Mac Miller’s estate drops his long-awaited album “Balloonerism.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. Stoned
This song made me want to roll up.
In “Stoned,” Mac Miller uses his signature clever metaphors to describe a woman striving for independence while battling her demons. He reflects on her positive and negative quirks, which hint at an internal emotional struggle, and portrays smoking as a distraction to help her escape her own thoughts. “Stoned” delivers a sensitive, psychedelic vibe through its lyrics, while the music itself leans toward an alternative rock feel.
4. Excelsior
Did you know that, as a child, Mac Miller wanted to be a wizard?
“Excelsior” literally takes you back to the school playground. The visuals painted in this song are incredible—the piano, the sound of children in the background, and the eerie (but real) lyrics gave me chills as I listened.
Mac reflects on flashbacks of his younger years, exploring how every child lives a different life filled with unique hopes and dreams, only for the adults and the world around them to bring corruption. It’s dark, but the lyrics stayed with me long after.
3. DJ’s Chord Organ (feat. SZA)
The first word that comes to mind is transcendence.
This song had me questioning my existence for a moment. It truly feels like an entire journey unfolds in the 5 minutes and 14 seconds it takes to listen. “DJ’s Chord Organ,” the second track on the album and the first with lyrics, jolts your mind awake and sets the tone for the rest of the project. The lyrics don’t even begin until about three minutes in, but that hardly matters. With Mac handling production and providing backup vocals alongside SZA’s mesmerizing lead, this song transports you to another plane.Â
2. Funny Papers
You know when a song sounds happy but is actually really depressing?
That’s “Funny Papers” one hundred percent. The track features a beautiful piano melody, a solid beat, and Mac’s soothing, introspective voice—but the lyrics cut deep. I replayed it the moment it ended because I needed to soak in every word.
This song delves into life, death, and everything in between. It’s universally relatable, and Mac has an incredible gift for making listeners feel understood through his music.
1. Do You Have a Destination?
I cried listening to this song.
“Do You Have a Destination?” embodies everything I love about Mac Miller. It’s deep, raw, and anything but superficial—lyrically, that’s the entire point. The song is catchy and hooks you instantly, but what really stands out is its rawness. The emotions hit you hard and fast, leaving you overwhelmed before you even realize it.
Listening to this track after Mac’s passing is an emotional experience. The brutally honest lyrics and the topics he addresses feel overwhelming yet incredibly inspiring. It’s a song that feels necessary to hear, and in many ways, it encapsulates the entire album in just a few minutes.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
1. Tambourine Dream (3/5)
2. DJ’s Chord Organ feat. SZA (4.5/5)
3. Do You Have A Destination? (5/5)
4. 5 Dollar Pony Rides (4/5)
5. Friendly Hallucinations (3.5/5)
6. Mrs. Deborah Downer (3.5/5)
7. Stoned (4/5)
8. Shangri-La (4/5)
9. Funny Papers (4.5/5)
10. Excelsior (4/5)
11. Transformations (Ft. Delusional Thomas) (3.5/5)Â
12. Manakins (4/5)
13. Rick’s Piano (4/5)
14. Tomorrow Will Never Know (3.5/5)
RGM RATING
(74%)
Mac Miller’s ability to paint vivid pictures with music is unparalleled, and this album is a testament to his artistry. Balloonerism blends jazz, psychedelic, alternative, R&B, and pop influences into a cohesive masterpiece. Grungy beats mix effortlessly with dial tones, harps, and even the sound of children’s laughter, with Mac’s steady presence anchoring it all.
This project gave us unforgettable moments—a tambourine intro, a track featuring Mac’s alter ego, and a nearly 12-minute-long finale.
Balloonerism is a deeply thoughtful and personal journey that fans have long awaited. Every song stands strong as its own entity while still weaving together into a seamless narrative. Choosing a top five was nearly impossible, as each track showcases a beautifully crafted vision. I can’t wait to dive back in and experience this album all over again.
Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.
