"After a long six-year absence, Seattle pop-rap star Macklemore reintroduced himself with Ben. Taking the title from his birth name, this third solo effort is his most vulnerable confessional to date, one that allows him to purge some inner demons and share a bit of himself with fans who might be more accustomed to his rousing hit singles with Ryan Lewis ... Altogether, Ben feels like the first time Macklemore has truly let listeners into his inner world, showcasing his underrated lyrical skills and enough varied production to keep the album moving forward toward a hopeful finish".