Circles＜限定盤/White Vinyl＞

On September 7, 2018, just a month after the release of his critically acclaimed fifth album, Swimming, Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller died from an accidental drug overdose. His struggles were no secret, but there was a glimmer of hope on Swimming that hinted that better days might be around the corner. While those possibilities were unfortunately lost with his passing, Miller did manage to record extra material that ended up on the posthumous set Circles. Intended as a companion piece to Swimming (i.e. swimming in circles), the album was completed by producer Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Kanye West), who maintained the laid-back vibe and introspective mood of its predecessor. Subdued and reflective, the beats hit softer and the reliance on piano and Brions quirky production choices make for a lush, comforting listen. With the bittersweet benefit of hindsight, the albums lyrics shed some light on Millers state of mind at the time of his death, providing clear signs that the rapper was in need of more help and support. For fans, Circles will be a tough listen, as Brions often-playful musical backing belies the sadness and resolve in Millers voice. On Complicated, he languidly raps that hes way too young to be gettin old atop shiny synths, later wondering Why does everyone need me to stay? on the frustrated Good News. On Surf, he makes it even clearer, deciding hes gotta get going before Im gone. Even when hes singing someone elses material, as on Everybody, a cover of Arthur Lees 1972 song, he manages to make the original lyrics sound even more dour, concluding that Everybodys gotta live/Everybodys gonna die. If Miller hadnt passed, Circles would be an insightful, focused addition to his strong late-era catalog, shining a necessary light on emotional and mental health struggles and sobriety through his deeply reflective lyrics and the wonderfully enjoyable and warm production work by Brion. Instead, its yet another reminder of lost potential and a life cut tragically short. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

一2019年の9月に亡くなったラッパーの遺作。もともとは2018年のアルバム『Swimming 』と対になる作品としてレコーディングが進められていたものだ。簡素なサウンドに、マック・ミラーのラップと歌を乗せたプロダクションはとてもシンプル。〈まるで空から落ちてゆくその寸前みたいだ〉と歌われる"Circles"には、みずからの運命を悟っていたかのような侘しさがあり、涙なしでは聴けなかった。
bounce (C)近藤真弥