Swimming
Mac Miller · 2018
58 min · 13 tracks · contemporary R&B
A serene blend of introspective lyrics and jazzy instrumentals, reflecting a mature evolution in Mac Miller's artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Come Back to Earth Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Self Care — This track encapsulates Miller's journey towards healing, featuring reflective lyrics that discuss coping with pain and embracing self-love amid struggles.
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What's the Use? — Blending smooth jazz elements with a laid-back groove, this track showcases Miller's ability to tackle existential questions while maintaining an upbeat vibe.
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2009 — A poignant reflection on growth and nostalgia, the song stands out for its raw honesty and emotional weight, marking a defining moment in Miller's discography.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong writing and production, creating an introspective atmosphere that rewards repeated listens.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation with jazzy elements, including smooth bass lines and subtle horn arrangements.
- The lyrics often explore themes of vulnerability and self-reflection, with a conversational delivery that invites listener engagement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- reflective moments of quiet introspection
- steady pacing for thoughtful engagement
- emotional depth with hopeful undertones
- consistent flow through personal narratives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification over depth
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a mature evolution in Mac Miller's artistry with emotional depth.
- Career context
- Swimming was released shortly after Mac Miller's artistic reinvention following his 2016 album, The Divine Feminine. At this point in his career, he had transitioned from party-centric frat rap to more personal and introspective themes, showcasing significant growth as both a musician and a person. Tragically, it would be his final studio album before his untimely death in 2018.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anderson .Paak· Isaiah Rashad· Joey Bada$$
Tracklist
- 1 Come Back to Earth Start here 2:41
- 2 Hurt Feelings 4:05
- 3 What’s the Use? 4:48
- 4 Perfecto 3:35
- 5 Self Care 5:45
- 6 Wings 4:10
- 7 Ladders 4:47
- 8 Small Worlds 4:31
- 9 Conversation, Pt. 1 3:30
- 10 Dunno 3:57
- 11 Jet Fuel 5:45
- 12 2009 5:47
- 13 So It Goes 5:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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