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Alec Benjamin
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Key Information
Alec Shane Benjamin (born May 28, 1994) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona,[5] his 2018 breakthrough "Let Me Down Slowly" from his album Narrated for You reached the top 40 in over 25 countries.
Alec Benjamins 5 albums are 12 notes deluxe, 12 notes, These 2 Windows, Uncommentary and Narrated for You
Life and career
[edit]Alec Shane Benjamin was born on May 28, 1994, in Phoenix, Arizona,[6] where he and his sister were raised.[7] As a teenager, in the 2000s he moved to Los Angeles, California.[8] He started writing songs at 13 and learning guitar in high school,[9][10] and released his first extended play (EP) America in 2013.[11]
Benjamin signed with Columbia Records and enrolled at the University of Southern California. However, Columbia Records ended their partnership weeks after he submitted his album.[7] After the termination of his partnership with Columbia, he went on a self-funded tour in Europe, opening for Marina Kaye in France and Lea in Germany. He promoted his music by performing in parking lots outside concert venues and handing out business cards to passersby.[12]
Benjamin's mixtape Narrated for You was released on November 16, 2018. It features the songs "If We Have Each Other”, "Water Fountain," "Annabelle's Homework," and "Let Me Down Slowly". On February 1, 2018, Merrick Hanna auditioned for America’s Got Talent, using Benjamin's song "I built a friend". This would help Benjamin gain traction and soon after he was signed on with Atlantic Records.[7] "Let Me Down Slowly" was later re-released as a single with Alessia Cara.[13] While promoting the mixtape, he started creating his "Can I Sing for You?" series of videos on YouTube, in which he performs acoustic versions of his songs for people in public.[14]
Benjamin's debut studio album These Two Windows was released on May 29, 2020. It peaked at number 8 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart.[15] His second album, (Un)Commentary, followed on April 15, 2022.[16][17]
He occasionally records Mandarin versions of his songs, having been inspired by his father, who had incorporated Chinese culture into his work as a medical doctor through acupuncture and eastern medicine.[18] He collaborated with popular Chinese actress Zhao Lusi on a Mandarin version of "Water Fountain".[19]
As of November 2025, Benjamin's total of monthly listeners was estimated to average 12,992,615.[20] Alec Benjamin’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.[21]
Influences
[edit]Benjamin has cited influences such as Eminem,[22] John Mayer,[23] Jason Mraz, Paul Simon, Joe Venneri and Chris Martin of Coldplay.[24] He has also expressed admiration for Kendrick Lamar[25] and classic singer-songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Carole King,[8] and Jackson Browne.[26]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [27] |
AUS [28] |
BEL (FL) [29] |
NLD [30] |
SWI [31] |
UK [32] | ||
| Narrated for You |
|
127 | - | 100 | 59 | - | 25 |
| These Two Windows |
|
75 | 22 | 99 | 42 | 27 | 52 |
| (Un)Commentary | 59 | — | — | 84 | 62 | — | |
| 12 Notes |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — |
| "—" denotes an album that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||
Mixtapes
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [27] |
US Heat. [36] |
BEL (FL) [29] |
CAN [37] |
DEN [38] |
FRA [39] |
NLD [30] |
NOR [40] |
SWE [41] | |||
| Narrated for You |
|
127 | 3 | 121 | 62 | 10 | 130 | 59 | 5 | 20 | |
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| America[1] |
|
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [48] |
AUS [49] |
BEL (FL) [29] |
CAN [50] |
DEN [51] |
IRE [52] |
NLD [30] |
NOR [53] |
SWI [31] |
UK [32] | ||||
| "Paper Crown"[54] | 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album singles | |
| "End of the Summer"[55] | 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "The Way to Nowhere" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "I Built a Friend" | 2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Let Me Down Slowly" (solo or featuring Alessia Cara) |
2018 | 79 | 25 | 4 | 55 | 7 | 17 | 22 | 6 | 20 | 31 | Narrated for You | |
| "Boy in the Bubble"[61][62][63] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "If We Have Each Other" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Death of a Hero"[65][66][67] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Outrunning Karma"[68][69] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| ||
