Album Review: Mac Miller's 'GO:OD AM' is One to Remember

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At midnight Mac Miller shared a link to the NPR first listen of his GO:OD AM album before it's release on Friday September 18.

While it's not a tactic many artists tend to use, we're really happy Miller chose it because the album is an absolute classic.

(Stream GO:OD AM below.)

If you remember, Miller said that he went through nine different albums before he came to this one and after listening to it you'll understand why. Everything on GO:OD AM down to the intro "Doors" which according to NPR, was produced by Tyler, The Creator is meticulously prepared. You don't have to be in the studio with Miller to realize the detail that went into the preparation and execution of the album.

"Brand Name" encompasses what it's like to waking up and realizing that you are better than the darker side trying to hold you back. it feels like Miller is waking up refreshed and ready to take on a cleaner but artistic phase of music.

Mac Miller's wordplay is quite special even in lines like, "the war ain't winning, it's just beginning, and I've been bout Sparta since Michigan," shows how clever he can be while easily flowing.

Like "Brand Name", "Rush Hour" contains a very jazzy undertone but is light and soothing to the ear. Even with the DJ scratches mixed in the track is nice to ride out to and the actual reference to the film "Rush Hour" starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker is again, another clever display of the way Miller inserts references, metaphors and similes.

Meanwhile in "Two Matches" Miller and Ab-Soul reminisce on early life and how they got to where they are today.

It also encourages listeners to dream big and take risks in order to realize your potential. Miller's playful nature shines a bit more on "100 Grandkids" is reminiscent of the sounds on songs from the past like "Donald Trump."

"Time Flies" jumps right back into the flow of the first four tracks and Lil B adds his own motivational words to support the fact that time has in fact flown by for Miller and he is cleaner, clearer and in one of his most artistic stages yet. "Weeknd" featuring Miguel is somewhat of an outlier because of the subject matter and slight party nature.

In essence it's a song where you can hear Miller having a bit of fun and Miguel's talent is indisputable.

The song flows nicely into "Clubhouse," one of the three singles that fans were treated to if they pre-ordered the album.

The second half of the album is Miller rhyming over a mixture of hardcore beats such as the one on "In The Bag" while "Break The Law" has an old school sound that Miller rips apart with his grown up and pressing flow. "Perfect Circle/God Speed" is an exceptional track. Despite it's 7:55 length, everything about it seems necessary especially the second half where he addresses going to rehab and manning up about his problem, while facing his mistakes. It's somewhat of a calm before the storm.

Those who seek a more sinister sounding track, "When In Rome" is the go to. "ROS" pulls things back into a calmer place while "Cut The Check," featuring Chief Keef is more of a balance in between.

"Ascension," "Jump" and "Festival" close out the album in a mellow way that speaks to your soul.

GO:OD AM is a very successful Hip-Hop album.

It tells a story, it predicts the future for Miller and most of all it gives fans a sense of where Miller is in his life which seems to be one of the best places he's been in.

Listen to GO:DO AM below.