Alec Benjamin, The Book of You & I | Track Review

Alec Benjamin releases “Oh My God,” another thoughtfully penned and superbly performed single appearing on his debut LP, These Two Windows.

“The Book of You & I” is another gift – another gem from the alluring, boyish-sounding, pop singer/songwriter Alec Benjamin.  Benjamin was dropped from a major record label – what a travesty!  Despite facing adversity in the cutthroat music business, as many have, Benjamin is going strong, own his own, dropping his debut album, These Two Windows on May 29.  He continues to build anticipation for These Two Windows with “The Book of You & I,” after impressing with “Must Have Been the Wind”, “Jesus in LA”, “Mind is a Prison”, “Demons”, and “Oh My God”.

Honestly, can Alec Benjamin miss? If “The Book of You & I” is any indication, then the answer is a resounding no.  Benjamin reminisces on a relationship from his past, one that was quite difficult to move beyond.  Poetic throughout the course of the record, Benjamin best sums up his feelings when the end came:

“Don’t tell me that it’s over, the book of you and I
Now you’ve scribbled out my name
And you’ve erased my favorite lines
There were so many chapters that we never got to write
Like cereal for dinner and staying up all night…”

Is it a bit schmaltzy? Perhaps, but at the same time, I like the vulnerability that Alec exhibits. There’s a degree of sensitivity that it wouldn’t hurt for male musicians to embrace, particularly considering an overabundance of masculinity. We’ve all experienced heartbreak, and know how much it can affect or lives, even years after it first occurs, so, “The Book of You & I” is spot-on in that regard.

Final Thoughts 

Alec Benjamin himself is the gift that keeps on giving.  On “The Book of You & I,” he checks off all the boxes.  Vocally, he’s quite distinct, giving a well-rounded, nuanced performance.  The sound and production of the record suit him, giving that singer/songwriter vibe.  Furthermore, the lyrics are poetic, relatable, and well-penned.  Find something incredibly wrong and deal breaking about “The Book of You & I,” I dare you!

Alec Benjamin • These Two Windows • Release: 5.29.20

Photo Credit: Alec Benjamin