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Better Now
Better Now
from Wikipedia
"Better Now"
Single by Post Malone
from the album Beerbongs & Bentleys
ReleasedMay 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
GenrePop
Length3:50
LabelRepublic
Songwriters
Producers
  • Frank Dukes
  • Louis Bell
Post Malone singles chronology
"Jackie Chan"
(2018)
"Better Now"
(2018)
"Sunflower"
(2018)
Music video
"Better Now" on YouTube

"Better Now" is a song by American musician Post Malone from his second studio album, Beerbongs & Bentleys (2018). It was written by Malone, Billy Walsh, Louis Bell and Frank Dukes, with production handled by the latter two. The song was released to UK contemporary hit radio on May 25, 2018, and US contemporary hit radio on June 5, 2018, as the album's fifth and final single.

It reached the top 10 of the music charts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.[1] The song was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

Music and recording

[edit]

In an interview with Pitchfork, producer Frank Dukes revealed information about the song's creation, stating it was "frankensteined" out of existing scraps of other studio sessions with Malone. The song's verse melody was written first, but with no words, along with a completely different beat and hook. To them, the beat did not fit the melody, and its hook felt "awkward". The vocal engineer Louis Bell then remembered an unused snippet from an old session, which was the song's chorus. It replaced the old hook in the song, and Dukes rewrote a new backing track on guitar, taking inspiration from the American band Weezer.[2]

"Better Now" is described as a pop song.[3] The song's sheet music, published by EMI Music Publishing at Musicnotes, shows that the song is written in the key of B major, and follows a tempo of 150 beats per minute. The vocals in the song span from the low note of F3 to the high note of G4.[4]

Chart performance

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"Better Now" debuted in the top ten in various countries, including at number one in Norway, number seven in the United States, and number six in the United Kingdom, becoming his third top 10 in the latter country. The single became his fifth top 10 hit in Australia, peaking at number two. It peaked at number 3 in the United States (prevented from further chart movement by Juice WRLD's "Lucid Dreams" as well as Maroon 5 and Cardi B's "Girls Like You").[5]

Taylor Swift told Malone that she wished she had written the song, especially giving praise to its hook.[6]

Music video

[edit]

The official music video for "Better Now" premiered on October 5, 2018.[7]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Sales certifications for "Better Now"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[100] 10× Platinum 700,000
Austria (IFPI Austria)[101] Platinum 30,000
Belgium (BRMA)[102] Platinum 40,000
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[103] 3× Diamond 480,000
Canada (Music Canada)[104] Diamond 800,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[105] 2× Platinum 180,000
France (SNEP)[106] Diamond 333,333
Germany (BVMI)[107] Platinum 400,000
Italy (FIMI)[108] Platinum 50,000
Mexico (AMPROFON)[109] 2× Platinum 120,000
Netherlands (NVPI)[110] 2× Platinum 160,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[111] 6× Platinum 180,000
Norway (IFPI Norway)[112] Platinum 60,000
Poland (ZPAV)[113] 2× Platinum 100,000
Portugal (AFP)[114] 4× Platinum 40,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[115] Platinum 60,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[116] 3× Platinum 1,800,000
United States (RIAA)[117] Diamond 10,000,000
Streaming
Sweden (GLF)[118] Platinum 8,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release formats for "Better Now"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
United Kingdom May 25, 2018 Contemporary hit radio Republic [119]
United States June 5, 2018 [120]
Italy June 15, 2018 Universal [121]
United States June 25, 2018 Hot adult contemporary Republic [122]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Better Now" is a by American rapper, singer, and songwriter , serving as the ninth track on his second studio album, Beerbongs & Bentleys, released on April 27, 2018, by . The track, which explores themes of heartbreak and lingering regret in a past relationship, features production by and and blends hip-hop, pop, and trap elements with Malone's signature melodic delivery. As the album's fifth official single, "Better Now" was sent to in the United States on June 5, 2018, following its initial album release. The song achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number 7 on the and eventually peaking at number three, where it spent 52 weeks on the chart. Internationally, it reached number six on the UK Singles Chart and topped charts in countries including . "Better Now" has been certified diamond by the (RIAA) on April 20, 2023, denoting 10 million units consumed in the , making it one of Post Malone's multiple diamond-certified singles. The official , directed by Adam DeGross, premiered on October 5, 2018, and depicts behind-the-scenes footage of Malone on tour, performing live, garnering over 698 million views on as of November 2025. Critically, the song contributed to the album's acclaim for its emotional depth and genre-blending style, solidifying Post Malone's status as a leading figure in contemporary music.

