I gave Ben Folds Five's latest release my first serious listen on my way back from Disneyland. I'm quite a fan of the Fab Five so I was hoping their new one would take the sting out of the grueling drive home--let's just say it was a pleasant Ben Folds Drive. As the album unFolds, it reveals a kinder, gentler Ben than we've come to expect from his previous work. Gone is most of the "give me my money back, bitch," bitterness and the all-out rock'n, and though I miss that side of BFF, I love this album and recommend it highly.

There are many stand-out tracks, but it is definitely intended as a concept album of sorts and should be viewed in its entirety. Many of the songs are somber and contemplative--kind of a jazzier extension of his hit song "Brick." Though the songs are set against orchestra arrangements, the focus remains on their simple 3-piece sound (piano, bass, and drums) which keeps things understated, yet powerful. Songs such as "Don't Change Your Plans" and "Army" feature brass breaks that would fit perfectly at home in a Bacharach hit or vintage Chicago.

Unauthorized is a jazzier affair than his previous stuff, but his pop-craftsmanship continues to develop. He works a good strong hook into most of his songs, although a lot of people I've discussed this album with consider it to be depressing--if so, it's a "cool" kind of depressing--like the Beach Boys' "Sloop John B."

Folds is known for his frank and emotive lyrics, and he's outdone himself this time out. On "Don't Change Your Plans" he begins: "All I know is I've gotta be/where my heart says I oughta be / it often makes no sense, in fact/ I never understand these things / I feel." This line is typical of his work, and I really don't think that Unautho-rized should be viewed as a new direction for the band, certainly not a permanent one. Fans of BFF won't be disappointed by this record, and I think it would be just as good a place as any to be welcomed into the fold.