“Balloonerism”, the seventh studio album from musician Malcolm James McCormick, better known as Mac Miller, is shown above. The album, which was released posthumously by Miller’s record label Warner Records on Jan.17 to all streaming platforms, was experimental and poignant, dealing with issues like addiction and morality. “On the first listen, the seemingly random assortment of songs and combinations of muddled sounds may seem messy, but the undertones of loss and addiction make the unpredictability work in favor of the album,” Sports Staffer Sam Harwell wrote. Photo fair use of Warner Records
Warner Records released musician Mac Miller’s brilliant seventh studio album, “Balloonerism”, on Jan. 17.
Musician Malcolm James McCormick, better known as Mac Miller, had his new album “Balloonerism”, composed of unreleased music belonging to his record label Warner Records, released on Jan. 17 to all streaming platforms. Miller died due to a drug overdose in 2018, following his fifth studio album release, “Swimming”, but had several tracks outstanding at the time of his death, allowing two mixtapes and two albums to be released since his death.
“Balloonerism”, his new release, was unexpectedly announced in Nov. 2024, at the Camp Flog Gnaw music festival. Despite the long period of time without new releases, “Balloonerism” stands on its own as a high quality, well-composed album that will exceed fan expectations.
The upbeat vibes provide the listener with a perfect background to process and internalize the lyrics. Miller speaks about his battle with drugs, which is painfully relevant due to the circumstances of his death.
The album has a hazy, psychedelic sound, with echoing pianos and reverbing voices. Producer and guitarist Thundercat produced several of the songs on the album, adding his signature bubbly basslines in tracks like “5 Dollar Pony Rides” and “Mrs. Deborah Downer”.
The upbeat vibes provide the listener with a perfect background to process and internalize the lyrics. Miller speaks about his battle with drugs, which is painfully relevant due to the circumstances of his death.
In songs such as “Friendly Hallucinations” and “Stoned” Miller illustrates the reality of drug addiction, with lines like “There’s help inside that medicine cabinet, came in for answers, but she left with a habit” and “she breaks down the pain, she rolls up the weed.” These lines add depth and character to each song.
Miller has several more introspective moments during the album, reflecting on childhood nostalgia in “Excelsior” and the corruption of the world in “Funny Papers.” The musical journey ends with “Tomorrow Will Never Know,” a seven-minute-long ballad that will leave the listener deeply reflecting on their own struggles.
On the first listen, the seemingly random assortment of songs and combinations of muddled sounds may seem messy, but the undertones of loss and addiction make the unpredictability work in favor of the album.
Overall, “Balloonerism” is a deep and intriguing look into Miller’s life and his views on the world. Between the psychedelic beats and artistic lyrics, there’s something for everyone in this album.
