Take a pinch of geek and mix it with a heavy dose of angst ridden piano pop, and the product is Way to Normal, Ben Folds’ latest released by Epic records on Sept. 30.

Folds is at his best when he combines his jumpy pop, emotionally deep lyrics and quirky sense of humor he has become known for. 

Two of the album’s best songs — “Effington,” a commentary on Folds disdain for the small town life, and the self explanatory “Brainwascht” — fit these characteristics to the tee and illustrate why Ben Folds is often compared to other great pianists such as Sir Elton John.

Way to Normal is far from a perfect album, but there are moments — such as the catchy “You Don’t Know Me” featuring the talented Regina Spektor — when the band nearly reaches melodious perfection.

As talented as Ben Folds is, there are points in the album at which the group seems angry at everything and everyone around it.

The album slams everything from online psychics in“Dr. Yang,” to bad drivers in “Free Coffee.” This aspect of the album is Ben Folds’ weak point, and these silly disses are what hinder the album from achieving true greatness.

This is not to say the album is without a number of memorable beats and meaningful lyrics that will have listeners singing along throughout their daily lives. 

Overall, Way to Normal is an easy and enjoyable listen. 

For the most part, Folds sticks close to the formula that has brought past success, but it is when he explores innovative techniques such as taping Altoid containers to the strings of a grand piano to create an electronic cackle on “Free Coffee” that Mr. Folds is truly at his best.

Die-hard Ben Folds fans will be anything but disappointed with the Way to Normal album, and it provides new listeners with just enough catch to keep them coming back for more.