Balloonerism was officially released on Jan. 17 over a decade after the project’s creation and two days before what would have been Mac Miller’s 33rd birthday. Many fans have been aware of Balloonerism’s making back then around the release of “Faces” in 2014. Miller’s estate has said, “Given that unofficial versions of the album have circulated online for years and that releasing Balloonerism was something Malcolm frequently expressed was important to him, we felt it most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world.”
Miller’s first posthumous album, “Circles” really showcased his singer-songwriter side and definitely surpassed expectations set by most posthumous records that frequently are thrown out there for a quick cash grab but this was for sure not the case for either of his posthumous albums. “Balloonerism” explores concepts like existentialism, his relationship with drugs and the sudden shift from adolescence into adulthood. The song “Stoned” leans into drugs and escapism but since it was weed to him the stakes were lower. Oddly enough, featuring in his ‘Funny Papers’ record in Miller’s lyrics he says, “Didn’t think anybody died on a Friday,” and sadly the day of his passing fell on a Friday on Sept. 7, 2018. This record takes you on a deep and dreamy atmosphere, highlighting Mac’s overdose and being high, hence “Balloonerism.” He’s watching his life play right in front of him as he falls deeper into addiction.