| "1994"[70][71] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Must Have Been the Wind"[72] | 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | These Two Windows | |
| "Jesus in LA"[73] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Mind Is a Prison"[74] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| ||
| "Demons" | 2020 | — | — | —[A] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Oh My God" | —[B] | — | —[C] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "The Book of You & I" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Six Feet Apart" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||
| "Match in the Rain" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | These Two Windows | ||
| "I Built a Friend (2020)" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||
| "The Way You Felt"[77] | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (Un)Commentary | |
| "Change My Clothes" (with Dream) |
— | — | — | — | — | 70 | — | — | — | 67 | Non-album single | ||
| "Older" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (Un)Commentary | ||
| "Shadow of Mine" | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Speakers" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Devil Doesn't Bargain" | — | — | — | — | — | — | —[D] | 30 | — | 95 | |||
| "Different Kind of Beautiful"[79] | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 12 Notes | |
| "I Sent My Therapist to Therapy" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Pick Me" | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "King Size Bed" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Found You First" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "The Knife in My Back" | 2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Pretending" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "—" denotes a single that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||||||
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "New York Soul, Pt. II" (Jon Bellion featuring Alec Benjamin)[80] |
2016 | The Human Condition |
| "Eyes Blue Like the Atlantic, Pt. 2" (Sista Prod featuring Powfu, Alec Benjamin, and Rxseboy)[81] |
2020 | Non-album single |
Other certified songs
[edit]| Title | Year | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Water Fountain" | 2018 | Narrated for You | |
| "If I Killed Someone for You" |
|
Notes
[edit]- ^ "Demons" did not enter the Ultratop 50 chart, but peaked at number 5 on the Ultratip chart.[29]
- ^ "Oh My God" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 32 on the Pop Songs chart[75] and at number 26 on the Adult Pop Songs chart.[76]
- ^ "Oh My God" did not enter the Ultratop 50 chart, but peaked at number 49 on the Ultratip chart.[29]
- ^ "Devil Doesn't Bargain" did not enter the Single Top 100, but reached number 11 on its extension, the Single Tip.[78]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Donelson, Marcy. "Alec Benjamin Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- ^ "Narrated for You by Alec Benjamin on Apple Music". Apple Music.
- ^ "(Un)Commentary by Alec Benjamin on Apple Music". Apple Music.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin". Ones to Watch. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- ^ Lanham, Tom (2018-12-05). "Alec Benjamin tells stories from his life". San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
- ^ "Flaunt Premiere | Alec Benjamin "Let Me Down Slowly" Acoustic". www.flaunt.com. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
- ^ a b c Ginsberg, Gab (April 30, 2019). "Alec Benjamin Is Rising 'Slowly,' But Surely". Billboard. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ a b Nissen, Dano (July 26, 2019). "Alec Benjamin on His Personal Journey Behind 'Jesus in L.A.'". Variety. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
- ^ "THE SONGWRITER OF OUR GENERATION, A TRUTHFUL NARRATOR OF LIFE: ALEC BENJAMIN". Ladygunn. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin". Warner Chappell Music. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
- ^ Donelson, Marcy. "Alec Benjamin Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
- ^ Silver, Michael. "Watch Alec Benjamin Perform 'Let Me Down Slowly' on 'Today' Show". Billboard. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
- ^ Lukarcanin, Emina (July 2020). "Alec Benjamin Breaks Down His 'Narrated For You' Mixtape: Exclusive". Billboard.
- ^ Firman, Tehrene (10 November 2014). "Press Play on This Exclusive "Paper Crown" Music Video, Fall Totally in Love with Jersey-Wearing, Boombox-Toting Alec Benjamin". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 2016-06-14.
