Benji
by Sun Kil Moon
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 135 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 122 out of 135
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 135
  3. Negative: 4 out of 135
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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 24, 2022
    7
    It is more of a poetic biography of the artist's life, than a music album. The album tells a complex and layered story where he touches on everything from losing his virginity, to his dead father to his reactions to school shootings. Each of the songs blend into each other nearly seamlessly to the point where you cannot tell when one ends and the next begins. On other occasions you think aIt is more of a poetic biography of the artist's life, than a music album. The album tells a complex and layered story where he touches on everything from losing his virginity, to his dead father to his reactions to school shootings. Each of the songs blend into each other nearly seamlessly to the point where you cannot tell when one ends and the next begins. On other occasions you think a song is over as it comes to complete silence, and then it continues into a second part. All of these things make for an unforgettable and very deep experience. After your 5th or 6th listen to this album, you will feel like you have become this man's best friend, whom he has decided to confide all of his deepest confessions that he so badly needed to get off his chest… Expand
  2. wfsenior
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    This is my second favourite album of all time.

    My first time hearing a project lead by Mark Kozelek was Sun Kil Moon's album 'Common as Light and Love are Red Valleys of Blood', which was released in 2016 - and it fascinated me. It provided intricate storytelling through a combination of singing and spoken word (the latter of which seems to be the artistic directon that Kozelek is    This is my second favourite album of all time.

    My first time hearing a project lead by Mark Kozelek was Sun Kil Moon's album 'Common as Light and Love are Red Valleys of Blood', which was released in 2016 - and it fascinated me. It provided intricate storytelling through a combination of singing and spoken word (the latter of which seems to be the artistic directon that Kozelek is heading), so I decided to go back and explore his catalogue... little did I realise how many albums he had released - a vast array of solo studio albums, EP's, live albums, cover albums, compilations, Sun Kil Moon albums (Kozelek's second band), Collaboration Albums (with Jesu, Desert Shore, Jimmy LaVelle and more), and Red House Painter albums (Kozelek's first band).

    I began my journey with the 2014 Sun Kil Moon release, 'Benji', expecting another spoken-word infused folk album which implemented experimental sounds inspired by rock and hip-hop. But to my pleasant suprise, what I got was a far more personal, haunting and brutally honest storytelling-based folk album, with a splash of jazz.

    Mark Kozelek is probably the best storyteller I have ever heard, with each song tells recounting events, and how they affected him personally. He goes into such depth, recalling details that seem almost unnecessary, yet so essential. These are songs that you have to really listen too, as opposed to just playing in the background - a pair of headphones and dedicated listening time is the best way of approaching 'Benji'.

    Thematically this album is dark - somebody dies in nearly every track... most of whom are relatives of Kozelek, friends, or people from his home town... and serial killer Richard Ramirez. The track 'Truck Driver' begins with the lines "My uncle died in a fire on his birthday" which really sums up how jarringly raw and stripped back this album is. The final track, which is the only upbeat song, incorporates jazz as an instrumental break, and perfectly caps off the record on a contrasting high note (though it was originally recorded with a much darker tone).

    Told in a fairly soft & monotone, yet captivating voice, atop primarily acoustic guitars, Kozelek handles the production, which is really well done. There is also dark humour to be found, which breaks through the relentless meloncholy, adding to the personality found all over this already highly personal album. The entire project essentially acts as an emotional process to help Mark leave certain thoughts into he past.

    Every track is a favourite, but if I had to choose, I would go with: 'Richard Ramirez Died Today of Natural Causes' (the drums put you in a trance), 'I love my Dad', 'Dogs' (which recalls Marks first sexual experiences), 'Ben's my Friend' (the upbeat final track) and 'Micheline' (which perfectly sets the mature and depressing tone of the album. In this track, he also makes reference to a film he saw in the cinema as a child entitled 'Benji', which he, of course, subsequently named the album).

