Music Review

02 December 2008 01:57 BST

Ben Folds: Way To Normal

Columbia, out September 29th.

In a nutshell…

Energetic, witty, irreverent and clever

What's it all about?

This is Ben Folds' third solo album and his first since 2005's Songs for Silverman. Since then he's had some upheavals in his life, such as getting divorced and remarried - both of which can provide plenty of inspiration for competent songwriters. However, Folds is widely regarded as one of the more intelligent and original masters of the art, which luckily means this isn't a self-indulgent break-up album.

His almost literal and autobiographical lyrics cover all sorts of issues and provoke an array of emotions. Indeed, listeners can never be sure whether to laugh at his witty lines or weep at some of his more genuinely touching lyrics.

Musically, he doesn't stray far from the template that he's established over the years - pounding piano chords and interminably catchy melodies. But the way he uses that formula never stays the same, as the diversity of tracks like You Don't Know Me - a collaboration with Regina Spektor - and Bitch Went Nuts amply demonstrate.

Who's it by?

Since making his name with the curiously-named trio Ben Folds Five, the prolific pianist and songwriter has carried on alone, releasing solo albums, EPs, collaborating with other artists and playing a relentless series of highly-acclaimed live shows. While he may not be on the front of the music magazines every week, the criminally-underrated Folds still has a sizeable and loyal fanbase to his name.

As an example...

"Got into a band and when I returned I had ex-wives and children, boxes of photographs." - Free Coffee


So is it any good?

Before the release of this album, a few people might have thought Ben Folds had gone mad as they poured over the songs that got leaked onto the internet. As it turned out, he'd spent a day off recording six "fake" songs in order to confound those people he knew would try to sneak an early listen. It's a typically clever and original idea from Folds, and symbolic of how he doesn't take the standard approach to his music.

While people won't find any vast musical departures here, fans will relish all his usual trademarks, most notably the involved and witty lyrics. Opening track Hiroshima for example, tells the true story of how he fell over on stage in Japan and played a gig while concussed. The man is a poet who combines his witty and acerbic lyrics with engaging and memorable music.

But Way to Normal is not as immediate as his previous albums, as the more polished production style takes the edge off a man who is at his best in the raw, such as when he's on stage. While that isn't a reflection of the songs themselves, it means that non-fans might find this album more difficult to get into. As for Folds' loyal followers, they should lap this one up.

7 /10

James Glynn