Mac Miller Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Diving into Mac Miller's discography is a journey through profound evolution.
His music resonates deeply with so many. Deciding on the "best" Mac Miller albums often sparks passionate debate among fans.
Today, we're exploring Mac Miller albums ranked, primarily by the voices that matter most: the fans. We'll look at the sentiment and community buzz around each release. Later, we'll see how popularity data offers another perspective on his impactful work.
Ranking Mac Miller's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
1. Swimming (2018)
Swimming is the fifth studio album by American rapper Mac Miller.
It was released on August 3, 2018. Miller himself handled much of the production, alongside notable names like Jon Brion and J. Cole.
The album features uncredited vocal contributions from artists such as Dâm-Funk, Syd, and Thundercat. Tragically, it became Mac Miller's final album released during his lifetime.
Swimming received positive reviews and debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200. It also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.
Key tracks:
- Self Care
- Small Worlds
Topping our fan-driven ranking, Swimming holds a profoundly special place in the hearts of Mac Miller's listeners.
Its introspective lyrics and lush, genre-bending soundscapes offer a poignant look into Miller's emotional world. Many fans connect deeply with its themes of healing and self-reflection.
2. K.I.D.S. (2010)
K.I.D.S. (Kickin' Incredibly Dope Shit) is the fourth mixtape by Mac Miller.
It was released by Rostrum Records in August 2010. The title references the 1995 film Kids, which is quoted throughout.
K.I.D.S. was commercially released in April 2020. A deluxe version for its 10th anniversary included two new tracks.
Key tracks:
- The Spins
- Ayye
Coming in second is the mixtape that truly launched Mac Miller's career. K.I.D.S., holds immense nostalgic value for longtime fans.
Its carefree energy and relatable themes of youth resonated widely. The eventual commercial release was a welcome event for those who grew up with these tracks.
3. Faces (2021)
Faces is the eleventh mixtape by Mac Miller, originally released for free download on May 11, 2014.
It's often considered his magnum opus for its dark, personal exploration of addiction and mental illness. Mac Miller produced most of Faces himself, moving towards psychedelic and jazzy instrumentals.
The mixtape features guests like Earl Sweatshirt, Schoolboy Q, and Vince Staples. Faces was commercially released on streaming platforms and vinyl in October 2021.
Key tracks:
- Diablo
- Rain (feat. Vince Staples)
Securing the third spot, Faces is revered by fans for its raw honesty and ambitious scope.
Its complex production and unflinching lyrical content make it a challenging yet rewarding listen. The project's official release was a significant moment for the fanbase.
4. Circles (2020)
Circles is the sixth studio album by Mac Miller, released posthumously on January 17, 2020.
Miller was working on this album before his death. It was conceived as a companion piece to Swimming.
Production for Circles was completed by Jon Brion. The album received widespread acclaim from critics.
It debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, marking Miller's biggest first-week sales for an album.
Key tracks:
- Blue World
- Woods
The fourth fan favorite, Circles, offers a gentle, melancholic, and ultimately hopeful conclusion to the musical vision Mac Miller shared with Swimming.
Its tender melodies and heartfelt singing resonate deeply. Fans appreciate it as a beautiful, albeit bittersweet, farewell.
5. Macadelic (2012)
Macadelic is the seventh mixtape by Mac Miller, released online in March 2012.
This project marked a significant shift in Miller's sound, exploring more psychedelic and introspective themes. It included the popular single "Loud."
Macadelic was remastered and commercially released in May 2018. It has been downloaded over 1.3 million times from its original host.
Key tracks:
- Thoughts from a Balcony
- Loud
Coming in at number five, Macadelic is celebrated by fans as a crucial turning point in Mac Miller's artistic development.
Its willingness to experiment and delve into deeper subject matter signaled Miller's growth beyond his earlier work. Many fans see it as the true beginning of his more mature sound.
6. GO:OD AM (2015)
GO:OD AM is Mac Miller's third studio album, released in September 2015.
This album marked his major label debut with Warner Bros. Records. It features guest appearances from artists like Ab-Soul, Chief Keef, and Miguel.
GO:OD AM received generally positive reviews. It debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200.
Key tracks:
- Weekend (feat. Miguel)
- ROS
Ranked sixth by fans, GO:OD AM is often seen as a triumphant and more optimistic chapter in Mac Miller's story.
The album's polished production and themes of overcoming adversity resonate well. Fans appreciate its blend of reflective moments and energetic anthems.
7. Blue Slide Park (2011)
Blue Slide Park is Mac Miller's debut studio album, released in November 2011.
Named after a section of Frick Park in Pittsburgh, the album was largely produced by ID Labs. It notably features no guest appearances.
Despite mixed critical reviews, Blue Slide Park debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. This made it the first independently distributed debut album to top the chart since 1995.
Key tracks:
- Missed Calls
- Smile Back
At number seven, Blue Slide Park represents Mac Miller's breakthrough into the mainstream. It captures the youthful energy of his early career.
