Ben Folds - Way to Normal
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Free Music Notes for Way to Normal
Free Music Review: Rocks!
Hit: 5 Stars
This CD is wonderful. It came sooner than i thought it would and was in mint condition.Free Music Review: A sad album, in a good way
Hit: 4 Stars
There was an odd juxtaposition in Ben Folds' 2006 album "Saving Silverman." The CD's first and most successful single, "Landed," was a brilliant picture of a dysfunctional relationship (and one that, as those who knew me in college can attest, I could relate to all too well). But immediately after "Landed," which was the fourth track on the album, was "Gracie," a lullaby written to Folds' young daughter. Given the intensely personal nature of Folds' songs, it seemed weird he could write about escaping a dysfunctional relationship on one hand, and his devotion to his daughter on the other.
The juxtaposition made much more sense with the news of Folds' divorce in 2007. Clearly, both "Landed" and "Gracie" reflected Folds' feelings, and I imagine the divorce was especially difficult because of the effect on Folds' daughter. When I heard the news, I was quite saddened; I have a daughter of my own, and "Gracie" was such a vivid picture of Folds' relationship with his daughter that I felt for the both of them.
It was in that light that I listened to Folds' newest album, "Way to Normal." My initial reaction was one of pleasant surprise, as the first few songs are decidedly upbeat, more similar in tone to Ben Folds Five eponymous album than Folds' recent ballad-heavy offerings. The facade soon gave way, however, starting with the fourth track, "You Don't Know Me." The brilliantly written and executed song, which features Regina Spektor, is clearly directed towards Folds' ex-wife:
I wanna ask you -
Do you ever sit and wonder,
It's so strange
That we could be together for
So long, and never know, never care
What goes on in the other one's head?
Things I've felt but I've never said
You said things that I never said
So I'll say something that I should have said long ago:
(You don't know me)
You don't know me at all
(You don't know me)
You don't know me at all (at all)
The sixth track fully gives the game away (the fifth track is an instrumental prelude) with a contrast to "You Don't Know Me" that is nearly as jarring as "Landed" and "Gracie." Entitled "Cologne," it is, given the context, devastatingly sad.
Here in Cologne
I know I said it wrong
I walked you to the train
And back across alone
To my hotel room
And ordered me some food
And now I'm wondering why the floor has suddenly become a moving target
Four, three, two, one,
I'm letting you go
I will let go
If you will let go
Whereas Folds' circumstances are at odds in the fourth and fifth tracks in "Saving Silverman," on "Way to Normal" it is Folds' emotions that are contrasted in those same two tracks, undoubtedly the inevitable consequence of the untenable situation alluded to in "Saving Silverman."
This divergence gives light to the upbeat nature of the first few tracks - clearly Folds' is trying to cast a happy face on a tragic situation; the facade is in shambles by the end of the album, filled with tracks raging against his wife, woman in general, God, and more. It ends with a whimper ("Effington" excepted), and one wonders if Folds' career is headed for the same fate - after this, his third divorce (but first with children), he can't have much more left in the emotional well that fuels his music. That's not to say it isn't a good album. Like all of Folds' recent work, it starts out incredibly strong; the second, not so much. One wishes he had stuck to EP's.
A few weeks ago I was trying to explain to my wife the importance of music, although I didn't quite know how to express why. "Way to Normal," is a powerful reminder. A good song, and especially a good album, make you feel. The emotions may differ - my recent favorites include Coldplay's "Vida la Vida," which exudes confidence; Sigur Ros' "Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust" an exuberant album full of energy; and Weezer's "Red Album," which is pure throwback fun. What they all have in common is that they refuse to fade into the background. Music has the powerful ability to speak to more than your ears; in the case of "Way to Normal," it breaks the heart.
Free Music Review: Ben being Ben
Hit: 4 Stars
Let's see, some of the complaints people have made about Way To Normal:
a. too much cussing (go back to any Ben Folds Five album. there has always been cussing in his tunes. he seems to have a lot to cuss about lately. I'm willing to cut him slack. nearly every song has the f word at some point, so prepare yourself...you might actually hear some cussing! don't be too offended!)
b. he needs to "grow up" (i.e., this album is a step back in his maturity)
well, let me say, screw maturity. Ben has always had a sense of humor in his songs, even the earnest ballad on here ("Cologne") has some mildly humorous lines about the astronaut who put on a diaper. no need to grow up Ben, and again, you seem to have had a lot to deal with in your life lately, so feel free to be immature and funny and nasty to your ex!
c. the songs are overproduced
some of the songs on here are, indeed, a bit "busy" (see especially: Dr. Yang, Errant Dog, etc.). I have to say, though, Cologne is one of his simplest, most beautiful ballads he has ever written (and NOT overproduced on here...very tasteful orchestration). And for my money, Effington has a GREAT arrangement and tremendous piano work, regardless of what you might think about the lyrics.
