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. nachocmq
    May 18, 2023
    10
    this album have a lot of meaning for the artist, and maybe for the person who listen this album.
  2. RegenT_A_1300
    May 5, 2023
    10
    Mac miller's magnum opus, this album is so good and has ZERO fluff, all 13 tracks are amazing although I do think circles are better from an emotional standpoint, I do believe this is arguably the album he's waited to make. 10/10
  3. Scratch1234
    Apr 30, 2023
    9
    This is one of my favorite albums of all time, that I didn't originally want to listen too hearing about it's more somber tone to it, but I had listened to it one day and I fell in love instantly. Now yes this album is not perfect, but let's be honest what album really is? Like the song Jet Fuel kind of has a weird transition, the tone may not be for everyone, and I'm still mixed on theThis is one of my favorite albums of all time, that I didn't originally want to listen too hearing about it's more somber tone to it, but I had listened to it one day and I fell in love instantly. Now yes this album is not perfect, but let's be honest what album really is? Like the song Jet Fuel kind of has a weird transition, the tone may not be for everyone, and I'm still mixed on the song small words. But besides those three things I highly, highly recommend you listen too it. Even if the tone of the songs may not be for everyone.… Expand
  4. Btripilas
    Nov 6, 2022
    10
    The growth of Mac Miller is truly seen through this album. Compared to his early work Swimming is much more mellow and has more of a flow to it. It is less frat rap and more lyrical. In my opinion, this album has no skips and is truly a cohesive project. Mac really poured his heart into his work and it is disheartening that he can no longer share his gift. From songs such as Come Back toThe growth of Mac Miller is truly seen through this album. Compared to his early work Swimming is much more mellow and has more of a flow to it. It is less frat rap and more lyrical. In my opinion, this album has no skips and is truly a cohesive project. Mac really poured his heart into his work and it is disheartening that he can no longer share his gift. From songs such as Come Back to Earth to Dunno Mac perfectly captures the emotions he was going through at the time in a way so many can relate to. Overall, this album is perfect to me and should be listened to by all.… Expand
  5. LasseLong
    May 16, 2022
    10
    It manages to be both extremely sad and extremely fun without one taking away from the other.
  6. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    9
    te amo so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil
  7. Ohiostatehemi
    Jun 28, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Probably his best album imo there are so many personal song The mindset that he was in was incredible… Expand
  8. hdcooper
    Apr 8, 2021
    7
    A heartfelt, wistful, and promising record with soul and warm funk that sees Mac officially begin his transition into a new category of music.

    7.8/10
  9. Zooper33
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest albums of all time 2009 just makes me want to go back to the old days 1000/10 for me I wish he was still alive
  10. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    this album is a 10 this album is a 10 this album is a 10 this album is a 10
  11. ChunkDump
    Dec 28, 2020
    8
    the first album release since his passing. what a project. he was feeling it come to an end. almost like a Pac situation. mac takes these beats to another realm but keeps that same boom bap flow with some trap mixed in. he had his own style and it showed, just wished he lived to see the success of it. favorite track is "Ladders". R.I.P Mac.
  12. cruelworld_
    Dec 10, 2020
    10
    a completely new sound of him, he showcases his depression trough the album in an immaculate way
  13. KERED999
    Nov 2, 2020
    10
    This álbum is perfect, rest in peace Malcom James McCormick, the goat. Love 4 eva.
  14. COOPERG25
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    great album, listened to it on repeat for like 5 hours, miss you mac miller
  15. diegomoontoya
    May 28, 2020
    9
    Mac Miller gave us an album different from that of most rap singers, where we can see it with many emotions, it contains a good production and extra elements that I love
  16. KanyeStan
    Apr 27, 2020
    0
    His rapping is mediocre, his singing is awful as usual, the production is meh. There’s nothing here to redeem it besides emotional connection.
  17. Farmermoe
    May 9, 2020
    10
    This album means so much to me, it helped me through tough times and is the apex of Mac’s glorious music career. May he rest easy know he has touched the hearts of so many people
  18. polishreview
    May 6, 2020
    10
    Arguably the greatest album of the modern musical generation. Swimming captures the tale of Mac's constant struggle with lifes hardships and addictions. The lyrical value of this album is unmatched by that of anything of the modern day. Swimming is a master piece.
  19. kcc
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    mac miller always brings life & originality to hip hop/rap. he doesn’t talk about sex & money like all the rappers do. he writes good music, music that has a story, critic & perspective. one of my favorite albums. truly amazing.
  20. JakeWLovesRap
    Apr 2, 2020
    7
    Conversations, 2009, and Self Care really highlight this mixed project. The album is inconsistent and admittedly kind of dull at points. It seems Mac had some things to say but hadn't quite put it all together artistically like he did later on 'Circles'. It's a solid project as Mac adventures more into his creative bag, but it just feels somewhat lackluster at points.
