Grade: A-
Songwriter Ben Folds and novelist Nick Hornby have joined forces to create a collaboration of the highest quality. With the wit of Hornby and the musical prowess of Folds, “Lonely Avenue” is a character-packed album that tells a story with every song. Hornby’s lyrics, which reflect his interest in pop culture, paired with Folds’ fancy and theatrical musical scores filled with piano, horns and an orchestra make for a collaboration that will move listeners from laughter to tears in seconds. Folds and Hornby hit this one out of the park.