Ben Folds Five – Whatever And Ever Amen

Whatever and Ever Amen, released in 1997, is the sophomore album by Ben Folds Five and a breakthrough that elevated their piano-driven approach to alternative rock into mainstream awareness. Anchored by the emotional weight of “Brick,” it blends acerbic humor, narrative songwriting, and dynamic arrangements. While the trio lean heavily on Ben Folds’ piano and vocals, the band’s interplay—Sledge’s fuzz bass, Jessee’s propulsive drumming—gives the record a working band energy that belies its studio polish.

The album’s strength lies in its balance of accessibility and depth: playful songs like “Battle of Who Could Care Less” or “One Angry Dwarf” coexist alongside haunting ballads and moments of tension. Over time, Whatever and Ever Amen has come to be seen as their defining statement, one that retains both emotional honesty and compositional ambition.
Reviews

“Amen starts out remarkably like their debut … Luckily, the occasional upbeat tunes are just as impressive as ever.” – Pitchfork