By Blake Kim
Ballonerism, the beautiful posthumous album, released on January 17, 2025. Before his tragic death, Mac Miller had talked many times about this album’s release, and even commissioned artwork for the album. This track is a full-blown project that shows his creative ability and perfect musical talents.
The album kicks off with a short, but catchy drumline, and goes straight into a new song with a beautiful progression of organ chords. “DJ’s Chord Organ (feat.SZA)” has one of the most jaw dropping intros I have ever heard. The beginning of this song makes me feel like I’m levitating. When I close my eyes, it’s as if I can see the notes and vocals as they play, taking me away from my sorrows and uplifting me. This song speaks to me, it sounds like it’s telling me everything will be okay. The next few songs, like “5 Dollar Pony Rides” and “Friendly Hallucinations”, are more optimistic, with strong bass lines and a happy lead. Miller’s unforgettable voice never falters in these songs, and his verses are nothing short of magical. Despite their cheerful sounds, this album demonstrates Miller’s duality regarding happiness. Even though he had immense amounts of money and fame, he admitted to not truly being happy. There has always been a sadness sneaking in his songs about partying and never growing up. The songs then go from optimistic, to soulful—with drums that never follow musical rules and brilliant synths that come when they please. These songs feel reminiscent of a good day, changed from something that was once peaceful into something more divine. Maybe it’s Miller remembering his simple life, before entering this long stretch of unhappiness.
Balloonerism feels like it was personally made for me, and probably feels like that for most Miller fans. It feels so intimate, as Miller opens up and relates to any other run of the mill guy. It’s comfortable, and it’s this comfort that brought me to tears. Miller was an incredible songwriter and a natural lyricist, and will forever be in the hearts of all music enthusiasts and hip hop lovers.