Complete List Of Ben Folds Five Songs From A to Z

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Ben Folds Five emerged from the vibrant college town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, carving out a distinct niche in alternative rock with their piano-driven sound and sharp, often witty songwriting. Formed in 1993, the trio consisted of Ben Folds on piano and vocals, Robert Sledge on bass, and Darren Jessee on drums. Despite the “Five” in their name, the band operated as a three-piece, which quickly became an inside joke and a hallmark of their quirky approach to music and image. Their sound set them apart from their guitar-heavy peers, instead placing emphasis on melodic piano lines, clever lyrics, and energetic, jazz-influenced arrangements.

From the start, Ben Folds Five found a devoted following in the underground scene. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1995, introduced listeners to a style that was both earnest and irreverent. Tracks like “Philosophy” and “Underground” showcased Folds’ ability to balance humor with emotional depth, a combination that resonated with college audiences and critics alike. The group’s willingness to experiment, coupled with a live show that featured both musical virtuosity and comedic banter, helped them quickly build a reputation as one of the most original acts of the 1990s.

Their breakthrough came with their second album, Whatever and Ever Amen, released in 1997. The record produced the band’s biggest hit, “Brick,” a haunting and deeply personal ballad that chronicled a difficult episode in Folds’ youth. “Brick” achieved significant commercial success, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming an enduring alternative radio staple. The album also featured fan favorites like “Song for the Dumped,” “Kate,” and “Battle of Who Could Care Less,” further cementing Ben Folds Five as a leading force in the era’s alt-rock movement.

Building on their newfound success, Ben Folds Five continued to expand their musical range with the release of The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner in 1999. The album marked a departure from their earlier, more playful tone, embracing orchestral arrangements and introspective themes. Tracks such as “Army” and “Don’t Change Your Plans” reflected the band’s willingness to take creative risks, and while the album received mixed reviews upon release, it has since been praised for its ambition and complexity.

Despite their growing popularity and creative momentum, Ben Folds Five announced a hiatus in 2000, surprising many fans. Each member embarked on separate projects: Ben Folds pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums like Rockin’ the Suburbs and collaborating with a variety of artists; Robert Sledge played with several bands, including International Orange; and Darren Jessee founded the band Hotel Lights. The trio’s separation allowed each musician to explore new creative directions, but the distinct Ben Folds Five chemistry remained a touchstone for fans of the band.

In 2008, Ben Folds Five reunited for a special performance at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which was recorded for Folds’ compilation album, University A Cappella!. This reunion performance stoked demand for a full-fledged comeback, which finally materialized in 2011 when the band recorded three new songs for the retrospective collection The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective. Their creative spark rekindled, the trio decided to record a new full-length album.

The result was The Sound of the Life of the Mind, released in 2012. This album found the band blending their classic sound with a more mature lyrical perspective, exploring themes of aging, nostalgia, and resilience. Songs like “Erase Me” and “Do It Anyway” captured the energy and wit that fans had come to expect, while also demonstrating the growth of the individual members during their time apart. The album debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200, marking the band’s highest-charting release.

Ben Folds Five’s discography includes four studio albums: Ben Folds Five (1995), Whatever and Ever Amen (1997), The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner (1999), and The Sound of the Life of the Mind (2012). They also released several live albums and compilations, showcasing their dynamic performance style and knack for inventive arrangements. Standout singles from their catalog include “Brick,” “Battle of Who Could Care Less,” “Army,” “Song for the Dumped,” and “Do It Anyway,” each of which exemplifies the band’s unique blend of humor, pathos, and melodic sensibility.

While Ben Folds Five never received major industry awards during their initial run, their influence on alternative and indie music is widely acknowledged. Their piano-based approach paved the way for later acts, and their lyrical honesty inspired a generation of songwriters. Critics consistently praised the band for their musical craftsmanship, sharp storytelling, and willingness to push genre boundaries.

