What Matters Most
by Ben Folds
  • Record Label: New West
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2023
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. PopMatters
    Jun 14, 2023
    60
    What Matters Most ends up being a mixed bag. Musically, this is a strong record. .... As much as I like Ben Folds, though, hearing him come back with a new pair of songs about women who are borderline crazy is disheartening, and it casts a pall over the rest of the album. Some longtime fans might not have that same visceral reaction, and they’ll probably enjoy What Matters Most more than I did.
  2. Slant Magazine
    May 31, 2023
    50
    Unfortunately, the song [“Clouds with Ellipses”], like so much of What Matters Most, lacks the snark and self-aggrandizing pity that made the singer-songwriter’s early albums, like Rockin’ the Suburbs, so relatable.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 5, 2023
    40
    Despite its long gestation period and pristine production, it sounds as though no one believes in What Matters Most less than Folds himself, and this bleeds through every single vocal performance and instrumental arrangement on the record.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Discussed Album of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Lajaleaa
    Jul 19, 2023
    7
    With a new album after 8 years, he comes back fearless to go big and sound alive, which is very well appreciated. There is a cute, playfulWith a new album after 8 years, he comes back fearless to go big and sound alive, which is very well appreciated. There is a cute, playful sound on this project, which makes it very accessible. Going from happy to kind of melancholic, he seems to be clever on the way he is making his music born again. There is a precious piano playing here and there on the album that keeps it all shining. There are some nice arrangements and the lyrics are tender enough to make of this a quick and easy friend. If this is a comeback from Ben Folds, then he is starting a path towards something amazing and wonderful. Hopefully he knows how to follow his path.… Full Review »
  2. Baughjaughes
    Jun 21, 2023
    9
    I've listened to Ben folds since the first ben folds five album. This is comfortably his best work since since "songs for silverman" in 2005.I've listened to Ben folds since the first ben folds five album. This is comfortably his best work since since "songs for silverman" in 2005. First of all the production here is impeccable, brass, strings, guitars and even harmonicas combine with folds' signature piano to create a gloriously sounding record. Insightful and humorous lyrics litter every song. Perhaps "clouds with ellipses" is the only song i would describe as under par with the rest of the album fantastically written. As with all my favorite music the album grows on you with each listen with some of the songs feeling a bit reserved at first. " moments " being my personal favorite currently. Well worth the wait. Hoping he creates a new album with less of a gap this time.… Full Review »
  3. StefanRogall
    Jun 3, 2023
    10
    This album is an absolute masterpiece. 10 songs with magnificent melodies and intelligent lyrics, produced and arranged perfectly. Folds doesThis album is an absolute masterpiece. 10 songs with magnificent melodies and intelligent lyrics, produced and arranged perfectly. Folds does not have to prove anything anymore, with his abundance of musical brilliance and lyrical wit in full display on his previous records and on stage. But this album definitely adds another cornerstone to his catalogue, speaking so eloquently about life in these times, with his special mix of soulfulness and irony. Every song here is a winner, and "Kristine from the 7th Grade" is probably one of his best songs ever, so heartbreakingly true and beautiful. Listening to this album is inspiring, nurturing and life-affirming.… Full Review »
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