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. JARS716
    Aug 27, 2018
    10
    Just back to earth nd self care makes this album a 10/10 for me. It was my first mac miller album and i really enjoyed it.
  2. cvillalvazo
    Sep 30, 2018
    10
    Amazing album, it's crazy to see how much Mac grew as an artist from his Mixtape day to this (Swimming), it's a shame Mac had to go right as he was hitting his musical prime but he bowed out with a potential award winning album
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. Kahlil007
    Aug 4, 2018
    10
    Mac has come so far since Blue Side Park, the album that nearly destroyed his career.
    This album is the perfect combination of everything he learned from GOOD A:M and Divine Feminine.
    And a result of everything he's been through.
    Beautiful album near perfect 9/10 imo
  8. Luntan
    Aug 4, 2018
    9
    It's funky, it's laidback, it's groovy, it's introspective. The production is immaculate.
    The beats feel so cohesive and yet they still feel like their own songs. Mac comes through with some great songs, pretty decent singing and the rapping we've come to expect.
  9. 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.… Collapse
  10. 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
  11. Buffalo___
    Aug 6, 2018
    10
    As an avid Mac Miller fan, I am happy to say this is the best work of his career. His skills are sharper than ever on Swimming. From start to finish Mac delivers. His voice, lyricism, and beats come together for a great album.
  12. threadersjoke
    Aug 7, 2018
    9
    Mac Miller delivers a much more focused effort than usual. There is a good sense of progression from song to song. He plays with elements from previous projects but each song sounds fresh and unique. While he was once known for having some cheesy lyrics, he has developed his talents in this department considerably. Drugs don't dominate the conversation as they have in the past (not thatMac Miller delivers a much more focused effort than usual. There is a good sense of progression from song to song. He plays with elements from previous projects but each song sounds fresh and unique. While he was once known for having some cheesy lyrics, he has developed his talents in this department considerably. Drugs don't dominate the conversation as they have in the past (not that they aren't mentioned), there are moments of honesty and self-reflection. I do think 2009 should have been the last track, it felt like such a good bookend to the album.… Expand
  13. childofthe90s
    Aug 4, 2018
    10
    Mac Miller has delivered an impressive, fantastic and amazing album from start to finish. this project is way better than Divine Feminine.
  14. vred
    Aug 8, 2018
    10
    Dope album from Mac Miller. Well crafted and executed. Great production and intricate lyrics. Very well done
  15. blazedftpharrel
    Aug 11, 2018
    0
    This album is absolute GARBAGE. i have no idea how could anyone listen to this ear torture device, his music and his rap sounds atrocious.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. dell221
    Aug 12, 2018
    10
    this is by far his best album. every song up here is good. stand out tracks include self care 2009 conversation pt 1 hurt feelings and jet fuel. really good album best i heard all year. nice to put out 13 songs and none are bad
  21. 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
  22. CalvinSchettini
    Jan 18, 2020
    10
    10 because I loved the album. I think that’s good enough. That’s it. Mac Miller amazing artist
  23. 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.
  24. organicpotato69
    Nov 15, 2018
    10
    Amazing work by Mac, this album is truly moving. One of my favorite albums ever. RIP to a legend
  25. Ivious
    Jan 21, 2019
    10
    I never liked Mac's earlier projects. I find it sad that pain brings out the best in artists but this album is beautiful. His death did not have a factor in me enjoying this. It is simply amazing
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. KERED999
    Nov 2, 2020
    10
    This álbum is perfect, rest in peace Malcom James McCormick, the goat. Love 4 eva.
  37. COOPERG25
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    great album, listened to it on repeat for like 5 hours, miss you mac miller
  38. cruelworld_
    Dec 10, 2020
    10
    a completely new sound of him, he showcases his depression trough the album in an immaculate way
  39. 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
  40. 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
  41. 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
  42. LasseLong
    May 16, 2022
    10
    It manages to be both extremely sad and extremely fun without one taking away from the other.
  43. 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
  44. 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
  45. 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
  46. nachocmq
    May 18, 2023
    10
    this album have a lot of meaning for the artist, and maybe for the person who listen this album.

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.
    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.
    Read full review
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