So There

Released in 2015, So There represents a significant milestone in Ben Folds' career, formally codifying his long-standing interest in orchestral pop. The album is split into two distinct sections: eight songs recorded with the New York-based chamber ensemble yMusic, and a three-movement 'Concerto for Piano and Orchestra' performed with the Nashville Symphony. By eschewing the standard drums-and-bass setup for woodwinds, brass, and strings, Folds recontextualizes his percussive piano style within the framework of contemporary classical music. The yMusic collaborations, such as 'Capable of Anything' and 'Phone in a Pool,' retain Folds' signature wit and melodic sensibility but benefit from the ensemble's complex, avant-garde arrangements. The concerto, which closes the album, showcases Folds' technical prowess and formal compositional skills, moving through themes of anxiety, playfulness, and resolution. Critics noted the album as a successful 'crossover' that avoided the clichés of 'rock band with strings' by making the orchestra the primary engine of the music.