    The artwork happens to be an image taken by my favourite photographer Nyree Watts, who provides cover art for many of Kozelek's albums. In my opinion there are no negatives to be found on this album, and I recommend it to anybody that is fan of genuine music and is looking for an album to pick apart. The more I listen, the more I hear, still to this day. Even if Kozelek is a reincarnation of Andy Kaufman's character Tony Clifton. 10/10.    … Expand
  3. ScottMallon
    Nov 17, 2016
    10
    Mark Kozelek's sole reason for existing on this planet was to make this album. Micheline. There are no words to describe how beautiful he subtly refers to three different instances of mortality, driving home the point that not everyone will have that "fair" shot at even the simplest of dreams. Album is simply the best album I heard in 2014. Bar none.
  4. Custom_Concerns
    Sep 6, 2015
    10
    Over a year later, Benji still strikes me as an extremely well-written, orchestrated, and executed foray into progressive singer-songwriter music. The lyrics, though very "in the moment," are truly timeless, as one can relate their own lives to the intensely personal subject matter Mark Kozelek sing-talks about on this record. To me, Benji is absolutely perfect in every way, and is stillOver a year later, Benji still strikes me as an extremely well-written, orchestrated, and executed foray into progressive singer-songwriter music. The lyrics, though very "in the moment," are truly timeless, as one can relate their own lives to the intensely personal subject matter Mark Kozelek sing-talks about on this record. To me, Benji is absolutely perfect in every way, and is still capable of evoking pure, undiluted emotion.… Expand
  5. nirvanafreak
    Aug 26, 2015
    10
    It's beautiful and it brought me to tears. I have a feeling this album is gonna be staying with me closely for the next few decades.

    That's enough of a reason to give it a 10 to me.
  6. normankant
    Jun 10, 2015
    8
    Benji is the sixth album by the San Francisco based band Sun Kil Moon. It's a good folk album, intimate and soft. It follows the indie trend of these years with its apparently lo-fi production, rough guitars and relaxing soundscapes. The real strength of this record is the one of every great songwriter: a great and addictive storytelling. Melodies aren't always great and are theBenji is the sixth album by the San Francisco based band Sun Kil Moon. It's a good folk album, intimate and soft. It follows the indie trend of these years with its apparently lo-fi production, rough guitars and relaxing soundscapes. The real strength of this record is the one of every great songwriter: a great and addictive storytelling. Melodies aren't always great and are the composition is hardly original/unique and mostly derivative (in Truck Driver you can hear echoes of Leonard Cohen's Master Song), but in the end there are lots of moving moments in this record.… Expand
  7. JakcsColdSweat
    Sep 28, 2014
    9
    Benji is like an opera where Koselek shows the magnificence of playing beautiful shinny acoustic guitar riffs.

    By it´s own part, the album is pretty, friendly, shinny, but not creative at all, because most of the riffs are most likely the same, but is greatly saved by the lyrics, and all that, gives a great enjoyable album 9.1/10 Best song: Ben´s my friend Wickest song: Richard    Benji is like an opera where Koselek shows the magnificence of playing beautiful shinny acoustic guitar riffs.

    By it´s own part, the album is pretty, friendly, shinny, but not creative at all, because most of the riffs are most likely the same, but is greatly saved by the lyrics, and all that, gives a great enjoyable album

    9.1/10

    Best song: Ben´s my friend
    Wickest song: Richard Ramirez Died Today Of Natural Causes    … Expand
  8. r0tan0rtan
    Jun 25, 2014
    9
    No time to discuss:
    I had never heard of Sun Kil Moon until the critical acclaim of this album started pouring in. I still haven't listened to the other albums, laughing at how meta this album is.

