By Taylor Long
For the past decade or so, Ben Folds has been the quintessential singer-songwriter. His ability to write fabulous pop hooks while slightly crossing the line of what is considered “proper” hasn’t been equaled.
Though he released a live album in 2002, it’s been a few years since his last original full-length. The Super D EP released this past summer gave hope for the future. Unfortunately, Songs For Silverman doesn’t quite satisfy that hope.
One of the best things about Folds has been his capability of making the piano sound like a rock instrument. None of that comes through on Songs For Silverman. There is not one single rocked-out, crazy anthem on this album. How is this possible?!
It seems that family life has finally gotten a choke-hold on Folds. The zany man who swore like a sailor and covered Liz Phair’s “Chopsticks” on his tour with Tori Amos now sings about “adult” problems and has, basically, lost most of his edge.
The boldest moves Folds makes are in the opening track, “Bastard” and in “Give Judy My Notice,” where he sings “but Judy / I won’t be your bitch anymore.”
In “Sentimental Guy,” he claims, “I used to be a sentimental guy,” but he must be confused, for on this album, he is truly showing his sentimental side. “Gracie” is a song that seems to be about his daughter, and while it’s cute-well, that’s just it. You’ll listen to it and think “how cute,” but that’s the most that can be said. It’s the same with “Late,” about Elliott Smith. It’s a touching song you might listen to and think “how touching,” but there’s little re-play value.
This is not a bad album; from anyone else, this would have been impressive. Every song has slow, beautiful melodies. But even slow, beautiful melodies seem rather boring when you put 11 of them back to back. Yes, some of Folds’ biggest hits fall into this category, like “Brick” and “The Luckiest.” The best new examples of where this sound works are “Landed,” “Trusted,” “Time” and “Prison Food.” But again, there’s only so much of the same thing one can take. “Landed” is the single, and has a b-side titled “Bitches Ain’t Shit” that should’ve been included on this record, as it is the kick that it so desperately needs.
Ben Folds is still brilliant, and still unparalleled. But Songs For Silverman just isn’t as interesting as his other works. So, pass this one onto your parents (they’ll probably love it) and pull out your old Ben Folds Five records, instead.