July 1995: Hootie & The Blowfish released their soon to be #1 Top 40 hit “Only Wanna Be with You,” Pokeman debuted, and Post Malone was born.
Fast forward twenty-five years: Pokeman is the biggest media franchise in the world, and Post Malone is a hip-hop, pop and R&B star.
When he headlined the virtual “Pokémon Day” 25th anniversary concert, Malone featured his newest single, a straightforward cover of “Only Wanna Be with You,” adhering closely to the original, but with a slightly more contemporary sheen and polish.
Like the original, “Only Wanna Be With You (Pokémon 25 Version)” is an up-tempo, distinctly American song, with a catchy hook, that’s fun to listen to, and easy to get into.
Post Malone is huge: his “Circles” was Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 40 airplay chart for 30 weeks, 10 of those at #1, the first time that’s ever happened. (BMU 10/14/2019).