SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BEN FOLDS – WHAT MATTERS MOST

Ben Folds
What Matters Most
New West Records

Ben Folds delivers yet another exceptional album with his latest release, What Matters Most. It is silly and heartwarming, features choruses that will be instantly loved by fans and has some remarkable piano riffs.

What Matters Most is full of tracks guaranteed to be fan favourites in the future. “Exhausting Lover” is an absolute banger and feels like a blast from the past. It is groovy and funky and has a mixture of R&B, jazz, pop-rock, and Motown. The chorus is charming and infectious. “But Wait, There’s More” is another track with the makings of being a classic Ben Folds song. It has an outstanding retro arcade-style sounding piano riff that opens up the song and has a great second half featuring an interesting horn section. The repeated line: “Wait, there’s more” is also super addicting to listen to. Lastly, “Winslow Gardens” is perfect from start to finish. The storytelling is rich, powerful, and catchy and has an electrifying bright piano riff.

Lyrically it is Folds at his best. It is heartfelt, tragic, sincere, and dark, with “Kristine From The 7th Grade” being one of the most depressing tracks of Folds’ career. However, Folds still delivers some of his trademark wit, as seen in “Exhausting Lover”, as it is hilarious.

“Fragile” and “What Matters Most” feel reminiscent of older Ben Folds Five songs from the late 90s. Paddleboat Breakup” and “Back To Anonymous” see Folds experimenting with different styles, with the latter’s western side being the biggest surprise.

What Matters Most is one of Folds’ best solo albums to date.

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