Background and Recording

Development

"Better Now" was developed during sessions for Post Malone's second studio album, , in 2018, involving a collaborative process among key songwriters and producers. The track was co-written by (Austin Post), Billy Walsh, , and (Adam Feeney), with Bell and Dukes handling production. The song's creation was described as a patchwork effort, or "frankensteined" from remnants of earlier, unfinished ideas. Initially, the team had a verse melody they liked but struggled with the hook and beat, which did not gel effectively. To resolve this, , serving as vocal engineer, recalled an unused chorus snippet from a prior session with , which became the song's signature chorus. then rewrote the backing track on guitar, drawing inspiration from classic influences evident in the . contributed by freestyling elements, infusing the track with raw emotional delivery. This iterative approach highlights the experimental nature of the sessions, where discarded fragments were repurposed to form a cohesive hit, ultimately shaping "Better Now" into a standout breakup anthem on the album.

Recording and Production

"Better Now" was produced by Louis Bell and Frank Dukes, with songwriting credits shared among Post Malone (Austin Post), Billy Walsh, Louis Bell, and Frank Dukes (Adam Feeney). The track's creation involved a collaborative and iterative process, beginning with Post Malone recording a cappella ideas as voice memos, which were later developed in the studio by adding chords and beats. Bell, working closely with in the room at Electric Feel Studios in , observed the artist's to refine elements like 808 sounds, ensuring alignment with Post's vision. The production emphasized a fusion of hip-hop and pop, using for initial beat creation due to its fluidity and low CPU demands, before exporting to for final structuring, EQ, and mixing. A key aspect of the song's assembly was its "Frankensteined" construction from fragments of multiple unfinished sessions, as described by producer . The verse melody originated from one early, wordless idea, while the chorus was salvaged from an unused snippet in an old session, recalled and integrated by after the initial hook and beat proved ineffective. Dukes then composed a fresh guitar , drawing inspiration from rock acts like , which shaped the and gave the song its grungy, anthemic edge. Vocals were captured using a C800 microphone, selected for its clear high-end capture of Post Malone's distinctive tone, with light applied via Melodyne and for subtle pitch correction and effect rather than heavy processing. Bell enhanced the anthemic quality with Waves RVerb for spacious reverb, creating an arena-like atmosphere as preferred by Post, alongside UAD 1176 compression for warmth and Waves CLA Vocals for EQ adjustments. The overall approach prioritized "predictable innovation," featuring subtle chord progressions to support the emotional delivery without overwhelming it.

Composition and Lyrics

Musical Elements

"Better Now" is a song that blends elements of trap and , reflecting Post Malone's signature fusion of hip-hop rhythms and melodic pop sensibilities. The track is composed in the key of and has a of 145 beats per minute, establishing a mid-tempo pace that balances with danceable . Produced by and , it employs a conventional verse-chorus structure, opening with the chorus to immediately listeners, followed by verses that build tension through Post Malone's auto-tuned vocal delivery alternating between and . This arrangement highlights the song's catchy , which repeats key phrases to reinforce its emotional core, while the production maintains a polished, radio-friendly sound typical of late-2010s hip-hop.