    Favourite Tracks: Most of 'em

    Least Favourite Track: Dogs

    Overall score: 88-92/100
  9. rober_ramirez
    May 7, 2014
    9
    the true brilliance of this album is the way lyrics are presented. you might think it's a bunch of sad songs about deaths and murders and tragedies, but it actually is about family and how you deal with mortality.
  10. Scooter4849
    Apr 23, 2014
    6
    Extremely long winded and a bit of a rambler. Sun Kil Moon delivers probably what will be one of the most interesting singer songwriter albums of the year, love it or hate it. The stories and mood here are fantastic and very detailed, but the melodies really suffer at times and the instrumentation can get bland too. Not bad overall, songs like Carissa, Dogs and Ben's My Best Friend areExtremely long winded and a bit of a rambler. Sun Kil Moon delivers probably what will be one of the most interesting singer songwriter albums of the year, love it or hate it. The stories and mood here are fantastic and very detailed, but the melodies really suffer at times and the instrumentation can get bland too. Not bad overall, songs like Carissa, Dogs and Ben's My Best Friend are great, but if just some of the album couldve been cut down and livened up a bit, it would've been much better.… Expand
  11. IsaacMartinez
    Apr 17, 2014
    9
    This was an interesting listen. Although somewhat inaccessible at times (especially on "Dogs" and "I Watched the Film The Song Remains the Same") it can be achingly beautiful, with lyrics that are just as deep as they think they are.
    Best Tracks - "Ben's My Friend", "Truck Driver", "Richard Ramirez Died Today of Natural Causes", "Dogs"
  12. JUIKER
    Apr 5, 2014
    9
    This is some of the most singularly candid, intensely roller-coaster-of-emotion poetry ever committed to record. The stripped down minimalism of the music leaves space for you to fully take in Kozelek's lyrics. And still, his voice is sometimes wonderful and the music, when it does come in is certainly lovely enough. Few records immediately promise that you will be listening to themThis is some of the most singularly candid, intensely roller-coaster-of-emotion poetry ever committed to record. The stripped down minimalism of the music leaves space for you to fully take in Kozelek's lyrics. And still, his voice is sometimes wonderful and the music, when it does come in is certainly lovely enough. Few records immediately promise that you will be listening to them forever. This one does.… Expand
  13. kyle_aaronson
    Mar 23, 2014
    8
    This was my first Sun Kil Moon album, but wow. Rarely can an album evoke this much emotion and demand this much attention. You really have to listen to the lyrics a few times and listen to the album all the way through. When I first heard it, I thought everything was so trivial that he was saying, and I only appreciated the music behind it. And some of it still is kind of trivial. But he'sThis was my first Sun Kil Moon album, but wow. Rarely can an album evoke this much emotion and demand this much attention. You really have to listen to the lyrics a few times and listen to the album all the way through. When I first heard it, I thought everything was so trivial that he was saying, and I only appreciated the music behind it. And some of it still is kind of trivial. But he's too real, honest and raw to not appreciate what he's saying as well.… Expand
  14. indiegalaxy10
    Mar 12, 2014
    9
    Benji is a glorious and gorgeous work, it's an album that emphasizes the themes of death and life , in a personal way, Mark confirms that he have an incredible arsenal for making masterpieces like this.
  15. palkyrocks
    Feb 28, 2014
    0
    I now have a base line for the worst album I have ever heard ... and it's name is Benji by Sun Kil Moon.

    The guitar in each song is the same 3 boring, rambling finger picked chords for upwards of 8 minutes. The vocal is the least melodic single note monotone cringeworthy vocal line. The lyrics are the most self indulgent exploration into death I've ever heard. There is one song about    I now have a base line for the worst album I have ever heard ... and it's name is Benji by Sun Kil Moon.

