Every Song From Mac Miller’s ‘Balloonerism’ Album Ranked

“Transformation”

Delusional Thomas makes an appearance here and it sounds like he’s just hanging around, kickin’ freestyles for the love of the game. There’s some humorously slick lines on this track like the one about doing Oklahomas in the backyard. This sort of feels out of place compared to the rest of the tracklist, but it’s still a welcome change of pace, mainly because that beat slaps like Rick James. — ANGEL DIAZ

“Mrs. Deborah Downer”

The thumping drums mixed with soothing percussion make it feel like this could’ve been produced by the legendary Madlib. Drug use and Mac’s battles with addiction have been prevalent throughout the rapper’s career and he wrestles with how substance abuse has crippled some of his friendships. “Clean myself up, now would you be my friend/ Do I need to know the beginning to see the end?” he ponders. Even in the first verse, Mac’s agitated at having to balance fighting the devil in the same rooms where his career brings him. – MICHAEL SAPONARA

“Excelsior”

This track feels like an interlude, and yet he manages to get deep as he struggles with losing his childlike innocence. Being an adult sucks sometimes. There’s always a bill to pay and an errand to run. Might drink a carton of apple juice and hit a cartwheel to bring the feeling back. — A.D.

“DJ’s Chord Organ” (feat. SZA)

A head-first dive into the psychedelic deep end of the pool allows Mac to take fans on a trippy five-minute journey. Originally crowned “The Song That Changed Everything” by SZA, she peers through the clouds with an intoxicating assist speaking to a distant lover. After easing listeners in, the five-minute ride of a jam session comes to an abrupt close. Mac reportedly cooked up the lucid beat with Daniel Johnston’s chord organ after getting his hands on it in 2013 through his involvement as an executive producer of Johnston’s biopic. – M.S.

“Funny Papers”

Despite the song’s title, this track is pretty somber. Mac has been credited for expanding his songwriting and production over the course of his career, but he might’ve been an underrated storyteller. This song is vivid and is capable of changing your mood, something only certain artists are capable of doing. — A.D.

“Shangri-La”

I think this would’ve been a good video. Like picture Mac in a little Fiat or something driving up those winding roads in Tibet on his way to Shangri-La to get his meditation on. Then, he runs into shorty, and they go on an Inherent Vice-type of adventure for the rest of the vid. That’s what this song feels like. (I know he’s referring to Rick Rubin’s studio in Malibu but just go with it.) — A.D.

“Friendly Hallucinations”

More dreamy production, as Mac ascends on another magic carpet ride for the airy “Friendly Hallucinations.” But it’s not an intimidating trip as Miller welcomes listeners to the “paradise on the other side of the dock.” The experimentation paid off, with hazy tracks like “Hallucinations” further pushing the boundaries of Mac Miller’s artistry. – M.S.

“Do You Have a Destination”

Mac grapples with his life’s final destination, which can be a frightening thought. He weaves through the hard-hitting production while vulnerably opening up about how music became his life’s work. “I gave my life to this s–t, already killed myself,” he eerily raps. It was never about what came with the fame for Mac, who dishes on his Jimmy Kimmel and Arsenio Hall TV appearances, which made his mom proud. That’s what he lived for. – M.S.

“Tomorrow Will Never Know”

Mac is exploring themes of the afterlife on this track (and throughout this project for that matter), but the real takeaway is how he was stepping up songwriting and music-making during this period in his life. He was evolving in front of our eyes and becoming a better all-around artist. The way this track ends with the phone ringing is equal parts sad and appropriate. It’s almost as if he knew things were going to end the way that they did. — A.D.

“Stoned”

“Manakins”

I’m curious if this ends up being a single because the production feels big, like an orchestra or something. Also, having Mac’s close friend Dylan Reynolds on the hook is a nice touch, even though all the talk about death makes this song feel a bit eerie. — A.D.

“5 Dollar Pony Rides”

Indulging in vices and life’s pleasures can only plug a hole for so long. A groovy bassline helmed by Thundercat finds Mac ruminating about a distant relationship, but instead of delivering on the materialistic items she wants, Miller wants to fill her soul with what she needs. “Let me give you what you want (Need), ooh/ And maybe later, what you need,” he flexes his singing chops on the chorus. The jazzy “5 Dollar Pony Rides” delivers as one of the album’s stronger tracks. – M.S.

“Rick’s Piano”

I wonder if the keys on this joint are really from Rick Rubin’s piano? He did spend a lot of time there trying to get clean and while he was there, he would play the keys. There’s also the song “Shangri-La” which is named after Rubin’s spot. I like the production on this track a lot with all its layers and instruments being used. They were in the studio going crazy when they were putting this together. However, some of the subject matter makes this tough to write about, with the talk about the afterlife and all. Makes you wonder what other musical chambers he would’ve unlocked by now if he was still here with us. — A.D.