“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 was 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.
Within his time, Miller 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 later he evolved into a more expansive artist. Miller included elements from all different genres from jazz to aspects of funk, formed in the album “Swimming.”
As his artistry evolved, Miller dove 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 passing, his music remained in people’s playlists and souls with 28 million monthly listeners to this day.
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 doesn’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 from Miller’s earlier work. The simplicity of the beginning creates the foundation for what’s coming 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 it was really like under his condition. 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 connects with me deeply, because as a teenager, I’ve also had problems with finding balance with the chaos surrounding me. Through 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. This sound gives flashbacks to a simpler time in his life, full of innocence and less worry, a nostalgic feeling that tied with me. This song kicks in the sentimental feeling of growing up and 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 high school and this track evokes the emotion of holding onto my past and not being ready to grow up. Although a very abrupt song, this track is where Miller showcased 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 sight of hope that shines through the darkness.
Finally, the album ends with “Tomorrow Will Never Know,” a 12-minute track that ties the album all together. 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, while making me resonate with every emotion and reflect deeply on what I’ve accomplished.
Overall, “Balloonerism” made me realize how important your journey is. No matter the hardships you have to get through, you are going to find your personal purpose. I would recommend this to listeners who are trying to find that missing piece of Miller’s lost artwork. Other reviewers viewed this album as his “lost project” and now fans are able to connect with Miller’s personal story at a more resounding level. With this, I give “Balloonerism” 4 stars.
