Folds reigns as king of the breakup song with 'Way To Normal'

More than a decade ago with the release of Ben Folds Five's Whatever and Ever Amen and its fan favorite track "Song for the Dumped," Ben Folds garnered somewhat of a reputation as a masterful songsmith when it comes to relationships in distress.

Whether it be the lighthearted anthemic "Song for the Dumped," or the more straightforward "Give Judy My Notice," or hell, even "Hiro's Song," Folds has a way to express both the funny and poignant moments in something nearly every person on this earth can relate to -- heartache.

Well, he's outdone himself this time with the release of Way To Normal. Folds runs the gamut of relationship distress from "Bitch Went Nuts" (complete with a hilarious intro on the track prior) to the heart wrenching "Kylie From Connecticut," telling the story of a woman who learns her husband may have strayed after more than 30 years of marriage.

While Folds is certainly best known for his pop songs (the commercial success of "Brick" aside), the album's two downtrodden songs, "Cologne" and the aforementioned "Kylie" assert themselves to showcase Folds' ability to craft a beautiful, emotive ballad.

Overall, though, the album is delightfully poppy, and it's easy to bounce on through from start to finish. Standout tracks include "Brainwascht," the Regina Spektor collaboration "You Don't Know Me" and the album opener, "Hiroshima (B-B-B-Benny Hit His Head)," retelling the true story of, well, when Benny hit his head in Hiroshima during a Ben Folds Five concert.

No matter what component of Folds' songwriting you're particular to, most every fan will find something they enjoy here. This is certainly an album that Ben Folds should be very proud of.