Fear of Pop: Vol. 1

Ben Folds

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 17, 1998)
• Original Release Date: November 17, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00000FC65
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #130,658 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Entertainment Weekly
Folds' way with a melody makes sure the album is never less than tuneful.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fear of Pop is only for the open-minded, September 13, 1999

By A Customer

First and foremost, I think I should say that Fear of Pop is not for the casual Ben Folds Five fan, unless that casual Ben Folds Five fan is VERY open-minded or is also into the music Ben Folds presents to the listener in this solo effort. You won't hear any of the key-pounding, harmonizing vocals, or rippin' piano solos that Ben Folds Five is known for; what you get instead is a collection of kitschy '70s theme-song-like songs, techno songs, and a William Shatner narration. However, much credit goes out to Ben, because not only are the songs themselves gems, but he plays most of the instruments on this CD. The songs are catchy; "Slo Jam '98" is actually quite eerie, while "I Paid My Money" is lively and makes for good driving music. "In Love" satisfies the Trekkie in everyone, and "Rubber Sled" contains a very obvious inside joke. If you appreciate hearing a lot of layers in music (and therefore having a lot to pick out musically) this is a treat for your ears; same thing goes if you appreciate an artist who isn't afraid to branch out and try different sounds. I give it a "5" because each song has great qualities, and there appears to be no filler here.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for the faint of heart, January 27, 2001

By	Chad A. Lauterbach "chadl2" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ok. This is Ben Folds (alone), not Ben Folds Five. As many of your probably know the band has broken up. However, at least for me, I know Ben Folds will continue to make great music. I believe this to be a highly experimental album on his part, and I know it will open new doors in his own music career as well as make people think about the state of music. Most of this album is spoken word, meaning he is either talking or screaming rather than singing. Maybe you'll see how fine of a line this is after a listen. The most popular song here must be In Love, this song features William Shatner, and honestly makes me wonder why he has not ever made music on a greater level. I know that this music is easy going and fun, but it is still real music. It's not a joke, and I love that about it.

Ok, so my favorites must be Fear of Pop, I Paid My Money, and In Love, but the entire album is spectacular. If you go for it, you'll need an open mind, but I think you'll get some really enjoyment out of it. Give it a shot.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Your Father's Ben Folds, June 18, 2003

By	"mrtoken" (Long Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Forget whether you love or hate Ben's previous albums. This album is completely out of left-field compared to his other works. However it proves that even with a completely different genre of music than his normal piano-laden pop, he is still a musical genius and one of the best songwriters of all time.

... this is indeed a foray into 70's funk crossed with a bit of techno house, and nobody can forget Bill Shatner ("Possibly... Maybe...") doing a stint reminiscent of his Priceline commercials. It is not very lyrics-heavy, like most of Ben's music - it won't change the way you view the world. However, this album has a Lot of humor mixed into the grooves, more than almost any other album, unless you count "Naked Baby Pictures'" '...Fanny Packs' and 'Underground'. The best examples of this humor are found in 'I Paid My Money' and 'Rubber Sled'.

This is an album I reccomend to all my friends, telling them to forget all they think they know about Ben Folds. The grooves on this album are so infectuous as to ensnare anybody with a pulse, while retaining a feeling of being fun and loose. The only reservation I have in listening to this one is the opening, title track 'Fear of Pop' - I suppose it's because I'm not too big on Ben repeatedly screaming "FEAR OF POP" on top of his lungs throughout. I usually just skip to the excellent second track, 'Kops', and sink down into the extra-funky goodness that is this album.

I agree with other reviewers though - if you are looking for an album that represents the best of Ben Folds, buy "Whatever and Ever, Amen" or the excellent "Ben Folds Live." If you are just looking for something different to listen to, whether you are a fan or not, check out this album!