Review: “Balloonerism” is a graceful tribute to Mac Miller’s legacy

By Charlie Cruz     1/21/25 10:48pm

Key Track: Friendly Hallucinations

Rating ★★★★½

Mac Miller’s “Balloonerism” is a delicate balancing act — a posthumous release that feels deeply personal yet walks the fine line between honoring an artist's legacy and commodifying it. Unlike other releases from late artists, which can feel like haphazard collections of half-finished demos (The Party Never Ends by Juice WRLD comes to mind), “Balloonerism” is a cohesive, almost ethereal work.

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Culled from a singular creative burst during 2014, a pivotal year in Mac’s artistic evolution, the album is steeped in the themes and production styles that defined his transition into more experimental territory. However, in an era where the line between paying tribute and exploiting a legacy has grown dangerously thin, “Balloonerism” raises important questions about posthumous releases and how we engage with art that an artist didn’t explicitly choose to share.

In recent years, we’ve seen egregious examples of deceased artists’ images being repurposed in ways they likely never intended — Stan Lee’s likeness used to promote NFTs and Michael Jackson’s hologram performances, to name just a few. Against this backdrop, “Balloonerism” feels like a rare example of a posthumous project done right.

Mac’s estate worked with collaborators and producers like Thundercat to bring a vision to life that aligns with his creative ethos, presenting the album as a fully realized piece of art rather than a patchwork of unfinished ideas. Yet, even with this care, the release raises an important and uncomfortable question: What does it mean to celebrate an artist’s unfinished work when they’re no longer here to shape its presentation? 

“DJ’s Chord Organ” immediately establishes “Balloonerism” as a deeply authentic Mac Miller album. Featuring ethereal vocals from SZA and the haunting sounds of Daniel Johnston’s chord organ — a piece Mac acquired after supporting Johnston’s biographical film — it bridges nostalgia and creativity. The album then bursts to life with “Do You Have a Destination?” and its hypnotic guitar riff, followed by “5 Dollar Pony Rides” and “Friendly Hallucinations,” two lo-fi gems that showcase Mac’s signature flow. This opening set sets the stage for a captivating journey through Mac’s artistry.

The rest of “Balloonerism” continues to explore Mac Miller’s experimental sound, each track a testament to his artistic brilliance. “Stoned” stands out with its ethereal, floating quality, pairing a slow guitar with Mac’s introspective energy, while “Rick’s Piano” offers a hauntingly beautiful composition, driven by delicate piano melodies and soulful vocals. These tracks reflect a pivotal moment in Mac’s life — during the summer of 2014, he sought refuge at Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La studio to recover from struggles with depression and substance abuse, finding solace in music and the sanctuary of creation.

The album closes with the hauntingly abstract "Tomorrow Will Never Know," a psychedelic meditation that feels both otherworldly and deeply personal. The recurring ringtone and unanswered voicemail in the background drive home the sense of loss, leaving listeners with an inescapable awareness of Mac’s absence. It’s an eerie yet soul-stirring conclusion that forces you to confront questions of legacy and the lasting impact of an artist's work. As the final track fades, it solidifies the album as not just a collection of songs but a deeply emotional journey, ending with a poignant reminder of the fragility and beauty of life.

“Balloonerism” is a remarkable posthumous release that honors Mac Miller’s legacy with the respect and care it deserves. Originally an unfinished project created during a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution, the album captures the raw potential of a young artist striving to become the best version of himself. Unlike other posthumous albums that often exploit an artist’s name, “Balloonerism” feels intentional, reflective, and true to Miller’s vision. 

Its central theme of death is explored with grace and depth, transforming what could have been a mournful goodbye into a celebration of life, creativity, and the enduring impact of Mac Miller’s artistry. This is not just an album he would have loved — it’s one that solidifies his legacy as one of the most thoughtful and innovative rappers of his time.

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