Joseph Gaither | Staff Writer

Mac Miller is back and better than ever with his fourth studio album, “The Divine Feminine.”  This album is one of Miller’s most concise albums as it only contains ten tracks. Nonetheless, the album is one of the clearest, strongest projects yet, and is loaded with many features.

“The Divine Feminine” recruits the likes of incredible artists such as the soulful, charismatic Anderson .Paak, Bilal, Los Angeles’ own, Ty Dolla $ign, the enigmatic CeeLo Green, Njomza, Kendrick Lamar, and Mac’s girlfriend, Ariana Grande.

This project is unlike what many generally equate with Mac Miller; “The Divine Feminine” is more personal, intimate, and deep. Every one of the ten tracks focuses on love, the female form, sensuality and sexuality. While the album does contain the same witty, playful bars that everyone loves from Miller, it is also more mature and serious. The project is truly unlike anything before as it is literally centered on the various aspects of love and a theme of female energy.

The album dissects the many levels of love, the fixation of beauty, and sex. Along with raw, explicit, provocative bars and metaphors, its essence is completely soulful. From the production to the features, the “The Divine Feminine” is filled with a spirit of neo-soul and funk as it takes the listener on a journey from beginning to end. The production is honestly immaculate, and is not overwhelming or lacking.

It possesses this “just right” appeal as each song seemed to be constructed with the next song in mind. The production helps the project flow, while simultaneously assisting with Miller’s ability and delivery.

The progression in Miller’s delivery from his previous three albums is very evident and clear. While each of those projects contained great aspects and characteristics, the growth in his wordplay, skills, and ability are even greater in “The Divine Feminine.” Miller seems more comfortable on this album. As he raps, he seems to reflect on personal accounts throughout the album that resonate with the listener. The lyrics are very relatable and relevant in terms of simply experiencing love. Miller’s bars are also very descriptive and a bit lustful. He holds nothing back as he describes how he would like to pleasure his other half. He gets so passionate that he is even heard singing on this album.

Many may suggest the album is essentially focused on his girlfriend, Ariana Grande, as her presence is felt throughout the album’s entirety. Along with her feature on the album, her voice can be heard in background vocals throughout the record. The album opens up with her  singing before Miller begins.

While every song is unique and the album is great overall, some standout tracks are, the Njomza assisted, “Planet God Damn,” the immensely beautiful and soulful “We,” which calls on CeeLo Green, “My Favorite Part,” featuring Ariana Grande,

“Stay,” and the album’s last song, “God is Fair, Sexy Nasty,” featuring Kendrick Lamar.

Overall, the album is structured well and flows all the way through. Its smooth appeal and vibe is simply contagious as you listen to it. “The Divine Feminine” is one of Miller’s best works and makes for a great listen whether in the house alone, or just driving with your significant other. The album is available on streaming services as well as iTunes.