    The guitar in each song is the same 3 boring, rambling finger picked chords for upwards of 8 minutes. The vocal is the least melodic single note monotone cringeworthy vocal line. The lyrics are the most self indulgent exploration into death I've ever heard. There is one song about how he will be sad if his mum dies and no one is allowed to talk **** about her, another song about how he loves his dad, another song about a couple of mass murders but he somehow makes it about him, a song about his pets
    Dying , an 8 minute song about his 2nd cousin dying - how sad he was even though he admits in the song he has only seen her once in 30 years ... And he didn't talk to her then ... He makes her death about him.    … Collapse
  16. druss
    Feb 25, 2014
    8
    I'm a big fan of Mark Kozelek, but I'm a bit surprised at all the great reviews for this album, compared to his others. He's really stripped himself down to the bone here. I think he has more artistic integrity than anyone out there. However, I think I'll be going back to the more beautiful arrangements on April and Ghosts of the Great Highway more than these songs. I can appreciateI'm a big fan of Mark Kozelek, but I'm a bit surprised at all the great reviews for this album, compared to his others. He's really stripped himself down to the bone here. I think he has more artistic integrity than anyone out there. However, I think I'll be going back to the more beautiful arrangements on April and Ghosts of the Great Highway more than these songs. I can appreciate this album, but I don't think this is a good entry point for any new fan.… Expand
  17. gdumog
    Feb 24, 2014
    10
    "Benji" is a lifetime masterpiece from start to the end: no filler song, nice arrangements, superb production. A Cohen and Young glimpse of sensibility. Really, a must!
  18. BENNEB
    Feb 23, 2014
    10
    Benji is a really, dark, moody, sad and cold album. But it is beautifully crafted. The singer-songwriter still shows his ability to write a beautiful story from the dark alley he records in.

    Must Hear Tracks:
    Carissa
    Truck Driver
    Dogs
    I Watched the Film The Song Remains the Same
    Ben's My Friend

    Don't Hear Tracks:
    Jim Wise
  19. Loulu2
    Feb 22, 2014
    10
    This album is a masterpiece. It expedites past the **** and metaphorical jumble that so many singer-songwriters become confined in and goes straight into the personal struggle and discontentment that comes with being a member of the Earth. On this album, he sings and speaks of tragedy and love and simple things; things that never get the recognition it deserves. Being from Ohio and livingThis album is a masterpiece. It expedites past the **** and metaphorical jumble that so many singer-songwriters become confined in and goes straight into the personal struggle and discontentment that comes with being a member of the Earth. On this album, he sings and speaks of tragedy and love and simple things; things that never get the recognition it deserves. Being from Ohio and living in the same area that Mark is from, I may be biased, but I feel like I could still relate to all of these words even if I were from Maine or Texas, wherever. Mark becomes a deep-voiced Bon Iver on this record, trading in the hyperbole for straight-forward ness and representing Ohio in contrast with Wisconsin. Phenomenal, phenomenal record. Can't see any album being better than this one this year.… Expand
  20. VillageGreenRec
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    There is a level of honesty displayed on this album that I don't know if I've ever heard on any record before it. Some may claim that he's giving you too much information, but I think that is what makes these stories so tangible and real.

    It is nearly impossible for me to put into words the exact 'magic' and intrigue that wells up in my soul when I listen to this record. I feel like    There is a level of honesty displayed on this album that I don't know if I've ever heard on any record before it. Some may claim that he's giving you too much information, but I think that is what makes these stories so tangible and real.

    It is nearly impossible for me to put into words the exact 'magic' and intrigue that wells up in my soul when I listen to this record. I feel like the tracks are universal and move along at just the right pace that everyone could appreciate their life perspectives.    … Expand
  21. RoosterJuice
    Feb 17, 2014
    10
    This is the most interesting album I've heard in years. It is more of a poetic biography of the artist's life, than a music album. The album tells a complex and layered story where he touches on everything from losing his virginity, to his dead father to his reactions to school shootings. Each of the songs blend into each other nearly seamlessly to the point where you cannot tell whenThis is the most interesting album I've heard in years. It is more of a poetic biography of the artist's life, than a music album. The album tells a complex and layered story where he touches on everything from losing his virginity, to his dead father to his reactions to school shootings. Each of the songs blend into each other nearly seamlessly to the point where you cannot tell when one ends and the next begins. On other occasions you think a song is over as it comes to complete silence, and then it continues into a second part. All of these things make for an unforgettable and very deep experience. After your 5th or 6th listen to this album, you will feel like you have become this man's best friend, whom he has decided to confide all of his deepest confessions that he so badly needed to get off his chest.… Expand
  22. adhamhany
    Feb 12, 2014
    8
    This is the first of Mark Kozelek's albums for me to hear, so I didn't know what to expect at first. But i ended up liking what i heard. The music is mostly minimal, giving room for the lyrics to shine. They are truly beautiful, as well as heartbreaking.

