The way to go is the "Way to Normal"

So, I've had a chance to get Ben Folds new album "Way to Normal" a good few listens. Still stand by my initial assessment that it's a good, solid album by Ben...one that ranks above the just-too-mellow "Songs For Silverman," but doesn't quite reach the pop heights of "Rockin' the Suburbs."

The album is mostly upbeat and energetic in ways that "Silverman" lacked with a couple of wonderful ballads thrown in. "Cologne" ranks up there with some of Ben's ballads like "Eddie Walker," "Boxing," and "The Luckiest." It's just one of several highlights on "Way to Normal."

In addition to "Cologne," my faves from the album are...

"Hiroshima (B-B-B-Benny Hits his Head)"
"The Bitch Went Nuts"
"Effington"
"You Don't Know Me"
"Kylie from Connecticut"
"Brainwascht"

The one downside is that the a few of the melodies and songs aren't as tight and ear-grabbing as some of his earlier work. Points though for the attempts to try something different production-wise with Ben's sound. This especially proves true for "Free Coffee," which features a fuzzy, distorted piano track underlying stream-of-consciouness melody and lyrics reminiscent of "The Ascent of Stan."

If you're a Ben fan, you will not be disappointed at all. However, while newcomers will find much to like, they'll be probably better served by checking out some of his earlier work ("Rockin the Suburbs" and any of the Ben Folds Five canon).

Also...I highly recommend getting the deluxe version with the DVD. It features a special version of "Cologne" with a totally different arrangement centered around an orchestra of pianos!