- ^ "Top Album Sales". Billboard. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ a b "(Un)Commentary by Alec Benjamin". Apple Music. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
- ^ Tracy, Brianne (May 29, 2020). "Alec Benjamin Talks New Album, 'Struggle' with Social Media: 'It's Harder to Just Make Music'". People. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
- ^ Bradley, Josh (September 7, 2022). "Q&A: Before St. Pete show, Alec Benjamin talks John Mayer, his fascination with Mandarin Chinese, and more". Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ @alecbenjamin (January 6, 2021). "fun fact .. i speak Chinese ! 你好 :) . here's a collab i did with one of my favorite Chinese artists , Zhao Lu Si . "water fountain" duet in mandarin " (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin - monthly listeners and total stream count". www.musicmetricsvault.com. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin Net Worth (Updated 2025). - Cine Net Worth". 2025-07-21. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ^ Marks, Lily (July 1, 2019). "Pop Singer Alec Benjamin Covers His Idol Eminem". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ Monroy Yglesias, Ana (June 13, 2019). "Alec Benjamin On Working With Alessia Cara, Meeting His Idol John Mayer & Chasing Dreams". Grammy Awards. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ Alec Benjamin Speaks Mandarin, Talks Musical Inspiration and Upcoming Album!. WiLD 94.9. December 13, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "ARTIST PROFILE: ALEC BENJAMIN". F Word. 8 April 2019. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ "'It's a weird time right now:' Alec Benjamin on releasing an album during a pandemic". The National. July 12, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ a b "Alec Benjamin Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 8 June 2020" (PDF). ARIA Charts. No. 1579. Australian Recording Industry Association. June 8, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Discografie Alec Benjamin". ultratop.be (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Discografie Alec Benjamin". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved June 5, 2020.
- ^ a b "Discography Alec Benjamin". hitparade.ch. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
- ^ a b "Alec Benjamin | full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
- ^ "Narrated for You – Album by Alec Benjamin on Apple Music". Apple Music US. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
- ^ "These Two Windows – Album by Alec Benjamin on Apple Music". Apple Music US. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
- ^ O'Brien, Emily. "Alec Benjamin announces new album, 12 Notes". Hotpress. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin – Chart History: Heatseekers Albums". Billboard. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin – Chart History: Canadian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
- ^ "Album Top-40 Uge 7, 2019". Hitlisten. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
- ^ "Le Top de la semaine : Top Albums Fusionnes – SNEP (Week 28, 2019)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on October 23, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
- ^ "VG-lista – Topp 40 Album uke 4, 2019". VG-lista. Retrieved January 26, 2019.
- ^ "Veckolista Album, vecka 14". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "American certifications – Alec Benjamin". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "British certifications – Alec Benjamin". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 16, 2024. Type Alec Benjamin in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
- ^ "Danish album certifications – Alec Benjamin – Narrated for You". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ a b "Norwegian certifications – Alec Benjamin" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Canadian certifications – Alec Benjamin". Music Canada. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "French certifications – Alec Benjamin" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
- ^ "ARIA Chart Watch #521". auspOp. April 20, 2019. Archived from the original on April 20, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin Chart History: Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
- ^ "Track Top-40 Uge 10, 2019". Hitlisten. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ "Discography Alec Benjamin". irish-charts.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin discography". norwegiancharts.com. VG-lista. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- ^ "WHO IS ALEC BENJAMIN?". Warner Music Australia. Archived from the original on 2019-03-06. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin's "End Of The Summer": Premiere". 10 June 2016.[dead link]
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2020 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2020". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ "Danish single certifications – Alec Benjamin feat. Alessia Cara – Let Me Down Slowly". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community". Hitparade.ch – Swiss Charts. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ "Dutch certifications – Alec Benjamin" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved September 10, 2023. Enter Alec Benjamin in the "Artiest of titel" box.