Themes and Interpretation

"Better Now" delves into the emotional aftermath of a romantic , focusing on themes of , , and the pretense of recovery. reflects on a failed relationship, suggesting that both he and his former partner are feigning emotional progress to cope with the pain of separation. The song portrays this mutual facade as a way to "win" , where outward claims of being "better now" mask deeper, unresolved feelings of longing and hurt. This interpretation is rooted in the ' exploration of and , as Malone admits to actions like drinking to forget while questioning his ex's assertions of moving on. Central to the song's themes is the idea of mirrored emotions in heartbreak, where the narrator believes his ex shares his internal struggle despite her words to the contrary. Lines such as "You probably think that you are better now / You only say that 'cause I'm not around" highlight the inherent in post-breakup interactions, emphasizing how absence fuels illusions of improvement. Critics have noted that this resonates as a universal depiction of romantic loss, with crooning regrets over an ex and the sacrifices made in the relationship, such as "Woulda gave you anything from the start." The track is believed to draw from a personal high school breakup in , echoing the raw vulnerability seen in Malone's earlier song "," which details a similar devastating split. Interpretations of "Better Now" often underscore its portrayal of masking pain through , like partying or superficial bravado, to appear stronger after rejection. This theme aligns with broader motifs in Malone's work, blending hip-hop introspection with pop accessibility to capture the complexity of love's end. Reviewers praise the for representing those attempting to triumph in emotional turmoil, turning personal into a relatable that validates the messiness of . By prioritizing emotional authenticity over resolution, the track invites listeners to confront their own experiences of feigned indifference in the wake of heartbreak.

Release and Promotion

Release Details

"Better Now" was initially released as the ninth track on Post Malone's second studio album, , on April 27, 2018, via . The track was later serviced as the fifth and final single from the album, debuting at number 7 on the during the week dated May 12, 2018. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 9 during the week ending May 10, 2018. The official music video, directed by Adam Degross, premiered on October 5, 2018, via Post Malone's YouTube channel.

Promotional Activities

To promote "Better Now" following its US contemporary hit radio release on June 5, 2018, Post Malone incorporated the track into his live festival appearances throughout the summer, leveraging major events to showcase the song from his album Beerbongs & Bentleys. Notable performances included sets at the Governors Ball Music Festival in New York on June 1, 2018; Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 3, 2018; and the Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK on August 24 and 25, 2018. These high-profile slots helped build momentum for the single's chart climb. For more details on live performances, see the "Live Performances" section. A companion 360-degree live performance video from his June 14, 2018, hometown show in was released on , 2018. On October 9, 2018, Post Malone elevated the single's exposure with a televised medley performance of "Better Now" and "Psycho" featuring Ty Dolla $ign at the , broadcast on ABC. The fiery, guitar-driven rendition, complete with Malone's new buzzed haircut and a blazing stage setup, garnered widespread acclaim for its rock-infused energy and helped propel both tracks higher on streaming charts. This appearance marked one of the few major award show slots dedicated to "Better Now," solidifying its crossover appeal. In mid-October 2018, Malone participated in a charitable promotional stunt for , posing undercover as a record store clerk at McKamey's Records in , on October 16. Disguised with glasses and a hat, he interacted with customers, critiqued his own music humorously, and surprised fans with autographs and tickets, all to promote an campaign offering a 2018 GT giveaway while raising funds for the Folds of Honor foundation supporting military families. The video of the prank, shared across social platforms, generated buzz by blending humor with philanthropy, tying into the album's "Bentleys" theme and extending "Better Now"'s promotional reach beyond music outlets.

