Is Faces a good place to start with Mac Miller?

Yes, Faces is recommended as a starting point for new Mac Miller listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of introspective lyricism, jazzy beats, and lo-fi production that captures the complexity of youth. Released on January 1, 2014, Faces came during a transitional phase for Mac Miller, following his acclaimed album Watching Movies with the Sound Off. This mixtape marked a departure from his earlier frat rap roots towards more experimental sounds and deeper lyrical themes, showcasing his growth as an artist and a person amidst personal struggles.

Faces works well if you're into dynamic exploration of personal themes, wave-like pacing with varied energy and introspective reflections on fame.

How many songs are on Faces?

Faces has 24 tracks, running approximately 86 minutes.

Faces

Mac Miller · 2014

86 min · 24 tracks · contemporary R&B

A kaleidoscopic blend of introspective lyricism, jazzy beats, and lo-fi production that captures the complexity of youth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Here We Go Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Angel Dust — This track stands out for its haunting production and vivid imagery that explores themes of anxiety and existential reflection, encapsulating the mixtape's darker undertones.
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Therapy — In this track, Miller confronts his inner demons with a candidness that defines the mixtape, making it a poignant representation of his emotional journey.
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Polo Jeans — The nostalgic tone and conversational flow offer a glimpse into Miller's past, striking a balance between humor and introspection that's emblematic of his style.
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Colors and Shapes — This track showcases Miller's lyrical dexterity and philosophical explorations, blending smooth instrumentals with profound reflections on identity and existence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Faces showcases Mac Miller's evolution with its experimental sound and introspective lyrics, making it a notable entry in his discography.

What we noticed

The album features a diverse range of production styles, with tracks incorporating jazzy instrumentals, lo-fi beats, and introspective samples.
Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, often blending verses and choruses in unexpected ways.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic exploration of personal themes
wave-like pacing with varied energy
introspective reflections on fame
moments of cathartic release
for late-night contemplation

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefering concise, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Recognized for its artistic depth and introspective lyricism, elevating Mac's status.
Career context: Released on January 1, 2014, Faces came during a transitional phase for Mac Miller, following his acclaimed album Watching Movies with the Sound Off. This mixtape marked a departure from his earlier frat rap roots towards more experimental sounds and deeper lyrical themes, showcasing his growth as an artist and a person amidst personal struggles.
Stylistic neighbors: Anderson .Paak· Isaiah Rashad· Joey Bada$$