2025-09-12
Mac Miller - Swimming
Original release: 2018
Every Mac Miller album feels like Mac at his best in some way or another, and Swimming is no exception. Musically, production-wise and lyrically he is completely on top, and—as always—the songs on the album all relate to a common, cohesive theme.
The range of musical styles on the album is also pretty wild. Small Worlds is basically a modern Tom Waits ballad (if you do not believe me, just play it on a piano and put your most gravel-y voice on, you will see), Self Care is a trap anthem about overcoming personal obstacles/fighting personal demons, Jet Fuel is a sympathetic, laid back, heart breaking down-tempo soul hip hop track about substance abuse, Ladders is a super funky club banger, Conversation, Pt. 1 is probably best described as a psychedelic trap track, and What’s The Use is a disco-funk rap track featuring Thundercat on bass, which they played at the now infamous Tiny Desk Concert.
Even after listening for years, there is still lots of new stuff to discover and to notice.
Listen
- Jet Fuel: https://youtu.be/FrfNEoNnCt4
- Ladders: https://youtu.be/eU581WvbUyQ