| Watching Movies with the Sound Off | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 18, 2013 (2013-06-18) | |||
| Recorded | 2012–2013 | |||
| Genre | Hip-hop | |||
| Length | 61:36 | |||
| Label | Rostrum | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Mac Miller chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Watching Movies with the Sound Off | ||||
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Watching Movies with the Sound Off is the second studio album by American rapperMac Miller. It was released June 18, 2013, byRostrum Records. The album continued his changes in musical sound that began with the mixtapeMacadelic. Miller described the album as very introspective and very personal. It featuresguest appearances fromEarl Sweatshirt,Ab-Soul,Action Bronson,Schoolboy Q, andTyler, the Creator, among others. Production was handled primarily by Miller himself (under the pseudonym Larry Fisherman) among others such asDiplo, Tyler, the Creator,Flying Lotus,The Alchemist,Clams Casino, Earl Sweatshirt,J. Hill,Chuck Inglish, andPharrell Williams.
Watching Movies with the Sound Off was supported by three singles, "S.D.S.", "Watching Movies", and "Goosebumpz", which peaked at number 41, 33, and 43 on the USHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, respectively. The album received generally positive reviews from critics, which praised his newpsychedelic hip hop influence and improved lyricism. It also fared well commercially debuting at number three on the USBillboard 200, selling 102,000 copies in its first week of sale.
On October 14, 2012, Miller announced that his second album,Watching Movies with the Sound Off, would be released in early 2013.[1][2] The album title is derived from Miller's habit of making music in the studio while watching films on mute.[3] When speaking of the album Miller said that it is "very introspective and very personal so it's kind of throwing it all out there and seeing what happens".[4]
The album's cover artwork was released via Miller's website on May 8, 2013. The cover art features Miller sittingnude at a table, his convenient placement of the "Parental Advisory" avoiding anyindecent exposure. The minimalistic cover has an apple sitting on the table, a flower-bearingornament, and a goldencherub hanging from the ceiling.[5] The cover art was designed by Miller McCormick.Complex ranked the cover at number 21 on their list of best album covers of 2013.[6]
Miller estimated that he recorded over 400 songs during the process of making the album.[7] The majority were recorded in his home studio at his house inLos Angeles, California.[8] On September 1, 2012, Miller released another free song called "PlaneCarBoat" which features West Coast rapperSchoolboy Q and was produced by himself.[9]
Miller originally confirmed features on the album to include Schoolboy Q,Earl Sweatshirt,Ab-Soul,Cam'ron,Tyler, the Creator,Action Bronson,Casey Veggies,Kid Cudi,Gucci Mane and Loaded Lux.[10][7][11] Miller and Schoolboy Q recorded nine songs during the album's recording process, of which only one made the album.[10] He told MTV thatThundercat andSnoop Dogg would perform theoutro on the album.[12] The track listing was released on May 25, 2013, and revealed guest appearances on the album to include Earl Sweatshirt, Ab-Soul, Action Bronson, Schoolboy Q,Jay Electronica, Tyler, the Creator, Loaded Lux, Vinny Radio and Niki Randa.[13] Miller said Jay Electronica's verse would be the last addition to the album, as he had received the verse only two hours before he was set tomaster the album.[14]
This is the first album where Miller self-produced a large chunk of it under his alias Larry Fisherman. He said he was veryself-conscious of his production on the album.[2] The album's production was also handled byPharrell Williams,Chuck Inglish,The Alchemist,Clams Casino, Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler, the Creator,Flying Lotus,J. Hill andDiplo among others.[12][7][15][16][17]
In late 2012, Miller confirmed an early 2013 release date for the album.[18] In a March 1, 2013, interview withMTV, Miller announced that he was close to finishing the album and that he would be releasing music videos in a few weeks.[12] In late March 2013, Miller announced a release date of either May or June 2013, and said that the album was one song away from completion. He turned the album in to the label in late April 2013.[19] On May 2, he announced viaUstream andTwitter that the album would be released on June 18, 2013.[20]
Miller released aniTunes exclusive EP entitledYou under the name Larry Lovestein & The Velvet Revival on November 21, 2012.[21] Soon after he announced his plans to release92 Til Infinity withDJ Jazzy Jeff in early 2013 prior to the release ofWatching Movies with the Sound Off. However this release and his EP with Pharrell would be delayed till after the album.[22] On March 4, 2013, Miller released a new mixtape solely featuring instrumentals made by himself titledRun-On Sentences Vol. 1 under his production alias "Larry Fisherman".[23] All these projects were released in promotion of the album.
