Reviews (page 6 of 13)
I’ve heard Fiona Apple’s name so often, and she seems to be of the “your favorite artist’s favorite artist” variety. I found this album really intriguing and I want to look into her more. 4/5
Not Fiona Apple's best album, but it's truly remarkable that she was a teenager when she wrote and recorded this album. I struggle to think of many more mature debuts.
Forgot how good she is. Need to add this to the breakup rotation
Me gusta Fiona
Pre: Criminal is easily in my personal top 100 songs every written list Post: I didn't like it quite as much as I anticipated but I liked it a lot. It also gave me the amazing experience of having my born-12-years-after-this-album's-release daughter walk into my office and immediately say "hey, is that Fiona Apple?"
I'm not usually a huge Fiona Apple fan, but this album is absolutely great. There were a couple of songs early on that I didn't love, but the last half of the album is fantastic (especially the last track, Carrion).
I really never listened to this album tho I knew of it and knew it was popular. So I did for this challenge and loved it.
Great voice. Deserved / Deserves the accolades. Not a bad apple ion this record.
First year of highschool. I listened to this album a bunch. I remember when "when the pawn..." Came out and I thought it wasn't nearly as good. But now I like that one more.
Awesome! Took me a couple of listens to get into it, though.
I was very surprised to read that Fiona Apple was 18/19 when she wrote and recorded this. She displays a lot of maturity through her songwriting and the performances here. Tidal is full of classy, driving piano interplayed with Fiona Apple's husky style of vocals. She incorporates songwriting elements that keep the album engaging, for example the dissonant piano at the end of Criminal. Very cool that she was willing to try a few different things on her debut, and more often than not, they work well. Higglights: Carrion, Sleep To Dream, The First Taste
A very good songwriter and an excellent singer. It's not as cool and subversive as late era Fiona Apple, but it's still really atmospheric in the main. There are a couple of times when she sounds a bit like that singer who was famous for singing in the bar in Ally McBeal, and one song that sounds like it should be Geri Halliwell's follow up to Mi Chico Latino (when will we get that BTW), but in the main, lovely stuff.
nice, piano-laden songs, "Shadowboxer" the stand-out track
Yes please. Fiona Apple is one of those artists that I've been aware of for a very long time, but has never made her way into my music listening in any significant way. I've heard a lot of hype some some specific music content creators and certain people I've met who just rave about her. I can see why. This was a really creative, pointed album. It has such a unique sound, one that feels mysterious, dark, sad, serious, and at times melancholy. It draws you in because you want to know more about what's happening, about what you're hearing. Any album that's capable of this is a winner in my book. And that's not even mentioning the lyricism here, which is top notch. Seriously, it's poetry. This is an easy four stars. Loved it. Standout Tracks: Sleep to Dream, Criminal, Slow Like Honey, Never is a Promise, The Child is Gone, Carrion
If it ain’t Fiona apple then I don’t give a good godamn! Love it
Love me a bit if Apple Prefer her 2nd album though
Great voice!
The more closely I listened to this, the more I liked it. At first I was just relieved it's less kooky and challenging than 'Fetch The Bolt Cutters' but then I started to find it samey and wished she'd taken a few more risks after all. Then I listened to it a couple more times and thought, yeah ok. She does a fair amount of rocking out and there's a range of subtly different styles that showcase her fabulous voice. It reminds me a lot of Beth Gibbons but the production isn't quite at Portishead levels. Nevertheless, by the time I'd had a third go, I was really enjoying it. Probably more on me for not really giving it enough attention at first.
Excellent indy alt
1st ever fiona apple album for me
I enjoyed it, and would listen again but not something I'd normally pick on my own.
This is not a casual album to listen to. It’s heavy, deep, dark and complex. I can see why it got such high critical reviews. The lyrics are complicated and eclectic. The instrumentation is unusual in a lot of the tracks. I actually liked it more than I anticipated.
I came into this album not having a clue about Fiona Apple and having no clue what to expect. I have to say that this is a very unique album and I mean that in a good way. There is a delicate balance between the beautiful nature of the tracks with some powerful lyrics. She written all this in her teen years? Damn. Looking through the reviews, I glad someone singled out Never Is A Promise. I don’t know what it is, but that was my favorite from this album, even more so than the singles (which are still very good). That song was fucking beautiful, a slow and empowering song. Favorite track: Never Is A Promise Other hits: Criminal, Sleep to Dream, Sullen Girl, Shadowboxer, The First Taste
This was a lot better than I expected. I really only knew Criminal, and didn't love that song enough when I was in middle school to seek out this album. Appears I was missing out a bit. 4.5 stars
First listen. Quite good.
# Notes - I've only came to know Fiona Apple when she released the (amazing) [[Fiona Apple, Fetch the Boltcutters]]. - I've heard a few tracks before, sure, but never a full album. - Very cohesive, consistent album throughout. Great opener, nice mood swing from "Shadowboxer" to "Criminal". - I don't *love* every track, and it gets a bit tiring here and there. She really puts her out singing and it weights on you. - Even if it's not your favorite genre, definitely worth a listen! 4/5
Very cozy piano songs.
achei q n ia gostar um pouco adele e amy winehouse música pra transar
Lovely and lively. Alternative approach to artsy and soulful music. I always knew of Fiona but never gave her the time except for her 2020 album "Fetch the Bolt Cutters". I hear so much influential components here; Emily Haines and Amy Winehouse specifically come to mind immediately but the trail blazing Ms. Apple did on her way up was prominent. She started swiftly with "Tidal". I really enjoyed this one.
