Circles - Mac Miller

I did not expect to be writing a review for another Mac Miller album, but I've gotta say that it makes me quite happy to be able to. With Mac's passing in 2018, I was under the impression that Swimming would be his last album. Little did I know, but thanks to info from a friend and some online sleuthing, I found that this was always intended to be a dual album. It's easy to hear some of the similarities between the albums with that knowledge in mind, but it's also clear how they each serve different purposes. Swimming, now, is the more rowdy of the two, with more motion and volatility in the shifting of moods and sounds. A fitting description for an album named after an activity that can be both seamless and jagged at times. Circles takes on a smoother, rounded approach, staying in a relatively similar soundscape and vibe. Together, as my friend Luke pointed out, they form "Swimming in Circles".

I already felt this way after Swimming came out and Miller passed away, but Circles further cements my sorrow for the loss of this young man. These two albums would have been the kind that start a run of musical genius. Their vulnerability and humanity is what elevates these records; Miller's willingness to be honest about himself in what was clearly a critical time in his life.

The first four tracks of Circles are one of the strongest runs I've heard in a long time. "Circles" is already looking to be one of my favorite songs this year. It's soft and gentle, and Miller's delivery of the melody is absolutely stunning. "Complicated" is a feel good song - a mood that can be found throughout the rest of the record. The song is powered by Miller's signature laid back raps/vocals and the instrumental that grooves at a steady pace. This makes for a track that feels like sunshine, despite the struggles contained within the lyrics. "Blue World feels closer to the swagger of Swimming, with Mac rapping more than singing. One of my favorite sets of lyrics comes from this track:

"See, I was in the whip, ridin', me and my bitch

We was listenin' to us, no one else, that's it

That's a flex, just a bit, let me talk my shit"

While a lot of this album dwells in deeper and more thoughtful moments, there are still points where Miller is just trying to have a good time, to have some fun. This set of lyrics, and the song as a whole, really captures that sense of a good time well. "Good News" finishes out the run in a similar way that it started. It's a much more subdued sound, with Miller musing on the balance between positive and negative in life. The line from this song that really got me comes in the second verse:

"Wake up to the moon, haven't seen the sun in a while

But I heard that the sky's still blue, yeah".

It's clear to see that Miller is talking about being awake and active at night as opposed to the day. However, in light of his passing, this lyric felt more poignant than it might have were he still alive. It almost feels like he's reaching from the grave with this line, speaking to us from beyond death, and it's a little heartbreaking with each listen.

The rest of the album is more hit or miss for me - while I don't dislike any of the songs, there are definitely some that I enjoyed more than others. "Woods" is one of my favorites off the album. It feels very much like it could have been a B-side for Swimming; some of the synths and vocals were most certainly recorded at that same time. I really love the instrumental, especially the beat; it's tight but still lends to the lightness of the song. I especially love the hint of an acoustic guitar we get at times, which is a more unexpected element but works really well on this track. "Everybody" opens in such a soft and beautiful manner; the combo of Miller's singing and the gentle piano chords really sets the tone for a meaningful track. Even though the pace picks up a bit, the lyrics and piano continue the vibe set in the beginning. Note: I did not realize this was a cover of a song, "Everybody's Gotta Live" by Arthur Lee. Which makes it even more interesting to listen to the original and see the differences that Miller took in slowing it down and making it less bright/preppy. Miller's version is more melancholy, which fits the mood of the album very well.

After some time to sit with the new record (and revisit the old), I find myself wanting a little more variety. While Circles is a truly wonderful work of music, it feels a little too static, a little too similar song to song. It is important to keep in mind that Miller didn't get to see the record finished, and it would probably have been different with him behind the helm. All that aside, I cannot express how much I enjoy these records, especially together. Miller left us with such a gift in the form of his music, and I am thankful that we can celebrate his life by enjoying the work he put into these records.