(Un)Commentary cover

(Un)Commentary

Alec Benjamin · 2022

34 min · 13 tracks · pop music

A blend of introspective lyrics and catchy melodies, reflecting the complexities of modern life through a pop lens.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dopamine Addict — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its exploration of addiction to fleeting pleasures, showcasing Benjamin's knack for storytelling.
  • →
    The Way You Felt — This song stands out for its nostalgic reflection on lost love, combining emotional depth with a memorable melody that encapsulates the album's essence.
  • →
    Hipocrite — With sharp lyricism that critiques societal expectations, this track highlights Benjamin's ability to weave critical commentary into accessible pop songs.
  • →
    Devil Doesn’t Bargain — This track delves into moral dilemmas and personal choice, featuring a haunting melody that enhances its thematic weight and complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album combines relatable themes with catchy melodies but lacks standout moments in composition and cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a consistent tempo, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower songs.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build on the main melody, enhancing the emotional impact.
  • The lyrics often explore personal themes and societal issues, with a narrative style that invites listener reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • catchy melodies with introspective lyrics
  • quick bursts of relatable themes
  • for short listening breaks
  • conversational storytelling in songs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, sprawling albums
  • seek intricate musical complexity

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 15, 2022, (Un)Commentary is Alec Benjamin's third studio album, following his breakthrough record, These Two Windows. At this point in his career, he built on the success of previous hits like 'Water Fountain' and 'Oh My God', solidifying his presence in the pop music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Ed Sheeran· Shawn Mendes· Charlie Puth

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Hipocrite

    A poignant moment occurs when the narrative shifts to address societal contradictions directly, illustrating personal conflicts with external expectations.

    This direct address creates a powerful connection between the artist and audience, challenging listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Dopamine Addict 2:27
  • 2 Hammers 3:02
  • 3 The Way You Felt 3:05
  • 4 Shadow of Mine 2:47
  • 5 Speakers 2:42
  • 6 Hill I Will Die On 2:50
  • 7 Hipocrite 2:18
  • 8 Nancy Got a Haircut 2:00
  • 9 Nuance 2:54
  • 10 Devil Doesn’t Bargain 2:45
  • 11 Deniro 2:23
  • 12 Older 2:46
  • 13 One Wrong Turn 2:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata