Tidal

When I was a little girl first hearing this album I was like “geez she’s angry” Grown woman Jordan gets it though

Practically have this album memorized. 9 fantastic songs on a 10-track album. The composition, lyrics, diction are all off the charts and she was 18/19 when she recorded it. Blows my mind.

Through this site I find I'm enjoying experiencing how different people's reactions can be to the same music. A lot of people seem to love this and that's cool and you certainly don't need my blessing to enjoy it. I on the other hand wanted to shove pencils in my ears by about half way through.

Holy fuck. i had been avoiding this album much to my detriment. its one of the best albums I've ever heard. its also likely going to be a favorite. also sorry, my wifi had been out all week but I'm back and I'm finna go through these albums

This is my least favourite of her albums and it’s still an absolute barnstormer.

I don't really get what this was or why it has made this list. Beige

First cut is hideous. But, it’s liking watching breaking bad, you have to get thru the first episode. However, it never gets great. Over and over same stuff. If you want to be depressed then this will be your friend. Shadow boxer was definitely the hit but also the only standout song. Not sure whatever happened to Fiona…

pretty boring. all of the songs are pretty much the same. also there is like 2 fucking minutes of instrumental at the end of each song thats infuriating. highlights are criminal and the first taste.

i can totally see why people like her however.. her voice just really annoyed me for some reason. it just wasn’t appealing to me and the vocals, although really good, bothered me.

so beautiful FUCK

Melodic and beautifully sung but unaffecting and forgettable. Maybe it's me.

Where has this album been all my life? This is exactly the type of thing I love!!! The songwriting, the vibes, the VOICE. I can’t even decide what my favorite song is, I love and am deeply moved by them all. I listened to this twice yesterday and will keep it downloaded and listen to it many more times. So influential to SO much music I love. Sad girl Rosetta Stone.

There is a theatrical quality to Fiona Apple's voice that uniquely colors this record, which is inherently a marriage of alternative indie and soft-rock/jazz. Resonant and deep characteristics of her voice paint robustness - while unconventional for female vocals, it stands as a mesmerizing complement to the overall arrangement. Musically conducted in unison and uncomplicated, 'Tidal' serves as a great invention that subtly yet faithfully reflects Fiona Apple's life journeys.

God damn what an album. Every song is varied and yet fit together excellently. Her voice seems to add something different to every single track. It's one of those albums where as soon as you try to think of your favorite track, a small part of the first track to naturally pop into your head - maybe a specific rhythm, an interval, an instrument, the tempo, anything - reminds you of another equally good track, which then reminds you of a third, and so on until you've gone through every track and returned to the first one again. And you can do so many such loops because every time a track pops into your head you identify a new aspect of it that you liked.

Not a fan, sorry! Never heard anything more than the singles in here before today. About halfway through the album she sings in a higher register and I received it like sweet relief from her normal singing voice, which to me sounds flat, both in terms of tone and intonation. She also sings with a "tough guy" attitude on some songs that feels unnatural to me. I like all the vibes and marimbas throughout the record. The music is otherwise not all that interesting to me and some of her lyrics sound awkward. I guess you can tell I never understood her appeal.

Girl next door aesthetics applied to the female diva stylistic. Female Jeff Buckley vocals, set back by the unimaginative musical backdrop. Probably influential, since everything that came after it sounds exactly the same. Shame, since all the Billies, Marinas, St. Vincents of today really watered down the style, despite the higher production value.

Instrumentals were nice. Apple sounds like she's trying too hard to be breathlessly sexy. She failed

This album is wayyyy better than “Fetch the Bolt Cutters”. There are actually several good songs on here, Criminal being just one of them, which honestly didn’t stand out to me. Never is a Promise really stuck out to me for some reason. Lots of switches in and out of dissonance, chest voice and falsetto. Really impressive and beautiful. I came into this expecting to give 2 stars maximum, but this is a really high quality album.

Too down tempo and jazzy for my liking. She does have a nice voice however.

The good news here is that Fiona Apple seems to have remembered how to end a song. The not so great news is that it is still Fiona Apple, containing all the likability an artist should have to achieve her success, but just leaving the experience in a scattered, existential crisis of why this album should be heard prior to death.

Once again going last allows me to say I agree with all of you in one way or another. I wanted to like this one so much more than I did. “Sleep to Dream” is a banger and though I probably hadn’t heard it in ten+ years I was surprised by how many of the words I knew despite never owning this album. “Criminal,” on the other hand, didn’t spark the same level of enthusiasm now as I had for it when it was released. And that was the one song I definitely associated with this album and, really, with Fiona Apple overall. I don’t know… something about the drum sound? The drums felt mushy to me here with a few exceptions. And like Alex, I too was sadly bored by a lot of this. As in, pretty much every song after “Criminal.” I didn’t hate them and the last song stood out a little, but that one two punch of “Slow Like Honey” and “The First Taste” lost me and I never quite recovered. But! I think you’re right, too, Craig! I did find myself thinking as I was listening that this album probably would be extremely well-received if it came out right now. I think she would be treated differently by the press than she was back in the day and it seems like there are an awful lot of young listeners who are drawn to the vibe of a song as much as they are the catchiness of a melody or anything else. I’ve tried listening to Phoebe Bridgers, for example, and found that dull as paint but boy do people younger than me seemingly adore her. Or put a young Fiona Apple on tour with Billie Eilish and I wouldn’t blink an eye. I think this album would fit right in, yet still be it’s own thing and there’s something to say for that. Also, can you imagine if she had married Paul Thomas Anderson? Maybe she would’ve shown up in INHERENT VICE and that would’ve been weird.

uma deusa uma louca

Woah! What an amazing album. This is my first time listening to Fiona. Shocking, right. What a vocalist and what a lyricist. Every song is amazing and just hauntingly beautiful. Long live Fiona!

ICONIC ALBUM

Yes, I fancy her. I would shave off her pubic hair and keep it in a jar to eat at a later date.

I was always given the impression that people with external genitalia we're not equipped to "get" Fiona Apple. So I didn't really listen to anything she'd done until this album. I was pleasantly surprised by the first few tracks. Then I was pleasantly surprised by the next few tracks. Then... the whole thing fell apart. "Slow Like Honey" marked the beginning of the end. The album just drowned itself in self-indulgent, singer-songwtiter twaddle. Shame.

I don't get this. A couple of slightly tickly songs - 'Shadowboxer', 'Criminal' - cant compensate for what is a mostly dull excursion. I don't like Apple's voice very much, the songs are overly (as in, unnecessarily) long, and an underheated production job certainly doesn't help. This review is boring I realise, but I don't think I'm doing the album any disservice as a consequence.

Fiona é incrível e esse CD tem algumas das melhores músicas da carreira dela. Ainda descobrindo na personalidade dela e seguindo algumas fórmulas, mas você já sente o que viria pela frente. Um dos meus CDs favoritos

Classic artist and songwriter. Her voice, her lyrics, her harmonies and melodies - all beautiful. The passion and emotion she infuses in her music makes this record timeless and one to always feel empowered by. Grateful to have experienced Fiona during her peak.

Love Fiona. This was an amazing album when it came out - every song is great but SIX hit singles out of ten tracks? Greatness. And a perfect broody soundtrack for my angsty teen self. Swanky and jazzy at times, ragey and rocking at others, I really enjoyed the range of emotions displayed here.

'Tidal' is like a musical tidal wave – it swept me off my feet, left me drenched in its brilliance, and now I can't decide if I need a life jacket or just want to ride the waves again.

Le piano est très fort, il est en parfaite symbiose avec la voix. Une découverte très plaisant à écouter. J’ai bien aimé Je l’évite, écouter l’album en boucle, les tounes se ressembles beaucoup Je levite le piano fou raide

She's very talented but didn't really grab me.

I thought I'd find her voice more grating than I do. Not my thing, but... I get it.

"This world is bullshit" - Fiona Apple, 1997 MTV VMA Awards Every generation seems to have its own real-life Howard Beale. That said, in true Gen-X style, this album is less about anger at others and much more about angst in one's self. Alanis Morrisette comparisons are tempting, but Fiona feels much more put-together, both in her incredible piano playing and in her withering putdowns. Feels like the cool girl you were too intimidated to talk to in class - except Fiona's poetry was actually pretty good.

I wish I could give this a 6/5. I love this record SO much. I can't believe she was only 18 when this came out. I can't really explain how much this record means to me. Maybe to some people it's indulgent or tedious, to me it means everything in the world and more. I don't think I've ever felt so understood by a record or artist. I wish I could bury myself inside this record forever.

Wow. This was a mind blowing listen. I’ve always been rather fond of Fiona Apple, though admittedly only from the radio singles I’ve heard here and there. I’ve never actively sat down and listened to one of her records, and man am I ever glad I did. This is an absolutely gorgeous record. It’s impeccable from top to bottom. The tone is dark and defiant, it’s introspective and sharp as hell, but there’s this overarching softness and vulnerability to it. Instrumentally it’s excellent, you can tell that the musicians working on it really felt the music, and it sounds like it was a very fun album to record. Fiona’s piano work is absolutely fantastic. “Shadowboxer” stands out as my favourite song instrumentally, its slow and driving piano riff is equal parts smoky jazz hall and film noir waltz. It’s such an intensely dark song, and it’s so beautiful in that darkness. Vocally it’s absolutely incredible, Fiona’s voice is so soulful and deep, and every note feels very intentional in the best way possible. The breathy vocalizations on “Slow Like Honey” are enough to send shivers down one’s spine. Lyrically this album is absolute poetry in its purest and most wonderful form. It’s emotional and sad and powerful, it’s deep and brave and confessional. One listen to “Pale September” and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. I truly feel richer for having given this album the time it deserves. I’m looking forward to diving further into Fiona Apple’s discography in the future. I’d give this one 6* if I could.

my least favorite fiona apple album and still absolutely fantastic

Absolute force of nature. Imagine writing this at 19??? Just love her voice and talent.

She's awesome.

the criminal video still peak 90s cinema

😍😍

Really cohesive album - songs blend together well.

Yasss

Was sad it over. Good to great 4.5

Totalny pop banger

Didn't like it at first, but it's a masterpiece

Love the silky jazz. Instant add.

I loved the depth of the instrumentation on parts of the album, especially the closing track

Oui China l'écoute souvent. Très bon premier album et en plus la suite des choses est encore meilleure selon moi.

Super belle voix Mme Spektor... euh j'veux dire Florence... euh j'veux dire Fiona. Je trouve que le style chansonnière indie fin 90 - 2000 sonne un peu pareil, mais c'est doux et écorchant à la fois. C'est beau. Il y a quelque chose de blues aussi sur certaines tracks, jazz ou r&b sur d'autres. Chapeau aux girls des années 90, j'aime bien Alanis Morrissette et Tori Amos, mais je connaissais pas vraimenr Fiona, ça pourrait devenir un classique. Pale September laisse présager Norah Jones. Incroyable quand même tout ce talent à 19 ans.

Fantastisk fin klang i det dype toneleie. Ni av de ti låtene er virkelig bra. Fin stemning gjennom hele plata og kontinuerlig krydret med deilige melodier fra bandet i bakgrunnen.

Veel gehoord van Fiona Apple, maar zelf nog niet echt ingedoken en ik denk dat ik dat na dit album ga doen. Topalbum! Is dit PJ Harvey's zus? 5.0

My high school girlfriend had this album and she and I both loved it. I have almost all of these songs in my current music collection, so I've heard those many, many times and they are so, so incredibly good. The writing, the performance, the recording, the production -- everything is immaculate. Every single song is one of my favorite songs. Fiona Apple is so, so good, I have a hard time putting it into words. It blows my mind that this was her first album. She came out of the gate so hard and just knocked it out of the park. If I could give six stars, I would. Five stars.

Love this! Her voice and the arrangements are beautiful. Favorite songs were Sleep to Dream, Criminal, Slow Like Honey, Never Is a Promise, and Carrion.

Man the instrumentals are so fire, they really hit. Not only that but there was a coherence and tactility to the album which makes it really stand out as one of her best, combined with the intensity of the jazz chords going on its awesome. My only concern is that there isnt as much breathing room to sit with her spectacular lyrics in between the hard hitting melodies and ornate sounds, but its only a minor quip.

This is a great album. When it popped up, my daughter screamed “you’re gonna love it” and she was right. Her smoky and rich voice, along with some great piano playing make for a great combination. Of course, I love piano in songs, and one of my favorite modern artists is Sara Bareilles. Apple’s voice isn’t nearly as great as SB’s, but it’s perhaps cooler and certainly strong in its own right. I already knew that Criminal was an excellent tune, but there’s a lot more which is great on this record. Sleep To Dream was released as a single before Criminal, which is too bad, as that probably would have built on or at least consolidated the success of Criminal if it was released afterwards. I loved Pale September too. Her voice sounds excellent on this tune. There’s a series of other well constructed songs as well. Bottom line is that this is an excellent album, especially for a debut. There’s an amazing sophistication about this album for how young she was when she recorded it. Really a great effort.

fuck yes

yes i am biased and yes this album is also incredible

Really enjoyed the songs I haven't heard before. Really like her piano playing too since it obviously is so integrated with her lyrics and voice like Tori Amos.

Honestly such a pleasant surprise, not at all what I expected after seeing it won awards for rock but it is just a really good slow pop ballad/jazzy album, loved the piano throughout, good few of these songs going into my everyday playlists. Gonna listen to more Fiona apple to see if I like the rest of her discography now too

Forgotten all about Fiona Apple. Took me right back. Knew a few tracks, lover getting to know the rest. Best new album for me so far

I'd heard several songs from the album before, but was still somehow surprised by how good it was. Crazy to think how young she was when it came out.

Really solid album, I’ve been looking for more pop music I this vein tbh. Kinda feels like Amy wine house, Billie Eilish in a way. Just vibing music I can sit and listen to for a day, and hearing her albums get better from there is a nice sound. I think this is a low 5, I love it and could put it on just to vibe to. The music, her voice is phenomenal.

jadore

Smooth sultry and great for dinner parties

I love angry vengeful women and I love fiona apple

I haven't heard this album in a long while. Objectively it's very good, albeit a tad sad - strong rhythms, delicious vocals. She seems to have an "old soul" for an 18 year old. Favorite songs: Shadowboxer, Criminal, Sleep to Dream, The First Taste, Never Is a Promise, Carrion.

What we needed. Such a talent.

Amazing album, I did a real deep dive this weekend. And this morning again. It is maybe 2 or 3 songs too long..

buen álbum de rock que no es muy en tu cara ni trata de hacer nada más de lo que no sabe que no es capaz, magnífico y tranquilo

heard this many times before today, fiona apple's one of my favs Sleep to Dream - 5/5 Sullen Girl - 4/5 Shadowboxer - 5/5 Criminal - 5/5 Slow Like Honey - 3/5 The First Taste - 5/5 Never Is a Promise - 5/5 The Child Is Gone - 4/5 Pale September - 5/5 Carrion - 5/5 Average score: 4.6/5 (rounding up)

Great talent, 18 at the time of this album! Precocious percussion throughout, and the outré outro to Criminal sneaks this into 5* territory

I can't believe that she made this at 19, jesus christ

10/10 Fiona doesn’t have a single bad song, — let alone a bad album — one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever heard, and the way she grows and evolves throughout her discography without ever sacrificing quality in any way is truly as inspiring as it gets

Whew, stunning debut. It is hard to believe she is just 18 on this album. Her love-weary lyrics, husky alto voice, and jazzy piano arrangements drip with hard-earned experience. I was transfixed.

What a debut, Fiona absolutely crushes this album. Indie alt rock that really stands out against her contermporaries from the decade, there are some absolutely stunning songs here. My favorite is Slow Like Honey, by far, but Sleep to Dream and of course Criminal standout as well. This is a lot better than Fetch the Bolt Cutters, which I still enjoyed, but it isn't on the same plane as this.

