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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.

Songs For Silverman
by Ben Folds


8.6

based on 18 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 51 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

Rockin' The Suburbs

MUSIC:

William Shatner: Has Been

Official Artist Site

Folds' second solo outing actually finds him working once again in trio format, now joined by drummer Lindsay Jamieson (Departure Lounge) and bassist Jared Reynolds (who, like Folds, contributed to the recent William Shatner album).

LABEL:	Sony
RELEASE DATE:	26 April 2005
DISCS:	1 disc
GENRE(S):	Singer-Songwriter, Rock, Adult Alternative

NOTES: Some versions come with a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage.

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Entertainment Weekly

His most evenly measured album. [20 May 2005, p.75]

Amazon.com

These are heartfelt songs: sometimes cheeky and occasionally heartbreaking.

ShakingThrough.net

Folds has mastered his material to the point that he no longer relies on a smartass punch line to deliver the goods.

All Music Guide

While there is a warm undercurrent of tenderness that runs through Silverman, it's never cloying or clichéd; rather, Folds can take the simplest notion, insert a gorgeous piano motif, and hit that one line in falsetto that gives you goose bumps... without breaking a sweat.

Playlouder

Not only is Folds singing better than ever, and not only is his song-writing oozing confidence - but the musician in him is also at the peak of his powers; the piano playing is just mesmerising.

Drowned In Sound

If you hate Ben Folds, you’ll hate this album just as much as anything else he’s ever done. If you’re a fan, you’ll be quietly satisfied.

cokemachineglow

Musically, Silverman is his best effort since Messner.

Rolling Stone

He has... found more deserving targets for his wit than suburban rappers and T-shirt-hoarding girlfriends. [5 May 2005, p.70]

Q Magazine

He has finally shed some of his ironic detachment. [Jun 2005, p.111]

Mojo

[A] consistently crafted and stimulating set. [Jun 2005, p.100]

Delusions of Adequacy

Folds' wit is less biting, but it's still present. And he's still got style.

Under The Radar

The trouble with most songs on the album, even after several listens, is you'll be hard pressed to recall the melodies. [#10, p.110]

Uncut

The sweet '70s AM harmonies sometimes sugar the pill too much, but there's no mistaking its artfully bitter taste. [Jun 2005, p.110]

The Onion (A.V. Club)

Folds remains tasteful to a fault, and while Songs For Silverman is arguably his most mature work to date it's almost indisputably his most middle-aged album, which isn't an entirely positive development.

Alternative Press

Plays out like a sequel to BF5's last album... with one key element missing: humor. [May 2005, p.172]

Pitchfork

Forget Rockin' the Suburbs; the new Folds can barely rock an infant to sleep, though at one point he tries.

Stylus Magazine

It can get very very dull.

PopMatters

Ben Folds has finally taken the focus off of his ever-evolving cast of inspired characters, and has finally written an album that centers on himself; unfortunately, it seems entirely possible that his trademark humility has finally gotten the best of him, as he has fashioned himself the least interesting of any of his own characters.

The average user rating for this album is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 51 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Willy M gave it a10:
Ben's best album, and that's saying a lot.

Will B gave it a10:
Can listen from start to finish w/o changing tracks. Much less poppy and more mature than "Rockin the Suburbs". If you love piano you will love this cd.

April gave it a9:
This is an awesome album. His songs are touching and I most definetly cryed after hearing landed for the first time. There's great melody and lyrics.

Robert J gave it a10:
Ben Folds is a genius... I love what he says, and I love how he says it. This album pleasantly renewed my devotion and admiration for the greatest songwriter alive today.

Adam W gave it a9:
A great album with a taste of highs and lows portrayed simply and effectively.

Hannah gave it a10:
To me, if you haven't heard Ben Folds you haven't heard music. His songs are pure genius and He's very talented. I love this album. I just don't see a reason not to like this album. I mean.. whats not to like? The songs all have a great melody and great lyrics and they are all nicely arranged.

Robert Junior gave it a10:
This is one of the best American made albums i have ever gotten my hands on. I don't care what you all say about it. I don't care if it's terrible. I don't care if it is worthless. I love it. I may never listen to it again but damn that is a great recording.

Songs For Silverman by Ben Folds

Songs For Silverman
by Ben Folds