Ben Folds released his first solo album, "Rockin' the Suburbs," in the fall of 2001, much to the gratification of fans everywhere. Even those who were still mourning the loss of the Ben Folds Five trio couldn't help but crack a smile, bop their heads and rock out to catchy tunes like "Zak and Sara" and the title track. The CD didn't leave my car stereo for months.
Since then, fans have eagerly waited to see if Folds would be able to outdo himself, and after three and a half years of anticipation, they need not wait any longer with the release of "Songs for Silverman." Unfortunately, it's not exactly a triumphant return, as Folds' new album does not live up to expectations.
One of Folds' most attractive qualities has been his ability to balance slow, poignant ballads such as the heart-wrenching "Brick," which skyrocketed Ben Folds Five to fame, with upbeat, quirky songs, both on studio recordings and in concert.Yet this balance is abandoned on "Silverman," an album that is comprised of slow, preachy tracks.
As Folds has grown older, he has apparently thrown in the towel on punchy, bitchy songs about broken hearts (1997's "Song For The Dumped") and flippin' chicken filets for a living (1999's "Army"). These venting, feel-good sing-alongs have been replaced by drawn-out, mostly yawnable tracks like "Trusted" and "Give Judy My Notice."
While "Songs for Silverman" is disappointing in comparison to Folds' past work, it still has many redeeming qualities. For instance, Folds' piano playing is as beautiful and impressive as ever. "Landed," a lovely slow song about a failed relationship, is a good pick for the first single; while slightly depressing, it is definitely one of the more catchy tunes on the album. I don't resent the didactic overtones on this track, as I've come to expect at least a few words of wisdom regarding love lost from the man who seems to have suffered his fair share of it.
As if we needed another reminder that Folds is growing older and sappier, the track after "Landed" is "Gracie," a song about his daughter. Crowds have been enjoying the moving, wimpy song for some time; Folds will play it at live shows, slowing down sets which otherwise feature Folds on the balls of his feet, slamming down hard on the keys.
It is one of the most straightforward songs Folds has ever produced. The lyrics lack the cryptic nature that we usually expect from Folds' songwriting; they are instead overly simplistic and unimpressive. Still, and maybe it's just my maternal instinct acting up, but I find "Gracie" to be a gorgeous song, and one of the best on the album. I'm thrilled to play it over and over again.
But after "Landed" and "Gracie," I'm ready to hear something upbeat. The content of "Gracie" may be heartwarming, but the constant slow songs become wearisome. However, the rest of the 11-track album remains too slow. The jazzy "Sentimental Guy" is a possible exception, but the title is evidence that it is still a fitting song for the album.
The opening track "Bastard" dishonestly hints that this might be another angst-ridden album. But don't be fooled by the use of the word "bastard" (used three times) and the words "ass" and "s**t" (each used one time). The song, reminiscent of classic Ben Folds in which Folds would speak his mind, is not indicative of what the ensuing tracks end up delivering.
One song, though, caught my attention immediately. It's definitely sappy like the rest of the album, but it's sappy with just cause. When I heard the lyrics "Elliott, man, you played some fine guitar," I definitely listened more closely. It turns out that the emotionally charged "Late" is a tribute to the late Elliott Smith, the famed and troubled singer-songwriter who, at 34-years-old, killed himself in the fall of 2003. Folds sings to the deceased Smith, "The songs you wrote got me through a lot / Just wanna tell you that / But it's too late / It's too late / Don't you know it's been too late for a long time?"
It is an especially powerful song for anyone who has been touched by Smith's songs. Smith and Folds are two of my favorite artists, and listening to one praise the other in such an eloquent and articulate way proved to be a highly emotional experience. The levels of estrogen in my body may be running high this week, but I admit that I still cry every time I hear the song.
In truth, when in need of a cathartic, head-bobbing rock-out session, I return to "Rockin' the Suburbs," which, after listening to it again from beginning to end, only reminds me of how disappointed I am in the new album. The lack of upbeat songs on "Silverman," to quote Folds himself, "gets me real pissed off and makes me want to say f**k."
Nevertheless, as with every Ben Folds -- and Five -- album that has come before, I can't resist playing the album on repeat. While not perfect, this album is ideal for those times when you just want to sit back, relax and feel sappy. I like the album more and more with each passing day. After all, even the crappiest of Ben Folds' music is still music that is better than most.
