Mac Miller recently dropped his album “Balloonerism” on Jan. 17 just two days before what would have been his birthday making it his second posthumous album. Miller died Sept. 7, 2018, at the young age of 26 from an accidental overdose. Miller had just released his fifth studio album “Swimming” only a month before his passing and was set on going on tour the next month.
Releasing posthumous music has been see as controversial because of the consideration of whether it is ethical or not. According to The Daily Illini the artists relatives are given control over the artist’s legacy after their death because of this, music labels want a good relationship with the artists’ families. Fans may want new music immediately after the passing as a way to reconnect with the artist, but it could be too painful for the family to listen to so suddenly. Making sure to respect the artist’s family’s wishes ensures the released music is as non-exploitative as possible. A lot of people feel that releasing for artists after they die is disrespectful, and many times, against the artist’s wishes. Usually, when posthumous albums are released they are left unfinished, which can be seen as an incomplete stain on an artist’s discography.
Nonetheless, Mac’s family handled this situation and completed only what Miller wished to release. Miller and his family had multiple conversations about when to release “Balloonerism,” but unfortunately the perfect timing never came for Miller and was not his top priority.
“Balloonerism” was created from a single week of extended jam sessions and is considered to be called Miller’s “lost project” which was recorded between his 2013 album “Watching Movies with the Sound Off” and his 2014 mixtape “Faces,” which is arguably the most pivotal year of his creative evolution. During this time Miller was in a very dark place mentally, thus reflecting in his music creating complex ideas of self-reflection and emotional growth. For example, the amount of references to substance use and suicide is found within an overarching theme around life itself, combined with the sonic palette of spacious clouds and crystalline atmospheres, makes “Balloonerism” feel like it is right from the afterlife itself. Whether he is reflecting on love, spirituality, or his own personal struggles, Miller approaches every subject with a sense of openness and humility. It is a message that feels especially profound in the context of his untimely passing, adding an extra layer of sadness.
Often, when a posthumous album is released it is 50/50 whether it is well or poorly done because of the unfinished aspect of the album, but according to music board reviews, fans loved the unfinished aspect because it gave them an authentic insight and unique intimacy hearing the unfinished demos. That said, there are moments on the album where its unfinished nature becomes apparent. A few tracks, such as “Transformations,” felt slightly underdeveloped, as though they were still in the process of being refined. While these moments do not detract significantly from the overall impact of the album, they do serve as a reminder of the immense potential that was lost. Still, even in its rawer moments, “Balloonerism” carries an emotional resonance that make it impossible to dismiss.
The song “DJ’s Chord Organ” featured SZA, shocking people because they were unfamiliar with SZA and Mac Miller’s friendship. “Balloonerism” was recorded around the same time that her album “Z” was released. Bringing vocals from “Z” to the forefront showcasing her deeper, raspy voice mixed with the delicate guitar and synth sounds in the background, which were her staples at the beginning of her career.
“Ballonerism” is more than just an album it is a window into the boundless creativity and humanity of an artist gone too soon. It is a testament to Mac Miller’s ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level and it is a gift to be able to experience his artistry one last time. While “Balloonerism” may not be the last posthumous album released, it stands as a celebration of his life, his talent and his endless capacity to inspire.
