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Better Now
View on Wikipedia| "Better Now" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Post Malone | ||||
| from the album Beerbongs & Bentleys | ||||
| Released | May 25, 2018 | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 3:50 | |||
| Label | Republic | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
| |||
| Post Malone singles chronology | ||||
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| 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
[edit]"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]
Weekly charts[edit] |
Year-end charts[edit]
Decade-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| 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. | ||
Release history
[edit]| 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
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- ^ "Russia Top City & Country Radio Hits 2018". Tophit. Archived from the original on 2019-01-19. Retrieved 2019-01-14.
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- ^ "Dutch single certifications – Post Malone – Better Now" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved July 26, 2019. Enter Better Now in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 2019 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
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Better Now
View on GrokipediaBackground and Recording
Development
"Better Now" was developed during sessions for Post Malone's second studio album, Beerbongs & Bentleys, in 2018, involving a collaborative process among key songwriters and producers. The track was co-written by Post Malone (Austin Post), Billy Walsh, Louis Bell, and Frank Dukes (Adam Feeney), with Bell and Dukes handling production.[8] 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, Louis Bell, serving as vocal engineer, recalled an unused chorus snippet from a prior session with Post Malone, which became the song's signature chorus. Frank Dukes then rewrote the backing track on guitar, drawing inspiration from classic Weezer influences evident in the chord progression. Post Malone contributed by freestyling elements, infusing the track with raw emotional delivery.[8][9] 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.[8]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).[10] 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.[11] Bell, working closely with Post Malone in the room at Electric Feel Studios in Los Angeles, observed the artist's body language to refine elements like 808 sounds, ensuring alignment with Post's vision.[12] The production emphasized a fusion of hip-hop and pop, using FL Studio for initial beat creation due to its fluidity and low CPU demands, before exporting to Pro Tools for final structuring, EQ, and mixing.[11] A key aspect of the song's assembly was its "Frankensteined" construction from fragments of multiple unfinished sessions, as described by producer Frank Dukes. 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 Louis Bell after the initial hook and beat proved ineffective. Dukes then composed a fresh guitar backing track, drawing inspiration from 1990s rock acts like Weezer, which shaped the chord progression and gave the song its grungy, anthemic edge.[8] Vocals were captured using a Sony C800 microphone, selected for its clear high-end capture of Post Malone's distinctive tone, with light Auto-Tune applied via Melodyne and Antares 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.[11]Composition and Lyrics
Musical Elements
"Better Now" is a pop rap song that blends elements of trap and alternative R&B, reflecting Post Malone's signature fusion of hip-hop rhythms and melodic pop sensibilities.[13] The track is composed in the key of B♭ major and has a tempo of 145 beats per minute, establishing a mid-tempo pace that balances introspection with danceable energy.[14] Produced by Louis Bell and Frank Dukes, it employs a conventional verse-chorus structure, opening with the chorus to immediately hook listeners, followed by verses that build tension through Post Malone's auto-tuned vocal delivery alternating between rapping and singing.[3][15] This arrangement highlights the song's catchy refrain, which repeats key phrases to reinforce its emotional core, while the production maintains a polished, radio-friendly sound typical of late-2010s hip-hop.[3]Themes and Interpretation
"Better Now" delves into the emotional aftermath of a romantic breakup, focusing on themes of regret, denial, and the pretense of recovery. Post Malone 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" the breakup, where outward claims of being "better now" mask deeper, unresolved feelings of longing and hurt. This interpretation is rooted in the lyrics' exploration of nostalgia and self-deception, as Malone admits to actions like drinking to forget while questioning his ex's assertions of moving on.[10] 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 denial 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 Malone 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 Texas, echoing the raw vulnerability seen in Malone's earlier song "I Fall Apart," which details a similar devastating split.[2][10] Interpretations of "Better Now" often underscore its portrayal of masking pain through escapism, 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 song for representing those attempting to triumph in emotional turmoil, turning personal regret into a relatable anthem that validates the messiness of healing. By prioritizing emotional authenticity over resolution, the track invites listeners to confront their own experiences of feigned indifference in the wake of heartbreak.[16]Release and Promotion