This was really good.
I used to put this CD on and sit and stare at those eyes. What a relief. The record does trail off a bit for the last couple songs, but overall really great.
Certainly a fantastic album. The 90s were some great years for music. Some songs are better than other but, overall, a great album.
Great album. Criminal gets stuck on my head every time I listen to it. 7/10
God she's so good. I remember that I listed to so much Fiona before I dropped out of uni. What ever that means, read into it what you will. But as always she delivers, with great lyrics, music and very evident talent. I rate this 8/10
Consistently beautiful, often stunning. Fiona is a genius. Very close to a 5, though a couple of the songs are a bit slow for my taste.
Fantastic
This Album is pretty good. Fiona’s voice is really relaxing and soothing. I really like „Never is a promise“. I like the others too but this one was just really the one were I thought „this is it“
Fiona Apple’s debut album Tidal is a striking statement from an artist who, even at nineteen, managed to express emotional depth with rare poise and vulnerability. It’s an album drenched in complex, heavy themes: trauma, desire, isolation, defiance. Yet what’s remarkable is how accessible and listenable it all remains. She doesn’t dilute the emotional weight of her lyrics, but she wraps them in elegant, often ethereal arrangements that draw you in instead of pushing you away. There’s something spellbinding about the atmosphere of “Tidal”. The production is lush but never overbearing, allowing Fiona’s husky voice to float atop jazz-tinged pianos and slow-burning rhythms. Tracks like “Shadowboxer” and “Never Is a Promise” have an airy, dreamlike quality that gives the listener space to reflect, while still hitting hard lyrically. That ability to marry intimacy with grandeur -to sound almost weightless while exploring such grounded, personal themes - is where the album really shines. What’s especially admirable is how Fiona manages to convey anger, sadness, and longing in ways that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. There’s a clarity in her writing that cuts through the metaphor, even when she’s at her most poetic. Songs like “Sleep to Dream” don’t just express emotion — they channel it, making it feel tangible and urgent without becoming melodramatic. That balance is difficult to strike, but she pulls it off with surprising maturity. If the album has a flaw, it’s that its pacing can occasionally drift. A few of the slower tracks blend into each other and slightly undercut the impact of the stronger, more distinct songs. But even then, the album’s cohesive mood and emotional honesty carry it through. Each listen reveals more detail, a testament to the layers Fiona worked into her compositions. 4/5
Liked it! Didn't hit as hard as bolt cutters but I liked it all the same
Great and powerful album, though it does start to drag a little at the end. The front 3/4ths more than makes up for it though
- 10/10 songs added to main playlist - An artist I’ve been meaning explore - She has a very interesting (positive) voice - Kind of a blues-y/soul sound I enjoy - Very beautifully album - I think the pop/rock combination really works here. Best parts of each genre + some soft piano. All over the place in a good way - Favorite song: Criminal
Bien
Solid album, probably won't listen again though
Fiona Apple is amazing. Fan of a few of her other albums, but have never listened to this one other than the hits.
4☆/5 10.21.2024
Having never heard Fiona Apple previously, it took a few listens for her voice and music to grow on me. Every song on this album brings something different and interesting. A good system revealing the bass instrumentation helps fill her sound out, otherwise a bit thin. Favorites are Sleep To Dream, Criminal and Never Is A Promise which has the vibe of a musical.
Chick rock at it best. Strong energy all across the board. Jams with some serious muscle behind them. A good listen.
Forgotten how good Shadowboxer is.
Superb voice.
actually pretty good
sad jungle music
molto soft, molto dolce, mi piace. non da ascoltare sempre ma nei momenti di bisogno di relax.
Fiona Apple establishes herself as a clear talent with this one. The music is very technically proficient and really showcases her strong songwriting, and her voice elevates her smart lyrics. 'Criminal' is a masterpiece and actually greatly improves the quality of this album. None of the songs disappoint, but they can sound the same after awhile, leaving the listener a little bored. Still, a great achievement in music.
Apple’s voice is soulful, rich, and perfectly captures the intensity of her lyrics. The production is beautiful as well. There’s a moody atmosphere that runs through the whole album with pianos and guitars weaving together to create a dark and jazzy vibe. It’s not always an easy listen but the honesty, passion, and musicality are undeniable. It is a deeply personal album that demands to be felt as much as heard.
Great album. Very unique sound to Fiona Apple and to the mid 90s. Has deep singer songwriter vibes. Will definitely listen to it again. First half of the album is better than the second.
I had a girlfriend who performed a striptease to ‘Criminal’ for me once upon a time. I’m sorry - my impartiality for this album has been corrupted. Also, I love belting out “Shadowboxing” in various octaves with varying levels of proficiency. So yeah, I like this album even if the second half kinda murmurs itself to sleep.
GENUINELY RLLY GOOD STUFF. UNEXPECTED 4/5
This album works best when the songs feelnless conventional. When it's all creaks, groans and Apple feels equal parts desperate and menacing. The more traditional songs, usually stripped down to just pianos and strings hold my interest less.
Kind of like Amy Winehouse's debut, Apple's first album shows off her amazing talent while also - in light of the direction her later work would go - showing some attempt to fit into less quirky, more straightforward song structures and genres that her later albums throw off entirely. I don't mind Apple aping Nina Simone or other jazz greats, but I definitely love her later albums more - and think of them as being more 'her.'
