Mac is back with his new album Blue Slide Park, which hit the shelves on Nov. 8. This was Mac Miller’s first CD to be released on iTunes after his very successful mix-tapes: K.I.D.S. and Best Day Ever. Within the first week of being released, the album sold an outstanding 148,915 copies and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. This was the first independently distributed debut album to reach number one on the charts since Tha Dogg Pound’s Dog Food release in 1995.
Blue Slide Park is a hip-hop/rap album with 16 great songs that keep that old school, laid-back Mac Miller beat. Miller ventured away into some heavier bass in a couple of songs, but for the most part, he stuck to his classic style. Lately, a lot of rap artists have been changing their style to up-beat pop music to make more money, but Mac Miller is staying true to himself in this album, and he does not disappoint.
The intro song “English Lane” sets the mood of the CD with a slower, laid back beat about Frick Park, off of English Lane in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he grew up. This CD got its nickname “Blue Slide Park” from the big blue slide in the playground from his childhood, which this CD revolves around.
“Blue Slide Park” and “Party On Fifth Ave” feature old school beats and clever lyrics that some may be familiar with. Miller starts with the well known “Let Me Clear My Throat” beat and then mixes it up into his own version.
“Frick Park Market” the first single released Aug. 18, gives Mac’s CD a techno feel. Halfway through the song, there is a switch up in the tempo that is accompanied with a futuristic touch. “I was skeptical at first when I heard it, but as I listened to it more the more I liked it. Overall it is great album,” said junior Nick Schroeder.
“Smile Back” features a heavier bass line and is not the kind of song someone would have expected from Mac Miller. He had the talent to have produced something better, but it is still a decent song. He is just not a heavy bass kind of artist.
All in all, Mac Miller really stepped it up in Blue Slide Park. If you enjoyed any of his past mix-tapes then you should definitely think about adding this CD to your collection.
Mitch Miller is a Staff Reporter for The Spartan Speaks