  21. CalvinSchettini
    Jan 18, 2020
    10
    10 because I loved the album. I think that’s good enough. That’s it. Mac Miller amazing artist
  22. cbogert4
    Jan 16, 2020
    8
    A great piece of art from a truly iconic artist. Listening to the album again after his death, one really sees where he was as a person. Some eye-opening lyrics on songs such as 2009 and hurt feelings show how much raw emotion was put into this project. This album always brings a tear to my eye. I can't describe my excitement for Mac's posthumous album Circles.
  23. fr8train
    Jan 13, 2020
    9
    Underrated. The critics did not give this album enough credit for what it accomplished. THIS is mac miller. This is artistry. It is so uniquely mac that nobody else could accomplish something like this. A great listen, and an easy 9 for me.
  24. ThatDudeGerard
    Oct 19, 2019
    10
    The magnum opus of Mac Millers career. This album connects emotionally. You can hear his pain, even if he struggles to put it into words.
  25. jacobfurness
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    A beautiful album the entire way through, Mac clearly focused more on making great music than just rapping on this project and it showed. While the rapping was great, the production is what ties this entire album together.
  26. TheReviewergod
    Sep 8, 2019
    9
    Mac Miller is an extraordinary Artist to me, we all remember young Mac Miller hits suchas Donald Trump and hit mixtapes such as Kids and Best day ever and whilst these songs and tapes were fun and sounded great to a 15 year old me, they certainly lacked substance, swimming is on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. This is by far my favourite Mac Miller project, but it took me aMac Miller is an extraordinary Artist to me, we all remember young Mac Miller hits suchas Donald Trump and hit mixtapes such as Kids and Best day ever and whilst these songs and tapes were fun and sounded great to a 15 year old me, they certainly lacked substance, swimming is on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. This is by far my favourite Mac Miller project, but it took me a while to get there with this and I’ll tell you why. Those who followed Macs journey knows he was in a tunnel the past few years, struggling with drug abuse and depression, at points this helped Mac Miller create beautiful music such as the entire “Faces”project and “The Devine Feminine” which were good projects, but followed Mac when he saw little hope in his situation changing and at points seemed Moaney and that he was stuck and out of control of the spiral he was in. Swimming is a refreshing change of perspective which brings a new style and just some really thought provoking lyrics from Mac. It took me a while to understand where Mac was going with this Project, but I understand the story it tells, it’s a pattern which starts at the bottom and slowly rises he drops sometimes but the climb is beautiful and Mac is able to be extremely honest with his audience. Once I realised this, this album made sense to me and became whole. The production on this album is brilliant songs such as self care, ladders 2009 and jet fuel have really interesting styles of production and to think these songs are on the same album is actually pretty incredible. Notable songs Ladders What’s the use 2009 Hurt feelings Come back to earth Wings Dunno Forgettable songs Perfecto Small Worlds Instrumentals 9/10
    Lyrics 9/10 Content 10/10
    Concept 9/10

    I give this album a 9. On a first listen    … Expand
  27. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    A personal, soulful project about the road to recovery. Mac establishes themes and concepts absolutely terrifically on this record and keeps you interested throughout the entire project. It's also really, really phenomenal sonically with jazz, soul, funk... the album is a full circle of Mac's musical growth and creativity... how it ages over time is going to be interesting, but it is forA personal, soulful project about the road to recovery. Mac establishes themes and concepts absolutely terrifically on this record and keeps you interested throughout the entire project. It's also really, really phenomenal sonically with jazz, soul, funk... the album is a full circle of Mac's musical growth and creativity... how it ages over time is going to be interesting, but it is for sure a worthy, even if tragically premature, closer to Mac's discography.… Expand
  28. Themadslabber
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    I dont understand how an album as good as this good a score as low as it did compared to alot of the trash hip-hop/rap albums out there it's pretty disappointing to see that pouring your heart out and focusing on the art of actually putting words together that rhyme to make sense for your listeners wont get you anywhere in this industry these days.
  29. Connorcox1997
    Mar 15, 2019
    10
    Swimming is a beautiful Album by Mac Miller. I loved the emotional themes, I loved the Jazz Beats, and I loved the productions on the album. All of the songs are fantastic from start to finish. Fantastic work by Mac Miller. Rest in Peace to the great Mac Miller your music will always be in our hearts.
  30. rextree
    Feb 19, 2019
    10
    Even with death aside, this album is a masterpiece and important in today's society. The way he tackles on his mental health through music is something that anyone going through the same can appreciate.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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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