Covers Corner: “Only Wanna Be With You” by Post Malone

It often seems like only a matter of time before most ’90s-era staples get a 21st-century revisit. With today’s cover, we’re treated to a double whammy: Post Malone’s cover of the Hootie and the Blowfish hit was released to commemorate Pokémon’s 25th anniversary. That just demonstrates the age of the song and the franchise.

I have to admit, the song choice for the anniversary is a little weird, especially since Pokemon was originally developed for kids. If you look closely at the lyrics, they’re a bit adult. For example: “I just wanna love you, but you wanna wear my ring” or “You get so mad at me when I go out with my friends.” But the editing itself works. It’s electronic (fitting for a video game and anime series) and Post Malone’s voice is ever-so-slightly distorted. His vocals are their trademark slurred; this time, they’re processed through an 8-bit filter.

With Hootie and the Blowfish, the vocals are much bouncier. They’re bolstered by that strummy guitar that was so popular back then. (See also: “Loser” by Beck or much of Blues Traveler.) The song slows down for the chorus and just emphasizes the declarations of love. It’s such a story of a back-and-forth relationship: “You can call me your fool/I only wanna be with you.” Yet somehow the song manages to avoid a Nice Guy pratfall.

It’s a tossup for me as to which of the two songs I prefer better. As usual, I’ve posted them both below; let me know which one you like.

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