“WHEN I TURN 30 IM BECOMING A COUNTRY/FOLK SINGER”
This was a tweet from 19-year-old Post Malone in May 2015, just months after he uploaded his debut single “White Iverson” to SoundCloud. At the time, he had no idea that he was only a few months away from becoming one of the most renowned artists of his generation.
Fast forward to August 16, 2024, and Post Malone is 29, debuting his first country dual album, F-1 Trillion and F-1 Trillion (Long Bed). Released to much anticipation, the album is a rich tapestry of his musical evolution, blending his past genres with his new country sound.
The album spans 27 tracks, with the first half featuring collaborations with country stars like Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and HARDY. The second half, F-1 Trillion (Long Bed), is a completely solo effort, showcasing Post Malone’s personal growth as an artist.
F-1 Trillion explores a wide range of themes, from country music and family to the transition from pop stardom to a quieter, more focused life. The album embraces classic country themes like trucks, heartbreak, and alcohol, but also offers more introspective tracks reflecting on his journey to regaining his happiness. The emotional centerpiece of the album is the song “Yours,” which Post Malone wrote for his daughter and her future partner. The closing track, a heartfelt message to his family, expresses his desire to slow down and refocus on them.
Despite the familial themes, the album doesn’t shy away from darker topics. In “Right About You,” Malone dives into the gritty side of fame, exploring sin, toxic relationships, and substance use. Other tracks reflect on the spoils of celebrity life—parties, luxury, and excess.
Post Malone’s country debut has had a seismic impact on the country music industry. F-1 Trillion debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, earning 250,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, making it the second-biggest opening week of 2024 for a country album. It also topped the Top Country Albums, Top Streaming Albums, and Top Album Sales charts, marking Post Malone’s first appearance on the country charts.
Critics and fans alike have praised the album for its bold experimentation and emotional depth, with an outstanding 97% approval rating. F-1 Trillion is being hailed as one of Post Malone’s best works, cementing his place as one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation. With this album, he not only pushes the boundaries of his own musical style but also sets a new standard for contemporary music.
