Ben Folds emerged in the ‘90s as the heir to the piano man throne previously filled by Billy Joel and Elton John. Armed with power-pop spunk, a knack for witty turns of phrase, and unconventional takes on classic songwriting, Folds has nailed blistering and confrontational breakup ragers (“Song for the Dumped”), poignant tearjerkers (“Brick”), and rousing, symphonic pop that shoots for the rafters (“Still Fighting It”). He even pulls off a moody Dr. Dre cover that trades G-funk beats for brooding atmosphere.