Sleep to Dream, Shadowbox, and Criminal are some of her best songs, so not surprising that the rest of the album doesn't sustain those highs, but still
The debut from Fiona Apple is damn good, albeit slightly stuck in the 90s, and clearly positioned her as a notch above her contemporary peers.
Fiona Apple has always been above and beyond. Her jazzy and wonderfully emotional debut proves that.
I really liked this, lyrically rich and sonically gorgeous. My only complaint is every song being over 5 minutes! This would have been 5 stars for me honestly if it was 10 minutes shorter.
So this was really nice and chilled. I like Fiona Apple’s voice. I should have listened more closely to the lyrics, but I was running when I listened so I probably didn’t get the most out of it, but I still enjoyed it.
#68 - I quite enjoyed this, creatively produced original music!
Great songs, fantastic voice and angry lyrics. I like it a lot. Pop art at its best. Sleep to dream, sullen girl and shadow boxer are great songs and Carrion is a lovely way to finish the album. There are so many good songs on this album 6/10 are / were big hits. Favourite song: Shadow boxer Least favourite: Never is a promise was a little boring. Album artwork: Lovely eyes!!
9/27/24. Banger of a debut! First time giving this a listen outside of Criminal. Fantastic songs and very unique, great singing and songwriting.
It was great when I first listened and it was great when I listened again. Great songwriting but personally nothing I connect with enough to warrant a 5
She's great.
Largement préféré cet album à son dernier que j'ai eu dans cette liste. Elle chante vraiment bien, l'instrumentation accompagne parfaitement sa voix. 8/10
After a really strong start, with soulful, jazz inflected songs and the right amount of intricate production and experimentation, Tidal lost steam for me in the second half.
Fijne stem, lekker rustig. prima album om aan te hebben, voor op de achtergrond met andere dingen , maar geen focus. beetje jazzy achtig? nummers voelen wel alsof ze heel lang duren, maar dat valt op zich ook wel mee eigenlijk
Good songs, solid voice.
Not really sure what to think of this, I think it definitely needed extra listens to get my head around it
Good
piano jazzy pop, music i like 😀 Favorite track: shadowboxer other picks: criminal, slow like honey, never is a promise
i’ve got lots of respect for fiona apple, and this record only reinforces it. her voice is beautiful, and the songs often go in directions you wouldn’t think they would, keeping the music nice and refreshing. i always think of apple as an autumnal album, so this was very apt, given the cold weather. looking forward to hearing more fiona.
Pretty good. Album cover reminds me Sinead O’Connor
4/5 I thought it was pretty good! Very chill and vibey
Like this a lot! Most of the Fiona Apple songs I listen to r from her 1999 album n I think I like those a bit better but she’s so good
I went from never having heard of Fionna Apple to having listened to two albums within a week. This album was definitely better than the last one which was her most recent from 2020. Feels 90s but in a good way? I do think this is the kind of album that teenage girls based their entire identity around and I would love for someone to confirm that. She has a nice voice which touches into a darker deeper side of singing that most female singers never seem to really go into. The background music fits the bill but is pretty shallow as to let her vocals really shine. Overall pretty good album even if its not my preferred style/genre of music. 7/10
Green eggs and ham. I do like Fiona Apple, Sam I am. Always took her for the cut rate Alanis, but what a voice, great musicians and strong songwriting and performance. Damn.
Awesome lyrics!!!!
Brought back memories as I hadn’t listened to this since the 90s!
Ha! And here's another album from HS. This time someone I paid zero attention to at the time. Why would I care about some chick banging on the piano and singing when I'm listening to shit that rocks hard?? Now, close to 30 years later I'm realizing I should have had a more open mind. She's great
Moody, angsty…I love it.
A hug of an album. Apparently Fiona wants to redo this album a là Taylor Swift because her "voice was too pretty" the first time around. I don't know if that quote is true, but her voice is very good! I guess what a critic in the music biz would call a 'slice of neo(?)-soul'. Good stuff from Fiona! Your arty divorced mum's favourite album from when she met your dad. Somewhere between 3.75 to 4.95 stars. Bada bing, bada boom! :)
High end indie pop/rock with jazzy elements, more than solid songwriting, undeniable talent. Knowing her progress I am aware that she hasn‘t found her Voice, yet. Soulfull affectations and a focus on a sex appeal cover up the true Fiona Apple. Still: Great Album!
Objektiv gut, mir bischen zu intense. Stilistisch vielseitig, genug Musik für 3 Alben
Man I love the drum grooves on this album. Absolute gem! Listening: During busy period of work - high humidity knackered from lunch time skate. Very enjoyable experience. Favourite: Slow like honey
Feels like finally understanding where your sister was coming from after all these years Very good but I can't see myself coming back to it very often. Very Come and See-y Best tracks: Shadowboxer, Criminal, Slow Like Honey, The First Taste, Pale September, Carrion Light 8 - Strong 8 Cover - 7/10
Shadowboxer is under-appreciated. First Taste another standout song on this album. Never is a Promise launched her - beautiful arrangement.
Very solid start
Very good work 4
There were so many strong female voices in the 90s and Fiona Apple is one of them. I had never listened to this album in its entirety and am impressed by her range and talent.
4.5 rounded down FIONAAAAAA far from her best but its ok. she was a child basically highlights: shadowboxer, criminal, the first taste (aug 29 2024)
Very much enjoyed this album, I'll be taking some time to check out her other albums.
save me white girl a bit stylistically one note for a 50 minute album but u could pick worse styles, certainly ones that are less totally up my ally...pianos, jazzy harmony, and Reflective Teenager Lyrics. my current exhausted self was also very glad how much faith this has in relatively simple structures...easy to parse, easy to get sunk into, easy to enjoy. its not easy to write about anything tho lol im so tapped. great album tho! hope theres more then one of hers on here
It's a really good album I prefer it to her other album on the list You could release this today and it wouldn't sound dated. There is no way I'd guess 96 for this album. It's a 4 baby
Love Fiona's voice and songwriting. Admittedly she's not 100% in my wheelhouse though.
VMP
Great songs; diverse selection; good voice. Only a couple of annoying ones.
Hadn't listened to this album but I have listened to a couple of Fiona Apple albums before ( When The Pawn & Fetch the Bolt Cuters) both of which are great, but this album is by far for me better than both. Despite coming across very angry these are well crafted songs every track is great with Shadowboxer & Crimnal being my highlights.
Been a long time since I listen this one and wow it's good as I remember, not sure why I don't listen to this more often.
This is a solid record. Apple writes excellent songs and accompanies her compositions with a voice that was years beyond her age. Worth a listen every once in a while.
This is really not my type of music, but she does it well enough that I don’t mind. She’s a little bit jazzy and a bit bluesy, but it never seems like an affectation.
Right up my street. It’s gone straight into my album saves so I can relisten. I only picked up her music in the last few years with Fetch The Bolt Cutters so really good to go back
loved this album. very vibey and ethereal. a little more lowkey than my usual preference, but there's definitely a place for this in my regular rotation.
One of the most impressive things about this album is that Fiona Apple was only 18 when it came out. If she really did write her own lyrics based on personal experiences, then she was pretty mature for her age. What I enjoyed most about the album, though, is the music itself. I love the piano and the drumming on this album. The beats have a strong driving force, but they don’t overshadow the piano, which really drives the album. The combination of the two works very well together, and the production behind it is pretty solid too.
banger after banger
I like her later albums more
Sultry, sullen, and sexy. I couldn't get enough of this album when it was first released in 1996. Never latched onto anything else she ever released, but this album is pretty incredible.
Tidal is a vibe. Man it's a sensual rich tapestry of foreboding, but groovy songs. I found it to be a bit repetitive on a full listen, but it didn't detract from the experience.
Fiona Apple must have been an bigger artist in the States as I do not remember her name or music from back in the day. Musically and lyrically soild. I will be checking out her other records. Stand out tracks: - Sleep to dream - Shadowboxer - Criminal - Never is a promise
Despite the nineties influence that previously I did not like, this album has a timeless feeling that made it enjoyable to listen through
Chill and enjoyable, had a pretty relaxed vibe throughout without being boring.
My kids are really into Olivia Rodrigo right now so we have been listening to a lot of her music. I will be honest that I have turned a corner on her and think she’s actually a pretty impressive pop artist. But every time I hear one of these teenage pop artists that sort of crawled out of a production studio laboratory, it always makes me long for artists like Fiona Apple, who I deem to be more authentic, and to be an overall better songwriter. They’re singing about the same things, but FA just did it in a way that rang more true and impressively. Of course I was like 15 when this album came out, so I’m sure I carry some bias. But I have a feeling that 40-year old Olivia Rodrigo will not come close to an album like Fetch the Bolt Cutters.
I have always heard Fiona Apple’s albums were worth my time and I’ve been sleeping on her for too long. I only knew Criminal on this album, which was nostalgic to listen to, but was pleasantly surprised by the entire rest of the album, both musically and lyrically. Will be checking out more of her music!
pretty good album here. the highs were certainly high - i particularly enjoyed 'sleep to dream' and 'criminal.' the production on this one is still pretty sharp. i thought particularly towards the middle of the album it got a little dull. i know that fiona apple's music is widely acclaimed, especially after this one, so i am eager to listen to more of her music because i could definitely see moments of brilliance on this one. it was just a bit uneven at points for my taste.
I get all the hype.. Fiona is one of a kind. Wish I had some fine wine to sip on while dancing in my kitchen
The voice, piano, the production and all the balance throughout is so good. The words are full of the blues…
I can see why folks compare her to Alanis but I'd sooner compare this album to Amy Winehouse or even Portishead. The wiki writeup leaves much to be desired in terms of production coverage. I found this elsewhere: [“She didn’t have all the songs written, and for a long time, it was just me trying to find out what kind of sound she liked— Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and the hip-hop records. So, we started from there.” Slater said in an interview with Spin.] Super cool! Dig it! 4
I really enjoyed this! I've been aware of Fiona Apple for some time, but digging into her biography was an interesting read. She's been going at it for a while with a sparsely populated discography, but every time she does drop something it's apparently to critical acclaim. This being her first release I'm hoping to get another album to see how it varies. Otherwise this might be one of the first artists I just check out other albums on my own!
The songwriting on this album lifts it to 4 stars or B- for me.
