Ben Folds has a new album.
Wow. There really isn't much more to say about the overall impression made by Songs for Silverman, Folds' second solo album, except that, of course, it's great. Folds churns out yet another collection of pop masterpieces on the disc, but is this really much of a surprise?
Dating back to his Ben Folds Five days, Folds has always played the part of the snot-nosed brat who makes smart remarks and witty comments from behind his piano, which, by the way, he knows a thing or two about playing.
However, his solo work had not yet conquered any really serious subject matter, until now.
Songs for Silverman kicks off with "Bastard," a bouncy tune about people who turn into bitter, know-it-alls as they get older. The song's opening is scarily reminiscent of the popular '60s tune "Happy Together," and seems like the typical Folds' quirky pop song; however, it may be just truth through social commentary rather than sarcastic satire. Folds' piano interweaves between the fuzz-bass, which continues to get louder as the song progresses.
The album takes a more serious tone with songs such as "Jesusland," which contains some of the albums best vocal harmonies, calling upon Folds' Beach Boys influence, and "Late," an ode to the late, great Elliott Smith.
"The songs you wrote got me through a lot/Just wanna tell you that, but it's too late," Folds sings. There is no misplaced-sounding hit on Silverman, as the title track of Folds' first album Rockin' the Suburbs was on that album.
Instead, Silverman's first offering to radio is "Landed," which is the song that represents the entire body of work on the album best; it straddles the line between Folds' melancholy and more upbeat songs. The song opens with a slower piano line and verse, and gives way to an upbeat catchy chorus. Other outstanding songs on the album include "Gracie," a touching, optimistic song about Folds' daughter's future and "Give Judy My Notice," another upbeat tune.
"Sentimental Guy" is a jazzy number during which Folds contemplates what happened to his sentimental side, although it's apparent by this album that it still peaks out every once in a while. "Prison Food," a kind of schizophrenic tune that is a mellow ballad one minute, and a fast, all-over-the place piano and bass jam the next. closes out the album.
Ben Folds' songwriting is comparable to a very addictive drug; once you get hooked on one, you are bound to crave more.
Some of Silverman will remind fans of Folds' past work, and some of the songs may surprise, as well; however, the fact that Folds has released yet another solid album shouldn't be a big surprise to anyone.
