While I did enjoy some of Mac’s songs before the release of Swimming, I never really thought of him as an artist that is able to record an album that will blow me away. Now, suddenly he’s released one of the most compelling collection of songs I’ve heard in a while. Even though Swimming has its flaws, it’s still a great listen.
The breakup-fuelled album comes much closer to R&B, soul or funk than anything has ever done, and it fits the bittersweet tone of the record perfectly. Mac’s singing voice may not be the most dynamic or interesting, but the sheer emotion behind these tracks make them so captivating. Come Back To Earth is a moody opener that starts out slowly with guitar strumming and some piano chords, before Hurt Feelings comes in with its gentle bass and beautiful melodies. You can really feel the heartbreak here, and this is one of the album’s strongest tracks, both emotionally and musically. What’s The Use explores an even more funky territory, while still retaining that bittersweet feel.
Some might say that the album is monotonous, but that’s not true. Sure, the pace is quite slow, and the songs flow kinda peacefully, but that doesn’t mean they’re not diverse. Ladders has a bit of a jazzy flavour, while Jet Fuel has parts that sound like taken straight of a Brockhampton album. The playful Small Worlds feels a bit gimmicky, but it does offer some pretty insightful lyrics about fame.
It’s not a perfect record, as there is a noticeable drop of quality at the second half of the album, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s one of the most pleasantly surprising records this year. An hour of mellow, warm and chilled out R&B/rap/whatever may just be the best way to deal with a tough breakup.
8/10
Fear of Music 