I liked that this album used a mix of instruments led by piano. It added depth to a lot of the record. The songs were sung great and had lyrics with a ton of substance. There is some Latin influence in this album which also works great. Favorite songs: Sleep To Dream, Criminal, The First Taste
Another first. Thoroughly enjoyed
Day#1 Boy this is gonna be tough but im hyped less go
I’d forgotten how good this album is. Such a unique voice.
I’ve tried to listen to Fiona Apple before and didn’t love it. Maybe it was my mood or something because this was great. She is such an icon and I feel so cool being like yeah I’m listening to Fiona Apple. She’s the perfect addition to brat summer!
Very nice album
90/100 This is the second album I've heard before and again I knew beforehand how truly great it is. Fiona Apple is probably my favourite pop singer of all time. And even with how amazing this album is she can do even better and has done so later in her career
a solid melody and piano driven album. it drags in the middle a bit but finishes strong.
Excellent album with lyrics I want to go back to explore and varcgy songs that don't feel like they've aged a day.
Fantastic album filled with simmering anger. The Standouts are Sleep To Dream, Criminal, The First Taste, and The Child Is Gone.
I’m a 40 year old white guy from Boston whose favorite bands are Nirvana, Black Sabbath, and Queens of the Stone Age. And I’m not afraid to admit that, not only did I somehow already know about half of the songs on this album, I also really liked the other half that I didn’t know. Not necessarily going to be something I listen to all the time, but I can’t deny it’s a great album.
Never listened to much Fiona. Don't judge me. This is a pretty strong album. I guess especially for her first one at a young age.
Sultry jams.
It’s been a while, but finally I got another album I’d never heard, that I can imagine playing because I want to listen to it. Some songs are a little boring and drag on too long. The album in itself is also a little too long, but when Fiona showcases such great songwriting as in the first four tracks and Never is a Promise, I’ve got to 4 it
Loved "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" and wasn't familiar with this one outside of "Criminal". Really dig her loungey/smokey vocals and the songwriting that still sounds fresh and unique after almost 30 years. Very cool.
I was a fan of here from her cover of Across the Universe. This album I thought started out slow and got better through the album. I love her voice and think that I’d like to listen to more of Fiona Apple. She can sing!
Красивая, пусть не сильно запоминающаяся музыка. Втягивает в свою атмосферу и завораживает, манипулируя твоим настроением. Первый трек и шестой(кажется) хороши.
Pretty good. Would listen to it again.
Interesting, but I can’t describe it. It has a 90s stink on it. It does make me want to give fetch the bolt cutters another go
Great voice, great lyrics and some cool instrumental endings. Pretty solid album
I love Fiona. I think her later records are a bit better, but this is still great. For a 19 year old it's pretty incredible. Not quite a five for me, because of a slightly laggy middle.
Criminal is so good. Just makes me want to smoke.
criminal is suuuuuch a good song. i mean, does it carry the entire album... definitely. but man, that song is amazing that said, i can firmly say that i find myself to be a Fiona Apple fan. between Tidal and FTBC, i really dig her style. the moodiness, the brashness and honesty of her feelings. its a great piece of music.
This exceeded my expectations. I remember when it came out, but it was great to give this another try all these years later. Tidal has excellent piano-led songs that are beautifully produced and Apple's songwriting is great. I think this album has some of the best and timely mellotron I've heard. OK, I just looked it up and there's no mellotron on the album. It's actually a Chamberlin (a precursor to the mellotron...who knew!).
I had heard a few songs from this album before. Overall I thought this album was very good, and I do wish there was more piano and voice driven popular music in general. However, to me, this album got a little too something towards the end.
enjoyed, glad i got to roll it and looking forward to the other album by her on the list
Innovative, experimental, authentic, and profound. This shit hits hard. In my book, it’s a perfect nine. It lacks a replay value that would give it a perfect score. You can get these songs in your head and memorize them by heart, but not on the first listen. Not on the second and maybe third either. Otherwise, not a damn thing wrong with it. A very strong debut album. 4/5
steady album. one hit. good but a little down
Can't believe I hadn't listened in full before. Songs are long and meandering which I like but can get a bit tiring. The piano sounds really nice and Fiona's voice is so lovely. 4
very nice 4/5
Actually rather brilliant. Like Amy Winehouse meets Sade with a distinctly American twang.
It took me a while to get into Fiona Apple. I guess I considered her super-long album titles to be too pretentious and never took her music seriously. But I listened to Tidal for the first time probably 20 years after its original release, and this debut effort is my favorite of hers other than 2020’s Fetch the Bolt Cutters. Apple’s voice is tremendously powerful, and the fusion of hard rock and blues into what is essentially indie pop makes the whole album a powerhouse to listen to.
Thoughts before listening: Does this have "Criminal" on it? I'm pretty sure it does cause the second album has the crazy long name. "Criminal" is a great song, but I haven't paid much attention to Fiona Apple otherwise, despite massive critical obsession with every album she's put out. I'm glad to have a reason to listen to something that is so widely revered. Review: Man, I had forgotten just how many hits there are on here besides "Criminal". "Sleep to Dream" starts this off and is immediately recognizable as song that had a big impact upon its release. "Shadowboxer" is another song that I had forgotten about but was pleasantly reminded of this morning. In general, this is alt-rock music based around jazzy piano that has memorable songs that interest me much more at 43 than they would have at 15 when this album was released. The album lost steam a bit toward the end, but then finished with a bang with “Carrion”. 4-stars.
