Whatever and Ever Amen cover

Whatever and Ever Amen

Ben Folds Five · 1997

50 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Melodic piano-driven rock weaves humor and heartbreak into a tapestry of relatable storytelling.

Why this album works

'Whatever and Ever Amen' features the breakout hit 'Brick', which reached number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining song of the late '90s. The album received critical acclaim for its blend of pop sensibility and introspective lyrics, influencing a generation of alternative rock artists and earning a place in discussions about seminal albums of the era.
Career context
Released on March 18, 1997, 'Whatever and Ever Amen' was Ben Folds Five's second album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was gaining significant traction in the alternative rock scene, capitalizing on the success of hits like 'Underground' from their first album. This release marked their artistic peak as they explored deeper emotional themes while maintaining their witty lyricism.
Stylistic neighbors
Splean· Bi-2· Blur

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces Standout 3:52
  • 2 Fair 5:55
  • 3 Brick Standout 4:42
  • 4 Song for the Dumped Standout 3:39
  • 5 Selfless, Cold and Composed 6:10
  • 6 Kate 3:13
  • 7 Smoke 4:52
  • 8 Cigarette 1:38
  • 9 Steven’s Last Night in Town 3:27
  • 10 Battle of Who Could Care Less 3:16
  • 11 Missing the War 4:19
  • 12 Evaporated 5:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata