Ben Folds’ “Sleigher” Album Download ZIP & MP3 Free Files
Following the success of his last album, “What Matters Most,” singer-songwriter Ben Folds offers an early festive treat with “Sleigher,” a delightful collection of original songs and reimagined Christmas classics. Most of the album is a solo effort, with Folds layering vocals and instruments to create the tracks. However, it also features collaborations with Ross Garren, singer/actress Lindsey Kraft, drummer/producer Joe Pisapia, and, as a surprise guest, an AI on the eclectic track “Xmas Aye Eye.”
Releasing “Sleigher” in October allows us to reflect on what truly matters in life and get excited about the festive season’s offerings. For many, Christmas represents a constant amidst the turbulence of each year: a time for an annual review of our lives and those around us, helping us assess how we’ve grown both individually and as a society.
As Folds himself explains, “Christmas is constant, allowing you to take stock of what’s different, to understand who you are and all the ways you’ve grown and changed.” While “Sleigher” is filled with humor and lyrics delivered with a twinkle in the eye, it also carries a layer of melancholy. This is fitting, as the festive season can be a time of immense joy for many, but the long December nights can also be particularly painful for those who feel lonely or are suffering. Christmas often amplifies a wide range of emotions, highlighting both joy and sadness.
These contrasting feelings are beautifully captured in two of the album’s songs. On one end, there’s “Me and Maurice,” a poignant track that reflects on how quickly life can change, with festive hope and melancholy vying for attention in the melody and accompaniment. On the other end is “We Could Have This,” a gorgeous duet between Folds and Kraft that celebrates a couple’s first Christmas together, filled with exuberance and hope for the future.
“Sleigher” has something for everyone: the mesmerizing piano rhythm of “Little Drummer Bolero,” infused with festive melodies; the struggle of putting on a brave face for family during Christmas while mourning a personal loss in “Sleepwalking Through Christmas”; nostalgic childhood memories captured in the jazzy cheer of “Christmas Time Rhyme”; the introspective, meditative instrumental piece “Waiting for Snow”; the pared-back festive gem “The Christmas Song”; the toe-tapping “The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle”; and the surprising, club-like anthem “Xmas Aye Eye,” featuring digitally generated lines about snowflakes and artificial intelligence—a nod to those who enjoy celebrating Christmas in a wild way!
The album concludes with the laid-back “You Don’t Have To Be A Santa Claus,” a call for listeners to lend a hand to those who are alone or struggling this festive season. It serves as a reminder that anyone can spread good cheer, comfort, and joy—not just during Christmas, but throughout the year.
Tracklist:
- Little Drummer Bolero
- Sleepwalking Through Christmas
- Me and Maurice
- Christmas Time Rhyme
- Waiting for Snow
- We Could Have This ft. Lindsey Kraft
- The Christmas Song
- The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle
- Xmas Aye Eye
- You Don’t Have to Be a Santa Clause