Release Details
"Better Now" was initially released as the ninth track on Post Malone's second studio album, Beerbongs & Bentleys, on April 27, 2018, via Republic Records.[17] The track was later serviced as the fifth and final single from the album, debuting at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the week dated May 12, 2018. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 9 during the week ending May 10, 2018.[5] The official music video, directed by Adam Degross, premiered on October 5, 2018, via Post Malone's YouTube channel.[4]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.[18][19][20] A companion 360-degree live performance video from his June 14, 2018, hometown show in Dallas was released on October 4, 2018.[21] 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 American Music Awards, 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.[22][23] In mid-October 2018, Malone participated in a charitable promotional stunt for Omaze, posing undercover as a record store clerk at McKamey's Records in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 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 Omaze campaign offering a 2018 Bentley Continental 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.[24][25]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.[26] 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.[16] 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.[27] Critics from major outlets lauded the track's hook as an "inescapable earworm," emphasizing how Malone's vocal performance elevates the theme of post-relationship bravado into something universally resonant.[16] In Rolling Stone's album review, it was described as a "heart-on-sleeve ballad" that transcends the record's party-centric excess, showcasing Malone's ability to balance melancholy with melodic appeal.[26] Uproxx included it in their list of the best songs of 2018, 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.[27] Similarly, it earned placements on year-end lists from NME (#35), Uproxx (#36), Highsnobiety (#44), and Complex (#70), underscoring its impact as a standalone hit.[28] While the parent album Beerbongs & Bentleys 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.[29] 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.[30] The Guardian 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.[31] 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 nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019.[32] The song earned a nomination for Top Hot 100 Song at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.[33] Its accompanying music video was nominated for Song of the Summer at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.[34] "Better Now" was honored as a Most Performed Song at the 2019 ASCAP Pop Music Awards.[35] 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 Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and eventually peaking at number three, where it spent multiple weeks in 2018.[4][36] The track marked one of several high-charting singles from Post Malone's album Beerbongs & Bentleys, contributing to the project's record-breaking presence on the chart with multiple entries in the top 20.[37] Internationally, the song performed strongly across various markets. In the United Kingdom, 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.[5] In Australia, "Better Now" climbed to number two on the ARIA Singles Chart after debuting at number four.[38] It also peaked at number four on the Irish Singles Chart.[39] In New Zealand, the single hit number one on the Top 40 chart.[40] Additionally, it attained a number three peak on the Canadian Hot 100.[41] The following table summarizes the song's peak positions on select national charts:| Country/Chart | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| United States (Billboard Hot 100) | 3 | Billboard |
| United Kingdom (Official Singles) | 6 | Official Charts |
| Australia (ARIA Singles) | 2 | aCharts |
| Ireland (Irish Singles) | 4 | Irish Charts |
| New Zealand (Top 40) | 1 | aCharts |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 3 | Billboard |
| Latvia (LAIPA) | 1 | Kworb |
| Norway (VG-lista) | 1 | Official Charts Company |
Certifications and Sales
"Better Now" earned a Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on April 20, 2023, signifying 10 million units sold or streamed in the United States.[42][43] In France, the track was certified Diamond by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) on October 2, 2025, equivalent to 50 million units based on sales and streams.[44] The song's global performance is further evidenced by additional certifications in select markets, contributing to its overall commercial impact.| Country | Certifying Body | Certification | Units | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA | Diamond | 10,000,000 | April 20, 2023 |
| France | SNEP | Diamond | 50,000,000 | October 2, 2025 |
| Australia | ARIA | 7× Platinum | 490,000 | 2023 |
| Canada | Music Canada | 8× Platinum | 640,000 | May 3, 2024 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Platinum | 600,000 | September 13, 2019 |
