My take
 

I think this album epitomizes folds' genius. I dislike people who cannot find it in themselves to accept change. The scope of this album is immense; Way to Normal brings me back to some of his original, raw, beautiful work, but combines it with pieces that show he is willing to push himself. Supported by four musicians that strengthen and solidify the sound, Folds writes perfect melodies and harmonies, utilizing the full band to bring a powerful performance. Transitions are immaculately clean between songs that are both amusing and profound. Each song individually, or the album in its entirety, is a masterpiece. Lyrically brilliant, and musically dynamic, his art always makes me want more. After watching him pound out almost 30 songs at the last concert I attended (this past October), he has indelibly marked himself- in my mind at least- as one of the great musicians of our time.

I find this CD to be completely devoid of the witty fun of Whatever and Ever and completely devoid of the emotion found in songs like Fred Jones Pt. 2 or The Luckiest. He was one of my favorites, but this last album just felt like he wasn't even trying. Still phenomenal live though.

If Folds could come up with another album like "The Unauthorized Biography of reinhold Messner" I'd be all over that album, because Reinhold was truly a stellar album, and amongst the best songwriting Ben Folds has produced...

I went to one of his shows in Feb. and it was amazing! Rockin' The Suburbs has always been my favorite song but I really love Kylie From Connecticut. ^^