Watching Movies with the Sound Off
by Mac Miller
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Jun 18, 2013
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 150 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 121 out of 150
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 150
  3. Negative: 12 out of 150
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  1. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    7
    The album that truly starts the beginning of Mac's artistic evolution. It's not quite as well polished, but there's still a lot of food for thought to digest here. It's a very artistic project in nature. I don't think it holds massive replay value, but it's a very captivating, eery listen.
  2. Spangle
    Jun 18, 2013
    6
    Experimental album here from Mac Miller where he is seemingly trying to find his sound. Despite this learning process for him, the album was a lot more successful than his debut; Blue Slide Park. Mac has matured a ton since then and it shows here with his subject matter in some songs, which take a more serious tone than his usual party tracks. Despite that, there are some tracks such asExperimental album here from Mac Miller where he is seemingly trying to find his sound. Despite this learning process for him, the album was a lot more successful than his debut; Blue Slide Park. Mac has matured a ton since then and it shows here with his subject matter in some songs, which take a more serious tone than his usual party tracks. Despite that, there are some tracks such as "S.D.S.", "Avian", and "Bird Call", which are just duds. However, there's more good than bad and as such, I'd say this was a successful sophomore album for Mac and a step in the right direction.… Expand
  3. BWETMatangi
    Aug 7, 2013
    7
    Well it's an enjoyable album. You don't usually get a white rapper as good as Eminem, but here's a more fun Eminem. Definitely a must buy. Key songs include Bird Call and Gees.
  4. Connorcox1997
    Jan 29, 2019
    10
    Watching the Movies with the Sound Off is Mac Miller's best work, in my opinion. No words need to explain on how great this album is.
  5. keve16
    Jul 8, 2015
    7
    7.3/10................................................................................................................................................
  6. blogfirstlast
    Jun 18, 2013
    7
    Mac Miller's style has changed A LOT from Blue Slide park and a bit more from K.I.D.S! He sounds more of a depressed Tyler the Creator on this album. With the beats on this sounding great, Blue Slide Park Mac would kill this, but Mac's new flow is boring and he sounds the same in almost every song. Even Matches which is the most hyped up track on the album. My advice would be to use hisMac Miller's style has changed A LOT from Blue Slide park and a bit more from K.I.D.S! He sounds more of a depressed Tyler the Creator on this album. With the beats on this sounding great, Blue Slide Park Mac would kill this, but Mac's new flow is boring and he sounds the same in almost every song. Even Matches which is the most hyped up track on the album. My advice would be to use his old happy style with the new production and lyrics.… Expand
  7. mc_ryn
    Sep 22, 2015
    9
    WMWTSO is better than GO:OD AM as the persona Mac Miller brings in WMWTSO is much more raw and interesting, GO:OD AM feels like a typical rap project with little substance. I loved the way Mac deals with raw topics about death, drugs and love in a way where connects to the audience in his alter ego, I thought that was really good way to expose his feelings. long story short, he pulled thisWMWTSO is better than GO:OD AM as the persona Mac Miller brings in WMWTSO is much more raw and interesting, GO:OD AM feels like a typical rap project with little substance. I loved the way Mac deals with raw topics about death, drugs and love in a way where connects to the audience in his alter ego, I thought that was really good way to expose his feelings. long story short, he pulled this album of really well and i will listen to it again and again unlike go:od am which disappoints me, id wish me and mac could make things up nooo..… Expand
  8. swagkonyjohnson
    Jul 5, 2015
    7
    I've never been impressed with Mac Miller's past music, butI have to say that I was impressed with and enjoyed this album. Mac really graduated into an artist I can now take seriously. His lyrics and subject matter were, for the most part, darker and more serious. I thought the gritty production on this album was also really good and complemented the rapping perfectly. The problems I haveI've never been impressed with Mac Miller's past music, butI have to say that I was impressed with and enjoyed this album. Mac really graduated into an artist I can now take seriously. His lyrics and subject matter were, for the most part, darker and more serious. I thought the gritty production on this album was also really good and complemented the rapping perfectly. The problems I have with this album are that 1) it is really long; at 19 songs on the deluxe version, it can get tiring towards the last half of the album, and 2) Mac Miller's rather monotone voice may get really boring over the course of 19 songs. Other than that, I thought this was a solid project… Expand
  9. homer4president
    Mar 10, 2015
    5
    This album is quite different from his old albums. The album places more focus on money and doesn't really have any upbeat catchy beats which is what we loved from Mac in the past.