It's not my first time listening to Fiona Apple. Tidal is a great debut album, especially the first few tracks (it gets a bit sleepier in the second half, but I don't necessarily mind it). The lyrics are simple yet moving; I feel like she improves massively on her later albums which isn't a surprise considering she was still a teenager when this one came out. My only true complaint is that the instrumentation is a bit one-dimensional—which isn't necessarily a bad thing for this album—but I wish they would have leaned more into the jazzy element. I feel like the back half of the album could benefit greatly from a more varied production.
Love the lyrics. Extremely slay girl boss with some dare I say blues undertones. Really like her sound.
Super talented debut. So lyrically angry but controlled.
Good. I was aware of her and heard criminal back when it came out, but I was a teenager into louder stuff, and not all that interested. Genuine chamber pop (a term like psychedelic or polyrhythm that gets thrown around a lot here without necessarily applying). Cool variety of dance influenced to acoustic sort of stuff. Pretty mature songwriting and recordings especially given IIRC she wrote a lot of it in her teens. Apparently she just gets better, looking forward to it if any of thats on the list, if not will seek it out. Don't sleep to dream.
Well, the only way I know how to talk about music anymore is by comparing it to other music, so: It reminds me a bit of Weyes Blood if her music was more art-rock and less baroque. There's also some instrumentals in there which remind me of bands like Bark Psychosis? Super ambitious for an album made by an 18-year old. It didn't absolutely blow my mind, but overall it's pretty good.
Liked this one, listened on Friday (today is Monday) so I'm forgetting some of the details, but I remember I liked it. Never really got into Fiona Apple before, this is wild for a debut album.
I mostly missed the '90s, so I only knew "Shadowboxer." But the whole album is good, and I will definitely listen again.
Not my type of music, but I can definitely understand why someone would rate this album. Quite intimate music and the vocals neatly complement the instrumentals.
Surprised to find this as my first random choice. A singer like so many who I have 'heard of, but haven't heard anything by' I wasn't expecting the earth to move, but was really pleasantly surprised and will definitely be paying this more attention. I have also taken time to read up on Fiona and her terrible childhood experience, which makes this music all the more moving and powerful. A great start to my listening project and I will be buying a physical copy of this album ... probably before today is through ...
Have loved this album for a long time, glad I had a good excuse to cruise though it again. This album from Fiona is captivating from start to finish, such a unique talent.
Recognized most of the album so I apparently listened to this quite a bit when it first came out. As a 14 year old boy the music video for Criminal was….eye opening. I love Sleep to Dream as an album opener. And Fiona was doing a lil reggaeton with The First Taste before that became the drum beat of every pop song. Never is a promise is a very nice song. 3.75
This starts out as a clear 5* across the first 4-5 tracks, but loses a bit of steam from there. Still a very solid album that I've revisited several times in recent years. Absolutely insane she was only 18 when she debuted with this album. Her voice is incredible and I still remember the music video that accompanied Criminal. Great stuff. 4/5
I was wrong to dismiss Fiona Apple in the 90s.
So solid 5/7
Unexpected awesome R&B / Soul vibes. Timeless and seemingly looked too by modern artists that produced music decades after its release.
Very album. 8/10
This one really takes me back. Looking at it now as a 40-something, it’s pretty amazing that such mature music and lyrics were written while Apple was still in her teens.
Interesting moody pop.
Laidback 90s haunting vocals. Atmospheric instrumentals. Amazing how someone could make something so beautiful at 18 Favorites: Sullen Girl The First Taste Criminal Pale September 7/10 Slow but when it hits it SMACKS
Loved her voice. smoky 90s sound. Such a big voice from such a small woman.
7.5/10
A good album, I liked Sleep To Dream and Criminal.
Songs I hear quite frequently
Phenomenal voice
Not so much my kind of music, but the vocals are mesmerising and the songwriting talent is admirable.
"Sleep to Dream", "Shadow Boxer", "Criminal", and "Never is a promise" are the best singles and best tracks. The rest is very good but less memorable.
Lush genre defying pop with a deep slow groove and insistent rhythm. Draws on jazz and rock and RnB and trip hop to create a sultry lounge cabaret sound that rises and falls like a deep breathing exercise interspersed with sprints. Her low pitched voice delivers the reflective personal lyrics, ranging confidently from a hushed whisper to a charismatic storytelling, to an almost diva-like whirlwind. Way more musically interesting than her 90s folk singer songwriter contemporaries, the arrangements are so rich: piano driven, drum machines, ethereal slide guitar, xylophones, some sort of overdriven sitar thing? I've heard criminal a million times and it still holds up, the rest I've only rarely listened to, but it's very consistent in sound and quality, though the slower stuff drags a bit. Favorites: sullen girl, shadowboxer, criminal, child is gone
Enjoyed the album, good songwriting and lyrics
Good album, i prefer the first part.
