Post Malone, Circles | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated rapper/singer Post Malone releases “Circles,” a ‘pop’ single from his third studio album, Hollywood’s Bleeding.

“Seasons change and our love went cold / Feed the flame ‘cause we can’t let go / Run away, but we’re running in circles / Run away, run. Away.” Everybody knew that a new Post Malone album was in the works.  Post-Beerbongs & Bentleys, the pop-rapper released some singles, initially unattached to an album.  Sure, “Sunflower” (Ft. Swae Lee) was featured on the soundtrack for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, but “Wow.” and “Goodbyes” both arrived prior to the announcement for Post’s third studio LP, Hollywood’s Bleeding.  “Circles,” the sixth track from Hollywood’s Bleeding, was released alongside the announcement of the LP.

“Circles” sounds starkly from the aforementioned singles released prior to Hollywood’s Bleeding – this is certainly not “Wow.” Post Malone opts for a more pop-centric direction, one that makes “Circles” sound mostly, if not completely removed from hip-hop.  There is no rapping, only singing Post, intact with that unique vibrato, something that both Anthony Fantano and Shawn Cee remarked on during video reviews for the single.  Make what you will of that sound – it is on the polarizing side of things.  Anyways, as a pop song, “Circles” is pleasant, quite sunny in sound, and respectable.  The theme is about the familiar, relatable topic of love, specifically, fading love. Ah, those “seasons change.”

Final Thoughts

There is certainly the potential for Post Malone to rack up another big hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Circles,” even if he doesn’t ‘change the game’ by any means.  For those who prefer his pop-rapping with actual rapping, this may or may not be a record you love.  Personally, I find “Circles” to be intriguing enough, but certainly doesn’t best “Wow.” Or “Goodbyes” by any means. Arguably, even “Sunflower” might have a case as a stronger record… the key word being ‘might.’ Still, “Circles” is enjoyable all in all.

Post Malone • Hollywood’s Bleeding • Republic • Release: 9.8.19

Photo Credit: Republic