is singing to the beat, and Posts very distinct voice comes in for the second verse. He does this song really nicely in his NPR Tiny Desk Concert, but radio version is just fine. The part that makes this song the mega smash hit that it is, is that it can be played anywhere. Summer BBQ, sure, pre game for a night out, sure, low key night chilling at the house, for sure. Versatile

I Had Some Help

This may be the most catchy country song thats ever been made. Post released his F1-Trillion album going into the summer of 2024 and this song was easily the number one song played in the country that entire summer. The album has a ton of features, but none more popular than the biggest superstar in country, Morgan Wallen. This was just a formula for how to make a catchy hit, and they did just that. Fun to sing along to, upbeat, easy to move around to. There's better music on the album, but this makes sense to be most popular.

Circles

The best of the 3 most popular songs, continuing to have an incredibly catchy sound. Just sitting here in front of my computer listening to lyric videos, and I can't help myself by rocking back and forth. Just an enjoyable song about a man stuck in a toxic relationship, nothing much else to it.

Personal Favorites

I Fall Apart

By far his most unique song musically to this point. This heartbreak song combines anger and sadness and he leaves it all out there. His style of music is so unique, and I still don't think I've ever heard anyone describe it accurately. It's appealing because it's new. The production of the beats could be used in any modern day rap song, but he doesn't rap. I'm curious to see how the group will respond to this one, but it's one of my personal faves and cool to see a different side of Post. Also some great live renditions out there over a Piano.

Better Now

I've always loved this song, but probably because I've seen it live three times and it truly rocks. This radio edit was relatively boring and generic compared to the hard rock/metal approach he takes live at his shows with this one. It's also surprising to have 3 relationship songs in a row. Listed as one of my favorites, but it needs an asterisk for live performance only.

White Iverson

So a quick little story about this song. Post came from no money, a pretty poor family. He saved up for a couple of years to make the music video to his very first song ever, which was White Iverson. It blew up immediately when both Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller shared it to their audiences, saying how much they loved it. That year, Post was the opening act for Justin Bieber on a massive stadium tour. The guy went from an absolutely nobody to a mega star by believing in himself and making this music video for 10k that he saved up for. This goes back to my previous point, but it's a genre and style that is uniquely him. It's simple and easy, but at the same time there is nothing else really like it. I know I'm going to get torn apart for all this, but show me music before Post that sounded anything remotely similar. I'll wait.

Unique Songs

Feeling Whitney

This would be Cass' favorite Post song, and yeah, I like it a lot. A nice slow song with some good singing. I can see this being played at the Long Horn by a guy whose too talented to be playing to a bunch of drunk Staten Islanders the day after Thanksgiving. A nice change of pace and a real good tune here.

Reputation

This is Posts way of telling the public that at times he hates being a superstar and he's still cold and lonely on the inside at times, which he never displays from his interviews and truly genuine personality. A reminder that even the kindest, coolest people in the industry are still dealing with their own demons. 'You're the superstar, entertain us' always stuck out to me in that song. Another different side of Post, but time to kick it up with some upbeat country music with Billy Strings.

M-E-X-I-C-O

This song is hilarious, very funny writing. And let that boy Billy go on them strings my goodness, a small glimpse into the greatness of one of the best guitar players out there. Very fun song to bring the vibes back up

Conclusions

I just really wanted to mix it up in here and bring in the only viable choice to make everyone happy for a superbowl halftime show. I can't wait to see the reactions, but I do hope you enjoyed the different type of listen. Post is great, I love him, it's gunna be a 7.1 for me but a 9.2 for his live concerts cause they're simply the best.

Cascella Family Reviews

Vin Cascella

Sunflower: Bop. I think Joe mentioned it in his review but this song can be played at literally any positive vibes occasion. Party, tailgate, pregame, BBQ, boat. Give me a beer with this song. I Had Some Help: Is it good, yes. Is it the same as 10,000 other songs…also yes. Do I listen to this song more than the other 9,999 songs…. Yes again. Postie just gets a pass everytime he puts out a radio friendly version of any genre. Broadway Nashville Garbage in the best way. Circles: Literally same review as the song above but for rock instead of country. Musical intro reminds me of Bowie’s Space Oddity. I Fall Apart: Not my favorite song of his to be honest. It plays everywhere, reminds me of a crappy version of a Jelly Roll or Teddy Swims songs. Leave the semi bluesy ballads to the fat white guys. Just realized this is off his first album Stoney, thought it came way later. That’s cool at least, it’s almost a prequel to Hollywood’s Bleeding and a lot of the rest of his discography. Better Now: This and the next songs are probably my favorite version of Post, very uniquely him. Elements of rap, trap, pop, hip hop. It’s a very approachable version of a lot of genres that I normally wouldn’t listen to. White Iverson: Once again pretty much everything said about the song above applies to this track. It’s almost mumble rap, which I can’t stand, but for some reason he makes it work. Another song to play while drinking with the boys waiting to go out. Is Post Malone Divorced Dad Hip Hop?!? Feeling Whitney: Sure. Its different from everything else so it fits the subject but isn’t really for me. Kind of reminds me of a drugged out version of the song from Juno. Feels like, “Guy who brings an acoustic guitar to the party and tries to play original tracks that no one wants to hear”. I like the strings at the end lol. Reputation: He over sings the hell out of this but I like it a lot. He comes off very genuinely in this song and I really like the bridge (2:00-3:00). This song has all the emotion that I wanted Feeling Whitney to have. M-E-X-I-C-O: First time I’ve heard this song. Love it. It feels more like a Billy Strings song ft. Post Malone but now that I type that out it feels like that for a lot of his songs with features. He just lets the artist do a generic version of their music and he takes a verse or two. Not a bad thing, just a thing. Reminds me of a bluegrass version of “Some Beach” by Blake Shelton. Post Malone is a great example of imitation is the greatest form of flattery. It seems like he genuinely loves being a part of all facets of music and maybe that’s why even his mediocre versions of every genre are so well received. I feel like this review has come off way more harsh that I intend it to be. I love him and his music lol. Fame couldn’t have come to a better guy. 7.3/10

