12 Notes

Alec Benjamin famously began his career by promoting his music in parking lots outside of his favorite music venues. The Arizona songwriter quickly began playing those same venues, then graduated to even bigger spaces after the success of his 2018 breakthrough single “Let Me Down Slowly.” Though the circumstances have changed, Benjamin treats life the same as he did pre-fame on *12 Notes*: He’s a pop star, but Benjamin still gets butterflies in his stomach when he sees a beautiful girl, like on “Different Kind of Beautiful,” a cinematic pop ballad built around electronic drums and plucked strings. He sings: “You\'re a different kind of beautiful, the kind that makes me scared/The kind that makes me turn around and act like I\'m not there.” On second single “I Sent My Therapist to Therapy,” he flips the traditional tale of analysis on its head and showcases his dexterous rap skills. After Benjamin encounters a therapist unable to help him cope with his issues, the shrink turns around and solicits the young songwriter for any advice. It’s a playful yet powerful moment, a reminder that we all need some help, whether we’re globe-trotting stars or accredited professional counselors.

Alec Benjamin writes anthologies, and his fourth album, '12 Notes', is no different. This style of writing suits Benjamin's propensity for parables.