Mac Miller’s posthumous album “Balloonerism” soared into the music scene this past Friday, garnering a wave of positive reviews. The release coincides poignantly with what would have been the artist’s 33rd birthday, offering fans a nostalgic yet fresh glimpse into Miller’s creative world. Following the success of his 2020 posthumous album “Circles,” “Balloonerism” continues to honor the legacy of a musician whose career was tragically cut short by an accidental overdose in 2018 at the age of 26.
The album arrives as a testament to Mac Miller's enduring impact on his fans and the music industry. "Balloonerism" stands largely untouched, with studio tracks laid down over a decade ago, highlighting the raw and authentic charm that defined Miller's unique sound. Collaborators chose deliberately to preserve the music's imperfections, viewing them as an integral part of its appeal. Josh, a close collaborator, explained their approach succinctly:
"We made a conscious decision to keep things as they were and not go back and 'fix' mistakes, tune things or add anything." – Josh
This philosophy resonates throughout the album, leaving listeners with a genuine piece of art that captures where Mac was creatively at the time. The Observer awarded the album a four-star review, describing it as "poignant," and fans have overwhelmingly embraced the release.
"The rough edges were part of its charm and highlighted where Mac was creatively at that time." – Josh
"Once you start pulling everything apart and dusting it off, it starts to lose its magic," – Josh
Mac Miller, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, embarked on his musical journey during his school years, quickly establishing himself as a formidable talent. His family played an essential role in the creation and release of "Circles," working closely with those who knew him best to ensure its authenticity. They employed a similar strategy for "Balloonerism," regaining control of the album after unauthorized versions surfaced online. Fans express little reservation about its release, embracing the album as another opportunity to connect with Mac’s spirit.
"It's beautiful to release an album that's not so scoured of imperfection, that's authentic and real." – Josh
Despite some concerns from those involved in the project about releasing music posthumously, most fans welcome any material from the late artist. Carolina, a devoted follower, expressed her enthusiasm:
"I just want more, everything he made and was ready to be released, I'd like to be released." – Carolina
However, not all view such releases without caution. Josh acknowledges the complexities involved:
"I can certainly see where people have concerns with it," – Josh
"He would always change the playlist, he would always do something I'd never expect, so it will never really be true to him." – Josh
The release of "Balloonerism" has sparked discussions about the ethics and challenges of releasing an artist’s work after their death. Critics like Robin Murray highlight the delicate balance required in such endeavors:
"Releasing an album or body of work after an artist has passed away is an incredibly difficult and complex task," – Robin Murray
"There's a danger of brushing away the myth and over-explaining." – Robin Murray
Amidst these debates, "Balloonerism" remains a celebration of Mac Miller’s artistry. A companion film shared alongside the album further enriches this experience, allowing audiences to delve deeper into Mac’s creative world.
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