- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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Entertainment WeeklyHis most evenly measured album. [20 May 2005, p.75]
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These are heartfelt songs: sometimes cheeky and occasionally heartbreaking.
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Folds has mastered his material to the point that he no longer relies on a smartass punch line to deliver the goods.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Musically, Silverman is his best effort since Messner.
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Rolling StoneHe has... found more deserving targets for his wit than suburban rappers and T-shirt-hoarding girlfriends. [5 May 2005, p.70]
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Q MagazineHe has finally shed some of his ironic detachment. [Jun 2005, p.111]
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Mojo[A] consistently crafted and stimulating set. [Jun 2005, p.100]
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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.
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Alternative PressPlays out like a sequel to BF5's last album... with one key element missing: humor. [May 2005, p.172]
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UncutThe sweet '70s AM harmonies sometimes sugar the pill too much, but there's no mistaking its artfully bitter taste. [Jun 2005, p.110]
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Folds' wit is less biting, but it's still present. And he's still got style.
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Under The RadarThe trouble with most songs on the album, even after several listens, is you'll be hard pressed to recall the melodies. [#10, p.110]
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Forget Rockin' the Suburbs; the new Folds can barely rock an infant to sleep, though at one point he tries.
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It can get very very dull.
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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.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 53 out of 64
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Mixed: 8 out of 64
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Negative: 3 out of 64
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WillyMSep 11, 2006Ben's best album, and that's saying a lot.
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MattJun 9, 2005Solid Ben, but where did those soaring melodies go?
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HenryRApr 27, 2005