Mike Posner’s ‘Tear Drops and Balloons’ (Poetry Album) 7th Anniversary
Seven years ago, on March 7, 2018, Mike Posner released Tear Drops and Balloons, his deeply personal spoken word poetry album. The project arrived a year after the release of his physical book of poetry by the same name, bringing his words to life through his own voice.
In a time when poetry is often reduced to short, digestible quotes, Mike’s work stands out as raw, unfiltered, and profoundly honest. With Tear Drops and Balloons, he invites listeners into his world, exposing his thoughts, struggles, and triumphs without hesitation. His ability to transform personal wounds into art makes this collection a unique and emotional experience.
The album features a range of poetic themes, from love and loss to fame and insecurity. One standout piece, “Hate Mail,” is a striking collage of cruel messages Mike received online. Rather than allowing negativity to consume him, he repurposes it into something thought-provoking and even humorous. As he explains, “When I take something that’s…negative and try to find the humor or the art in that, then it doesn’t cut so deeply.” This approach to pain and hardship is a recurring theme throughout the album.
The title Tear Drops and Balloons itself reflects Mike’s philosophy of transformation. He once shared, “When I was maybe 24 years old, I realized that if I flipped the paper upside down, the teardrops became balloons.” This concept of turning sorrow into hope defines the essence of both the book and spoken word album, showcasing his ability to find light even in darkness.
Mike has often likened his songwriting and poetry to two different expressions of the same creative force. He describes them as “hot water and cold water” coming from the same filtration system but emerging through different faucets. This analogy perfectly captures how Tear Drops and Balloons serves as an extension of his artistry, offering a different yet equally profound side of his storytelling.
As we celebrate the 7th anniversary of Tear Drops and Balloons, take a moment to revisit this powerful spoken word album. Stream it now on Spotify and Apple Music!
