Rockin' The Suburbs - Ben Folds
Rockin' The Suburbs Image
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 51 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Singer-songwriter Ben Folds has ditched the other two members of his band (Ben Folds Five) for this 12-track solo album, on which he plays every instrument himself.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    But for all of its snickers, ''Suburbs'' is serious business -- a pop fantasia that seals Folds' rep as the Cole Porter of underclass underdogs.
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    Sure, it sails close to novelty record territory but Folds demonstrates exceptional skill in marrying wryly observational lyrics to upbeat piano-driven craziness.
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    Folds cracks jokes and spins incredibly sad tales with no restraint or common sense, and oddly enough, we love him for it. [Oct 2001, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Blender
    60
    When he's not being sour, Folds' flair for melody and simple, economical arrangements can create wonderful moments. [Aug/Sep 2001, p.122]
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See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. SpeedyG.
    10
    An unbelievable album - just like songs for silverman, but still fightng it, the luckiest and fred jones are the best songs i haev ever heard.
  2. ginaf
    10
    I can't believe I waited so long to buy it.
  3. AndrewE.
    8
    no, this is NOT ben folds' best album . however, it is still very good, because it is ben folds. anything ben folds releases automatically receives a complimentary 300-400 plays in my CD player, at least. however, i must be honest (as i doubt all those who gave it a "10" above me were) : the melodies aren't as good and occasionally border on campy (see "Losing Lisa"), the piano-playing is dumbed down (presumably to be more pop-accessible???), the whole "sound" that BFF put out is just not there; way too sterile, way too subdued... anyway, i am just being hyper-critical because i know what the man is capable of. trust me, nobody likes ben folds more than me. maybe i just "don't get this album", but i don't think so. look into your heart, it's really, honestly, not as good as the others. i'll still buy anything the man makes the instant it comes out, and i'll be in the front row right in front of his piano keys every time he comes to town, but something's wrong with this picture. listen to his other albums.… Expand
  4. LeifS
    7
    Although this album was good, I felt it wasn't to the best of Ben Fold's potential.

See all 34 User Reviews

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