  10. Sci-Fi-Dude1456
    Nov 12, 2013
    8
    Compared to his debut album, this is so much better. As a musician and a rapper, Mac Miller has evolved from a silly weed rapper to someone that can be respected as a rapper to an extent. This, K.I.D.S, and Macadelic are my favorite works from him.
  11. emlugo123
    Mar 10, 2015
    5
    It's meh, its not near as good as the past albums. I was really excited for this album but I expected it to be much doper. There were one or two good songs that was it. I'm a fan of his energetic songs, this whole album is very mellow. Not like the old Mac that's for sure.
  12. JakeWLovesRap
    Apr 2, 2020
    7
    Better than his debut 'Blue Slide Park' but still feels like it's not all the way there at points. I think it suffers from some of the same problem where there are very few standout songs. It's good, and has a consistent message and vibe, but it just feels a little underwhelming at points. Does a good job of taking the listener into Mac's dark mind-state at the time, and Mac's lyricism isBetter than his debut 'Blue Slide Park' but still feels like it's not all the way there at points. I think it suffers from some of the same problem where there are very few standout songs. It's good, and has a consistent message and vibe, but it just feels a little underwhelming at points. Does a good job of taking the listener into Mac's dark mind-state at the time, and Mac's lyricism is only further evolved from earlier projects.… Expand
  13. emlugo007
    Mar 10, 2015
    5
    I am really disappointed in Mac. I was really excited for this album but I expected it to be much doper. There were some good songs, but now as much as I would of liked. I used to love Mac Miller for his upbeat songs, rapping about nikes, yogurt, and waffles. His new stuff I guess just isn't my style.
  14. fraspi
    Jun 18, 2013
    5
    I dont get the praise. I hated his first album and I find myself bored at the end of WMWTSO listening session. There are few standout tracks (especially Objects in Mirror) but besides that, album is filled with corny punchlines, nonsense metaphors and rhymes about getting high and fu***g bit***s. And we dont need any other young rapper with "shock value".
  15. WorstReviews
    Jun 18, 2013
    8
    Mac Miller has made some major efforts for his sophomore effort. I mean DAMN its good. Though at some times i got a sense that i was listening to an already released WOLF by featuring artist Tyler the Creator. Nonetheless, Mac still manages to show his major improvements from the childish (i felt) efforts of Blue Slide Park, but i feel its because hes trying to branch to a bigger audience.Mac Miller has made some major efforts for his sophomore effort. I mean DAMN its good. Though at some times i got a sense that i was listening to an already released WOLF by featuring artist Tyler the Creator. Nonetheless, Mac still manages to show his major improvements from the childish (i felt) efforts of Blue Slide Park, but i feel its because hes trying to branch to a bigger audience. BSP was a good album, but never amounted to much for me, but i feel this is a great step in the growing rappers career. Great album.… Expand
  16. HGossI
    Jul 29, 2013
    9
    Watching Movies With the Sound Off is a nearly flawless depiction of the intricate mind that is Mac Miller. The days of "frat rap" are over, as Cheesy Mac evolves into a mature artist. WMWTSO has a subdued, laid-back sound, and Miller executes this style with ease. Compassionate and honest rhymes literally pull you into the album, and Mac's story unfolds... One amazing song at a time.
  17. solecookie18
    Jun 18, 2013
    8
    Mac has really grown as a artist and you can see that very clearly in his sophomore effort. His alter ego, Larry Fisherman, production is what makes this such a solid album and great for multiple listens.
  18. senordinosaur
    Jun 28, 2013
    1
    This guy used to be fun and lyrically clever. He had hip-hop cred, but brought along some catchy beats and hooks.

    This album is basically about drugs (and not the fun party kinds), getting his dick sucked, getting rich. Clever. It's still way smarter than like Chief Keef, but it's pretty dumb. The beats are boring, slow, and uninteresting. His last three releases have gone straight    This guy used to be fun and lyrically clever. He had hip-hop cred, but brought along some catchy beats and hooks.

