Album Review: "I Loved You Always I'll Sing You A Love Song" by Elle Benham
Elle Benham’s I Loved You Always I’ll Sing You A Love Song is one of those hidden gems that feels like it was plucked straight outta a dusty record store shelf in 1979—and thank goodness for that. Released under Fox Fire Records, this album blends blues, folk, world, and country into a sound that's both homey and haunting. It’s not perfect, but maybe that’s why it sticks with you.
Let’s talk tracks. The title track, I’ll Sing You A Love Song, hits hard right off the bat. It’s got this raw, stripped-down vibe where Benham’s voice takes center stage. Her tone wavers just enough to feel human—like she’s sitting across from you, pouring her heart out over an acoustic guitar. There’s no flashy production or overdubs; it’s just pure emotion wrapped up in simple chords. You can almost picture her scribbling these lyrics late at night, fueled by coffee and regret. That honesty? Yeah, it stays with you.
Then there’s I Loved You Always. This one sneaks up on you. At first listen, it might seem like your standard breakup ballad, but give it time. The way Benham stretches certain words—almost like she doesn’t want to let them go—makes the pain feel fresh every time. The instrumentation here is subtle yet effective, with soft strings weaving through the background. It’s the kind of song that makes you stare out the window and think about all the things you didn’t say.
What’s cool about this album is how unpolished it feels compared to today’s slick productions. Sure, some notes are slightly off, and the mix isn’t perfect, but that’s part of its charm. It’s real. And honestly, in a world full of auto-tune and perfectionism, hearing something so genuine is refreshing.
Released back in ’79, this album probably flew under most people’s radar, which is kinda sad. But if you’re into bluesy folk tunes with a touch of country grit, this is worth tracking down. It reminds me of lazy summer afternoons and porch swings—a vibe we don’t get much anymore.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album felt like finding an old letter tucked inside a library book. You know someone poured their soul into it, even if they never expected anyone else to care. Weirdly enough, that made me wanna care more.
