Caught scrolling through Spotify trying to find something new to listen to? Love all music genres, especially Hip-Hop/Rap and can’t find music that fits the specific music taste? Well, there might be a solution.
On January 17, 2025 Mac Miller, a famous music artist, dropped a new album called Balloonerism. This is Miller’s second posthumous album following Circles that was also released on January 17, 2020.
Ballonerism was prerecorded in 2014 along with Circles, The Divine Feminine, Swimming, etc.
Swimming was released a month before Miller passed away in 2018. He was 26 years old and one of the top artists still being listened to till this day. Theories of this being his last album to come out or having way more to come.
“I can’t form words on how good this album is. His soundtracks take me to heaven on how nicely put together they sound. Asking if this is a good recommendation for music isn’t even a question. It’s a 100% yes,” Gracie Leftin (10) said.
Balloonerism has a total of 14 songs. 1. “Tambourine Dream”, 2. “DJ’s Chord Organ” (feat. SZA), 3. “Do You Have A Destination?”, 4. “5 Dollar Pony Rides”, 5. “Friendly Hallucinations”, 6. “Mrs. Deborah Downer”, 7. “Stoned”, 8. “Shangri-La”, 9. “Funny Papers”, 10. “Excelsior”, 11. “Transformations” (feat. Delusional Thomas), 12. “Manakins”, 13. “Rick’s Piano”, 14. “Tomorrow Will Never Know”.
- “Tambourine Dream”
This is a 33 second song of tambourines playing making me and other people wonder. What is the story behind this? Why tambourines? Does the beat have a meaning? But, just like all of his songs there is a nice soundtrack in the back but this time it was odd and unusual. Just because there is absolutely no context whatsoever. The song doesn’t necessarily feel like his usual music, but it’s a nice change. I do not have strong feelings towards this so-called “song” but it’s an okay start to the album.
- “DJ’s Chord Organ” (feat. SZA)
This is a very interesting song all together. It starts as just music for 1-2 minutes with Mac Miller playing the piano. SZA sings the rest of the song, and it is nice to hear 2014 SZA again. It shows how far she has come. I personally don’t really like this song just because I don’t like long intros.
- “Do You Have A Destination?”
I like this song a lot because it is one of Miller’s more unique songs. It reminds me of his song ‘Jet Fuel’ from the album Swimming. I would definitely add this to my liked songs and my everyday playlist. I 100% recommend this song if you like slower, more calm toned rap with an interesting soundtrack in the background.
- “5 Dollar Pony Rides”
I also really like this song a lot and Miller sings it really well. I would say this is one of my favorite songs on this album. Even though this song was released a couple days before the album just as a little teaser it is still one of the best. It is best to show one of the best songs first to hype people up about the album.
- “Friendly Hallucinations”
Do not overthink the title because it describes the song perfectly. On top of that the beat really adds to the song with random sounds and echoes like you really are hallucinating. He is talking about a girl’s story of her life and what she’s feeling. So I can see how this can connect to some people. I like this song a lot because of the story he tells.
- “Mrs. Deborah Downer”
I can not piece this song with the title like I usually can. Maybe it’s something hidden in the song, or something obvious I haven’t thought of. I like the chorus of the song and it is slow like every other song on the album.
- “Stoned”
He again is talking about a girl and her experience. This is a pretty solid song and I would say it is definitely top 3 along with “5 Dollar Pony Rides”. This song still reminds me of his old self. Definitely my favorite in the album.
- “Shangri-La”
Shangri-La is a show directed by Morgan Neville and Jeff Malmberg that Mac Miller was in. He was only in at least one or two episodes. I do not know if this song is about that or not. But it would be cool if it is. This song is catchy.
- “Funny Papers”
This one has a unique start to the song. It still stays in line with the rest of the album. Definitely top 5.
- “Excelsior”
I do not understand the title of the song but it is interesting to say the least. A good song but probably not my favorite
- “Transformations” (feat. Delusional Thomas)
I love the beginning and the way he makes it sound as though an anonymous person is talking by hiding the voice and continues changing the tone until it is his regular voice.
- “Manakins”
First I thought the title of the song was Manikins at first which would make sense. But it is ‘Manakins’ which is a bird that has a big head and a small bill that’s brightly colored. I do not know what he was thinking with this one, but the song itself is okay just like his other ones he makes with nothing that sticks out to me.
- “Rick’s Piano”
This song is also unique and it adds some tambourines in it just like the first 33 second song. He makes it like someone talking to someone or like talking to you. I like how he drags people in with that and it can really make someone interested in a song.
- “Tomorrow Will Never Knows”
The first 30 seconds is complete silence but with a little static in the background. The song name is unique and fitting to the end of the album. I like this song not because of the ending but the fact that it’s the ending song. Leaves us on a little cliffhanger to maybe a new album?
This album is really nicely put together. Putting this album in the top 3 wouldn’t be a mistake. No one necessarily knows if this will be his last album or not. If it is, he outdid himself. Listen and see how the album is!
