"Naked Babies Photos is an odd title that sums up the purpose of this album. Baby photos refers to past efforts the group has made. They are dubbed "Naked" because most of the songs are raw, either live or unrealesed. There are 8 live tracks from previous items and 8 studio cuts that are either previously unreleased or a demo or some kind. This album is a good summation of some of the lesser known work BFF had done up to this point."
Craig Ferraro
"This offering from the confusingly-named trio contains a handful of new songs, live versions of several songs from the group's last two albums and odds and ends like demo and 45 versions of other tunes. Whether you're already a fan or not, NAKED BABY PHOTOS provides a fine representation of the band's sound. Focused on singer-songwriter Folds's punchy, melodic pop, the trio's sound updates the tradition of '70s artists like Todd Rundgren with a punkier, more aggressive '90s style. As usual, the arrangements are dominated by Folds's hard-hitting piano work and Robert Sledge's muscular fuzz-bass riffs. Humor abounds here, especially on the rap parody "For Those Of Y'all Who Wear Fanny Packs," but the band's real strength lies in Folds's skilled pop songcraft."
CDnow.com
"Ben Folds Five is Nick Drake strutting with the Bee Gees while Ozzy beheads everyone else on the dancefloor. Blood spurts, tears fly....Ben Folds is the grenade and the pin, his music's the sound of an explosion in your heart."
Melody Maker 1/10/98, p.36
