 "Photo: Julianne Pisciottia")
5 Stars Ben Folds Songs for Silverman (Epic Records)
Ben Folds is still rockin' the suburbs.
He's held on to the same unkempt, dirty blonde hair and dark, square-framed glasses over the years, but the 38-year-old husband and father has grown up. Songs for Silverman, Folds' second full-length solo effort, reflects his maturity.
Released Tuesday, the album is everything you could want from this talented pianist.
Songs for Silverman follows last year's successful Internet-exclusive EPs, Sunny 16, Speed Graphic, and Super D. After Rockin' the Suburbs (2001), which was heavy on guitar and synthesized tunes, Songs for Silverman marks the return to the piano, bass, and drums combination that made the band Ben Folds Five so musically intact.
Folds proves once again that he is a creative storyteller, one that communicates emotions through the unique experiences of the people he sings about. The songs approach different relationships with a reflective tone and a perspective of experience - "You to Thank" follows the doomed path of a couple that marries too early.
The passage of time is a strong theme that runs through Silverman. The nostalgia the album exudes can even be seen in the sepia photographs (taken by Folds and his wife, Frally) that cover the pages of the 40-page booklet included with the album's deluxe edition.
The piano provides a solid foundation throughout the album's tracks, while the pianist's voice masterfully carries out the melodies. Background vocals, provided by bassist Jared Reynolds, drummer Lindsay Jamieson, and guest performers, provide depth and wholeness to each track. As per Folds' style, each song reaches a forte climax that latches on to its listeners and sends the song's message home.
At these points of the chorus, such as in "Trusted," Folds' voice is intense and solid, but not to the point where it is strained. Instrumental sections, such as in the first track, "Bastard," speak just as loudly and just as clearly as the lyrics they fall between.
The track "Jesusland" takes the listener on a walk across America. On the DVD feature, The Making of Songs for Silverman, Folds explains the idea behind the song. "If Jesus were walking across the land, if he needed help, the people who were using his name to sell things probably wouldn't help him," he says.
"Landed," Folds' first single off Silverman, is gold. It's comparably better than his last single, the highly-synthesized "Rockin' the Suburbs," the title song off Folds' last album. "Landed" begins with a quiet piano and builds up to an exhilarating chorus of piano, bass, and drums.
The songs tells the story of a woman who takes control of a relationship and a guy who "has to be somebody else to justify being in the relationship," says Folds on his DVD.
"Gracie," dedicated to Folds' young daughter, shines out as the sentimental gem of the album. The simple sincerity of the piano, highlighted by an upright bass, captures the intricate love between a father and daughter.
The album also includes a beautiful tribute to the late singer/songwriter Elliot Smith, whom Folds had known. The somber "Late" eulogizes Folds' appreciation for Smith's music; "Elliot, man you played a fine guitar / And some dirty basketball / The songs you wrote / Got me through a lot."
Songs for Silverman is a powerful compilation that represents a wholly musical effort. On the keys of his piano, Folds carries his listeners through the emotions of relationships. The well-orchestrated tracks maintain Folds' piano-rock identity and present a powerful balance of lyrics and the piano.
Songs for Silverman is available in three formats: a 180-gram heavy double vinyl ($18.98); a DualDisc (stereo CD on one side and DVD on the other side), including a 5.1 surround sound mix and a 25-minute behind-the-scenes feature ($18.98); and a deluxe edition, featuring a 40-page booklet and a 40-minute DVD, The Making of Songs for Silverman, which includes live performances, exclusive interviews, and additional behind-the-scenes footage ($24.98).
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