Swimming
by Mac Miller
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 225 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 210 out of 225
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 225
  3. Negative: 10 out of 225
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  1. TimW001
    Aug 18, 2018
    6
    Mac Miller certainly always tries to sound a little difference. Rather than using drums and synth he'll experiment with horns and other such instruments. While I like Mac Miller and the effort the album as a whole falls flat. It definitely works as a guy who is working through a breakup. But as an album all the songs blend together, similar style and tempo to the point where it blends.Mac Miller certainly always tries to sound a little difference. Rather than using drums and synth he'll experiment with horns and other such instruments. While I like Mac Miller and the effort the album as a whole falls flat. It definitely works as a guy who is working through a breakup. But as an album all the songs blend together, similar style and tempo to the point where it blends. There are good songs on the album as well such as What's the Use and Ladders but the entire album overall is kind of boring. I always want more from Mac Miller because I feel that he can do better.… Expand
  2. thedaywalker
    Aug 12, 2018
    5
    Mac Miller shows ambition in Swimming, with good jazzy beats that i really didn't see coming. He fits in the beat selection with a great flow, and good personal lyrics. My issue is, from the song "Small Worlds" onwards, there's a complete switch in mood. While in the first half of the album, the beats are really funky and fun to listen to, with Mac really making his flow fun, but fromMac Miller shows ambition in Swimming, with good jazzy beats that i really didn't see coming. He fits in the beat selection with a great flow, and good personal lyrics. My issue is, from the song "Small Worlds" onwards, there's a complete switch in mood. While in the first half of the album, the beats are really funky and fun to listen to, with Mac really making his flow fun, but from Small Worlds, the production slows down, emphasizing Mac's really moody and "lazy" voice.

    Favorite Songs: Hurt Feelings, What's the Use?, Self Care, Ladders
    Least Favorite Songs: Small Worlds, Conversation Pt. 1, Dunno, 2009    … Expand
  3. C_dot
    Dec 8, 2018
    6
    Mac Miller moves on passed his previous style of that frat boy rap that made him popular. He gets a little more introspective and provides more thoughtful lyrics than he has every provided. However, he croons far too much, and it sounds like terrible moaning, nails on a chalk board. His beats tend to be rather lame and his rapping ability is nothing to write home about. His improvement onMac Miller moves on passed his previous style of that frat boy rap that made him popular. He gets a little more introspective and provides more thoughtful lyrics than he has every provided. However, he croons far too much, and it sounds like terrible moaning, nails on a chalk board. His beats tend to be rather lame and his rapping ability is nothing to write home about. His improvement on lyrics keep this album being mediocre.… Expand
  4. deanjacobson_
    Sep 29, 2018
    6
    A solid album with unique music and a variety of different tracks. Exploring new forms of music worked, but the album lacked consistency and a purpose. Lyrically well written and structured, the album is solid, but lacked purpose.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2018
37
#37 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. XXL
    Aug 9, 2018
    80
    Swimming merges enlightening, candid rhymes over funky beats, providing a transparent look at how Mac Miller hit a personal rock bottom and his vigorous climb to save himself.
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  2. Exclaim
    Aug 9, 2018
    70
    Whether Miller is singing on those funk-inflected highlights, or rapping on them with a flow that's airtight to their irresistible rhythms, he sounds like a would-be chart-topper, not to mention one of the most versatile and accomplished hip-hop artists working today. He also clearly has pop chops to rival those of his former flame.
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  3. Slant Magazine
    Aug 8, 2018
    70
    Swimming captures Miller at a creative apex where he's acutely aware of where he's been and where he can go.
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