Ben Folds has found a trick. The former drummer and current pianist has managed to crank out only five solo studio albums, but has also produced a bunch of EPs and B-sides, the kind that hold up as well as his better-known tracks.
The latter includes the song "Brick," which he wrote when he was part of Ben Folds Five. That was one of the few songs of his that was arguably overplayed on the radio. It's a fine tune, but the song has overshadowed the rest of his catalog.
Since he began with his former band (and current one, Ben Folds Five, is doing a limited tour in 2027) in 1995, he has put out fewer albums in 30 years than most artists do, but he's managed to make all his work his own.
Ben Folds and Ben Folds Five songs everyone should know
"Best Imitation of Myself" - Ben Folds Five (self-titled debut)
The song is one we all likely feel at times during self-reflection. Knowing oneself can be as difficult as knowing other people. Sometimes, just to fit in, a person has to pretend to be someone they aren't.
It is all here in this excellent track, from the fakeness to the inner loneliness. Few artists have a way with words the way Folds does at his best, and he's far too underrated in that aspect.
"The Luckiest" - Rockin' the Suburbs
One of the more beautiful and outright romantic tracks in Folds' oeuvre, the underlay of music could be heard on its own and enjoyed. The lyrics are brilliant, though.
Folds doesn't really speak directly about the adoration he feels for his partner, but instead uses three euphemisms to detail his affection. The last of which, about an older couple who die within days of each other, is both sad and touching.
"Battle of Who Could Care Less" - Ben Folds Five (Whatever and Ever Amen)
The song stands out because of its many clever rhymes while also mentioning the 1970s detective show The Rockford Files. Why it all works is a mystery, but likely because of the upbeat, non-stop energy of the music. Not a punk song, but one that certainly shares the same ethos.
"There's Always Someone Cooler Than You" - Supersunnyspeedgraphic, the LP
From a remixed LP that was made up of three different previously released EPs, many of the tracks are covers, this song is a great example of how deep Folds' catalog goes. One needs to explore much more than those songs heard on the radio.
This gem is about a person who spends far too much energy worrying about their social status, including putting down others to make themselves feel better. Folds speaks for many of us when he sings, "Make me feel tiny if it makes you feel tall/But there's always someone cooler than you."
"You to Thank" - Songs for Silverman
A classic Folds track that is exceedingly sarcastic and unromantic, but also unquestionably catchy and well-written. The tale is about a couple who get married, but something always feels doomed about the relationship. The families of the couple seem to be unaware of that, however.
Folds likely wrote the song from personal experience. He has been married five times, but he also likely finds the irony amusing about falling in love easily but never knowing if it will last.
Add us as a preferred source on Google