“Faces” was the 11th mixtape released by late hip-hop and rap icon Mac Miller. The tape was originally released for free download in 2014, but it was not until Oct. 15 of this year that Miller’s estate released it on music streaming platforms and vinyl.
The 25-song mixtape is considered by many to be one of Miller’s greatest works. When it comes to casual listening of an album, “Faces” has to be one of the best, with a plethora of songs that can be put on in the background and enjoyed purely for the hypnotizing beats and dreamy flows.
While “Faces” is an easy project to casually listen to, it is just as brilliant when put under a microscope. Throughout the tape, Miller unfolds his experiences with drug abuse with dark lyrics juxtaposed with jazzy and relatively positive beats. This is especially noticeable in his song “Angel Dust.” For one, the track starts with Mac sniffing repeatedly, a reference to his addiction to drugs like cocaine. Secondly, with lyrics such as, “Everyone’s afraid of what I do inside my studio, worried I’mma lose control,” it is clear to see that Miller is not afraid of exploring his use of drugs in a dark and twisted way.
“Faces” is Miller’s longest record to date, with the exception of the commentary version of his 2011 project “Blue Slide Park.” With 25 songs, one would expect many features, especially in today’s music climate where many of the biggest stars in the music industry are producing songs and albums that are reliant on features. This could not be more false for “Faces.” Throughout the entire mixtape, only seven songs feature another artist and Miller uses these features to perfection, making sure at the end of the day it is still his project.
The mixtape does have a darker side to it with lyrics that speak about suicide and depression. In the song “Diablo,” Miller says, “Contemplatin’ suicide like it’s a DVD/Lost inside my mind, it’s a prison, homie, leave me be/You can see me bleed,” putting the dark thoughts and feelings that went along with his drug addiction.
While “Faces” is definitely grim to a certain level, there is a reason why fans still consider this to be his best project. While a liberal portion of the lyrics and messages in some songs have to do with topics such as suicide and drug abuse, in a majority of the songs, Miller’s genius shows with his perfectly witty and at times psychedelic lyrics. The lyrics, “I’m walkin’ backwards, shadowboxin’ with karate masters/ It’s more to rap, we sell the royal crack at Castle Rock/A bad apple like an unemployed Macintosh,” in the song “Ave Maria,” are just one example of the brilliant wordplay Miller employs in this project.
One last notable thing that makes this mixtape so great is Miller’s extensive use of samples. In 12 out of the 25 total songs there are samples of previous works. Miller’s creativity is on full display as he expertly places these samples to boost the already great tracks.
There is one difference between the version of the mixtape that was released in 2014 and the one that was released this year. Miller’s estate has added a never-before-heard bonus track to the tape on streaming platforms. The song, titled “Yeah,” is the perfect song to round off the album. The lyrics to the song are almost exclusively questions Miller is asking about mortality and whether or not he can actually be free, to which an almost angelic choir of a mix of Miller’s voices respond, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.”
It is unclear if any more posthumous music will be released by Miller’s estate in the future. But for now, fans can now relive the glory of the artist’s past work with this rerelease of “Faces” with the new bonus track. The album is great for all music lovers, as its flexibility to be listened to casually and closely is second to none.
Image from Mac Miller via YouTube
