by Mac Miller
Released May 11, 2014
Re-Released October 15, 2021 via REMember Music / Warner Records
Reviewed October 25, 2021
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Diablo (43%), New Faces v2 (37%), Funeral (22%)
Seven years after Faces’ initial creation, its long-awaited re-release is as bittersweet as the mixtape itself. As arguably Mac Miller’s most ambitious project, this 24-track double-album dives into his inner turmoil in a manner that is as visceral as it is abstract. Recorded during the peak of his struggles with substance abuse, Faces is often at war with itself. Mac Miller revels in newfound fame, wealth, and success, while simultaneously grappling with mounting pressure, uncertainty, and a lack of fulfillment. Predominantly self-produced under the alias Larry Fisherman, Faces traverses a sea of hazy, jazz-focused instrumentals that are constantly in flux; ranging from uplifting and celebratory to deeply somber, the atmosphere created is truly one-of-a-kind. What made Miller a once-in-a-generation talent was his openness and willingness to admit his faults. Even as we see him celebrating his successes, Miller’s faults are on full display. Faces was an immense undertaking from both a personal and artistic standpoint, but it resulted in an all-time classic and one of hip hop’s most genuine explorations into the pitfalls of fame, drug addiction, and depression. – Dominick (10/10)
Faces is a free-flowing stream of consciousness, with Mac Miller possessing an aura on the mic one couldn’t teach nor learn. He remains effortlessly dope and makes chill music even when he’s discussing very serious topics. Often in the form of complex wordplay or abstract metaphors, Miller delves into his issues with drug addiction. He further enhances this atmosphere with his production, as chopped vocals and subtle jazz influences create a relaxing headspace; the drums add bounce and rhythm, but never dominate the track. It feels like Mac Miller is just telling a series of stories, adding in his own bits of commentary on whatever crosses his mind. “If I ain’t in your top 5 you’re racist” is an all-time bar because it is simply funny and self-aware, while the first line in “Friends”—‘Snowflakes keep fallin’ on my expired debit cards’—references his battle with drugs and the financial troubles that come with it. With every project, Mac Miller stayed true to his vision, his city and himself. The re-release of Faces makes me realize how much I miss and appreciate Mac Miller. This tape will forever be timeless. – Daniel (9.5/10)
Faces is Mac Miller’s magnum opus and the best representation of who he was as an artist. His collaborative nature, creativity, and production were all defining traits that set him apart, and they all show up here. Even though Mac’s delivery and witty lyricism never failed to put a smile on our faces, it all sounds so…melancholy; especially when looking at it in hindsight and how aware he is of his impending death. All of Mac’s best qualities are refined and shown off here; his versatility, the best feature choices, and his ability to just rap his ass off all appear in a way that they hadn’t on previous albums. While the re-release does take away a bit of what made the album so special, there is no question that Faces is one of the most unique releases of the 2010’s. – Alan (8.6/10)
Dominick: 10/10 | Daniel: 9.5/10 | Hadley: 9/10 | Pablo: 8.7/10 | Alan: 8.6/10 | DeVán: 8.4/10
