Caden Lim
Arts Editor
Released on Jan. 17, Balloonerism is Mac Miller’s second posthumous album since his death in Sep. 2018. It captures the final years of his creative journey and showcases his growth as an artist. The project is a testament to the lasting influence of his music. Balloonerism overflows with thoughtful lyrics and themes, which reminds us why Mac Miller remains one of the most unique and impactful voices in contemporary music.
Malcolm James McCormick, more popularly known as Mac Miller, was a talented musician known for his relaxed style and poetic lyrics. He first found fame as a teenager with his mixtape K.I.D.S. before developing a richer sound in albums such as Swimming and GO:OD AM. Miller tragically passed away in 2018 at just 26 years old from an accidental drug overdose, leaving behind a body of work that has had a profound impression in the industry.
Balloonerism explores Miller’s personal hardships touching on themes like self-doubt, hope, and the search for peace. Miller recorded the album in 2014, around the same time his mixtape Faces was released. The album shifts between heavy, emotional moments and hints of lightheartedness, creating a balance that mirrors the highs and lows of life. Through it all, Miller’s honesty and openness make the album a relatable experience that listeners can individually connect with.
Balloonerism blends elements of jazz, soul, and hip-hop, highlighting the overall versatility of Miller’s music. Songs in the album such as “Funny Papers” and “Rick’s Piano” showcase his experimental abilities combining smooth melodies with playful, offbeat sounds, while “Excelsior” represents his more raw side with lots of emotion and storytelling. The project has a unique energy that keeps fans hooked from beginning to end.
Each guest feature on this release adds a special touch and amplifies the authentic vibe that Miller so commonly displays. SZA’s collaboration on “DJ’s Chord Organ” adds a soulful touch that fits perfectly with the laid-back feel of the track. Artists Thundercat and Taylor Graves also bring their own distinctive sounds that help produce a unique flow that runs through the entire album. The collaboration of such remarkable musicians in Balloonerism inevitably leads to a masterpiece that is nothing short of successful.
Balloonerism was announced last year, though unofficial versions had been circulating online for years. Miller’s family understood how important this album was to Miler and decided to release the official version. The 14-track album dropped two days before what would have been Miller’s birthday, and on the fifth anniversary of his 2020 album Circles, which was released two years after his passing.
Posthumous albums can often raise questions about releasing an artist’s unfinished work, but Miller’s family and collaborators displayed lots of respect and care toward Miller’s legacy with the release of Balloonerism. The album is a bittersweet reflection of the music that he left behind as it further displays the depth of his work and the untapped potential.
Miller’s reach extends far beyond his career as a rapper; he was an artist who evolved constantly and created sophisticated worlds for listeners to escape into. His songs resonated not just because of their sound, but because of the vulnerability and honesty he shared through them. With Balloonerism, his music continues to speak to us on a deeper level, offering a final chapter that leaves us reflecting on his life and the impact he had on the world.
Balloonerism is a big part in the last phase of Miller’s career. It is a monumental piece and a reminder of how gifted he is. Even after passing, his music still speaks to all people and addresses genuine challenges that many people can relate to. This release proves that Miller’s influence is everlasting, and it leaves fans with a collection of songs that will continue to inspire them for years to come.
Balloonerism is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora.
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