Dad Cascella

Ok, so this one was hard for me. I like Post Malone, his few appearances I've seen on tv/internet seem pretty good, once u get past the tatted face, and he seems like a genuinely nice guy. But we're commenting on the music. With that being said, my first go around was a listen in the car, with no lyrics, and other than I Had Some Help, I was not into it at all (As you know, I HATE auto-tune). So then I watched and listened to studio versions, with lyrics. And then I watched and listened to live performances, including large and then smaller venues, and Tiny Desk. So if you'll indulge me I'll be commenting using all these criteria. So here we go:

SUNFLOWER- This song may be my biggest change in comment. In the car, this song, to me, truly sucked. All auto-tune, couldn't understand the words he was kind of singing and meh beat. Then I watched and listened to several versions with lyrics. I YUP.I get it. It's so much better live, with really good lyrics, and a catchy beat. Watching different performances, including Tiny Desk, with strings, this song rises to a much better level. Curious though, dod he stay with his Sunflower, or leave her? And I like that his AYY AYY AYY's and OOH OOH OOH's are not perfectly sung.

I HAD SOME HELP- Everybody knows this song from its fun, catchy vibe, and it's real good when listening with lyrics. Strange, it's a sad song with an upbeat sound. "I ain't an angel, you ain't heaven sent" is a solid lyric. Am I sensing a common theme with Postie's lyrics? We'll see.

CIRCLES: Slow, strumming guitar, with an almost country vibe. In the car, unknown lyrics, it was a NOPE. Other performances, with lyrics, it's a good song. But Geez Louise, another sad song with a sad story? I liked the lyrics, they're easy and very well rhyming. "Run away, but we're running in circles" stands out. Italy, 2022 live performance, though lightly auto-tuned, was a very solid performance. And Tiny Desk, with strings and backing vocals, is also an excellent piece.

I FALL APART- Another broken heart song, somebody needs to give this guy a great, big hug. It's getting a little too much with the sadness (I guess this is what he knows), but again, lyrically, a very good song. I didn't know Postie was so deep, but he certainly has lots of scars. "Ice keep droppin' and the drink keep flowin' ". C'mon man, get straight and you'll meet better people. Also, I've noticed, his songs tend to be on the short side (just an observation).

BETTER NOW- Wow, this guy has no luck with women. Again, in the car, it was a No. Other versions, with lyrics, transforms this song for me, to a much better song, with solid rhythm and lyrics. Song sounds like he finally met "The One", but wait, it's Post Malone, so nope, she ends up not being The One (of course). Standard for this guy, but the song, standing alone, worked for me. Got me also thinking, is he writing about 1 or 2 women, or just multiple and multiple break-ups? And are they both Better Now??

WHITE IVERSON- Wow, what an interesting song (in a very good way). This song is definitely different from what I've heard so far, and I'm guessing these lyrics are mostly about this young wannabe is coming to terms to being introduced to the beginning of fame and his introduction to The Life. In the car I wanted to understand the lyrics, but couldn't. Listening to studio version, with lyrics, elevates this song for me as being maybe my favorite so far (funny how I may not have given this a second listen without printed lyrics). Tells a remarkable story, so interesting.

FEELING WHITNEY- Again, meh in car. But other versions, including 05/2025 San Antonio where he's singing and playing by himself, is a much better version. His OOOH's are so off-key, but they actually worked for me. A story about possibly dreaming to be big? Again, his rhyming worked for me, "To each their own and find peace in knowin' ". Good song.

REPUTATION- Wow, a song over 4 minutes. In car, nope. Others, again with lyrics, including but not limited to Howard Stern Show performance, show he can sing, again lightly auto-tuned, with sincerity and emotion. Very deep lyrics. "I was born, what a shame" Yikes!!! Is this a recent song, and is he tired of THE LIFE and thinking of walking away? Is he still fucked up? So many questions regarding these lyrics. He really does need a good friend to talk him down.

