In particular, his second verse is reflective of this: One of the songs that best demonstrates the contrast between Mac’s highs and lows is Hand Me Downs. It also gives the listener a more 1-on-1 feeling with Mac, as if he’s talking directly to them. The minimalist approach in production with use of simple drums, piano, and guitar really emphasize Mac’s lyrics and his nonchalant and mellow delivery.
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Mac also takes a much more abstract approach to his music on Circles, wondering his purpose, and whether he will ever be capable of finding or serving it. Listening to these positive, optimistic moments on a posthumous album can be quite unnerving.
It seemed like there were clear signs that Mac had gotten past his depression and finally conquered it. The record also portrays Mac’s mental growth, too, with positive songs like Blue World where Mac seems to be fighting off his demons: “Don’t trip, we don’t gotta let ‘em in.” Perhaps this is one of the most difficult lines to hear.
Even today the album stings to hear due to subject matter like depression, feelings of inadequacy, and especially Mac’s use of drugs as a coping mechanism. Circles is the sonic culmination of Mac’s genius and artistry. Though Mac has shown lots of growth over the years, his maturity is most apparent on Circles. He has proven that he’s not just another rapper with some clever wordplay and punchlines, but rather an artist that can produce a body of work with complex themes and meaning. This maturity shines through his music with each album he’s released. to Circles, we have had the firsthand pleasure of seeing Mac grow before our very eyes, going from that teenage, careless kid to an introspective and refined artist. When looking into the evolution of modern (hip-hop) artists throughout their careers, very few stand out as much as Mac Miller.