Grade: B | Genre: Rock Summary: Songs For Silverman doesn't necessarily pick up where he left off on Rockin' the Suburbs unlike many critics have stated. Does it really need to though? After all, four years have passed where so much change has occurred. From the way we listen to music to the state of our great country, picking up where he left off wouldn't be Ben Folds. When Ben Folds Five lost the "Five" and his two long time band mates, Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge, it really wasn't as big of a heartbreak as fans initially felt. After all, "Ben Folds" was in the band name for a reason. We knew the music wasn't over and that soon Ben Folds would leap from the ashes and give us more of the upbeat piano sound that made the original trio so successful. Unfortunately, his last release Rockin' the Suburbs jumped from one disaster and into another that was 911. Obviously, timing wasn't the best for Ben, not to mention all of America, and Suburbs was understandably ignored, critically and commercially. Now, Ben Folds is back with Songs For Silverman and aims to pick up where he left off.

Since going solo, Ben has collaborated with a number of artists including Ben Lee and the incomparable William Shatner to create music for the alternative mainstream. Songs for Silverman was a long 4 years in the making and arrives just in time before we totally wear out our copy of Whatever and Ever Amen. Folds has grown a lot since his solo debut, which is very evident on Silverman. Though it doesn't quite rock the suburbs like Michael Jackson and Quiet Riot did, it's a more mature Folds that still keeps it real for die hard fans.

"The old Bastard left his ties and suit" doesn't quite say, "Good to see you again, it's been way too long." Instead, it's the beginning of Silverman where Folds vents about a world that kids, possibly speaking of his own, will be entering soon and one he's endured for so long.

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Another notable track is a tribute to Elliott Smith who was one of the brightest lights in music that faded out too soon. Folds recognizes this on "Late" and as it was for the rest of us, "the songs[he] wrote / Got [us] through a lot." It's a sentimental gesture that reaches out to a friend that just can't be reached. I'm reminded of "River," a dedication to River Phoenix by Natalie Merchant, that touched all those who knew there was something special in this troubled young man. Elliott Smith gave so much to so many through his soft voice and wonderfully haunting music, and this is a fitting way to remember the talented songwriter and singer.

Songs For Silverman doesn't necessarily pick up where he left off on Rockin' the Suburbs unlike many critics have stated. Does it really need to though? After all, four years have passed where so much change has occurred. From the way we listen to music to the state of our great country, picking up where he left off wouldn't be right for Ben Folds. He has grown and Silverman is his expression of it.