Miller announced his headlining The Space Migration Tour on May 7, 2013. The tour consisted of supporting actsChance the Rapper, Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson,The Internet,Vince Staples,Meek Mill and newly signed artists of Miller's new record label REMember Music. The tour began on June 25, 2013, and ran through July 18, 2013.[24] Chance, Vince Staples and The Internet were featured on every date while the other acts made guest appearances on select shows.[25] Recordings of nine songs performed during the tour and five previously unreleased tracks from the recording sessions forWatching Movies with the Sound Off was released as his first live album,Live from Space, on December 17, 2013.[26][27]
On December 18, 2012,Lil Wayne announced that he would go on a European tour with Miller and2 Chainz during March 2013, in promotion of his tenth studio album,I Am Not a Human Being II and 2 Chainz and Miller's albums. Later, on March 5, 2013, Wayne stated that the tour would be postponed until October 2013, in order for him to prepare better and to be able to fully promote his album.[28] The tour featured 15 performances in 10 countries over the month.[29]
On March 9, 2013, he announced that the first single fromWatching Movies with the Sound Off would be "S.D.S.". He premiered a snippet of the song on the second episode of his reality show. The song is produced by Flying Lotus.[30] Then on April 21, Miller announced that he would be releasing the song on April 23, 2013, and music video the following day.[31] The song peaked at number 41 on the USHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[32]
On May 4, 2013, Miller announced on Twitter that the second single off the album would be titled "Watching Movies" and produced by himself along withSap.[15] Three days later, Miller confirmed that the track would be premiered on May 9, 2013.[33] Later that month on May 25, the song was released for digital download.[34] Then the song's music video was released on June 14, 2013.[35]
"Goosebumpz" produced by Diplo would be released as the album's third single on May 28, 2013.[36] "Goosebumpz" peaked at number 43 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[32]
On June 25, 2013, the music video was released for "Objects in the Mirror".[37] Then on July 8, 2013, the music video was released for "Gees" featuring Schoolboy Q.[38] Two weeks later, the music video was released for "I Am Who Am (Killin' Time)" featuring Niki Randa.[39] "The Star Room" received video treatment, being premiered on October 2, 2013.[40] The video for "Youforia" followed later that month.[41] Then on February 15, 2014, the music video was released for "Avian".[42]
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AnyDecentMusic? | 6.9/10[43] |
| Metacritic | 73/100[44] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [45] |
| Consequence | C+[46] |
| Entertainment Weekly | B[47] |
| Exclaim! | 8/10[48] |
| HipHopDX | 4.0/5[49] |
| NME | 7/10[50] |
| Pitchfork | 7.0/10[51] |
| Rolling Stone | [52] |
| The Source | 4/5[53] |
| XXL | 4/5[54] |
Watching Movies with the Sound Off was met with generally positive reviews. AtMetacritic, which assigns anormalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received anaverage score of 73, based on 17 reviews.[44] Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 6.9 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.[43]
David Renshaw ofNME said, "It's hard not to notice that the production outshines the delivery, with Pharrell and Diplo beats topped only by the slick 'SDS' courtesy of Brainfeeder boss Flying Lotus. At least it all diverts attention from that naked album cover, mind".[50] David Jeffries ofAllMusic stated, "Without the hooks or the lofty lyrics, the album seems made exclusively for Miller's fans or those who right-click indie rap mixtape links on the daily. Those audiences should find it an interesting trip, admirable artistic growth, and an attractive, entertaining step in the right direction. Others will likely be flummoxed".[45]
Sean Ryon ofXXL commented saying, "Despite the disparity of styles, the album's sequencing affords it a greater sense of cohesion. Listeners will have little trouble transition between the booming "Watching Movies" and more subdued affairs like "Suplexes Inside of Complexes And Duplexes". This is due to Mac's excellent production throughout as Larry Fisherman".[54] Nick Catucci ofRolling Stone stated, "On Watching Movies, he tosses in a chain saw: punch-drunk slow-and-arty beats he produced with Diplo, Flying Lotus and his pal Earl Sweatshirt. The often mesmerizing production may be a crafty way of distancing himself from Cheesy Mac, the party rapper responsible for the irresistible bro-down "Donald Trump"".[52]
Kyle Anderson ofEntertainment Weekly said,""Objects in the Mirror" and "Aquarium" are surprisingly self-reflective, but the dumb-fun party jams are half as infectious as before, and twice as misogynistic".[47] Chayne Japal ofExclaim! stated, "Mac Miller emphatically joins a higher tier of rap artists withWatching Movies, an effort that at once silences his detractors and rewards his faithful following".[48] Mike Madden ofConsequence stated that, "Watching Movies is Miller's most enduring, and endearing, project yet. I won't be worried if he decides to overhaul his sound again someday – I trust his artistic acumen now – but it would be nice to see him run with the aesthetic he found here".[46] Craig Jenkins ofPitchfork said, "Watching Movies with the Sound Off is a quantum leap in artistry, but it's not without faults; the album's about three songs too long, and a couple of the tracks in the back end just plain run together".[51]
Closing out the year,Watching Movies with the Sound Off was named to multiple "Albums of the Year" lists by major publications.Complex ranked the album number 12 on their list of the 50 best albums of 2013. They commented saying, "Mac's greatest asset isn't his bars, it's his songwriting. When he actually moves away from the dusty,MF Doomy,Stones-Throwish beats that dominate the album, he not only diversifies his sound, he hits his full stride".[55] The album was also named a runner-up for Album of the Year at the 2013HipHopDX Year End Awards. They elaborated saying, "Mac moved geographically and spiritually, and he also moved units. He wasted no time entrenching himself in the Left Coast music scene—primarily through his work with Odd Future members Earl Sweatshirt and The Internet".[56]
Rolling Stone positioned it at number 19 on their list of the 20 best hip hop albums of the year. They commented saying, "Mac Miller surprised critics and fans alike with his experimental Album Two. The plucky Pittsburgh MC culled influences from everyone from Flying Lotus to Schoolboy Q, while showcasing his own brand of dusty, space-funk-influenced production".[57] It was ranked at number 14 onXXL's list of the best albums of 2013. They elaborated saying, "Along with several guest appearances from Ab-Soul to Earl Sweatshirt and Action Bronson, Miller improved lyrically as he bridged the gap between hip-hop and party anthems with records such as "Gees" and "The Star Room", which displayed a much more strikingly viewpoint of an independent hip-hop artist".[58]HipHopDX deemed it one of the top 25 albums of 2013 saying, "Mac Miller went far left for his 2013 effort. He credits a lot of the sonics to his own personal tastes, growth and a lot of time with Odd Future offshoots, The Internet. He mixed the same early bravado and experimentation from his debut into an album that didn't so much push the envelope as rip up the envelope and throw all of his influences in a blender".[59]
In its first week of release,Watching Movies with the Sound Off sold 102,000 copies in the United States, debuting at number three on theBillboard 200.[60] In its second week, the album dropped to number 14 on the chart, selling 23,000 more copies, bringing its two-week total album sales to 125,000 copies.[61] In its third week, the album dropped to number 23 on the chart, selling an additional 13,000 copies.[62] In its fourth week, the album dropped to number 24 on the chart, selling 10,000 more copies.[63] As of September 2015, the album has sold 250,000 copies in the United States.[64]
Watching Movies with the Sound Off earned 11,000album-equivalent units in the week following Miller's death on September 7, 2018, allowing the album to re-enter theBillboard 200 at number 59.[65] On April 26, 2019, the album was certifiedgold by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales and streams in excess of 500,000 units in the United States.[66]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Star Room" | randomblackdude | 4:35 | |
| 2. | "Avian" |
| Larry Fisherman | 3:16 |
| 3. | "I'm Not Real" (featuringEarl Sweatshirt) |
| randomblackdude | 3:23 |
| 4. | "S.D.S." |
| Flying Lotus | 3:04 |
| 5. | "Bird Call" |
| Clams Casino | 2:08 |
| 6. | "Matches" (featuringAb-Soul) |
| ID Labs | 2:58 |
| 7. | "I Am Who Am (Killin' Time)" (featuring Niki Randa) |
| AdoTheGod | 5:01 |
| 8. | "Objects in the Mirror" |
| Williams | 4:19 |
| 9. | "Red Dot Music" (featuringAction Bronson) |
| The Alchemist | 6:07 |
| 10. | "Gees" (featuringSchoolboy Q) |
| Chuck Inglish | 2:55 |
| 11. | "Watching Movies" |
|
| 3:40 |
| 12. | "Suplexes Inside of Complexes and Duplexes" |
| Larry Fisherman | 2:47 |
| 13. | "Remember" | Larry Fisherman | 4:28 | |
| 14. | "Someone Like You" |
|
| 4:16 |
| 15. | "Aquarium" |
| Larry Fisherman | 4:38 |
| 16. | "Youforia" |
| Clams Casino | 4:01 |
| Total length: | 61:36 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17. | "Goosebumpz" | Diplo | 3:22 | |
| 18. | "O.K." (featuringTyler, the Creator) |
| Tyler, the Creator | 2:40 |
| 19. | "Claymation" (featuring Vinny Radio) |
| ID Labs | 3:52 |
| Total length: | 71:30 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20. | "The Star Room (OG Version)" (with Earl Sweatshirt) |
| randomblackdude | 4:24 |
| 21. | "The Quest" |
| Larry Fisherman | 3:53 |
| Total length: | 79:47 | |||
Notes
Sample credits
Credits adapted fromAllMusic.[68]
Weekly charts[edit]
| Year-end charts[edit]
|
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[66] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
| Regions | Dates | Label(s) | Format(s) | Edition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | June 14, 2013 |
| [82] | ||
| Ireland | [83] | ||||
| New Zealand | [84] | ||||
| United Kingdom | June 17, 2013 | Rostrum | [85] | ||
| Canada | June 18, 2013 | [86] | |||
| Germany |
| [87] | |||
| United States | Rostrum | [88] | |||
| December 16, 2016 | Limited | [89] |
| Studio albums | |
|---|---|
| Live albums | |
| EPs | |
| Mixtapes | |
| Singles | |
| Featured singles | |
| Promotional singles | |
| Related articles | |