There are some great songs on here. "You Don't Know Me" is a really cool little pop song, with deeper lyrics than you realize at first (and nice vocals from Regina Spector). "Effington," as I mentioned, is up there with my favorite Ben tunes. "Dr. Yang" has a cool, "Sports and Wine" feel to it, and also reminds me a bit of early solo McCartney (some of the other songs do as well). Even the "throwaway" songs like Hiroshima and B--- Went Nuts have catchy pop choruses, and Ben's vocals are just as good as they have always been. Overall, this is not his greatest work (I hope that is yet to come, although the first few Ben Folds Five albums are awfully hard to top), but it is a highly personal record, with some common themes (loss, moving on, how rich people try to fulfill themselves, dogs that won't listen to their owners, etc.) I think these negative reviews have a lot to do with people's expectations of Ben...he will NEVER write an entire album of serious pop masterpieces (he does not aspire to be Billy Joel) and I would be disappointed if he did. He has ALWAYS retained his sense of humor, the fun in his music, and the connection with his fans. Don't hit your head again Ben! I will be rooting for you.
Free Music Review: Don't Be Fooled by Reviews This Album is Still Folds All The Way
Hit: 4 Stars
Now if you are a Folds fan who started listening when Songs For Silverman came out you will be disapointed with Way to Normal. With that being said I believe that is why this album is getting a bad rap. People were expecting another Songs For Silverman, which was a great album that really showed us Bens serious side, but not his entire style. While great songs such as Kylie from Connecticut, and Cologne are like a cry back to Songs for Silverman, there are several other songs worth looking at that make me remember the Ben Folds Five days. Dr. Yang, Errant Dog, B-tch Went Nuts, and Effington remind me of the sporadic and goofy style Ben had in his earlier years that everyone seems to have forgetten about because of Songs for Silverman. The song Free Coffee shows a new almost techno-y Folds and I frankly really liked the song from the first time I heard it in concert. Brainwascht is more of a pop song, but is probably one of my favorite songs off the album. You Don't Know Me I feel like gets glossed over as a simple pop song, but this song really shows both artist styles. It is just as much spektor's song as it is Fold's. This album is no Songs for Silverman and we shouldn't expect it to be. Ben Fold's does have a mature side, but lets not forget about his crazy side. If you've listen to Ben Folds Five back in the day you'll like this album. If you only like him for Songs for Silverman buy cologne or Kylie from conneticut off iTunes. If you havn't listen to alot of Ben Fold's I can see where someone would think that this album is out of whack, but for a seasoned Folds fan this still has his name written all over it. The reason the album can seem odd is because it covers his wide style, from goofy to serious. I prabably rank this as my third favorite album by Folds behind Songs for Silverman and Rocking the Suburbs. I really fell in love with Songs for Silverman, but Way to Normal really brings all of Bens styles together. Way to Normal is deffinatly a good add to a true Folds Fan don't be mislead, keep listening.Free Music Review: rocks in a way only Ben Folds can rock.
Hit: 4 Stars
From the head-banging intro of "Hiroshima" (pun intended) to the symphonic sounds of "Cologne" and the electronic, synthetic experimentations of "Free Coffee", this may be Ben Folds most diverse album since The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner and with arguably more standouts.
I had the pleasure of hearing "Hiroshima (B B B Benny Hit His Head)" at Gonzaga's McCarthey Athletic Center when Ben was in town and thought it rocked then and it still rocks now, in a way only Ben Folds can rock. In terms of piano parts, I think this album most closely resembles his last endeavor Songs for Silverman but perhaps with more major chords and less syncopation (but I'll have to see the sheet music when it comes out to be sure). There's also a generally faster tempo to most of the songs which may make it more immediately likeable, but could also wear down its welcome sooner (it's still too early to tell, but a couple songs remind me of Speed Graphic's hyperactive "Dog", including the conspicuous "Errant Dog"). If you're anything like me, upbeat songs are more appealing immediately, but ballads grow on me over time, so my favorite songs from Songs for Silverman now are "Time, "Prison Food" and "You to Thank" (not really a ballad I know).
By all accounts, this is an engaging and impressive album from one of the most impressive musicians around. You can't deny he's got piano chops (maybe the best in the business) and he gets to show off a little (not like "Bastard" or "Philosophy" going way back...), but if you ever hear him in concert you know he's still got it. And though some may feel his lyrics leave something to be desired (my wife included) his songwriting is as fresh and original as ever with standouts "You Don't Know Me", "Effington" and "Cologne" (by the way, if you get the chance to listen to the "Piano Orchestra Version" of "Cologne", do; it's fantastic).