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0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 It is Ok Oct 09, 2008
The only songs that I think are good are Army, Your Redneck Past, and Jane. The other songs are not bad, but just kind of there. They have no bite.
 Not much to say other than "Fantastic"! Aug 06, 2008
Some incredible analyses have already been given about this wonderful album, so I don't have anything important to add. I just wanted to make sure the album got another 5 star rating as it is most surely justified. Fairly closely contested, but still, my favorite Ben Folds related album ever.
Ben Folds really went out on a number Oct 17, 2007
It's such a shame that Ben Folds Five folded so damn early, (or with so less material), but at least they left three well craftedm damn near perfect albums. If you really liked the way they incorporated orchestra in their previous albums, then this one will really make you happy.
It's not as great as their first two albums, but it's not because this album lacked songs in the vein of Underground, Jackson Cannery, Kate, Song For The Dumped, Uncle Walter, and Juliane. It all will take a wee bit more to get used to, but it's rewarding. Army however will have no problem growing on you. I liked it right off the bat. Your Redneck Past is also another sing-along jem, even though the rythem is totally weird at times. They still show some classic Ben Folds Five piano solos, but the music as a whole is remarkably polished and cleaned up. Also, Narcolepsy sucks @$$.
Ben Folds's piano playing is a little less jazzy and upbeat, but the real treat is the orchestra that backs the band. There's a lot of brass instruments and strings that back up the band. It's very effective, and brilliantly used. This album shows great use of orchestra that puts Automatic For The People to shame. But that's not a hard task. There's a couple of song-but not really a song (______), Hospital Song and your Most Personal Possession. Hospital song is great, but Your Most Personal Possession dosen't do that much for me. It's enjoyable though, but every song on here flows together anyway. Some albums are just better that way.
Lyrics and voice are some of the tightest Folds has ever done. Folds's voice is a lot less higher than it was back in 1995, but maybe it's beacuse the music dosen't make him sing high. The lyrics on here are the most mature you can get, no more songs about his P#n!$ (seriously, Philosphy was mentioned by Folds to be about that) or some smart @$$ uncle who talks bull_____. Thankfully, the things he talks about never feel like it's just some whiny teenager a la Jonathon Davis/Corey Tailor/Fallout Boy. Stuff that's more mature, and people that aren't afraid to be a little expressive about negative emotions. Real negative emotions, not crying tweens.
If you already own the 2 other Ben Folds Five albums, then chances are, with a little unexpectancy, you will enjoy this album. This isn't the first album you should get, try the other two. Even if Army is catchy as _______. Why these guys even broke up just seems like a mystery.
9.5/10
 Ben Folds Five - A Slight Step Down But Still Good Mar 22, 2007
Ben Folds Five delivers again with another collection of outstanding piano based songs. I have seen different interpretations of the "concept" behind this album and I am still not sure that I see exactly what it is supposed to be. Is the main character Ben himself or just someone made up in his mind? The songs are mostly introspective and deal with regret, loss and life choices. Although there are a few upbeat moments most of this album explores self examination through review of ones actions. Overall I don't think that this album is nearly as strong as "Whatever Amen", but it has its moments. "Narcolepsy", "Don't Change Your Plans", "Mess", "Army", "Your Redneck Past" are all very good and resonate with what is best about this band. Tight concise piano fronted music and intelligent lyrics. "Mesner" would end up being the last album from the original Ben Folds Five band. The members would go their separate ways after this one with Folds going solo.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Largely Misunderstood Jan 26, 2007
After reading other customer reviews, it seems that many were confused by what Ben Folds Five was doing with this album. "Reinhold Messner" covers a lifespan in reverse, starting with death and then moving backwards through time. "Narcolepsy" portrays having to face the inevitability of death, even when not ready ("I'm going to sleep...but i'm not tired"). "Magic" presents loved ones coping and coming to terms with an impending death ("we knew you'd be gone as soon as you could, and I hoped you would"). "Hospital Song" is about the first time you face your own mortality, and the denial that often results from it.
This album is nearly a masterpiece in my opinion, and one of the better "concept" albums to come along in quite some time. BFF refused to release a carbon copy of "Whatever and Ever, Amen" and instead chose to take their formula and improve upon it. Definitely 5 starts in my book.
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