Alec Benjamin

(Un)commentary, the sophomore album by singer/songwriter Alec Benjamin, came to life through a relentless questioning of the world around him:  the pressures and disappointments of adulthood, the indignities of social-media addiction, existential anxiety and angst, and countless other manifestations of what he refers to as “raw human nature.” In the tradition of pop-minded troubadours like Paul Simon, the 27-year-old artist transform his observations into immediately catchy and heartfelt songs that leave an indelible imprint on the audience—a talent evident in hits like his double-platinum breakthrough single “Let Me Down Slowly.” 

Hailed by Time as “a pop storyteller for the next generation,” Benjamin reinforces his rare gift for crafting emotionally honest music that challenges the mind. “My favorite songwriters are the ones who give their perspective on the issues of the moment, in a way that’s nuanced and unique but that doesn’t exclude or alienate anybody,” says Benjamin, who lists Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen among his key inspirations. “Their songs have always made me think, and my main goal in life is to do the same thing with my music.”  

(Un)commentary spotlights his insightful lyrics and infectious melodies. Made in collaboration with producer/songwriters like Nolan Lambroza (Carly Rae Jepsen, Kehlani) and Sam Roman (X Ambassadors, Lewis Capaldi), the album also builds a potent tension between Benjamin’s ineffably sweet voice and the incisiveness of his songwriting.

Mostly raised in Phoenix, he first realized the transformative potential of songwriting upon studying Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle” at summer camp at the age of 12. “I was reading the words in the songbook and thought, ‘This song is a really deep commentary on the father/son dynamic and how that plays out,’ which made me reconsider my relationship with my own dad,” he recalls. Within a few years, he’d taught himself to play guitar, and soon began traveling to L.A. and the U.K. for songwriting sessions—a turn of events that led to landing a first record deal while still in his teens.

His Atlantic debut, 2018’s Narrated for You, was a gold-certified mixtape that included his breakthrough release, “Let Me Down Slowly". His full-length debut, These Two Windows, was released in May 2020 and furthered his reputation as a highly original songwriter, with Billboard stating that Benjamin “succeeds in making the matter distinctive by how much his lyrics read like a heart-to-heart conversation—almost as if you’re sitting with him in a living room at 3:00am after a night out, and he’s pouring his soul out to you.”

Benjamin hopes that (Un)commentary might provide others with a sense of solidarity in chaotic times, and possibly inspire them to live a more examined life. “At the end of the day, I don’t really know that much—all I know is that it’s good to ask questions,” he says. “It’s good to reflect and say to yourself, ‘Is this okay? Is this what I should be doing?’ More than anything, I hope that people pay attention to the questions I’m asking on this album, and maybe stop to look inward and ask themselves questions too.”

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