Ben Folds is one, not five, not three, just one. Ben Folds is also a daddy, odd since Rockin’ The Suburbs doesn’t really sound like a mature album. In fact, it’s completely infectious pop that is a call to my surprise.
“Annie Waits” is one of the best songs Folds has written to date. It’s heartfelt while being completely priceless pop. “Zak And Sara” would make any fan of Fountains Of Wayne take pause with its super slick, savvy, and precision pop. But for every simple pop tune, there are remarkable ballads: “Fred Jones Part 2” and fantastic shows of artistry like “The Ascent Of Stan”.
“Still Fighting It” really touches a nerve. I understand every word, every verb, every concern that Folds goes through as he discusses his fear of growing up and getting older. Folds has hit a giant nail on the head with this song. Ben Folds rocks!
Honorable mentions go to “Not The Same” and “Losing Lisa”, which took me away without any reason why. “Rockin” The Suburbs” is hilarious. So what if I can completely relate to Mr. Folds and our ‘white boy pain.’ Classic, absolutely classic. Anyone who can get Michael Jackson, Quiet Riot, and Bon Jovi into one song has more talent than I deserve to write about. You need to hear this because I can’t tell you how fun this is. And Folds even gets off his best Metal vocals. Eat that, Fred Durst. This nerd will kick your ass!
Folds finishes us off with a peaceful goodbye on “The Luckiest”. It’s about the faults of being human. Folds knows how to describe what we go through every day perfectly in his songs. That’s why he is a great songwriter, not just some average, everyday pop singer.
Ben Folds has written a shameless, completely commercial album. But it’s an album with heart, with a voice, and with a million stories. Okay, twelve stories. Folds knows how to institute melodies that will make you gush without selling out completely. Folds doesn’t care who likes what he does, he doesn’t worry about history or the future, he’s laid it all on the line with Rockin’ The Suburbs and it’s worth every penny you can squeeze out of your precious wallet.
+ rae gun
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