Reception

Critical Response

Upon its release as the ninth track on Post Malone's sophomore album Beerbongs & Bentleys, "Better Now" was widely praised by critics for its emotional vulnerability and infectious melody, standing out amid the album's mixed reviews. The song, a breakup ballad produced by Louis Bell and Frank Dukes, features a grungy guitar riff and soaring chorus that captures the artist's signature blend of hip-hop introspection and pop accessibility. Reviewers highlighted its relatability, with Post Malone's raw delivery conveying the facade of moving on after a painful split, making it one of the album's most compelling moments. Critics from major outlets lauded the track's as an "inescapable ," emphasizing how Malone's vocal elevates the theme of post-relationship bravado into something universally resonant. In Rolling Stone's album review, it was described as a "heart-on-sleeve " that transcends the record's party-centric excess, showcasing Malone's ability to balance melancholy with melodic appeal. Uproxx included it in their list of the best of , calling it a "heartbreaking" highlight of Malone's tumultuous year, crediting its catchiness for helping it connect deeply with listeners despite the artist's polarizing public image. Similarly, it earned placements on year-end lists from (#35), Uproxx (#36), (#44), and Complex (#70), underscoring its impact as a standalone hit. While the parent album garnered mixed feedback, with a Metacritic score of 51/100 based on 10 reviews criticizing its repetitious themes and lack of depth, "Better Now" was frequently cited as a redeeming factor that demonstrated Malone's growth as a songwriter. Pitchfork's 5.6/10 album appraisal noted the record's overall dour mood but implicitly praised tracks like this for their pop hit potential, though it did not single out the song explicitly. echoed the album's strengths in choruses and vocals but faulted lyrical weaknesses elsewhere, positioning "Better Now" as an example of Malone's stronger emotive side. Overall, the song's critical acclaim affirmed its role in solidifying Post Malone's crossover appeal, blending raw emotion with commercial polish.

Accolades

"Better Now" received a for Best Pop Solo Performance at the in 2019. The song earned a for Hot 100 Song at the . Its accompanying music video was nominated for Song of the Summer at the . "Better Now" was honored as a Most Performed Song at the 2019 ASCAP Pop Music Awards. In the United States, the track was certified Diamond by the RIAA on April 20, 2023, denoting 10 million units consumed.

Commercial Performance

Chart Achievements

"Better Now" achieved significant commercial success upon its release, debuting at number seven on the in the United States and eventually peaking at number three, where it spent multiple weeks in 2018. The track marked one of several high-charting singles from Post Malone's album , contributing to the project's record-breaking presence on the chart with multiple entries in the top 20. Internationally, the song performed strongly across various markets. In the , it reached a peak of number six on the Official Singles Chart and topped the Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart, accumulating 43 weeks in the top 100. In , "Better Now" climbed to number two on the ARIA Singles Chart after debuting at number four. It also peaked at number four on the . In , the single hit number one on the Top 40 chart. Additionally, it attained a number three peak on the Canadian Hot 100. The following table summarizes the song's peak positions on select national charts:
Country/ChartPeak PositionSource
(Billboard Hot 100)3Billboard
United Kingdom (Official Singles)6Official Charts
Australia (ARIA Singles)2aCharts
Ireland (Irish Singles)4Irish Charts
(Top 40)1aCharts
(Canadian Hot 100)3Billboard
(LAIPA)1Kworb
(VG-lista)1Official Charts Company
"Better Now" demonstrated enduring popularity, reflecting Post Malone's growing global appeal and the track's crossover success in both mainstream and genre-specific charts.

Certifications and Sales

"Better Now" earned a Diamond certification from the (RIAA) on April 20, 2023, signifying 10 million units sold or streamed in the United States. In , the track was certified Diamond by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique () on October 2, 2025, equivalent to 50 million units based on sales and streams. The song's global performance is further evidenced by additional certifications in select markets, contributing to its overall commercial impact.
CountryCertifying BodyCertificationUnitsDate
RIAA10,000,000April 20, 2023
SNEP50,000,000October 2, 2025
ARIA7× Platinum490,0002023
8× Platinum640,000May 3, 2024
BPI600,000September 13, 2019