While his sound would evolve significantly, many fans hold a nostalgic affection for this album. It marked a pivotal moment for independent hip-hop.
8. Watching Movies with the Sound Off (2013)
Watching Movies with the Sound Off is Mac Miller's second studio album. It was released in June 2013.
The album continued the shift in his musical style that began with the Macadelic mixtape. Miller described it as very introspective and personal.
It features guest appearances from Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, and Tyler, the Creator. Production was handled by Miller himself (as Larry Fisherman), alongside Diplo, Flying Lotus, and The Alchemist.
The album received generally positive reviews for its psychedelic influence and improved lyricism. It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200.
Key tracks:
- Objects in the Mirror
- Someone Like You
Holding the eight spot, Watching Movies with the Sound Off is appreciated by fans for its significant artistic leap.
This album solidified Mac Miller's move towards more experimental and thematically rich music. Its dense production and introspective lyrics showcase his growing maturity as an artist.
9. The Divine Feminine (2016)
The Divine Feminine is Mac Miller's fourth studio album, released in September 2016.
The album explores themes of love, and features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and Ariana Grande.
It received generally positive reviews from critics. The Divine Feminine charted at number two on the US Billboard 200.
Key tracks:
- Congratulations (feat. Bilal)
- My Favorite Part
Ranked ninth, The Divine Feminine showcases Mac Miller's softer, more romantic side. It's a departure from some of his earlier, harder-edged material.
Fans appreciate its soulful, jazz-infused sound and its mature exploration of relationships. The collaborations on this album are often highlighted as standout moments.
10. Balloonerism (2025)
Balloonerism is Mac Miller's seventh studio album and his second posthumous release.
Miller recorded the album in 2014, around the same time as his mixtape Faces. The album was officially released on January 17, 2025.
It features guest appearances by SZA and Miller's alter ego, Delusional Thomas. The release came exactly five years after his first posthumous album, Circles.
Key tracks:
- Stoned
- Funny Papers
As a more recent, yet older, addition to his officially released discography, Balloonerism is still finding its long-term place among fan favorites.
Its connection to the beloved Faces era makes it a significant listen. Fans are exploring this collection of tracks from a pivotal creative period.
11. I Love Life, Thank You (2022)
I Love Life, Thank You is the sixth mixtape by Mac Miller.
In 2011, Miller released new songs for every 100,000 Twitter followers he gained. This mixtape compiled those tracks upon reaching one million followers in October 2011.
Seven of its thirteen tracks were previously released during this "Road 2 a Million Fans" series. The mixtape was officially re-released to streaming services in July 2022.
Key tracks:
- Love Lost
- The Scoop On Heaven
This project captures a specific moment in Mac Miller's early rise. It's a celebration of his connection with his growing fanbase.
While perhaps not as cohesively thematic as his studio albums, fans appreciate its nostalgic value and the milestone it represented in his career.
12. Best Day Ever (2016)
Best Day Ever is the fifth mixtape by Mac Miller, originally released in March 2011.
It followed his acclaimed mixtape K.I.D.S. and featured production mainly from ID Labs. Wiz Khalifa and Phonte made guest appearances.
The song "Donald Trump" became a notable single. Best Day Ever was remastered and commercially released in June 2016 for its fifth anniversary.
Key tracks:
- Donald Trump
- BDE Bonus
Best Day Ever is cherished for its youthful optimism and catchy tracks. It's a snapshot of Mac Miller on the cusp of wider recognition.
Fans often revisit this mixtape for its feel-good vibe and the early glimpses of Miller's talent. The commercial release allowed a new generation to discover it.
Picked your top Mac Miller album? Check out Mac Miller's discography and chart history on his Artist hub.
Mac Miller albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of Mac Miller's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swimming | 2018 |
| 2 | K.I.D.S. | 2010 |
| 3 | Circles | 2020 |
| 4 | The Divine Feminine | 2016 |
| 5 | GO:OD AM | 2015 |
| 6 | Balloonerism | 2025 |
| 7 | I Love Life, Thank You | 2022 |
| 8 | Macadelic | 2012 |
| 9 | Faces | 2021 |
| 10 | Blue Slide Park | 2011 |
| 11 | Best Day Ever | 2016 |
| 12 | Watching Movies with the Sound Off | 2013 |
Quick FAQs about Mac Miller's albums
Q: When was Mac Miller's album Swimming released?
A: Swimming was released on August 3, 2018. It was his fifth studio album and the final one released during his lifetime.
Q: Did Swimming receive any major award nominations?
A: Yes, Swimming was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards. This recognized its critical acclaim.
That completes our look at Mac Miller's albums, ranked by fan love and current engagement.
It's clear his music continues to touch lives. Each album offers a unique window into his artistic journey and personal growth.
Ultimately, the best Mac Miller album is the one that means the most to you. Music is a personal experience, shaped by memories and emotions.
What's your personal ranking of Mac Miller's albums? Which one holds the top spot for you, and why?