After seven years since his untimely passing, the estate of Mac Miller has dropped Balloonerism, his second posthumous album. It’s been a long time coming, this project was recorded back in 2013, with some tracks leaking here and there over the years, but nothing official until now. Along with the album, they’ve also released a short film to go along with it.
The estate explains that it was a huge passion project for Mac, and they believe it really shows off his range as an artist. “Given that unofficial versions have been circulating for years and that releasing Balloonerism was something Malcolm was always vocal about wanting to do, we thought it made sense to give the world the official version,” they said.
One of the highlights of the album is definitely the groove and bass lines, which you can thank Thundercat for. He’s on about half of the tracks, including the single “5 Dollar Pony Rides,” where his bass work is like a fusion of McCartney’s style with some hip hop flavor. It’s a unique sound that’ll definitely grab your attention.
But here’s the thing: Balloonerism isn’t just some leftover tracks from a past Mac Miller era. It’s a full-on project that truly captures Mac’s ability to turn raw, heavy emotions into feel-good tunes.
Take “Mrs. Deborah Downer,” for example. It’s a slow, jazzy track with Thundercat’s bass giving it that smooth, almost sweaty vibe, while Mac’s vocals and the loose drums add a perfect touch of chaos. It’s not the kind of song that should make you feel comforted, yet it somehow does.
The same goes for “Stoned,” which, though it has a similarly laid-back, damp vibe, still hits in a way that makes you feel like you could just float through the day with no worries.
What makes Balloonerism stand out is how it carries this bittersweet, yet charming, energy throughout. It’s not as fleshed-out or polished as some of Mac’s other projects, but that’s what gives it its charm.
The songs are simple: keys, bass, drums, and Mac’s vocals. There’s just enough added production from Thundercat, Ronald and Jameel Bruner, and Taylor Graves to bring everything to life, but it’s all very minimal. Even the darker moments have this light touch thanks to the dusty, soulful beats. Take a track like “Shangri-La.” It might sound like it’s heading into heavier territory, but the vibe is too light to feel weighed down.
Mac raps in his deeper, almost distorted voice, saying, “If I’m dying young, promise you’ll smile at my funeral.” But he balances that with, “Live your life ’cause you can lose tomorrow.” The song feels like a beautiful memory, almost faded and distorted over time, but still uplifting.
In the end, Balloonerism is definitely one of those albums that brings you through a range of emotions. It’s not about being overproduced or polished; it’s about feeling something real, something raw. And in that sense, it’s a perfect send-off for Mac. This project isn’t just a collection of old demos, it’s a fully realized piece that shows how Mac’s artistry was always evolving, even in the most uncertain times. It’s the kind of album that resonates because it’s pure Mac, and there’s something timeless about that.
The album is available now on CD, vinyl, and digital download (you can find it on Apple Music and Amazon Music). And if you’re in the mood for more of the experience, the accompanying short film is up for streaming on Amazon.