The group’s lasting appeal can be attributed in part to their refusal to follow trends, instead focusing on authentic self-expression and musicianship. Their songs frequently address themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of modern life, delivered with a combination of vulnerability and tongue-in-cheek wit. This duality earned Ben Folds Five a devoted, multi-generational fanbase.

Beyond music, Ben Folds has become known for his advocacy of music education, work with symphony orchestras, and efforts to promote arts access for young people. Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge have also continued to contribute to the music community, both as performers and mentors. The band’s periodic reunions have been greeted with enthusiasm, proving the enduring power of their chemistry and catalog.

Ben Folds Five’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to craft. Their music stands as a testament to the possibilities of creative risk-taking and the rewards of staying true to one’s vision. Decades after their debut, their work remains relevant, inspiring, and beloved among listeners who value wit, honesty, and musical excellence.

Complete List Of Ben Folds Five Songs From A to Z

Air – Whatever and Ever Amen (Remastered Version) – 1997
Air – Godzilla Soundtrack – 1998
Alice Childress – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Alice Childress – KCRW Rare On Air, Volume 3 – 1997
Army – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
Away When You Were Here – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
Bad Idea – The Truth About Cats & Dogs Soundtrack – 1996
Barrytown (Steely Dan cover) – Me, Myself & Irene Soundtrack – 2000
Battle of Who Could Care Less – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
Best Imitation of Myself – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Birds – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner (Japanese Edition) – 1999
Boxing – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Brick – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
Brick – Non Stop ’90s Rock – 2001
Brick (3AM Dance Remix) – MegaHits Dance Party, Volume 2 – 1998
Cigarette – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
Do It Anyway – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
Don’t Change Your Plans – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
Draw a Crowd – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
Erase Me – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
Evaporated – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
Fair – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
For All the Pretty People – Whatever and Ever Amen (Remastered Version) – 1997
Hold That Thought – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
Hospital Song – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
Jackson Cannery – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Jane – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
Julianne – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Kate – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
Kate – Sabrina, the Teenage Witch – The Album Soundtrack – 1998
The Last Polka – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Leather Jacket – No Boundaries: A Benefit for the Kosovar Refugees – 1999
Lullabye – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
Magic – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
Mess – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
Michael Praytor, Five Years Later – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
Missing the War – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
Mitchell Lane – Whatever and Ever Amen (Remastered Version) – 1997
Narcolepsy – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
On Being Frank – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces – Triple J Hottest 100, Volume 5 – 1998
Philosophy – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – Burt Bacharach: One Amazing Night – 1998
Regrets – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
Selfless, Cold, and Composed – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
She Don’t Use Jelly (Flaming Lips cover) – Whatever and Ever Amen (Remastered Version) – 1997
She Don’t Use Jelly (Flaming Lips cover) – Lounge-A-Palooza – 1997
Sky High – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
Smoke – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
Smoke – Songbook – 2002
Song for the Dumped – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
Song for the Dumped – Mr. Wrong Soundtrack – 1996
Song for the Dumped (金返せ) – Whatever and Ever Amen (Remastered Version) – 1997
The Sound of the Life of the Mind – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
Sports & Wine – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Steven’s Last Night in Town – Whatever and Ever Amen – 1997
Thank You for Breaking My Heart – The Sound of the Life of the Mind – 2012
(Theme From) Dr. Pyser – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner (Australian Edition) – 1999
Theme from ‘Dr. Pyser’ – Whatever and Ever Amen (Remastered Version) – 1997
Theme from ‘Dr. Pyser’ – Teleconned, Volume 1: We Want The Airwaves – 1998
Uncle Walter – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Underground – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Video – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Video Killed the Radio Star – Whatever and Ever Amen (Remastered Version) – 1997
Where’s Summer B.? – Ben Folds Five – 1995
Where’s Summer B.? – Songs for Summer – 2000
Your Most Valuable Possession – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999
Your Redneck Past – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner – 1999