- ^ The Boy In The Bubble, 2018-06-22, retrieved 2022-04-12
- ^ Warner Music Brasil [@WarnerMusicBR] (November 27, 2018). ""Boy In The Bubble" é o single novo do @AlecBenjamin que acaba de ganhar um clipe emocionante – vem assistir e colocar o cara entre as suas melhores descobertas de 2018 🎬🎶 https://t.co/W3CuWaQtg5" (Tweet) (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ RobertHerreraOfficial (2018-11-27). "Alec Benjamin Premieres "Boy In The Bubble" (Official Music Video)". Front Row Live Entertainment. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
- ^ "Danish single certifications – Alec Benjamin – If We Have Each Other". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ Death Of A Hero, 2018-08-23, retrieved 2022-04-12
- ^ "Alec Benjamin Recounts the "Death of a Hero" in New Single / Ones To Watch". Ones To Watch. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
- ^ Warner Music Africa [@WMAfrica] (August 22, 2018). ".@AlecBenjamin drops a brand-new single this week. We can't wait for you to hear 'Death of a Hero'. https://t.co/CkvaH2sJoE" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Outrunning Karma, 2018-09-27, retrieved 2022-04-12
- ^ Benjamin, Alec [@AlecBenjamin] (September 3, 2018). "my next single is called "Outrunning Karma"" (Tweet). Retrieved April 14, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ 1994, 2018-11-01, retrieved 2022-04-12
- ^ Bajgrowicz, Brooke (2018-11-01). "Alec Benjamin Drops New Nostalgia-Inducing '1994' & Announces Debut Mixtape: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
- ^ "Must Have Been the Wind – Single by Alec Benjamin". Apple Music. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
- ^ Benjamin, Alec [@AlecBenjamin] (July 9, 2019). ""Jesus in LA" out in 1 week" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Mind Is a Prison – Single by Alec Benjamin". Apple Music. Archived from the original on October 31, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin – Chart History: Mainstream Top 40". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin – Chart History: Adult Top 40". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
- ^ "The Way You Felt - Single by Alec Benjamin on Apple Music". Apple Music. Archived from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
- ^ "Dutch Single Tip 18/06/2022" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
- ^ "Alec Benjamin Shares New Single, "Different Kind Of Beautiful"". preludepress. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ Sully, Jayden (1 March 2021). ""New Your Soul - Pt. ii"". Genius. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
- ^ Wass, Mike (13 August 2020). "Powfu, Alec Benjamin & Rxseboy remix Sista Prod's "Eyes Blue Like the Atlantic"". Idolator. Retrieved 22 October 2020.[dead link]
- ^ "Danish single certifications – Alec Benjamin – Water Fountain". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
External links
[edit]
Alec Benjamin
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Life and career
Alec Shane Benjamin was born on May 28, 1994, in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was raised alongside his older sister, Logan. His family was not particularly musical, but Benjamin developed an interest in music during his early teens, inspired by artists such as Paul Simon, Eminem, and Dr. Dre. At age 13, while in high school, he began writing songs to impress a girl he liked and taught himself to play the guitar using YouTube tutorials.[10][4] After graduating high school, Benjamin's parents encouraged him to attend college. He enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC) to study music but dropped out after one or two semesters to focus on his music career full-time.[11][12] Benjamin released his debut extended play, Mixtape 1: America, independently through White Rope Records on April 22, 2013. In 2014, at age 20, he signed a record deal with Columbia Records and released his debut single "Paper Crown" in November of that year. However, after submitting his debut album, Columbia dropped him just weeks later in 2016, at age 21, leaving him without rights to his early recordings. Undeterred, Benjamin began building a fanbase through guerrilla-style acoustic performances in parking lots outside major concerts, including those of Shawn Mendes. He also uploaded original songs to YouTube, gaining traction with tracks like "I Built a Friend," which was featured on America's Got Talent in 2017.[5][13][14] Benjamin's breakthrough came in 2018 with the independent release of "Let Me Down Slowly," which went viral on YouTube, amassing over 1 billion streams. A re-recorded duet version with Alessia Cara followed, peaking in the top 40 in over 25 countries. This success led to a signing with Atlantic Records, and he released his debut mixtape Narrated for You on November 16, 2018, featuring singles like "If We Have Each Other" and "Water Fountain." The project debuted at number 36 on the Billboard 200. Benjamin supported the release with his first headlining tour and opened for artists including Billie Eilish and NF.[5][2] His second mixtape, These Two Windows, arrived on October 16, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with singles "Demons" and "Match in the Rain." Benjamin adapted by hosting virtual concerts and fan interactions. In 2022, he released (Un)Commentary on November 11, exploring personal themes, and embarked on the (Un)Commentary Tour across North America and Europe. Collaborations during this period included remixes with ILLENIUM ("Let Me Down Slowly") and Louis the Child.[2][15] Benjamin's third studio album, 12 Notes, was released on May 10, 2024, addressing mental health and relationships through tracks like "I Sent My Therapist to Therapy." The album was promoted with the 12 Notes Tour, which began in North America in late 2024 and extended to Europe, the UK, and Asia in early 2025, including sold-out shows in Manchester and Vienna. As of November 2025, Benjamin has surpassed 5 billion global streams and continues to engage fans via social media, with over 10 million followers. In September 2025, he released the single "The Knife In My Back" from the 12 Notes era, further solidifying his status in contemporary pop.[16][13][17]Influences
Benjamin has cited several musical influences, including Eminem, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Paul Simon, and Chris Martin of Coldplay. He has also drawn inspiration from singer-songwriters such as James Blunt and from genres including heavy metal and reggae.[6][18][19][20]Discography
Studio albums
Alec Benjamin has released three studio albums to date, each showcasing his signature storytelling style through introspective pop songs that draw from personal experiences and emotional narratives. His debut studio album, These Two Windows, was released on May 29, 2020, via Atlantic Records. The 10-track project explores themes of self-reflection, relationships, and inner turmoil, with production from collaborators including Alex Hope and Charlie Handsome.[21] It debuted at number 75 on the US Billboard 200 chart and reached number 8 on the Top Album Sales chart, while also entering at number 52 on the UK Albums Chart.[22] Benjamin's second studio album, (Un)Commentary, arrived on April 15, 2022, his first under Elektra Records.[23] Featuring 13 songs, the album delves into vulnerability, social commentary, and personal growth, highlighted by singles like "The Way You Felt" and "Devil Doesn't Bargain," the latter of which charted on the Billboard Hot 100.[24] It peaked at number 47 on the UK Albums Chart but did not enter the Billboard 200.[22] His third studio album, 12 Notes, was released on May 10, 2024, also via Elektra Records. The 12-track record (expanded to 16 on the deluxe edition later that year) continues Benjamin's narrative-driven approach, addressing love, loss, and self-discovery with features including Khalid on "Ways to Go."[25] It debuted at number 43 on the US iTunes chart and received positive reviews for its emotional depth and melodic accessibility.[26]Mixtapes
Narrated for You is the debut mixtape by American singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin, released on November 16, 2018, through Atlantic Records.[27] The project consists of 12 tracks, blending pop and indie elements with Benjamin's signature storytelling style, often drawing from personal anecdotes and emotional narratives.[28] Produced by a team including Alec Benjamin, Alex Hope, and Dan Wilson, the mixtape marks his first major label release following years of independent EPs and viral singles.[29] The tracklist features introspective songs such as "If We Have Each Other," which explores themes of familial support, and "Water Fountain," a reflective piece on childhood innocence. Standout single "Let Me Down Slowly" became a breakout hit, amassing over a billion streams globally and propelling the mixtape's visibility. Other notable tracks include "Annabelle's Homework," inspired by a real-life story of academic pressure, and "Swim," addressing vulnerability in relationships. The mixtape's cohesive narrative arc presents each song as a "chapter" in Benjamin's life, connected by spoken interludes that enhance its intimate, diary-like feel.[30]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "If We Have Each Other" | Benjamin, Hope | Hope | 3:02 |
| 2 | "Water Fountain" | Benjamin, Wilson | Wilson | 3:39 |
| 3 | "Annabelle's Homework" | Benjamin, Wade | Wade | 3:13 |
| 4 | "Let Me Down Slowly" | Benjamin, Humphrey | Humphrey | 2:50 |
| 5 | "Swim" | Benjamin, Labianca | Labianca | 2:24 |
| 6 | "Boy in the Bubble" | Benjamin, Johnson | Johnson | 3:00 |
| 7 | "The Water" | Benjamin, Kegan | Kegan | 2:52 |
| 8 | "Don't Keep Me Guessing" | Benjamin, Zayde Wolf | Zayde Wolf | 2:18 |
| 9 | "Intro" | Benjamin | Benjamin | 0:23 |
| 10 | "Outrunning Karma" | Benjamin, Bellion | Bellion | 3:10 |
| 11 | "The Knife in My Back" | Benjamin | Benjamin | 1:56 |
| 12 | "I Built a Friend" | Benjamin, Bellion | Bellion | 3:24 |
Extended plays
Alec Benjamin released three extended plays in 2013, all self-released under the "Mixtape" series, marking his early independent efforts as a singer-songwriter. These EPs, each consisting of four tracks, showcased his initial songwriting style influenced by personal storytelling and acoustic pop elements.[33] The first, Mixtape 1: America, was released on April 22, 2013. It features the tracks "America," "Together We Fall," "I Won't Forget You," and "Crazy," with a total runtime of approximately 12 minutes. The EP highlights Benjamin's youthful themes of identity and emotion, produced in a simple, guitar-driven format.[34][35] Mixtape 2: Animal, his second EP, followed on July 31, 2013. The release includes "Animal," "Army of a Nation," "Beautiful Pain," and "Paper Crown," spanning about 13 minutes. Tracks like "Paper Crown" explore introspective narratives, establishing Benjamin's narrative-driven approach.[36][37] The third EP, Mixtape 3: The Colin's House Mixtape, arrived on November 11, 2013. It comprises "1994," "End of the Summer," "Colin's House," and "Be My Enemy," with a runtime of around 13 minutes. This installment continued Benjamin's focus on relatable, vignette-style songs rooted in everyday experiences.[38][39]| Title | Release date | Label | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixtape 1: America | April 22, 2013 | Self-released | 4 |
| Mixtape 2: Animal | July 31, 2013 | Self-released | 4 |
| Mixtape 3: The Colin's House Mixtape | November 11, 2013 | Self-released | 4 |
Singles
Alec Benjamin's singles often explore themes of relationships, mental health, and personal growth through introspective lyrics and minimalist production, contributing to his rise in the alternative pop genre. His early independent releases, such as "The Way You Felt" in 2017, laid the foundation for his storytelling style, but it was the 2018 single "Let Me Down Slowly" that marked his commercial breakthrough after signing with Atlantic Records. The track's remix featuring Alessia Cara debuted at number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2019 and spent 12 weeks on the chart. It has since accumulated over 2 billion streams on Spotify, underscoring its enduring popularity via social media virality and radio airplay. The single earned platinum certification from the RIAA in 2019, and further certifications as of June 14, 2024.[40] Subsequent singles from his 2018 mixtape Narrated for You, including "If We Have Each Other" and "Water Fountain," further solidified his fanbase, with both tracks achieving platinum status by the RIAA for exceeding 1 million units in the US as of January 25, 2023, and December 14, 2021, respectively. "If We Have Each Other" highlighted Benjamin's ability to blend emotional vulnerability with catchy melodies, while "Water Fountain" became a staple in his live performances. In 2022, "Devil Doesn't Bargain" from the album (Un)Commentary addressed themes of temptation and self-control, peaking at number 95 on the UK Singles Chart after one week and earning Gold certification from RIAA on June 14, 2024. The song's release coincided with increased streaming numbers, amassing over 269 million plays on Spotify. Benjamin continued releasing singles tied to his 2024 album 12 Notes, such as "Ways To Go" featuring Khalid, which emphasized collaborative elements in his evolving sound. By 2025, he issued "Pretending" (October 17, 2025) and "The Knife In My Back" (re-released September 5, 2025) as standalone singles, the latter exploring betrayal and introspection; both were promoted through official music videos on his YouTube channel. These releases maintained his momentum, with "The Knife In My Back" garnering attention for its raw narrative.[41][42] As a featured artist, Benjamin has appeared on tracks that expand his reach into electronic and pop collaborations. Notably, his contribution to Dream's 2021 single "Change My Clothes" peaked at number 67 on the UK Singles Chart in one week (September 2021), blending his folk-influenced vocals with the rapper's production style. This collaboration highlighted Benjamin's versatility beyond solo work.[22]As lead artist
| Title | Release date | Label | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Let Me Down Slowly" (remix with Alessia Cara) | January 2019 | Atlantic | US: 79 | RIAA: Platinum (2019); updated 2024 |
| "If We Have Each Other" | July 2018 | Atlantic | - | RIAA: Platinum (Jan 25, 2023) |
| "Water Fountain" | September 2018 | Atlantic | - | RIAA: Platinum (Dec 14, 2021) |
| "Devil Doesn't Bargain" | April 2022 | Elektra | UK: 95 | RIAA: Gold (June 14, 2024) |
| "Ways to Go" (feat. Khalid) | May 2024 | Elektra | - | - |
| "Pretending" | October 17, 2025 | Atlantic | - | - |
| "The Knife in My Back" (re-release) | September 5, 2025 | Atlantic | - | - |
| ... (additional singles as per full discography) | - | - | - | - |
As featured artist
| Title | Release date | Artist | Label | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Change My Clothes" | August 20, 2021 | Dream | Elektra | UK: 67 | - |
| ... (additional featured as per full discography) | - | - | - | - | - |
Other certified songs
Besides his singles, several of Alec Benjamin's album tracks and mixtape cuts have achieved notable certifications, reflecting their streaming success and popularity among fans. For instance, "Water Fountain" from the 2018 mixtape Narrated for You earned Platinum certification from the RIAA in 2021 for one million units.[43] Similarly, "If We Have Each Other," also from Narrated for You, received Platinum status from the RIAA.[42] From his 2020 debut album These Two Windows, tracks like "Must Have Been the Wind," "Jesus in L.A.," and "Mind Is a Prison" each attained Gold certification by the RIAA (July 18, 2022 for Jesus in L.A. and Mind Is a Prison; June 14, 2024 for Must Have Been the Wind), highlighting Benjamin's ability to craft resonant non-single material.[43] These certifications underscore the broader appeal of his storytelling style beyond lead releases, with "Mind Is a Prison" further earning international recognition, including 2× Platinum in Canada and Platinum in several European markets.[44] Additional certified non-singles include "Boy in the Bubble" (Gold, July 18, 2022) and "Outrunning Karma" (Gold, September 6, 2022).| Song Title | Album/Mixtape | Certification (RIAA) | Date Certified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Fountain | Narrated for You (2018) | Platinum | December 14, 2021 |
| If We Have Each Other | Narrated for You (2018) | Platinum | January 25, 2023 |
| Must Have Been the Wind | These Two Windows (2020) | Gold | June 14, 2024 |
| Jesus in L.A. | These Two Windows (2020) | Gold | July 18, 2022 |
| Mind Is a Prison | These Two Windows (2020) | Gold | July 18, 2022 |
| Boy in the Bubble | Narrated for You (2018) | Gold | July 18, 2022 |
| Outrunning Karma | Narrated for You (2018) | Gold | September 6, 2022 |