Way to Normal

Ben Folds - Way to Normal

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CD Details

Artist: Ben Folds
Edition: Music CD
Music CD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown)
CD Release Date: 2008-09-30
Audience Rating: Unrated
Model: N03-014048
Music Label: Sony
Soundtracks:

Hiroshima (B B B Benny Hit His Head)
Dr. Yang
The Frown Song
You Don't Know Me
Before Cologne
Cologne
Errant Dog
Free Coffee
Bitch Went Nuts
Brainwascht
Effington
Kylie from Connecticut

Music reviews of Way to Normal

Music Review: A sad album, in a good way
Rating: 4 Stars

There was an odd juxtaposition in Ben Folds' 2006 album "Saving Silverman." The CD's first and most successful single, "Landed," was a brilliant picture of a dysfunctional relationship (and one that, as those who knew me in college can attest, I could relate to all too well). But immediately after "Landed," which was the fourth track on the album, was "Gracie," a lullaby written to Folds' young daughter. Given the intensely personal nature of Folds' songs, it seemed weird he could write about escaping a dysfunctional relationship on one hand, and his devotion to his daughter on the other.

The juxtaposition made much more sense with the news of Folds' divorce in 2007. Clearly, both "Landed" and "Gracie" reflected Folds' feelings, and I imagine the divorce was especially difficult because of the effect on Folds' daughter. When I heard the news, I was quite saddened; I have a daughter of my own, and "Gracie" was such a vivid picture of Folds' relationship with his daughter that I felt for the both of them.

It was in that light that I listened to Folds' newest album, "Way to Normal." My initial reaction was one of pleasant surprise, as the first few songs are decidedly upbeat, more similar in tone to Ben Folds Five eponymous album than Folds' recent ballad-heavy offerings. The facade soon gave way, however, starting with the fourth track, "You Don't Know Me." The brilliantly written and executed song, which features Regina Spektor, is clearly directed towards Folds' ex-wife:

I wanna ask you -
Do you ever sit and wonder,
It's so strange
That we could be together for
So long, and never know, never care
What goes on in the other one's head?

Things I've felt but I've never said
You said things that I never said
So I'll say something that I should have said long ago:

(You don't know me)
You don't know me at all
(You don't know me)
You don't know me at all (at all)

The sixth track fully gives the game away (the fifth track is an instrumental prelude) with a contrast to "You Don't Know Me" that is nearly as jarring as "Landed" and "Gracie." Entitled "Cologne," it is, given the context, devastatingly sad.

Here in Cologne
I know I said it wrong
I walked you to the train
And back across alone
To my hotel room
And ordered me some food
And now I'm wondering why the floor has suddenly become a moving target

Four, three, two, one,
I'm letting you go
I will let go
If you will let go

Whereas Folds' circumstances are at odds in the fourth and fifth tracks in "Saving Silverman," on "Way to Normal" it is Folds' emotions that are contrasted in those same two tracks, undoubtedly the inevitable consequence of the untenable situation alluded to in "Saving Silverman."

This divergence gives light to the upbeat nature of the first few tracks - clearly Folds' is trying to cast a happy face on a tragic situation; the facade is in shambles by the end of the album, filled with tracks raging against his wife, woman in general, God, and more. It ends with a whimper ("Effington" excepted), and one wonders if Folds' career is headed for the same fate - after this, his third divorce (but first with children), he can't have much more left in the emotional well that fuels his music. That's not to say it isn't a good album. Like all of Folds' recent work, it starts out incredibly strong; the second, not so much. One wishes he had stuck to EP's.

A few weeks ago I was trying to explain to my wife the importance of music, although I didn't quite know how to express why. "Way to Normal," is a powerful reminder. A good song, and especially a good album, make you feel. The emotions may differ - my recent favorites include Coldplay's "Vida la Vida," which exudes confidence; Sigur Ros' "Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust" an exuberant album full of energy; and Weezer's "Red Album," which is pure throwback fun. What they all have in common is that they refuse to fade into the background. Music has the powerful ability to speak to more than your ears; in the case of "Way to Normal," it breaks the heart.

More Way to Normal free music reviews:
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Description of Way to Normal

Explicit version of Ben Folds' 2008 album Way to Normal. Ben Folds is best known as a solo artist and as the front-man pianist of Ben Folds Five. He is celebrated for a sound that bridges the worlds of Jazz and Power Rock. Consistently touring, Ben Folds has earned a reputation for his wit, musicality, and energetic live shows. With songs like 'Hiroshima' (which recounts his falling of the stage and hitting his head in Japan), Folds has proven to be a story-teller for the piano-rock generation. Way To Normal is the first full length release since Songs for Silverman, a very honest look at the last few years of Folds' life. Folds collaborated with Dennis Herring (Counting Crows, Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello) and the track 'You Don't Know Me' features a duet with indie songstress, Regina Spektor.