    This album is basically about drugs (and not the fun party kinds), getting his dick sucked, getting rich. Clever. It's still way smarter than like Chief Keef, but it's pretty dumb. The beats are boring, slow, and uninteresting. His last three releases have gone straight downhill. Not promising for his future.    … Expand
  19. Rosewood
    Jun 22, 2013
    8
    this was a very interesting album because Mac Miller went away from his party roots and did a unique hip hop album His beats sound excellent, his lyrics were good and this was a smart choice to do for mac Miller because he could have done another Blue Slide Park ,(which I enjoy also) but he went left and gave us a solid project
  20. SaulGood
    Jun 24, 2013
    7
    Impressive sophomore release from Mac. I wasn't a fan of his first album but this project shows extreme growth comparatively. From subject matter to lyricism to the incredible production and features,I have to say that I have become a fan and am excited to see what this 21 year old is capable of in the future. He certainly shares the same undying passion for underground hip-hop as I and itImpressive sophomore release from Mac. I wasn't a fan of his first album but this project shows extreme growth comparatively. From subject matter to lyricism to the incredible production and features,I have to say that I have become a fan and am excited to see what this 21 year old is capable of in the future. He certainly shares the same undying passion for underground hip-hop as I and it shines through here.… Expand
  21. stoneyalex
    Jul 27, 2016
    8
    This will always be my favorite album of the decade. Mac expresses his stoner rap songs and ability to spit bars more complex than ever, A few sad songs not sad as in bad but as in the theme. However I love this album and feels as if its his best project
  22. Garretthanna1
    Mar 24, 2021
    6
    WMWTSO is a huge step up from his debut album Blue Slide Park. It seems his sound has matured significantly but almost too much to a point. The album has so much more substance than his previous works, but it is painfully slow at times. I think he abandoned his fun sound from K.I.D.S. too much and would like to see a little of it back. Multiple songs felt unnecessary at times and made theWMWTSO is a huge step up from his debut album Blue Slide Park. It seems his sound has matured significantly but almost too much to a point. The album has so much more substance than his previous works, but it is painfully slow at times. I think he abandoned his fun sound from K.I.D.S. too much and would like to see a little of it back. Multiple songs felt unnecessary at times and made the album drag on. Watching movies with the sound off makes me excited to listen to his next album-where hopefully he brings everything together.… Expand
  23. Monstrosity
    Jun 28, 2013
    9
    Mac Miller continues to evolve as a rapper. He just gets better and better with his flow and lyrics. I don't understand why people hate on his maturity. "he needs to go back to his roots" hiphopguru. I do not agree with that statement. What are Mac's roots anyway? I don't understand why people want 'Easy Mac with the cheesy raps'. He's not some pothead highschooler anymore. Production isMac Miller continues to evolve as a rapper. He just gets better and better with his flow and lyrics. I don't understand why people hate on his maturity. "he needs to go back to his roots" hiphopguru. I do not agree with that statement. What are Mac's roots anyway? I don't understand why people want 'Easy Mac with the cheesy raps'. He's not some pothead highschooler anymore. Production is very excellent as well and though he still raps about and drugs; Mac Miller is certainly taking a step in the right direction.… Expand
  24. ragingclue
    Jun 19, 2013
    8
    I picked this album up out of pure curiosity, i had never heard anything from him before. But I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. He can rap.his beats were good. And the subject matter was good. I wasnt expecting much but got an album i liked a lot better than the yeezus album i had been anticipating.
