Songs for Silverman (2005)

Ben Folds is one of pop's half-dozen most gifted melodists, something that's grabbed less attention than his flair for piano-pounding satire. The latter is toned way down on this, his most evenly measured album, Songs for Silverman, which sands off his satirical edges and penchant for pathos but leaves plenty of arpeggio-packed plaintiveness. Folds can still deliver a line like ''Judy, I won't be your bitch anymore'' in his choirboy voice and not even spoil the mood of an otherwise thoughtful breakup song. He just doesn't want to be your comedy bitch anymore.

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