On August 3, 2018, Mac Miller released his fifth studio album Swimming following up his LP in 2016 The Devine Feminine. This would be the last album that Miller would release before his untimely death on September 7, 2018.
Inspired by his DUI arrest and his breakup with singer Ariana Grande, Miller incorporated a thematic structure and swimming ‘metaphor’ rather than drowning himself in struggles and being heartbroken. Miller tries to ‘swim’ back up to shore and be content with himself.
I remember the first time I heard this album I was awestruck. I was familiar with some of Miller’s old work, the mixtape released in 2013 titled K.I.D.S as some of my favorite songs made by him.
The intro track “Come Back to Earth” sets the tone for the project, with a slow melody and also sets the motifs of the album by introducing thoughts of self-care, and self-acceptance. Miller also establishes his internal conflict with newfound optimism, with challenges of depression, isolation, and addiction. Miller first teased the song on July 12th, 2018 in an announcement video for the whole project.
In the fifth track of the project “Self Care,” Mac expresses a message about overcoming hardships, and self-control. In the video released with the song, Mac was buried alive in a casket, attributing that the media tried to assassinate his character. While in the casket Mac lights up a cigarette despite having no oxygen, displaying his confidence that he will be able to overcome his obstacles and make it out of everything.
The eighth track “Small Worlds” is one of my favorite songs on the project. The somber production mixed with Miller’s vocals is a perfect example of how he has grown as an artist. The track was the first lead single of the album, in the track Miller explores his breakup with the aforementioned Ariana Grande, as well as his DUI arrest. Miller discusses his flaws, letting the listeners know that he is self-aware of his flaws, and being very vulnerable.
The second to last track on the project, “2009” was my most-played song of 2022. The song starts with a beautiful intro. Miller’s vocals on the track are very soothing to listen to. The song reflects his life in 2009 before his breakout mixtape K.I.D.S to the present day he made the song. He tells the listener of the stories and lessons he has learned throughout his life. In my opinion, it is one of his best produced and written songs.
Swimming is a very personal album that Miller made. With his life experiences, as he tries to move forward in his life. Ultimately, Miller displayed a strong desire for self-love, psychological growth, and personal healing. A lot of fans, including myself, resignated with so much. As mentioned earlier, Miller sadly passed away shortly after releasing the project.