  25. devinmusic
    Jun 18, 2013
    8
    In Mac Miller's debut album, it was clear that he had not quite found a style of his own, a style he was comfortable with and that appealed to an audience. Starting with the mixtape Macadelic, and continuing through features and randomly released songs, Miller slowly began to change his style and his efforts have paid off in Watching Movies With the Sound Off. While he has not appeared toIn Mac Miller's debut album, it was clear that he had not quite found a style of his own, a style he was comfortable with and that appealed to an audience. Starting with the mixtape Macadelic, and continuing through features and randomly released songs, Miller slowly began to change his style and his efforts have paid off in Watching Movies With the Sound Off. While he has not appeared to completely discover his place in hip-hop yet, this album gives fans and critics alike a sense that he has cemented a place in the genre, an isn't leaving any time soon. The album's lead-off, "The Star Room" is a perfect intro to a great album. In Blue Slide Park, it felt as if the whole album was one big filler track, but here we see great lyricism and flow. One thing I could do without on the album however is the over-use of vocal pitching, Miller often pitches his voice down in parts where it would sound better normal tone. In some parts of the album it seems Miller gets lazy, with yawner tracks like "Someone Like You" and "Youforia". There is a little something for everyone in this album, with high-energy "Watching Movies" and 'Red Dot Music", and more calm tracks like "Avian", "Objects in the Mirror" and "Suplexes Inside of Complexes and Duplexes". While I don't think it would be right for him to sell out and just make catchy hook songs, I think atleast 1 or 2 anthem style songs that would get chart success would delve him into further territories in both monetary gain and he would gain more fans. Overall, in Watching Movies With the Sound Off, we see a more open Mac, sometimes self-pitying, and a Mac that is still changing. Expect albums in the future to continue to evolve, and himself as an artist to grow and prosper.… Expand
  26. Goldloop
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    Mac millers new album absolutely shines like a diamond his change from Blue slide park,Best day ever was the smartest thing he ever did this album is absolutely amazing you will never skip a song!
  27. Matedawg11
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    This album honestly grows on me more and more with each listening. Plenty of standout tracks, with Objects in the Mirror, Watching Movies and a few others being personal favorites. Production by Mac, as Larry Fisherman, is very good and you can tell that he has evolved a lot in that aspect. As far as the features are concerned, they are all well matched with the more chilled out approachThis album honestly grows on me more and more with each listening. Plenty of standout tracks, with Objects in the Mirror, Watching Movies and a few others being personal favorites. Production by Mac, as Larry Fisherman, is very good and you can tell that he has evolved a lot in that aspect. As far as the features are concerned, they are all well matched with the more chilled out approach this album seems to take. To the reviewer who said that Mac's flow is boring and the same in every song clearly was not listening to the album carefully. I'm not gonna pretend that this album is full of hype beats and that Mac has a different flow on every song, but don't we always bash artists for not being unique?...this is certainly unique and Mac's own flow. If you want examples of quicker flows and beats that are less "boring" you can listen to S.D.S., Watching Movies or Goosebumpz.… Expand
  28. CoachMcGuirk
    Jun 23, 2013
    0
    Any idiot can rap about getting their sucked. Mac Miller stumbles around the entire album without saying anything even remotely interesting or intriguing.
  29. tyler9978
    Jun 18, 2013
    8
    I feel like this album isn't as fun as Blue Slide Park as it has more serious connotation to it. While the seriousness of the album does make me nostalgic for the old Mac Miller, I think he put a lot more emotion into this album. I appreciate an artist that will put their career on the line for an album with more substance than the usual poppy crap we've become so accustomed to. WithI feel like this album isn't as fun as Blue Slide Park as it has more serious connotation to it. While the seriousness of the album does make me nostalgic for the old Mac Miller, I think he put a lot more emotion into this album. I appreciate an artist that will put their career on the line for an album with more substance than the usual poppy crap we've become so accustomed to. With songs like REMember (my favorite) and Objects in the Mirror you get a sense that Mac is trying to connect with his fans on a whole new level.… Expand
  30. n1ckwr1ght
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    this is a really good album, people hate because it is not the same as K.I.D.S or his older stuff. He has evolved as a musician and a person so it's obviously more mature work. I think he really showed his production and rapping skills on this album. Watching Movies with the Sound Off is not a sophomore slump, yet the beginning of something greater for mac miller
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Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Most Discussed Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2013
    60
    [He's tempered] his earlier frat-boy laddishness with some gentler introspection and a keen ear for beats. [Sep 2013, p.107]
  2. NOW Magazine
    Jul 8, 2013
    60
    While the exceptional company he keeps (see appearance by Earl Sweatshirt and the elusive Jay Electronica) sometimes highlights his shortcomings as an emcee, Miller’s guests also push him to be better.
    Read full review
  3. Consequence
    Jul 8, 2013
    70
    Watching Movies is Miller’s most enduring, and endearing, project yet.
    Read full review
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