lambchops's Full Review: Rockin' the Suburbs by Ben Folds
I stumbled upon Ben Folds at about the same time as the rest of the American public. Though, at the time Brick was released as a single I remained unconvinced of the awkward singer-songwriter’s staying power. So in perfectly ridiculous fashion I held off on buying 1997’s Whatever and Ever Amen.
In fact, I held off so long that by the time I bought it and assessed it to be pretty much perfect Ben Folds had released his official solo debut Rockin’ the Suburbs (2001). Again, reluctant to jump on any bandwagons (despite my admiration for Whatever and Ever Amen) I held off still another year to buy that one. I now officially feel like a chump—there is little doubt that Ben Folds has the talent and charisma to stay around for a long while. His music is unique but appealing and sparkles with a level of energetic emotion all too rarely present in “mainstream” pop music.
Not that Ben Folds is exactly MTV mainstream. He is different. Neither synthesizers nor guitars are at the center of his catchy pop tunes; instead it is his piano that drives the melody and his voice that draws the whole package together. Rockin’ the Suburbs is the infrequent kind of album that lacks the telltale signs of musical era, kitschy pseudo-talent, and best of all Folds does not act like a pompous self-important fool.
This is music that speaks for itself. This is music that sends shivers up my usually disaffected spine. This is music I could share with my mother and I intend to share with my yet to be dreamt children. Folds may not be the best singer, but the combination of his voice and keys and incredible songwriting makes for an irrepressibly wondrous listening experience. His bittersweet tales awaken something fresh and real inside of me. It is as though Folds has insight into my heart. Rockin’ the Suburbs is an exceptionally special piece of modern pop. I can’t help but be impressed by the intricate arrangements, cohesive musical vision, and catchy melodies. From start to finish, this is a flawless piece of genius. Folds doesn’t play his audience for idiots—he knows they can think and feel. There’s not a moment when I question Folds or his talent. Nor could I possibly question the widespread appeal of his music.
The title track, Rockin’ the Suburbs is the closest to the usual tongue-and-cheek fans have come to know and love from Folds. Comparing himself to Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi and the like he yelps about how hard it is to be “male, middle-class, and white.” Of course, it’s all meant in jest—all of it. But at the same time the song is funny it is well-written and intelligent. But outside of this track, be prepared for an album chock full of ballads and distinctive pop tracks.
Rockin’ the Suburbs opens with the lovely clap-along anthem Annie Waits. The song is at first awkward and unsure, but by the time it ends Folds seems to have gained control of his shaky legs and sings with pointed confidence—damn that unrequited love! Zak and Sara is next up. It’s a more chipper song on the surface, but careful inspection turns up the fact that this is a less than usual couple. That Folds can speak with such love and appreciation for all facets of humanness is what helps to make these special tracks—Sara is nuts, but I don’t care! His songs often deal with relationships. Album ender The Luckiest is also of this variety. But whereas others are open and free and even fun, The Luckiest to the true importance of everlasting love and uses the single saddest story I’ve ever heard set to music to illustrate this point:
I am
The luckiest
I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you
Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away
I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know
That I am (I am) (I am)
The luckiest
There’s another song that proves to be a bit of an emotional trial. Fred Jones, Pt. 2 is very true to the ways of suburbia. We work hard, but in the end what has our lasting impact been? In the case of the protagonist here, people don’t respect him despite his years at the local paper and with a swift kick to the metaphorical groin Fred Jones is cast aside. Folds sings with integrity and his story is true to life. As working cattle, what do we do? This is, of course, a dilemma that all too many folks struggle with on a daily basis.
Still Fighting It touches close to home. Nobody wants to grow up. And when you get to that point in your life, you try to fight it. But still you grow older—and in the end that’s just the way things should be. Life, relationships, and feelings all change in the aging process. It’s a bittersweet truth, but Folds makes the listener feel as though he really, truly understands. And the song? Well, it is truly gorgeous.
I could go through these songs one-by-one, but in doing so it would become clear that Rockin’ the Suburbs is indeed a very special album. The songs are all wonderful, not one fails on any level. In addition to those I’ve already mentioned I also am particularly fond of The Ascent of Stan, Fired, and Losing Lisa. There is something for everybody here. Ben Folds is a unique personality in pop—his voice, his words, and his piano…they are far too perfect for words.
This is, by far, my favorite album thus far from Ben Folds. I love Whatever and Ever Amen, but I adore and can relate to Rockin’ the Suburbs. Folds speaks to a generation and that generation is me.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Annie Waits
02. Zak and Sara
03. Still Fighting It
04. Gone
05. Fred Jones, Pt. 2
06. The Ascent of Stan
07. Losing Lisa
08. Carrying Cathy
09. Not the Same
10. Rockin’ the Suburbs
11. Fired
12. The Luckiest
After three albums, including the platinum-selling Whatever And Ever Amen, that spawned the hit single Brick, the members of the Ben Folds Five decide...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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