Every once in a while, an album comes along that feels like more than just music—it feels like a conversation with someone who understood the complexities of life, love, and growth. Mac Miller's Circles is precisely that kind of album, serving as both a beautiful standalone collection and a spiritual companion to his 2018 masterpiece, Swimming.
What makes Circles so profoundly moving is knowing it represents Mac Miller's final artistic statement. Working closely with producer Jon Brion (who also collaborated on Swimming), Miller crafted an album that feels both intimately personal and universally relatable. The record finds Miller further embracing his singing voice alongside his signature rap style, creating a sound that's both familiar and evolved.
The album's production is rich with live instrumentation and subtle nods to musical influences throughout. You'll hear the warm, fuzzy guitar tone of T-Rex on tracks like "Surf," while other moments evoke the raw, confessional spirit of John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band era. The album also includes a stunning cover of Arthur Lee's 1972 single "Everybody's Gotta Live," which feels both intentional and deeply meaningful in the context of Miller's own journey.
What sets Circles apart from typical releases is its emotional authenticity. Miller's lyrics feel like conversations—sometimes vulnerable, sometimes reflective, but always honest. The album doesn't demand your attention; it invites you in, creating space for contemplation and connection. Whether you're discovering Mac Miller's music for the first time or revisiting his discography, Circles offers something new with each listen.
There's a certain bittersweet beauty in knowing this was meant to be the final entry in Miller's extraordinary catalog. Yet what remains is not an ending, but a beautiful, enduring piece of art that continues to speak to listeners about the universal human experience of growth, struggle, and ultimately, connection.
