Ben
Macklemore · 2023
54 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop
A candid exploration of personal struggles wrapped in melodic hooks and introspective lyrics that blend alternative hip-hop with pop sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Heroes — This track encapsulates the album's theme of resilience and hope, blending upbeat production with poignant lyrics about overcoming adversity.
-
→
Day You Die — Here, Macklemore confronts mortality and legacy with a reflective tone, showcasing his lyrical depth and emotional growth throughout the album.
-
→
Tears — This emotionally charged song dives deep into vulnerability, making it a standout moment that resonates with listeners dealing with their own struggles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with melodic hooks but lacks strong cohesion in its running order.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and emotional dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the melodic hooks, particularly in the choruses.
- Lyrical themes shift from personal struggles to moments of reflection, with some tracks featuring spoken word segments that break up the musical flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective vibes
- infectious melodies for sing-alongs
- personal evolution through storytelling
- uplifting anthems for daily motivation
- emotional depth with catchy hooks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense, fast-paced tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 3, 2023, 'Ben' is Macklemore's first album since his 2017 project, showcasing a more vulnerable side after a hiatus. This work comes at a time when he seeks to redefine his narrative following significant personal and professional challenges.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
I Need
The bridge shifts perspective, moving from self-reflection to an urgent plea for connection and understanding amid turmoil.
This change in address intensifies the emotional appeal, breaking the introspective flow to reach out for external support.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chant 4:30
- 2 No Bad Days 2:53
- 3 1984 3:24
- 4 Maniac 3:00
- 5 Day You Die 3:12
- 6 Heroes 2:55
- 7 Grime 3:25
- 8 I Need 3:39
- 9 Lost/Sun Comes Up 5:51
- 10 Faithful 3:27
- 11 Tears 3:13
- 12 Sorry 3:29
- 13 God's Will 3:13
- 14 I Know 2:53
- 15 Taillights 4:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.