"I just need a way out of my head, I'll do anything for a way out / of my head." R.I.P. Mac Miller. Swimming is his 5th album, and it's a sombre look at the inner workings of the troubled-but-beloved rapper. His very high-profile break-up w/ Ariana Grande as well as a DUI arrest serve as the inspiration for most the 13-tracker, and he reflects on his struggles with drugs, mental health, and other troubles over silky instrumentals. Dam-Funk, Flying Lotus, Dev Hynes, DJ Dahi, Jon Brion, + Miller himself (as Larry Fisherman) handle production with help from a slew of others, and Thundercat also lays down ultra-funk basslines on some of the tracks. Regarding the work, Miller has said that he is "just talking about things" he is "afraid of, or things that are just thoughts and emotions." He delivers his thoughts and emotions through calm-but-intricate raps and melancholy-tinged singing (glad he is leaning into more singing after 2016's The Divine Feminine), and despite the arching sadness, there are glimpses of positivity & optimism, as it is clear that Miller is longing for for healing, growth, and self-love, regardless of how slow that process to might be. It would have been interesting to hear his follow-up project.

• 5th anniversary edition
• milky clear, hot pink & sky blue marble colored double vinyl pressing
• housed in triple panel gatefold sleeve in deluxe outer slipcase w/ rainbow foil + emboss detail
• custom clear printed sleeves
• includes 24"x24" silver print foldout poster + (8) 12”x12” lyric cards
• limited edition
• original release year: 2018
• music label: Warner Records 2023

reviewed by pocari papi 11/18

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