By Olivia Pocat
Macklemore’s first album release since Gemini in 2017, self-titled album BEN puts the artist back on the charts. This album focuses more on collabs, featuring Tones And I, Collett, Windser, Sarah Barthel of Phantogram, DJ Premier, Jackson Lee Morrison, NLE Choppa, Livingston, Vic Daggs II, charlieonnafriday, and Morray. This album features two different aspects of Macklemore’s musical abilities, pop songs and rap tracks. The singles which Macklemore released before the album acted as great teasers. “CHANT” and “MANIAC” are upbeat pop songs, where Macklemore seems to be the featured artist with witty raps. His song “NO BAD DAYS” (feat. Collett) also follows this pop genre. Macklemore lets his daughter Sloane direct the music video for this song. This album has more of a familial fee than his previous records.. My personal favorite song is “SORRY” (feat. Livingston), which describes Macklemore’s apology to his wife after his relapse. He talks about his experiences and ponders questions about life. Overall, I really enjoyed this album.