Unpacking Mac Miller's ‘Balloonerism’

BY CAROLINE CRAIN

News Editor

Posthumous albums can feel haphazard, but “Balloonerism” defies the norm.

Mac Miller’s “Balloonerism” is a project loaded with history and emotion. It is his second posthumous album, released on Jan. 17, 2025, just two days before what would have been his 33rd birthday. The release also marks the anniversary of his 2009 album “Swimming,” adding even more weight to the occasion.

Originally recorded in 2014, this lost project was created during the same period as the albums “Watching Movies with the Sound Off” and “Faces.” 

It was meant to be a priority, but took a backseat to other releases. Over the years, bootleg versions circulated, but now fans finally have the official release.

With 14 tracks born from a week-long creative burst, the album represents Miller’s profound artistic evolution. 

A statement from Miller’s estate revealed the significance of “Ballonerism,” calling it a project close to his heart. The album is rich in introspection and artistry, with Miller exploring mortality and purpose through his unique lens.

In order, here is what I noted from each track in “Balloonerism.”

1. Tambourine Dream

This opener sets the tone for the album with no lyrics, just the steady rattle of a tambourine. It feels like a dream sequence that ushers you into Miller's world. While simple, it hints at the contemplative journey ahead.

2. DJ’s Chord Organ (feat. SZA)

This track is a battle between melancholy and hope. Miller’s somber tones are balanced by SZA’s more upbeat and beautiful vocals. The line "Cocaine is ruthless" pierces through the haze, reminding listeners of the harsh realities Miller explored. 

His production alter ego, Larry Fisherman, shines here with its lo-fi, almost tragic vibe. The song feels like a sorrowful conversation, where Miller doesn’t speak much, but lets the music convey the depth of his emotions.

3. Do you Have A Destination?

This is where Miller’s rapping finally comes alive, and it hits hard. 

Lines like, “I went to sleep famous, and I woke up invisible” is a gut punch. It’s a powerful reflection on fame, addiction and searching for purpose.

4. 5 Dollar Pony Rides

This one is one of my favorites from the album. This track feels like a love song wrapped in funk and repetition. 

It’s smooth and undeniably catchy, which gives it a mainstream vibe, but it doesn’t feel shallow. This song highlights the theme that quick fixes are paid for with loneliness, missed opportunities and emotional disconnection.

5. Friendly Hallucinations

Fantasies swirl together in this track, finding profound ways to challenge reality.

It has a funky beat like the previous track, but it’s more introspective. Knowing the path

that Miller’s life ultimately took, it is quite eerie to hear him delve so deeply into the topic of addiction in songs like this one.

6. Mrs. Deborah Downer

Highs and lows– this song is another dive into the complexities of life, addiction and the struggle to find clarity in the midst of chaos. The sound is relaxed, but heavy at the same time. 

This is the type of song I would put on to just lie down and stare at the ceiling.

7. Stoned

This mellow track seems to be about a troubled girl that Miller gets “stoned” with, offering weed as a temporary solution to their problems. 

Through this troubled relationship, Miller also explores themes of escapism, numbness

and insecurity.

8. Shangri-La

A slow beat underscores this song, which critiques superficiality and the constant chase for material wealth. 

The final line, “Live your life ‘cause you can lose tomorrow” is a poignant and yet again haunting reminder of life’s fragility, especially in light of Miller’s death. It’s a deeply reflective track that lingers long after it ends.

9. Funny Papers

This one was definitely my favorite. 

The track hits hard, exploring life, death and everything in between. Miller’s existential reflections on time and purpose, especially with the line, “Why does it matter at all?” make it feel almost like a riddle you can’t quite solve. 

The track’s mellow, jazzy vibe complements its heavy themes, making it both soothing and thought-provoking at the same time.

10. Excelsior

I really liked this track – “Funny Papers” was a hard one to follow, but “Excelsior” definitely held its own. 

This song touches on stories of childhood wonder and how the complexities of adulthood can strip it away. This song is the shortest of the album (other than the intro track), but it is a powerful reminder of how we can lose touch with the magic of life.

11. Transformations (feat. Delusional Thomas)

This song was a strange and unexpected addition to the album to say the least. Miller’s helium-voiced and twisted alter ego, Delusional Thomas, takes the reins on this track, delivering unorthodox lines like, “Your b*tch like a bad fart, all she do is linger” which definitely caught me off guard. 

It’s an odd detour, but it adds an unpredictable layer to the album’s overall vibe.

12. Manakins

This is one of the deepest tracks on the album and another one of my favorites. 

Miller confronts his fear of normalcy, the struggles of life and the inevitability of death. 

Hearing him sing the lines “Feels like I’m dyin’, I’m dead” took on a new weight, especially considering that he really is – it really made me reflect.

13. Rick’s Piano

This track feels surreal, like Miller is speaking from the beyond. He explores fame, death and bliss, asking, “What does death feel like?” and “Why does death steal life?” The repeated mantra “The best is yet to come” is hauntingly ironic, adding an eerie layer to the listening experience.

14. Tomorrow Will Never Know

The album’s closer is a 12-minute epic. Miller sings for five minutes before the instrumental carries the listener through the rest of the journey. 

The lyrics touch on fear, love and the mysteries of life and death. The final minute—a simple phone dial tone—feels like a gut punch. The album’s description dubs the song “haunting,” and there’s no better word to describe how it leaves you reflecting on everything that came before.

In conclusion, I thought "Balloonerism" was a haunting, surreal and reflective journey through Mac Miller's struggles with drugs, uncertainty and the looming presence of death. 

The recurring themes of addiction and existential questioning are heavy throughout the album, but its posthumous release gives them an even deeper meaning knowing how his story ultimately ended. It never feels like a cash grab, but rather a raw and emotional testament to Miller's artistry. 

With each track, "Balloonerism" peels back layers of Miller’s complexity, making it a powerful and meaningful addition to his legacy.