Self Care cover

Self Care

Mac Miller · 2018

32 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B

A raw exploration of inner turmoil, blending introspective lyrics with lo-fi beats and soulful melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Post‐Ironic Sinkhole Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Self Care — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of self-reflection and healing, featuring an honest acknowledgment of mental health struggles amidst a soothing instrumental backdrop.
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    What's Wrong With Me? — This track stands out for its candid exploration of self-doubt and anxiety, delivered through a catchy hook that contrasts with its serious subject matter.
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    Surfing on the Waves of Depression — The song artfully juxtaposes uplifting instrumentals with heavy lyrical content, highlighting Miller's ability to address difficult emotions while maintaining a sense of hope.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends introspective lyrics with lo-fi beats, showcasing Miller's vulnerability and artistic growth.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent lo-fi aesthetic, with each track incorporating minimalistic beats and layered vocal harmonies.
  • Several tracks employ a conversational style of delivery, where Miller's voice often overlaps with the instrumental, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • steady reflective listening experience
  • introspective moments of self-discovery
  • mellow beats for quiet contemplation
  • short tracks for focused sessions
  • navigating emotional complexities

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Released shortly before his passing, showcasing his artistic evolution and depth.
Career context
Released shortly before Mac Miller's untimely passing, 'Self Care' was a continuation of his artistic evolution following the critically acclaimed 'Swimming.' This project reflects Miller's deepening introspection and vulnerability, showcasing his growth as an artist during a transitional phase in his career.
Stylistic neighbors
Anderson .Paak· Isaiah Rashad· Joey Bada$$

Tracklist

  • 1 Post‐Ironic Sinkhole Start here 3:18
  • 2 A Better Home 2:28
  • 3 What’s Wrong With Me? 2:26
  • 4 End of Daze 3:13
  • 5 My Death 0:31
  • 6 The Way It Was 1:42
  • 7 The Long Way 3:03
  • 8 For Good 2:28
  • 9 Out of Patience 2:33
  • 10 Fake World 2:47
  • 11 Surfing on the Waves of Depression 3:38
  • 12 Self Care 4:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata