User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Songs For Silverman
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Songs For Silverman Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 64 Ratings

  • Summary: 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).

Top Track

Landed
We'd hit the bottom I thought it was my fault And in a way I guess it was I'm just now finding out What it was all about We'd moved to the west... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    His most evenly measured album. [20 May 2005, p.75]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Playlouder
    80
    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.
  3. ShakingThrough.net
    80
    Folds has mastered his material to the point that he no longer relies on a smartass punch line to deliver the goods.
  4. Mojo
    70
    [A] consistently crafted and stimulating set. [Jun 2005, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Alternative Press
    60
    Plays out like a sequel to BF5's last album... with one key element missing: humor. [May 2005, p.172]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Delusions of Adequacy
    60
    Folds' wit is less biting, but it's still present. And he's still got style.
  7. PopMatters
    40
    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.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. WillyM
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    Ben's best album, and that's saying a lot.
  2. MatthewB
    May 16, 2005
    10
    Ben Folds finaly seems comfortable in his own skin. There is a maturity to this album that leads me to believe the Ben Folds is making the Ben Folds finaly seems comfortable in his own skin. There is a maturity to this album that leads me to believe the Ben Folds is making the music he has always wanted to make. Strip away the pro-tools and tons of needless layers and you have an album with incredible purity. It is Songs for Silverman.… Expand
  4. RobertJunior
    Jul 18, 2005
    10
    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 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.… Expand
  5. SébD
    Apr 28, 2005
    9
    This album is simply stunning. Very different from all his other previous material, but had changed direction. Simply stunning harmonies, and This album is simply stunning. Very different from all his other previous material, but had changed direction. Simply stunning harmonies, and great tunes. Only reason I'm not giving a 10, is so he has a chance to better himself yet again next time!… Expand
  6. TristanH
    May 12, 2005
    9
    A great CD; doesn't have any of the great rock songs like were on Rockin the Suburbs, or any of the Five albums, but it's still A great CD; doesn't have any of the great rock songs like were on Rockin the Suburbs, or any of the Five albums, but it's still great standing on its own. Amazing piano, as usual.… Collapse
  7. RandyB
    Jun 20, 2005
    7
    While in my opinion Folds needs to work on coming up with more cohesive directions for his voice to go, he
  8. EddieHokie
    Jun 29, 2013
    3
    Ben Folds has entered the boringly bland arena of adult comtemporary pop balladry with its ho-hum top 40 singles like Jesusland where middleBen Folds has entered the boringly bland arena of adult comtemporary pop balladry with its ho-hum top 40 singles like Jesusland where middle aged white suburnanites will gobble this up.

    Where Rockin the Suburbs politely and comically winked at the 1st world problems many of us experience, Songs for Silverman embraces the lifestyle.

    I remember when Wilco entered this phase right after a "Ghost was Born" and that smelled of stank too.

    I give this a three because it has 3 good songs; "Bastard", "You to Thank", and "Landed"

    It's a shame too because I love Elliott Smith and his tribute on "Late" does little.    … Expand

See all 35 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Most Discussed Album of 2005
94
#94 Most Shared Album of 2005