Mac Miller Balloonerism Review: A Bittersweet Farewell

We’ve Missed You, Mac

This is a bit of a tough write for me. Posthumous albums always come with a grain of salt. Did the studio take advantage of an artist after their untimely passing, or was this truly the wish of the artist? Those questions always linger when a project is released after the artist has passed on. Thankfully, for Mac Miller’s Balloonerism, this feels like a true farewell for fans of Mac Miller—and honestly, for hip hop.

The second album released after his passing in 2018—and just two days before what would have been his 33rd birthday—this is being seen as the “lost files” of Mac Miller. Many of these songs were actually recorded between albums in 2013 and 2014.

What makes this such an intriguing addition to Mac’s discography is that it feels as if Mac himself knew what his fate would be. Balloonerism features haunting lyrics that bring a gravity to the album, a weight that feels heavy on your heart as you’re reminded of the pain you felt when the news broke on September 17, 2018.

Balloonerism

The album starts with a tambourine, followed by an organ, setting up what can best be described as a dreamy voyage into life’s great mysteries. SZA is the only other voice featured on this album. Her angelic vocals shift from heavenly to an ominous sound of almost discomfort. Paired with an eerie beat, this introduction leaves us perplexed about what lies ahead. A ghostly chorus from Mac and SZA becomes stitched into your mind—a welcoming of things to come.

The next song is your first introduction to sorrowful lyrics:

“Okay, I went to sleep faded, then I woke up invisible…”
“I gave my life to this s**t, already killed myself.”

The song Do You Have a Destination? gives us a sense of confusion and depression, as Mac tries to understand his place in the universe. The world was changing, but could Mac withstand the change? He knew he needed to evolve, but his vices held him back. Mac Miller is left wondering where his destination will eventually lead him—and sadly, for the audience, we know too late to help.

Not all songs bring this level of sadness or sorrow. 5 Dollar Pony Rides delivers an upbeat, soulful rhythm with that tambourine pleasantly shaking to the words of an optimistic Mac. There’s a loving sound to this track, almost like a healing touch to the uncertainty of the previous song. It’s an honest jam session, for lack of a better term. A sense of reassurance is offered to the listener: though you may be struggling with inner turmoil, Mac is that hand on your shoulder, asking if you need help.

Mrs. Deborah Downer lives up to its name—it’s a downer. Not in quality, but in mood, as it journeys through Mac’s mind during a pill-driven high:

“I lie awake faded, watch the days go by, and only at the lows do I chase that high.”

A slowed bassline follows, only to introduce a chilling drug order that leads into the next song, Stoned.

Stoned marks the halfway point of the album with a relaxed, groovy beat. It tells the story of a girl down on her luck, unable to escape her funk, reminding us that sometimes you just need to get a little stoned to reset—push the problems away and let go of the pain, even if only briefly.

Not All Gloom

Though the album carries a built-in sadness, it’s not solely melancholic. In fact, what Balloonerism offers is a deeper understanding of Mac Miller.

The small miracles found in Funny Papers, the departure of your inner child in Excelsior, and the questions we all ask a higher power—this album showcases Mac searching for answers in the only way he knew how.

“The best is yet to come,” the chorus of Rick’s Piano, is a prime example of finding hope amidst the darkness. Though there is much uncertainty, especially in this song, there’s always more to come.

Final Verdict

Balloonerism is likely the last music we’ll ever receive from Mac Miller. It’s reflective, reminding listeners of what an unforgettable artist he was. From his humble beginnings as a kid from Pittsburgh to becoming one of the most influential artists of his generation, Mac Miller leaves us with a grim reminder of the demons that can accompany fame—but also with a celebration of the simple joys that make life feel miraculous.

Thank you, Mac. Rest easy. You will not be forgotten.