    On the other hand, i wish the album was more like the closing track (Ben's My Friend). That's my favorite track of them all. Great    This is the first of Mark Kozelek's albums for me to hear, so I didn't know what to expect at first. But i ended up liking what i heard. The music is mostly minimal, giving room for the lyrics to shine. They are truly beautiful, as well as heartbreaking.

    On the other hand, i wish the album was more like the closing track (Ben's My Friend). That's my favorite track of them all. Great lyrics, accompanied by some of the most terrific music i heard in quite some time. It somewhat reminded me of Kaputt, the 2011 album by Destroyer.

    Other tracks i liked: Carissa, I Can't Live Without My Mother's Love, and Jim Wise.

    Overall, a very satisfying album, and i'm looking forward to checking out his previous work.    … Expand
  23. jkauzlar
    Feb 12, 2014
    8
    At first it sounds like a guy singing from his personal journal and making the tune up as he goes along, but by the half-way point I was sold. The lyrics really are remarkable. His best album since the classic Ghosts of the Great Highway.
  24. jyo_tirmaya
    Feb 11, 2014
    10
    This album puts a stamp on Kozelek's career. I didn't expect that his role as the bass player in the fictional band Stillwater in the 1999 movie "Almost Famous" (which I copied onto cassette tape back then) would not be the highlight of his career. Mark Kozelek sings (and plays acoustic guitar) about many of the things we all go through in life. I was especially intent on listening to theThis album puts a stamp on Kozelek's career. I didn't expect that his role as the bass player in the fictional band Stillwater in the 1999 movie "Almost Famous" (which I copied onto cassette tape back then) would not be the highlight of his career. Mark Kozelek sings (and plays acoustic guitar) about many of the things we all go through in life. I was especially intent on listening to the song "I Can't Live Without My Mother's Love" because my loving mother died only 6 weeks ago. The rest of the album, as well as that song, practically outlines (intentionally or not) through the soul's sojourn in the material world. Everyone - except maybe a saint - can relate to these true stories in song. They are beautiful songs even when the lyrics turn ugly, overtly sensual or speak of death. Birth, death, disease and old age are the things all of us souls go through in the material world (as one hears about in most George Harrison songs). While listening to these songs, I reflect on what my own life has been like, find parallels, and ironically, they make me think about how to make my life better. Finally, I love the melodies and denseness of this album and how the lone saxophone starts in towards the end of the album as if bringing all of his experiences and emotions into one final symphony. Spellbinding!… Expand
  25. Deronab
    Feb 11, 2014
    9
    I don't know what else I can say that hasn't already been said, but as a long time fan of Mark's work I have to say that I am very pleased with this latest release under his Sun Kil Moon moniker. Carissa's story has been in my mind ever since I played this album for the first time. A truly haunting, beautiful, and ultimately human album about mortality (among other things).

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best Album of 2014
51
#51 Most Discussed Album of 2014
76
#76 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Blurt Magazine
    Apr 2, 2014
    80
    Kozelek replicates the rhythm of our lives, the tricks of memory, and the portents we later find in seemingly banal moments.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Mar 21, 2014
    80
    It sounds wonderful. [Apr 2014, p.96]
  3. Q Magazine
    Mar 18, 2014
    60
    Not his most graceful, but certainly his most strikingly personal, Benji is another colourful stop on Kozelek's glorious journey into the light. [Apr 2014, p.119]
See all critic reviews »