On Sept. 7, 2018 the world lost an amazing artist and a beautiful soul known to millions as Mac Miller. Since his passing, his producers have released a handful of singles and features with Miller’s pre-recorded tracks. Almost a year and a half later, the 12-song album “Circles” was released on Jan. 17, 2020.

Miller was far into recording “Circles” at the time of his death. He intended this album to be paired with “Swimming,” the last album released before his passing. A similar musical style is found in his most recent album with an even bigger emphasis on his vocals.

His newest album was completed by Jon Brion, a producer who had worked extensively with Miller before his death and wanted to fulfill Miller’s vision. Miller’s sound has grown tremendously throughout the years as he has transitioned past his style of solely rapping. “Circles” features noticeably less rapping than his past albums and instead emphasizes his vocals.

On the most streamed song “Good News,” Miller shared the pressures of being in the public eye. The lines “Good news, good news, good news/ That’s all they wanna hear/ No, they don’t like it when I’m down/ But when I’m flying, oh/ It make ’em so uncomfortable,” explains the struggle of trying to please everyone. The slow and calming song brings attention to the truth that it is impossible to be “good” all the time.

The song “Blue World” has an upbeat jazzy sound that separates itself from the others on the album. Although the title suggests it would be a “blue” or depressing song, it maintains a positive vibe throughout the three and a half minute track. In the verse Miller sings, “Think I lost my mind, reality’s so hard to find/ When the devil tryna call your line, but s***, I always shine,” talking about keeping the blue away and continuing to preserve.

The album’s opening song “Circles” shows Miller’s most vulnerable side as he openly talks about his addiction. His death was caused by an accidental overdose as Miller had struggled with drug abuse throughout his life. He sings “And I cannot be changed, I cannot be changed, no/ Trust me I’ve tried/ I just end up right at the start of the line/ Drawing circles,” as he references his inability to break his bad habits and end his addiction.

In “Everybody” Miller questioned what life is really about as he visited the common idea of making the most out of life. With the lines “Everybody’s gotta live/ And everybody’s gonna die/ Everybody gonna try to have a good, good time,” Miller simplified life. Although his thought process may seem childish, the words ring true.

I am not traditionally a fan of music released after an artist’s death, but Jon Brion fulfilled Miller’s dream by completing his album and maintaining his beloved sound. Fans were not left disappointed by “Circles” as they listened to Miller’s presumably last album. Mac Miller’s vocals and lyrical genius are highlighted in this final tribute to his music career.