2019 was a year of creativity where many artists broke new ground in the realm of music. However, it was also a year of many artists’ unexpected passings, and Mac Miller’s posthumous “Circles” paid condolences to his fans throughout the awaited companion album.

Miller molded his image from a frat rapper to an emotive singer between his albums “The Divine Feminine” and “Swimming.” As “Circles” serves as an addition to his previous album, lots of the musical and lyrical themes presented in “Swimming” are reflected in his newest work.

Released on Jan. 17 this year, “Circles” brings closure to many fans who have been grieving Miller since his accidental drug overdose in September 2018. While other artists’ posthumous works have disappointed their followers, many of Miller’s fans have come forward to express their respect for the release of the LP.

“‘Circles’ feels like Mac came back to give everyone one last big hug and tell them not to worry about him,” wrote Twitter user Zoz. “We really lost one of the most talented and beloved artists of [our] generation. #RIPMAC.”

The companion album speaks to Miller’s rawest emotions. This can be noticed in the song titled “Once a Day” where he sings, “Don’t keep it all in your head / The only place that you know nobody ever can see.” He discusses coping with depression and finding solace in his darkest places throughout the anthology.

Producer Jon Brion put together the works that became “Circles” once Miller suddenly passed. Brion discussed how the ending track “Once a Day” impacted him when he first heard it in the studio.

“I just sort of came running in like, ‘Oh, sorry, just one thing,’” Brion said in an interview with Genius. “And I went back out and I stood in the hallway and I listened to a couple of takes. And this is how I can tell you I’m not looking at it with the loss goggles: I bawled my eyes out.

“Heard it twice in a row,” Brion said. “I kind of poked my head around the door and said, ‘Oh, I heard a little bit of that. That sounds good. Just do a double of that keyboard just right now while the sound’s up. OK, cool.’ Boom. Ran out into the hallway and cried again.”

“Once a Day” wasn’t the only track that left listeners with strong emotions. In the title track “Circles,” Miller sang about his struggle with drug addiction, and as his death was caused by drug use, it left many fans feeling somber after listening.

Billboard ranked the song number one in their article titled “Ranking All 12 Songs on Mac Miller’s Posthumous ‘Circles’ Album: Critic’s Pick.” Michael Saponara of Billboard wrote, “Even after repeatedly trying to change his ways, Mac succumbs to the pressure of his former self, and ends up ‘drawing circles.’”

The late artist’s LP serves as a remembrance to the talent that poured out of Miller during his days as a musician. This talent manifested itself in songs that detailed his struggle with mental health and addiction, and fans of his can experience his last musical moments through the posthumous “Circles.”

Rating: 4/5 stars