MEXICO- This is Post Malone? I wouldn't have believed it until watching this performance with Billy Strings. A fun little ditty (did he write this?) with fun and funny lyrics. And excellent guitar work throughout. I was tapping and smiling thru this one, and I bet he really enjoys playing this to a live audience.

So there it is, my review of Mr. Postie. Thank God it ended on a fun note. I had no idea this guy could, and does, write very sad lyrics. He is definitely not a perfect singer, but damn it, music does not have to be perfect. I could never listen to his studio music regularly, but after watching and reading his lyrics, I'd say he most certainly is very talented. Now the hard part. Would I go see Post Malone in concert? I originally thought NOPE, not my kind of music. But, after watching different concert clips and shows, he is undoubtedly a very good performer, and his crowds were so much fun to watch. So you know what, yea, I may go see him live one day. Now even harder, my rating. So from the songs given to us, and listening to their studio version, and not being able to understand the lyrics, and the auto-tuning, I'll start with a 4.2 Now don't get crazy, I'll be factoring in now his lyrics and live performances, which I actually enjoyed. Is it completely my kind of music, definitely not. But I was so much surprised by the lyrics and performances, and on those, and only those, I'm going with a 7.1

Mom Cascella

Joseph introduced me to Post Malone awhile back. With his crazy tattoo’s and all, he’s a very likeable guy. So here we go.

SUNFLOWER- I like this song. Easy listening music. And he sounds good with Swae. This is the kind of music I was expecting.

I HAD SOME HELP- I know this one, it’s on my playlist. Upbeat and catchy country-style song. Fun to sing along to.

CIRCLES- Easy beat, easy rhythm. A stuck in a relationship song. A bit repetitive. And kind of sad.

I FALL APART- Another heartbreak song. He’s definitely having relationship problems. Lyrics are fine, not too deep.

BETTER NOW- This one is stuck in my head. Now he’s getting over the break-up. I like this one, even tho it keeps repeating itself, I keep singing it.

WHITE IVERSON- What do these lyrics mean, they’re not in my vocabulary. Nice, catchy melody. I like the rappin and rhyming. Or should I say it’s “SAUCIN”?

FEELING WHITNEY- My favorite so far. Like the singing and soft guitar. Great to not have to hear auto-tune.

REPUTATION- like his singing with just the piano. Kind of Rappin and Singing all in one. Another sad song, not about a girl, but about success and how you’re treated.

MEXICO- Wow, this is different. Shit kickin’ ho-down, country bluegrass song. Cracked me up, I liked it, fun story.

I enjoyed the listen. This was the fastest listen that we’ve had so far. But I have to say, I love my sweet Postie, with his sad lyrics and happy smile on his face. I rate him 7.1

Uncle Vin Cascella

I didn’t know any Post Malone songs before he went country, so I’ve only heard what’s been on the radio. But I was impressed when he performed America The Beautiful at the Super Bowl.

SUNFLOWER- SPIDER MAN: A pretty Pop song with sweet lyrics. Altho not my thing, not a bad song.

I HAD SOME HELP: Country Pop, cute lyrics. Good enough vocal but a little too vanilla for me- especially considering he’s working with Morgan Wallen, who often has more biting lyrics. Really good production from the Nashville boys.

CIRCLES: I like the sound of this one- bass forward. Well, a bass sound anyway- not sure of the instrument. Straight forward lyrics. I like his voice and vocals here. A decent relationship tune.

I FALL APART: an ok vocal performance on a song that I’m not a fan of. It’s kind of boring. And he seems to try too hard to rhyme every line. Downer lyrics, poor Postie!

*** am I the only one who noticed that 3 of the first 4 songs start with ohh or ahh? What up wit dat?

BETTER NOW: nice pace, good vocal. I like the music production even though it’s very generic. Postie is a rhyming machine, eh? Gets a little forced and tedious to me.

WHITE IVERSON: You wish! Sorry bro but this is about the dumbest idea for a song that I’ve heard in a long time. Wanna do it as a goof at a live show? Fine. On an album? Nope.

*** By the way, is all of the music done on computers? I know he plays guitar but does anyone ever do a lead? Is there an actual Band. It all seems hyper computerized/produced.

FEELING WHITNEY: another song that starts with ooh ooh… He finally plays the guitar then decides to sing horribly. Great! He finally stopped rhyming everything and produced weak lyrics. Awesome!

REPUTATION: pretty piano, ugly song. Same old high register vocal is getting boring. Depressing song. At least at the 2:18 mark he quickens the lyric pace, but…Is Postie creating a character here- I hope so. I’m also disappointed that he would mumble and slur some of the lyrics- almost like he tried to hide them from people not reading along. I find that a very weak flaw. You wanna sing about a difficult subject- grow a fuckin pair and sing ‘em. Sorry.

M E X I C O: Yaaayyy! About time! Great song. More of this please.

Final score is 5.5. I’m kind of disappointed.

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