Mac Miller’s Watching Movies With the Sound Off is a record about being alone, and about finding comfort in the familiar. It is a bedroom pop album made for headphones, built on warm production and self-deprecating lyrics. Released in 2013, it is a document of a young man navigating fame, anxiety, and the simple act of watching movies to feel less lonely.
The Star Room Opens the Record
“The Star Room” sets the tone with a gentle, reflective melody. It is the quietest song here, and it works as a mission statement for the whole record.
Avian Through S.D.S.
- “Avian” picks up the pace slightly, a light-footed track that shows off Miller’s flow.
- “I’m Not Real” is a confession of insecurity dressed in humor.
- “S.D.S.” is a short, sharp burst that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Bird Call and Matches
“Bird Call” is a brief instrumental interlude, a pause between songs. “Matches” is a standout, a track that builds tension before releasing it.
I Am Who Am (Killin’ Time)
“I Am Who Am (Killin’ Time)” is the album’s most ambitious moment. It runs over five minutes and earns its length with a winding, introspective verse.
Objects in the Mirror and Red Dot Music
“Objects in the Mirror” is a slow-burn track that doesn’t rush anywhere. “Red Dot Music” stretches out with a narrative that rewards patience.
Gees Through Remember
“Gees” is a short, playful track that breaks up the middle stretch. “Watching Movies” is the title track, a direct reference to the album’s theme. “Suplexes Inside of Complexes and Duplexes” is a dense, layered cut that rewards repeated listens. “Remember” is a wistful track about nostalgia and memory.
Someone Like You Through Claymation
“Someone Like You” is a mid-tempo highlight, one of the more emotionally direct tracks on the record. “Aquarium” is a metaphor-heavy track about feeling trapped. “Youforia” is a lighter, more upbeat cut. “Goosebumpz” is a short, punchy track that snaps back quickly. “O.K.” is a brief interlude that doesn’t linger. “Claymation” closes the album with a whimsical, cartoonish outro.
What Works and What Doesn’t
The album’s strengths are its warmth and honesty. Miller is unguarded here, and that vulnerability is what makes the record stick.
| Track | Length |
|---|---|
| The Star Room | 4:35 |
| Avian | 3:16 |
| I’m Not Real | 3:23 |
| S.D.S. | 3:23 |
| Bird Call | 2:08 |
| Matches | 2:58 |
| I Am Who Am (Killin’ Time) | 5:01 |
| Objects in the Mirror | 4:19 |
| Red Dot Music | 6:07 |
| Gees | 2:55 |
| Watching Movies | 3:40 |
| Suplexes Inside of Complexes and Duplexes | 2:47 |
| Remember | 4:28 |
| Someone Like You | 4:16 |
| Aquarium | 4:38 |
| Youforia | 4:01 |
| Goosebumpz | 3:22 |
| O.K. | 2:40 |
| Claymation | 3:52 |
The weaker moments are the tracks that pad out the middle without adding much new. “Bird Call,” “Gees,” and “O.K.” are pleasant but forgettable.
Final Word
Watching Movies With the Sound Off is a solid, consistent record from a young artist still finding his voice. It doesn’t reinvent hip-hop, but it doesn’t need to. It is a personal, intimate listen that rewards attention.
- The Star Room4:35
- Avian3:16
- I'm Not Real3:23
- S.D.S.3:23
- Bird Call2:08
- Matches2:58
- I Am Who Am (Killin' Time)5:01
- Objects in the Mirror4:19
- Red Dot Music6:07
- Gees2:55
- Watching Movies3:40
- Suplexes Inside of Complexes and Duplexes2:47
- Remember4:28
- Someone Like You4:16
- Aquarium4:38
- Youforia4:01
- Goosebumpz3:22
- O.K.2:40
- Claymation3:52
