Macklemore has always been a bit of a chameleon when it comes to hip-hop and pop. He lives in both worlds, is a scholar of both genres and is able to easily switch gears between both with his music.
That ability is on display throughout his most recent record “Ben.” The album showcases his pop sensibilities, his hip-hop chops and gives him room to do some confessional rapping; which are the three things Macklemore does best.
The production on the first third of the record feels 100 percent pop, in a good way. The up-tempo, dance-friendly beats and catchy hooks are made for summertime dance barbecues and pool parties. Any of the first five tracks would make perfect singles and sound right at home on any pop playlist, with “No Bad Days” sounding like it was tailor made for repeated radio play.
The middle third of the record is where Macklemore flexes his hip-hop muscles. When “Heroes” hits (Ben’s best song) it’s almost like musical whiplash. What felt like a pop album is now a rap record. “I Need” carries the hip-hop vibe with Mack rapping over a slinky, sinister beat. “Lost/Sun Come Up” has a bit of an Outkast thing going on, further pulling listeners away from expectations of the shiny, happy pop tunes returning.
The final third is where the confessional songs shine. There are other confessional raps on the record, like opening track “Chant” and others, but the confessions hit the hardest at the end of the album.
“Tears” further chronicles Macklemore’s history with addiction, which is something he’s done on most of his albums. “Sorry” is the confessional apology for hurting others. On “God’s Will,” Macklemore raps about God, which is something he hasn’t covered much with his music. It stands apart from the rest of the record for that reason
The mixture of pop and hip-hop combined with Macklemore’s gifted storytelling through song are what makes “Ben” tick. It shows a more grown up side of the artist your mom knows as “that thrift store rapper.” None of the songs feel like forced attempts to prove he belongs in any specific genre. Instead the songs on the album prove he can successfully live in multiple musical worlds.
“Ben” might not move as many units as “The Heist,” but it has more heart and authenticity, which makes it his best album so far.