Streaming Milestones

"Better Now" achieved significant streaming success shortly after its release, becoming one of Post Malone's most streamed tracks across major platforms. On , the song surpassed 1 billion global streams by early , joining "Rockstar," "Congratulations," "Psycho," and "Sunflower" as the fifth track by the artist to reach this milestone. As of late 2025, it has accumulated over 2.17 billion streams on the platform, ranking it among Post Malone's top-performing singles. The official music video for "Better Now," released on October 5, 2018, via Post Malone's YouTube channel, has garnered approximately 698 million views as of November 2025, contributing to the song's visual streaming footprint. This visual component helped propel the track's popularity, with the video's performance underscoring its enduring appeal in the digital space. In terms of certifications tied to streaming, "Better Now" was awarded Diamond status by the RIAA on April 20, 2023, signifying 10 million certified units in the United States—equivalent to 1.5 billion on-demand audio and video streams under RIAA guidelines (where 150 streams equal one unit). This certification marked it as Post Malone's eighth Diamond single, a record for any artist, highlighting the song's substantial streaming impact within the U.S. market.

Music Video

The official music video for "Better Now" premiered on YouTube on October 5, 2018. Directed by Adam Degross and produced by Bobby Greenleaf, with editing by Robert Henry, the video is presented in black and white. It features footage of Post Malone performing the song live during his tour, capturing energetic crowd interactions and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his stage presence. As of November 2025, the video has accumulated over 698 million views on YouTube.

Live Performances and Covers

Live Performances

"Better Now" received its live debut by on May 8, 2018, during the Tour at the in , just four days after the album's release. The performance marked the song's first inclusion in 's setlists, where it opened the main portion following an intro track. Throughout the 2018 Beerbongs & Bentleys Tour and subsequent festival appearances, "Better Now" became a setlist staple, performed at nearly every show that year. Notable early renditions included a high-energy set at the 2018 on June 1 in , where engaged the crowd with the track amid a vibrant festival atmosphere. It also featured prominently at the in August 2018, drawing massive audience participation from the British crowds. By the end of 2018, the song had been played over 50 times live. The track maintained its prominence during the Runaway Tour (2019–2020), where it was typically performed as the second song, following "," across more than 40 dates in and before the tour's postponement due to the . Examples include shows at The Forum in , on November 21, 2019, and the Wells Fargo Center in on February 21, 2020. Post Malone's live delivery often emphasized the song's emotional chorus, with acoustic elements in select intimate venues. In later tours, such as the (2023) and the F-1 Trillion Tour (2024), "Better Now" continued to appear regularly, adapting to Post Malone's evolving stage production with and band-backed arrangements. By 2025, during the Big Ass Stadium Tour co-headlined with Jelly Roll, it remained a highlight, positioned early in the setlist at venues like in Inglewood on and the in on May 7. As of November 2025, "Better Now" has been performed 397 times by across his career, appearing in approximately 70% of his documented concerts.

Covers and Remixes

"Better Now" has been widely covered by artists spanning , and acoustic genres, with SecondHandSongs documenting 38 versions, including 27 vocal and 11 instrumental recordings as of the latest updates. Notable among these is the acoustic cover by , released on August 28, 2020, which reimagines the hip-hop track as a stripped-down . Astley's rendition, performed during his cover series, highlights the song's emotional core with his signature soulful vocals. In the rock realm, delivered a high-energy cover on July 10, 2018, featuring guest vocals from Fronz of and of , alongside drums by . This version transforms the original's trap-influenced production into aggressive riffs and breakdowns, earning praise within alternative music circles and available on platforms like . Another standout is the metal interpretation by frontman and YouTuber , released in 2019, which amps up the intensity with shredding guitars and double-kick drums to appeal to heavy music fans. Remixes of "Better Now" are predominantly unofficial but include several promoted electronic variants. The Romen Jewels Remix, issued in May via , infuses trap beats and synths for a club-oriented vibe, gaining traction in DJ sets. Similarly, the Yonas Remix, with an video from , delivers an upbeat house-inflected rework emphasizing the track's melodic hooks. These remixes extend the song's reach into and EDM scenes without altering its lyrical narrative.

References

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