It’s no secret that Mac Miller has been going through a tumultuous year. He’s endured a very public break-up with Ariana Grande and then got arrested for a DUI in May. On Swimming, his follow up to his overlooked The Divine Feminine, Miller tackles these issues head-on. Though the subject matter is enticing, Swimming does occasionally tread boring lulls. At its best, however, Miller’s latest project succeeds at being cathartic and is more lyrically mature than his previous work.
The somber album opens up with “Come Back To Earth” — a lush track that introduces the overarching theme. Over dreamy guitar-strums, Miller sings. “I was drowning but now I am Swimming.” His voice is raspy and lacks range. But these musical constraints are perfect for conveying his struggles. On the following song, “Hurt Feelings,” Miller comes off as defiant as he acknowledges his recent woes. Produced by J. Cole, the track is rich with soulful textures and vocal layering.
Some of the best work on Swimming is when guests come in to help Miller flesh out his ideas. The standout track — “What’s The Use?” — has Uncle Snoop Dogg and electro-funk musician Thundercat breathing charisma and groove over a funky bass-line. Another collaborative highlight is “Self-Care,” a trippy, spaced out song featuring Dreamville signee J.I.D. and alternative R&B artist Dev Hynes. Almost capping out at six minutes, the listener is taken through a woozy downward spiral that descends into Miller singing about “oblivion.”
Unfortunately, a good chunk of Swimming is dull and repetitive. “Wings” aims for optimism but ends up being a sleepy misfire. Similarly, “Ladders” suffers from a weak chorus. Miller is content with taking over singing and rapping duties. But a song like “Ladders” shows that he could have benefited from a guest bringing livelier vocals to compliment the cheerful production. On one of the project’s closing songs, “2009,” Miller reflects on his success as bittersweet. Despite hitting on some interesting ideas about his life since becoming famous, the track gets muddled.
The album’s snoozy second-half does have one highlight — “Dunno.” Assisted by Parson Brown’s gloomy but catchy instrumentals, Miller is at his most candid, feeling nostalgic and bitter about his failed relationship. He raps, “You was coughin’ when you hit my weed, But I’ve never seen you feel that free,” trying to spin his well-detailed substance abuse into an endearing, romantic moment.
Nearly one hour long, there’s plenty of filler on Swimming. But there’s something admirable about Miller, in the middle of this very public storm, refusing to hide. He’s giving listeners a window into the chaos that is growth and reflection — it’s messy and unapologetic.
It’s Mac Miller’s therapy.
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One of the most boring rappers ever. I gave this album a shot, zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
That’s why he gets a 1/5 from me
nice
underrated
this album was amazing from start to finish.
I dig the vibe of the album. Great alternative to the overused Trap Sound. I can get Jiggy to this…
album of the year right now and it aint even close every song up here is good its been on repeat since it came out. stand out tracks are 2009 jet fuel conversations self care. love this cd i hope he keeps making music like this
He ain’t here bruh
TOP3 2018
Definitely Top 3 of 2018 so far. Yeah, there are no real bangers, but the lyrical content? Dope. None of that shallow shit.
Just.. really, really dope.
i saw his groupies at a hotel we were both staying in program his music. probably nothing new, but this Is childs play.
Good
average at best ive heard better
This album is neck and neck with astroworld
Never listened to the guy but i gave this album a shot and i fucks with it, the vibes exactly what i need in my life so its on repeate with ye right now.
One of the best album this year.
5/5 Quality from start to finish. This years Flower Boy.
First time I’ve loved every song on an album in a long time, I fuck with the whole thing
Slays. What an album! 5/5
Smooth vibes
5
Simply astonishing. No not just because he’s no longer here. Thought this before. Been listening to mac for 9 10 years. If you listen from the beginning in order of all his projects he continues tio get better and better. What a remarkable artist. His talent is something you hardly ever see. Someone close to him said he had a truck pull up with to be of 100 year old instruments looking for the sounds he wanted for this album. Can’t stop listening to it. I listen to all kinds of music and he is one of my favorites of all time.Words can’t express how much I’ll miss him.