“No matter where life takes me, find me with a smile.”
These words, from Mac Miller’s “Best Day Ever,” perfectly capture the essence of an artist who found meaning in both the highs and lows of life. From a 15-year-old local rapper from Pittsburgh to a global sensation, Miller has been defined by his creativity and reflective storytelling. Starting his career early, Miller gained attention immediately due to his infectious energy and unusual talent. His debut album, “Blue Slide Park,” made history by becoming the first independently distributed debut album to top the US Billboard 200 since 1995, cementing his place as a trailblazer in the music industry.
Miller has released five studio albums: “GO:OD AM “(2015), “The Divine Feminine” (2016), “Swimming” (2018), “Faces” (2014) and “Watching Movies with the Sound Off” (2013). Miller’s early work was often referred to as “frat rap”, but his style later evolved to become more expansive. In the album “Swimming,” Miller included elements from genres ranging from jazz to aspects of funk.
As his artistry evolved, Miller dived deeper into themes of love, loss and self-discovery. Unfortunately, Miller’s life was cut short on September 7, 2018, leaving a hole in the music world. But even after his passing, his music has remained in people’s playlists and in their souls with 28 million monthly listeners today.
On November 16, 2024, Miller’s estate teased “Balloonerism” at Camp Flog Gnaw with an animated trailer. A few days later, his estate announced the album on social media. That night, my brother came into my room and I immediately went on Apple Music to save the album. “Balloonerism” is the seventh studio album by Miller and his second posthumous album. Miller recorded the album in 2014 when “Faces” was released. The album was released on January 17, 2025, under Warner Records, exactly five years after his first posthumous album “Circles.”
Through fourteen tracks, “Balloonerism” is an introspective album that delves into themes of substance abuse, personal purpose and self-discovery. This album leans into a psychedelic sound, a genre Miller didn’t typically go for. Miller’s blend of soulful melodies and reflective lyricism crafts a listening experience that feels weightless and deeply rooted. This album provides a lens into Miller’s life, creating a more intimate connection with fans.
The album kicks off with “Tambourine Dream,” a track that perfectly sets the mood. The tambourine sounds identify that the album is going to be different than Miller’s earlier work. The simplicity of the beginning creates the foundation for what comes next.
“Friendly Hallucinations” delves into Miller’s sense of reality. This piece showcases how self-medicating blurred his ability to find joy when awake. Miller often shares this part of life, but in this album, he showcases what his addiction was really like. The line “It’s only real if it’s real to you” repeats at the end, showing his struggle to differentiate reality from his mental state.
Miller reflects on his search for purpose on track nine, “Funny Papers.” He compares his struggles to moments of life and drops deep commentary about the negativity in the world and his search for inner peace. Miller’s search for inner peace on Funny Papers resonates deeply with me, because as a teenager, I too, had problems with finding balance amidst the chaos surrounding me. During this track, I was able to take a moment for myself, not for anyone else, and sink into lyrics that Miller beautifully crafted.
The next track, “Excelsior,” starts with the sounds of kids on a playground. These sounds trigger flashbacks to a simpler time in his life, one of innocence and less worry, a nostalgia that I could identify with. This song kicks in the sentimental feeling of growing up, but by the end of the song, you realize that you are no longer that kid you were imagining. As a junior, it feels surreal that in a year I will be in a cap and gown, graduating from high school, yet this track evokes the emotion of holding on to my past and not being ready to grow up. Although a very abrupt song, this track is where Miller showcases the concept of time.
The eleventh track, “Transformations,” starts with a spiraling piano sound, with Miller’s vocals bouncing between squeaks and slow tunes. With sounds bouncing and changing constantly, it feels like a chaotic and restless setting. After that rollercoaster, the album slows down with “Rick’s Piano,” an emotional track. For Miller, the piano became a safe space where he could heal through music. “The best is yet to come” repeats numerous times throughout, leaving a sense of hope that shines through the darkness.
The album’s final song, “Tomorrow Will Never Know,” is a 12-minute track that ties all of the album together. Here Miller reflects on life, death and existence. It’s a haunting yet beautiful conclusion to an album that shares the endless search for the meaning of life, a song that can resonate with us and prompt us to reflect on what we’ve accomplished.
Overall, “Balloonerism” made me realize how important one’s journey is. No matter the hardships we have to get through, we are going to find our personal purpose. I would recommend this album to listeners who are trying to find that missing piece of Miller’s lost artwork. Miller’s music has stuck with me for years now, and “Balloonerism” has made me open my eyes to areas that I have never explored before. With this, I give “Balloonerism” 4 stars.
