Written by Scott Michael

Well damn, this isn’t easy. When Mac Miller died, I found out as I was on my way to work. It ruined my day. Mac Miller got me through so much in my life; depression, anger, and when I found some semblance of peace he did too. Things haven’t been the same in the world of music since he passed, and listening to his lyrics about death and overdosing are painful to hear now. Nonetheless, the time has come for his first posthumous album.

I did not know how I felt when I heard about this album being released. I have read plenty about posthumous albums that are just vague recordings of songs that are a minute long, and I didn’t want that for Mac. Luckily, this album was already in the process of being made when Mac died, and you can tell. This album follows the trend of more melodic and positive music Mac had been making as it seemed he was in a much better place since his relationship with Ariana Grande ended. The album starts with “Circles,” a track where Mac says no matter what he does he keeps going in circles. It is heartbreaking, because he was doing well for a while, or so we thought. Each track—while having such calm vibes—possesses sadness in each line.

I don’t know if this is much of an album review, it feels more like a place to express how Mac’s death has resonated in the past year and a half since it happened. When I heard “Swimming,” I didn’t like myself at all, I was in a weird place mentally and for some reason, that album brought me back to earth as did the track “2009.” I have since moved from Columbus, Ohio to Portland, Maine and have experienced so many new things and have worked on a lot. This album comes at a time where I am now deciding on my future again and as stressed and anxious as I may get in the coming months, I know that I can turn on any Mac album, and it can bring me back down.

Now back to “Circles.” The album is great, it was cared for and curated and will last in the archives of Mac’s discography. “Good News, Woods” and “Hand Me Downs” are two other tracks that are stunningly beautiful and show what an eye Mac had for rhythm and melody. Things aren’t the same since we lost Mac. Luckily, we got this great album, and this not so traditional review.

Thank you for reading. Mac Miller forever. 

Best: Circles, Good News, Woods, Hand Me Downs

Worst: N/A