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Songs For Silverman - Ben Folds
User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 53
  3. Negative: 1 out of 53

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  1. HenryR
    Apr 27, 2005
    8
    It's not as immediately engaging as most of his other works, but it's still a fine album. I agree with the general notion that this is his most "mature" work to date, but it also feels like his most subdued. Even so, by the third spin or so you'll fall in love with this album and want it in your regular rotation.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. WillyM
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    Ben's best album, and that's saying a lot.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  3. partridge
    May 1, 2005
    8
    It's growing on me, which no Ben album has had to do before, so that's a minus. Jesusland and Landed are both gorgeous and Gracie is adorable, but the instrumental breaks in Bastard and You To Thank are still my favorite bits so far.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. ab
    May 22, 2005
    10
    Fantastic. Brilliant. Ben Folds back to his brilliant best. "Landed" superb although 1st clip disappointing.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. andyg
    May 27, 2005
    10
    fantastic cd.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. StuartR
    Jun 1, 2005
    9
    This is a great album. The music is more emotional than his previous albums, but this album will most definitely maintain a place in my CD collection for a long time to come along with rockin the suburbs.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. AnnaL
    Apr 28, 2005
    9
    To say this is a mature album is both cliched and true. It completely sums up where Ben is right now - it shows he can write brilliant, honest songs. He's not all irony. (That said, 'You To Thank' is very funny) 'Trusted' and 'Late' are real growers that I'm sure will become favourites and 'Gracie' is utterly beautiful.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. Andy
    May 12, 2005
    9
    Another solid, consistent effort from Ben.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. 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 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. BrianL
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    Ben Folds has produced and album of maturity and simplcity that has the listener riding along with him. The promise shown early in his career is shining through and he is getting the recognition he, and this album deserves.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. BenB
    Jun 1, 2005
    9
    Awesome effort.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. Matt
    Jun 9, 2005
    6
    Solid Ben, but where did those soaring melodies go?
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. 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 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. RobertJ
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. April
    Sep 30, 2005
    9
    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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. [Anonymous]
    Apr 28, 2005
    5
    Another slip towards adult contemporary for Ben Folds.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. SpeedyDrummer
    Apr 28, 2005
    10
    Listen to this album. If you like this you will like 'Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messiner'
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. 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 great tunes. Only reason I'm not giving a 10, is so he has a chance to better himself yet again next time!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. DeanofRock
    May 1, 2005
    10
    A great addition to the Ben Folds catalogue. If you've been a fan since the beginning, you should be right on board with these Songs for Silverman.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. 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 great standing on its own. Amazing piano, as usual.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. BrandonS.
    May 3, 2005
    9
    Although this album is more mellow than is other albums I thouroughly enjoyed it. I would recomend this album to anyone
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. Chewie
    May 6, 2005
    7
    It's a good album that takes a few listens to really sink in and appreciate, but it's not his best work. He's repeating themes lyrically and musically from previous albums, but what saves it is how talented the man is. They might be rehashed, but he's talented enough to pull it off. Overall, I miss the irreverence, but I enjoyed the sincerity.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. 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’s still like a male Tori Amos, pounding or gracing his piano as serves him best. His lyrics are more observational than poetical, but it works for him and produces good results.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  24. JorgeV
    Jun 2, 2005
    6
    Huge Ben fan, but come on. It does not rock. It's the "Take Me Seriously" album.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  25. robert
    Jun 7, 2005
    8
    Solid 8 -- don't fret Ben over no 10. An 8 is great for your fate... you'll get it once you get lit. OK that's worse than Ben's writing for sure -- but, Dog from Speed Graphic is my favorite song not on this album. Them That Got is amazing, Adelaide very pleasant... my point is, the two EPs are great material. Interesting arrangement/mix on album version of Give Judy My Notice there -- big change from the EP. This is a good album. Don't let the next one be so long in coming...… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  26. AdamW
    Aug 17, 2005
    9
    A great album with a taste of highs and lows portrayed simply and effectively.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  27. WillB
    Apr 14, 2006
    10
    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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  28. megl
    Apr 28, 2005
    10
    rocks the shit
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  29. matta
    May 27, 2005
    4
    In my humble opinion, Songs For Silverman sucks.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  30. francish
    Jun 19, 2005
    4
    Like some sophomore from Vassar experimenting with existentialism and lesbianism Folds dabbles in Irony and chordal coloring ultimately failing to find himself in either. What we are left with is another self involved child of the west. No style & no soul.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  31. Hannah
    Jul 24, 2005
    10
    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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  32. ikillyoubob1
    May 12, 2012
    10
    There's something beautiful about this album.. it's almost as if every album Folds writes has a certain indigenous quality about it. They all seem to be centred in different genres, with Songs for Silverman being no exception, forcing a tearful - whether psychological or physiological - tone on you as you pour through, track by track. Well done, Folds. Bravo!
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Amazon.com
    80
    These are heartfelt songs: sometimes cheeky and occasionally heartbreaking.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    70
    He has... found more deserving targets for his wit than suburban rappers and T-shirt-hoarding girlfriends. [5 May 2005, p.70]
See all critic reviews »