Mac Miller’s posthumous album Circles, released on January 17, 2020, is a heartfelt and introspective project that showcases his growth as an artist.
As a follow-up to his 2018 album Swimming, Circles completed the idea of “swimming in circles,” reflecting his struggles with life, fame, and mental health.
The album, produced by Jon Brion, who worked closely with Miller before his passing, offers a profoundly personal listening experience.
Miller had been experimenting with different sounds in the years leading up to his death, and Circles continues this evolution. While Swimming balanced rap and singing, Circles leans more towards a soft, reflective style.
The album is filled with mellow instrumentals, emotional lyrics, and an intimate atmosphere that makes it feel like Miller speaks directly to the listener.
A Softer, More Reflective Sound
Unlike his earlier projects, which featured more rap-heavy tracks, Circles takes a more melodic approach. The smooth and calming production features pianos, guitars, and gentle drum beats that create a peaceful yet melancholic tone. Jon Brion, who completed the album based on Miller’s vision, ensured that the sound felt true to what Miller had been working on before his passing.
This shift in style makes the album feel more personal and raw. Songs like “Circles” and “Woods” feature dreamy instrumentals that allow Miller’s emotions to take center stage. The music creates a soothing yet somber experience, making it easy for listeners to connect with the album’s themes.
Lyrical Honesty and Emotional Depth
The album’s lyrics reveal Miller’s inner struggles with self-reflection and emotional pain. Many songs focus on themes of pressure, happiness, and mental health. In “Good News,” one of the most potent tracks, Miller sings,” Good news, good news, good news, that’s all they wanna hear,” expressing frustration with the expectation to always be positive despite personal struggles.
Other standout tracks include “Surf,” which features soft, almost whisper-like vocals, and “Hand Me Downs,” a song about love and personal growth. Every song on Circles carries a deep emotional weight, making the album a moving experience for fans and new listeners.
I interviewed two students at Quartz Hill High School, Achilles Acuna (A) and Austin LaValle (B). I asked them the same three questions.
“What is your favorite song on Circles and why?”
“How do you think Circles compares to Mac Miller’s previous albums?”
“What emotions or message stood out most while listening to this album?”
A1: My favorite song off Circles is Good News, because it talks about Mac’s personal struggles with always having to deal with people who don’t care about anything else other than “good news”.
A2: Circles is definitely different from all other albums other than Swimming, because most of his albums, even Swimming, have a more rap-approach than anything while Circles is more mellow than anything.
A3: The relatable tracks where Mac speaks on how he feels about his isolation and just in general is what I most felt listening to this album.
B1: My favorite song off Circles is “Hand Me Downs”, because it kind of discusses the topic of love and personal struggles.
B2: Circles is different from all of Mac’s albums, as the rest are more about rap.
B3: Listening to this album made me think about what Mac would have further discussed in future projects, if he was still alive.
A Lasting Legacy
One of the most potent aspects of Circles is its authenticity. The album doesn’t feel overproduced or forced; instead, it feels like a genuine expression of Miller’s thoughts and emotions. His ability to be open and vulnerable in his music made him a beloved artist.
Although Mac Miller is no longer here, Circles keeps his voice and artistry alive. It serves as both a farewell and a reminder of his impact on music. With its heartfelt lyrics and soothing production, Circles is one of Miller’s most memorable and touching works.
