Unfortunately, a good chunk of Swimming is dull and repetitive. Almost capping out at six minutes, the listener is taken through a woozy downward spiral that descends into Miller singing about “oblivion.” Another collaborative highlight is “Self-Care,” a trippy, spaced out song featuring Dreamville signee J.I.D. The standout track - “What’s The Use?” - has Uncle Snoop Dogg and electro-funk musician Thundercat breathing charisma and groove over a funky bass-line. Some of the best work on Swimming is when guests come in to help Miller flesh out his ideas. Cole, the track is rich with soulful textures and vocal layering. On the following song, “Hurt Feelings,” Miller comes off as defiant as he acknowledges his recent woes.

But these musical constraints are perfect for conveying his struggles. “I was drowning but now I am Swimming.” His voice is raspy and lacks range.

The somber album opens up with “Come Back To Earth” - a lush track that introduces the overarching theme. At its best, however, Miller’s latest project succeeds at being cathartic and is more lyrically mature than his previous work. Though the subject matter is enticing, Swimming does occasionally tread boring lulls. On Swimming, his follow up to his overlooked The Divine Feminine, Miller tackles these issues head-on. He’s endured a very public break-up with Ariana Grande and then got arrested for a DUI in May. It’s no secret that Mac Miller has been going through a tumultuous year.

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