After reading other customer reviews, it seems that many were confused by what Ben Folds Five was doing with this album. "Reinhold Messner" covers a lifespan in reverse, starting with death and then moving backwards through time. "Narcolepsy" portrays having to face the inevitability of death, even when not ready ("I'm going to sleep...but i'm not tired"). "Magic" presents loved ones coping and coming to terms with an impending death ("we knew you'd be gone as soon as you could, and I hoped you would"). "Hospital Song" is about the first time you face your own mortality, and the denial that often results from it.

This album is nearly a masterpiece in my opinion, and one of the better "concept" albums to come along in quite some time. BFF refused to release a carbon copy of "Whatever and Ever, Amen" and instead chose to take their formula and improve upon it. Definitely 5 starts in my book.