Really talented, but the songs could be better.
thought it was so cool glad i listened to it on a long train journey added to the listening experience
Not sure if it’s an amazing coincidence or if this generator’s algorithm does this, but this is my third straight album released in 1996? I think I’ve listened to this one time before when I did a deep dive in Apple’s music when Fetch the Bolt Cutters came out, and I remember liking it. Sleep to Dream is a really strong opener with a unique sound and a beat that reminds me of Rain Dogs era Tom Waits. Shadowboxer is a stunning song. Great lyrics and imagery combined with a really incredible vocal performance. Listening to Tidal a few times on repeat I really gained a deeper appreciation for how powerful a vocalist Fiona is, her singing is really tremendous throughout the album. I always thought of her as an “alternative” artist, but there’s more jazz here than anything I can think of in the alternative space. She sounds way more like Billie Holiday than Liz Phair. Criminal probably has a lot to do with that alternative distinction. It’s the least jazzy track and was a massive hit, for good reason. I like the song way more now than I did as a kid in the 90’s - it’s definitely a song for grown ups. It’s a catchy as Apple has ever been, but it’s far from a “sellout” song. The back half of the album is very good, even if it lacks standout tracks it doesn’t take much away from the album as a whole. 4.5 stars.
Like
Really excellent album. Beautiful voice and deep and meaningful lyrics. Some standout songs, especially Criminal. 4.5.
This album arrived at the perfect ‘90s moment: young, female singer-songwriters with an edge were all over the airwaves and on tour. It felt the culture was wide open and could embrace them as easily as grunge or Hip-Hop. Fiona Apple’s record landed right in the middle of all that. Well-crafted songs, great production, and a voice far beyond her years helps make these songs jump out. It’s certainly of its time, but “Tidal” could use a re-listen and a modern assessment because there’s nothing quite like it nearly 30 years later.
Another album I’m familiar with. Fiona’s worst by far though. Contains some of her biggest hits but I find the entire album a bit too held back?
Very good. Close to a 5, but it gets better.
Super smoky voice. She's got some great track but the last half of the album kind of drones on for a bit.
I'm not sure what I just listened to, but I thought it was excellent. Love to have that much variety in an album.
4.25
I somehow never got into Fiona even though she should've been right up my alley. This was a really good album, especially when you realize that it was released when she was only 19. There's a maturity and polish to it that seems crazy when you compare it to the kind of stuff other artists put out at that age—unfortunately, a lot of that probably has to do with growing up too fast due to trauma. The songs are all piano based and the lyrics are confessional and personal. There isn't much variation from the slow ballad. Criminal is probably the "rockiest" song on the album, and The First Taste is the most playful track. She has great voice control and sounds more mature than her years. Highlights: Criminal, Slow Like Honey, The First Taste, Pale September
soft, young but husky voice, really pleasant album to listen to front to back. thing is that i felt it almost too long
Debating between a 4 or 5. I’m leaning 4 knowing that Fiona Apple has some 5’s down the road.
Classic art pop album. Not her best work(that goes to her sophomore) but well-worth a listen.
Was good. Not really the normal sort of thing I like but I'd listen again!
Very nice listen
Hell yes. Jazz diction but her musical choices span such a wide path. Hard to believe she was so young when she made this album.
Loved it
Im a legit fighting to put this on a 5 star, but this is such a beautiful album with amazing production. Nothing more to say, solo le falta un UMPH.
4/5! Songwriting is great. Feels like Carole King meets Patti Smith meets the 90s. In the vein of powerful female singers of the late 60s - early 70s.
Beautiful, haunting and smooth all mixed together. Several radio hits, but some of the other tracks are absolute jewels. Puts me into a melancholy mood, but supports me through it.
Special Styles
I enjoyed this mire than I thought I would. I liked it way back when it came out but more so today. Older and wiser? Fiona’s timeless music or my life?
Un excelente álbum de música alternativa de los 90's, el cual a pesar de ser un LP debut, logra establecer una identidad sonora sumamente fuerte de una de las compositoras más destacadas de Estados Unidos. Un fuertísimo inicio de carrera para Fiona Apple, quien hasta el día de hoy se mantiene como una influyente figura del indie femenino.
An odd artist who didn't really fit her time, is she alternative rock, is she jazz, is she experimental? All of the above most likely. A crazy good debut, incredible at 19(!?). Several tracks were consistently played on the radio and never cloying or overplayed (to my dated memory). There are some lulls on the album, keeping it from a coveted 5 spot but truthfully just barely. A very good and nearly timeless listen.
Best Song: The First Taste. Even though I loved the slower, more understated tracks, something just hit when that jungle beat came in on this one. Worst Song: Carrion. Felt too disjointed, like it was really two or three songs that mashed together. Not the strongest close to the album. Overall: Beautifully flowing tracks, with relaxed but insightful lyrics. The vocals are the star but the instrumentals really augment as well. Definitely one I'll be coming back to.
IT'S A GOOD ONE. Now this one didn't get quite as deep in the feels as the Joni Mitchell did, which I got before this, BUT it is a very heartfelt and simply *smooooth* album. There's so much blues and jazz influence on this piano-led laying-out of emotions. I love it. But even though it's emotional the whole thing just reads as *cool*. She's telling you how she feels, but she's also telling you she's over it and too detached to care at this point.
Always heard of her in 90s but didn’t know any of her songs. Enjoyable album. Nothing overly memorable but a lot of respect for her talent and songwriting abilities. Kind of album I’d listen to on an airplane. I enjoyed this one.
Cute. Sara barellis vibes. A touch or adele. Peaceful voice
It’s safe to say Apple doesn’t miss. With only five albums across her whole career, I guess they all better be good. Anyway, this debut rules. Maybe the most underrated of her’s. I think some tracks flirt with a more typical 90s production aesthetic, but aside from that, no notes. Pop this on with a good pair of headphones and take a moody walk through your neighborhood.