I would die for Fiona Apple.

This is one of those albums that I never really listened to much when it came out, but obviously should have. The only modern singer I can think of with this kind of vocal capability and uniqueness is Adele. There are so many other singers out there that come nowhere close to this. The singing in here matches the tone of the music so well; she's got such a great lower registry and all of the feel of a smoky jazz lounge without seeming overly forced. The whole thing is great; there's not a bad track on here.

God she's great. What a voice. A heavy nostalgia hit despite not owning the album. When Criminal aired on MTV... YOU WATCHED IT.

1996 US. Chamber pop, jazz pop. !!!!!

One of the best albums of all time!

A masterpiece and includes my all time favorite song to sing sincerely to myself.

Great album, great voice and arrangements. I like the jazz feeling.

Lovely tunes.

A dark and beautiful album that showcases Fiona Apple’s talents very well. A pleasant surprise for me.

GREATNESS. We love Fi Fi.

Fiona apple is one of my favorite artists. Her album tidal is a great reason why. The track first taste is my absolute favorite. I love her vocals and creative instrumentation.

Beautiful. Just beautiful till the end. Bravo!

One of my favorites; every single song is good.

I love her

I will admit that I’m maybe a little bit biased because I had such a crush on Fiona Apple in high school, but this is great stuff!

Perfect album for this dreary, rainy day. Have always loved her voice and the instrumentation on this record. Great stuff.

Fantastic debut. I still listen to it often.

Gorgeous album, Fiona Apple has such a powerful voice.

One of the sassiest, most vulnerable, haunting, and consistent albums I’ve ever heard. Didn’t pay too much attention to the vocals on first listen but excited to revisit several times

This is an absolute masterpiece and one of the best first albums ever made.

Sehr toll! Ein variables Album, das ich sehr genossen habe. Ihre Stimme ist schön rauh und badass, aber auch sehr wandelbar zu einer brustigen, gefühlten Führung oder einer luftig-melancholischen Stimmung. Die Songs sind sowohl bezüglich Rhythmen als auch Harmonien interessant und enjoyable. In Sleep to Dream gefällt mir der Wechsel von reiner Drums-Begleitung zu Harmonien in Synthie und mehrstimmigen Singstimmen. Der Wechsel zu Sullen Girl gelingt durch die akustische Klavierbegleitung, weniger Perkussion und einer Wandlung ihrer Stimme von dunkel-wütend zu luftig-traurig. Shadowboxer gefällt mir auch sehr gut, mit seinen jazzy-Harmonien und mit ihrer brustigen, triefenden Stimme. Criminal ganz anders, die Perkussion, Stimme und Lyrics frech, Harmonien passend dazu und teilweise überraschende Wendungen. Insgesamt etwas mehr Rock‘n‘Roll Vibe. Slow like Honey ein ganz anderer, verlangsamter Trott und ihre Stimme wieder eine andere, ein sexy-melancholischer James-Bond-Vibe im ganzen Song, ich liebe die dissonanten Harmonien. Ich bin der Meinung, ab In the First Taste fällt das Album etwas ab. Allerdings finde trotzdem in jedem Song noch etwas, das mir gefällt oder mir zu Denken gibt. In the First Taste klingt ihre Stimme sehr trocken abgemischt und der Song entwickelt sich zu einem wiederum sehr anderen, poppig angehauchten Stück. Sowohl dieser als auch der nächste Song ist schnulziger, langweilig-poppiger. Aber ich finde trotzdem so beeindruckend, wie ihre Stimme in jedem Song etwas anders klingt, in Never is a Promise z.B. sehr poppig und luftig in der Kopfstimme. The Child is Gone finde ich weiterhin etwas langweilig, dafür gefällt mir in Pale September der verminderte Akkord sehr gut. In Carrion finde ich den Takt- und Rhythmus sehr positiv überraschend.

This album is stunning. I remember having it on a loop for years. I forget about Fiona Apple sometimes but I’m always excited to be reminded.

My forever girl