Mac Miller – Balloonerism Review

by Ms. Geri Matthews

Let me start by saying, I’ve been listening to music for longer than some of you have been alive. I’m no stranger to the world of hip hop, thanks to some of my former students who introduced me to it years ago. Now I’m the one who puts people onto new music, and I don’t hold my tongue when I talk about it. I’m generally sweet, but I don’t sugarcoat anything.

Mac Miller? That boy was a real talent. And Balloonerism? It’s a beautiful yet somber album, one that hits you in places you didn’t know you had. Listening to this, it feels like you’re reading someone’s journal, knowing how it all ends, and you just want to cherish every word.

The Sound – Airy, Yet Substantial

The production on Balloonerism is dreamy, almost ghostly at times. It’s not the kind of music that hits you hard right away; it lingers. The sounds float around, making you feel like you’re in a space that’s both calming and filled with weight. Mac always had the ability to make difficult topics sound easy to digest, and here, the music feels like he’s sharing his deepest thoughts in the most peaceful way he could.

While it’s clearly in the same lane as his previous projects Swimming and Circles, there’s an added layer of rawness here. It’s less polished, more introspective, like it was recorded during late nights when Mac was alone with his thoughts.

Lyrics – Honest, Poignant, and Reflective

Mac’s lyrics have always been his strength, and on Balloonerism, he lets his vulnerability show in every track. He was never afraid to explore his inner world, whether it was about love, life, or the constant struggle within.

One line that really struck me was:

"Ain’t no tether on my ankle, but I never leave this place / Even when I’m lookin’ up, I still be driftin’ out in space."

That’s deep. It’s like he’s trying to escape, but his thoughts keep him grounded. You can hear the weight of his words and how he grapples with his place in the world.

Standout Tracks

📌 "High Ceilings" – This track has that smooth, jazzy vibe that’s perfect for a late-night drive. It’s introspective without being too heavy.

📌 "Now or Never" – Probably one of the most personal tracks on the album. It’s a reflective piece, soft yet powerful, full of raw emotion.

📌 "Weightless" – If you liked Faces, you’ll enjoy this. It’s more free-flowing, like Mac’s letting his thoughts spill out without holding back.

📌 "Ghost Notes" – This one has a haunting quality. It feels like he’s speaking to us from the other side, and it’s hard not to feel the emotion in every note.

Quick-Hit Ratings

💡 Lyrics: 9/10 Lumens – Mac was a poet in his own right. His words are heavy and real.
💡 Production: 8.5/10 Lumens – Dreamy and subtle, it sets the mood but doesn’t demand attention.
💡 Replay Value: 7.5/10 Lumens – This is an album that’s best absorbed slowly, not something you throw on every day.
💡 Emotional Weight: 10/10 Lumens – You’ll feel every ounce of this one. It’s powerful and real.

Final Thoughts

Balloonerism is a special album. It’s not the easiest listen, but it’s worth every minute. Mac was always an artist who wore his heart on his sleeve, and this project is a reminder of just how much he had left to say. You can feel the weight of it, the truth in every line. It’s beautiful and bittersweet, and it’ll make you think long after it’s over.