Ben Folds Five - Ben Folds Five > Reviews > ben folds five the unique album

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	this album is like no other
Disadvantages:	none

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Ben folds five are an american trio of bass drums and piano. The diversity of ben folds` piano combined with robert sledge`s distorted bass create a unique sound only recognizable as the sound of bf5.
This sel-titled album is their first and best. 12 tracks full of spirit and energy. Presented as though they were in your living room, this c.d. is programmed to perfection.

1)Jackson Canary - The opening track will get you hooked from the start with it`s catch bass riffs and vocals.Ben folds shows the strength of the bass on the piano and also the effect of mixing it with the treble. A perfect opening number.

2)Philosophy - A contrasting opening with an almost irrestible piano melody. This song is a classic showing what they are capable of. From sweet piano to a heavy handed ending as ben does his rendition of `rhapsody in blue` with attitude. Catchy chorus,catchy song.

3)Julianne - Once again,a shock for the listener as the piano develops into an element of rock. In contrast to the previous song, this takes an in- your-face approach

4)Where`s summerb? - In my opinion, their best song. Completely different from the previous song. This is incredibly catchy and shows how simplicity is just as importnat to music as technicality. A simple,but stunning, piano solo makes this song and great vocals helps it groove.

5)Alice Childress - Co-written with Anna Goodman, Ben folds creates their beat love song. A stunning opening piano riff is matched withe an equally impressive chorus. Vocal harmony stands out here and beutiful piano counter-melodies. Ben`s voice suits this style of music down to the bone. Compared to track 3 you`ll think it`s a different band.

6)Underground - A strange opening, but soon gets going. This song really does test ben`s voice as well as his playing. Another lush piano solo acoompianed by their informal approach ,akes this song the hit.

7)Sports+wine - This is ben folds five at their best. A short but special song which will surely get you to your feet. An amazing piano solo is in contrast to the simple basis of the song. It goes out in style with a virtuoso piano ending.

8)Uncle Walter - Straight into another great nimber. They show how no piano makes the return of the piano that little bit more appreciated. Great technical abililty is shown and a song full of energy. It`s quite difficult to belive that`s there`s only 3 of them.

9)Best imitation of myself - Their most simple song but one with great power. Distorted bass shows the power they have. Top-notch vocals as usual.

10)Video - A combination of flourished piano and backing vocals create another stunning sorrowful song with a beautiful melody.

11)The last polka - The most up-beat polka you will eveer hear. Great chorus and fancy piano fills will make this song stick in your head for hours on end.

12)Boxing - A cheeky ending to the record. Boxing is like no other song on this album. In 3/4,for a change,this contains very little other than a piano and voice. There are some sweet strings and the final verse reminds us of the diroted bass but a peaceful climax to an outstanding album is just one of many suprises on this album.

Maximum points to ben folds five for creating such a great album. No bad points other than they can be quite addictive.