Mac Miller proves posthumous inspiration
Mac Miller’s last album, “Swimming,” is a call for help in what was his isolated last few months.
September 25, 2018
I’m furious at myself for waiting until Mac Miller died before I began listening to him regularly. The post-mourning bandwagon was moving too steadily for me not to jump on, so I went to his Spotify and busted out all five of his studio albums.
I started with his first breakout debut album, “Blue Slide Park.” This album is a combination of the musky street rhymes Mac originated from and the laid back melancholy that he transitioned to in later albums. This album serves as a monument for the establishment of Mac’s name in the game by being certified gold.
Loading ...Mac’s second studio album, “Watching Movies with the Sound Off,” finds Mac experimenting with his newfound power of bestowing a meditative-like state on his listeners. The songs have a combined power to bump heads and lull the listeners into a sleepy relaxed bliss. Although this album had less sales, Mac stayed true to who he was as an artist and continued doing him.
The third studio album, “GO:OD AM,” perpetuates Mac’s stylistic genius. He adds some jazz trumpets in “Weekend” and a boy-band-esque drumline in “Two Matches with Ab-Soul.” He proves his versatility in this album and solidifies his strongest fan base.
As we reach his fourth album, “The Divine Feminine,” Mac draws inspiration from the firm grasp of love. This album strikes a happier tone while still retaining Mac’s desolate style. This is right around the time his relationship got serious with Ariana Grande, giving inspiration to the enchanting melodies.
And now, we reach Mac’s last album: “Swimming.” This album is beautiful. It’s Mac’s call for help in what was his isolated last few months. He expresses his sorrow by opening up an emotional oblivion. Songs like “Self Care” give insight into Mac’s feelings leading up to his premature passing. Listening to it in retrospect is devastatingly sad.
This brief snapshot into Mac’s musical career is nowhere near enough to be able to appreciate his music fully. Go listen for yourself and gain an appreciation for one of the most talented artists of our generation.
