Mac Miller – Circles

Mac Miller embarks upon a kaleidoscopic exploration of styles with the optimistic vibes of “Circles”. Lo-fi, hip-hop, indie folk, and pop all effortlessly combine in a way that suits his unique vision. A highly personal journey, Mac Miller’s lyricism, always good, feels particularly on point here. The optimism that radiates throughout is one that feels in particular hard fought. His attention to details adds to the brilliant blur of color that runs throughout the whole of the album. Perfectly complementing this thoughtful approach is Mac Miller’s choice of producer: Jon Brion. Arrangements, at times giddy and emotionally raw, lend the whole of the work a sense of intimacy.
The playfulness that abounds throughout the whole of the work at times recalls the Beastie Boys at their absolute best. Additionally, his incredible earnestness and honesty touches upon early A Tribe Called Quest. Full of infectious hooks, deep grooves, and unexpected twists, it sounds like a classic. Beyond the hip-hop realm, he draws heavily from chillwave R&B groups like Rhye and Toro Y Moi. Virtually bursting at the seams all of it feels so completely gorgeous. His use of textures in particular gives it a sense of the unexpected.
“Circles” the title track and opener, starts things on a subtle note. Almost noir-like in its lounge affect, Miller’s vocals have a tenderness to them. With “Complicated” the song embraces a lo-fi celebratory spirit, with the fluorescent synthesizers giving it a celebratory spirit. Yearning defines the whole of the jaunty “Blue World”. Thoughtfully executed, it is a seamless blend of Brion’s and Miller’s vision. Sprawling and ambitious “Good News” goes for a poppy take, with its glistening bass line driving the track forward. Pure luxury rolls through on the fluttery, IDM-referencing “I Can See” whose bright and airy melody lingers in the mind. Soulful to its very core “Everybody” is the highlight of the album, serving as its true unchallenged heart.
Reflective and introspective, “Woods” builds up in careful, consistent way. An incredibly polished sound defines “Hand Me Downs” where Miller’s approach at times recalls the personal narratives of Frank Ocean. Beautiful guitar work adorns the swinging rhythms of “That’s On Me”, another highlight of the album. Here Miller owns his failings, showing a bit of self-growth from his previous works. Proving to be one of the most rap-centric pieces “Hands” has a clear-eyed focus to it. With “Surf” Mac Miller taps Neon Indian’s later works, specifically Vega Intl. Night School. On the finale “Once A Day” the album ends on a close, with a feeling reminiscent of Chet Baker’s vocals.
A glistening piece of art, Mac Miller sculpts an entire world to get lost in on the expansive immersive “Circles”.