Whatever and Ever Amen is a standout album from Ben Folds Five, released on the prestigious Epic Records. This record marked a pivotal moment for the band, hailing from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and featuring Ben Folds on piano and vocals, Darren Jessee on drums, and Robert Sledge on bass. The album merges alternative rock with piano-driven pop, showcasing Folds’ knack for sharp-witted lyrics and dynamic arrangements. The album’s standout tracks, such as “Brick” and “Battle of Who Could Care Less,” epitomize the band’s emotional depth and sardonic humor. “Brick” is particularly notable for its raw depiction of a troubled relationship, underpinned by a minimalist piano arrangement that’s both haunting and poignant. “Battle of Who Could Care Less” offers a more upbeat, yet scathing commentary on apathy and pretense, driven by a catchy, bouncy melody and tight rhythm section. In comparison to their earlier work, Whatever and Ever Amen displays a more polished production thanks to producer Caleb Southern, though it maintains the band’s characteristic charm and irreverence. The album’s blend of earnest emotion and clever lyricism, along with its refined production, sets it apart from both Ben Folds Five’s earlier work and the broader alternative rock scene of the era.

• black vinyl pressing
• original release year: 1997
• music label: Epic 2024

reviewed by Lab Assistant 07/2024