Bad, bad girl; good, good debut.
cool ans new
Powerful voice. Surprisingly well recorded and mixed. I'm floored how much I enjoyed this, actually incredible.
Fiona Apple is, without a doubt, an outstanding creative force. I only recently discovered her with Fetch The Bolt Cutters, but am pleased to hear that her earlier output is no less captivating. Favourite tracks: Sleep to Dream, Sullen Girl, Criminal, Slow Like Honey, Pale September.
I’d heard Criminal before, in one of those collection CDs, I honestly can’t remember the name of it. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t resonate with me at the time, and I didn’t spend any more time listening to Fiona Apple. Fast forward to today, and I see what a fool I was, because this stuff is great. The middle of the album kind of sucks, but I found restarting on the last few tracks revived my interest. The first few songs are bangers.
I like Fiona.
Trent Reznor vibes on the vocals Overall portishead vives
Fiona Apple halt - what's not to like?
This album is great. It had a consistent vibe throughout but every song sounded unique. I really enjoyed the voice of the singer and I will definitely listen again
Sleep to Dream: 4/5 Sullen Girl: 5/5 Shadowboxer: 4/5 Crimina: 4/5 Slow Like Honey: 4/5 The First Taste: 5/5 Never Is A Promise: 4/5 The Child Is Gone: 4/5 Pale September: 4/5 Carrion: 5/5 Avr.: 4.3
Very enjoyable, but slow music. Would listen to when I’m feeling depressed most likely.
Yes
Super mellow and lovely. I haven't really listened to much Fiona Apple besides the hit singles; I might have to fix that.
dark angry and fun
Excesiva pero muy interesante.
This was way better than I remember it from the 90s. Nice to revisit.
I think I listened to this album on my own already but excited to delve in more! The first taste is still one of my favorites from this album
Criminal is worth the price of admission on this one alone! Pretty great all around album
I love this album. Criminal is a stone cold classic
Nice discovery, It was an enjoyable listen
Better than expected. Nice experience
Stimmungsvoll
Pretty good album. Reminded me of Portishead. Had that dark alternative thing going on.
First time I've heard more than just the big singles and apparently I hadn't heard all of those (Shadowboxer is great). Great album, excellent voice.
Long time favorite of mine. 4.5 stars. Fiona is a favorite artist as well.
I bought this album when it first was released and listened to it non stop for awhile. It’s really good. She has a tremendous, unique voice. Not to mention excellent songwriting and piano skills.
Some great songs here but Apple had not found her groove yet
Fiona Apple's voice has so much character in it, and I do like piano-based soft rock. I really like the little chamber pop flavor as well. "Criminal" was not one of the strongest songs on the record, but I'm still glad I got to hear it with context.
Wow. What a voice. I really enjoyed listening to this album.
99% of my Fiona listening has been to 'The Idler Wheel..." which is a masterpiece, think i've heard this once before though. 'Criminal' is obviously a banger, and the rest is actually very memorable for being mostly piano ballads. She had some serious songwriting chops even at such a young age, super impressive.
I'd heard the name before but hadn't heard the music. After three low quality albums in three days, I was wary of another mystery artist. But I found it to be very easy to listen to and enjoy. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to but I wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.
Very nice. Great rainy day album.
I've been a fan of this album since it came out. Still like it.
Powerful debut album, raw and pure.
Really like it.
7/10
Very good singer / songwriter album of the 90s era
This was nice
Funny how knowing only one song by an artist gives an impression of what all their songs are, but then actually listening to the whole album creates a different impression entirely. I guess that's why we're doing this 1001 times, eh?
It's wild to me that basically every Fiona Apple album is on this list EXCEPT the one that I think is unequivocally her best (Extraordinary Machine). But I still love my gal and I'll give her 4 stars. Back half of this is better than the first half.
Enjoyable album 8/10
Glad to return to this one. Maybe not as out there as her other stuff but she has a great voice both literally and as a writer. How can you describe Never is a Promise as anything but beautiful?
How the hell do you write something like this at 18?
Honestly this album is pretty great! The first track is overrated dogwater, but the rest of the songs really pack a powerful pop punch and with great arrangements paired with a very beautiful voice, you get one phenomenal pop album. Would definitely recommend, and I'd say it is a 4.5/5
So much better than I’d expected. I can see why she’s so loved. Love the classical influence
Surprisingly good listening. I was expecting more experimental stuff, but instead a very solid collection of tracks
Great album; very soulful and emotional, with catchy instrumentation and Fiona’s sultry voice as the cherry on top.
This was a heat. Honestly only thing I knew about Fiona apple is she dated pt Anderson and has a funny story about being stuck in a room with a coked out pt and Quentin Tarantino while the nerd out about movies which sounds like absolute hell. Yeah but I loved this the album felt like it was breathing very atmospheric she has a lovely voice and even prettier eyes. Strong 4.8 soft 5 -B
Rating: 8.5/10 Great album, a lot of fantastic songs on here. Sounds very mature for a debut album, Fiona Apple's vocals and lyrics really shine here as well as the instrumentation. The production and the wide range of instruments used is impressive on this album. I think the album slowed down for me right after the midway point but even the worst songs on here are still very good. Favorite songs: Sleep to Dream, Shadowboxer, Criminal, Slow Like Honey, The First Taste, Pale September, Carrion. Least favorite songs: Never Is a Promise, The Child Is Gone.
The highly anticipated Fiona Apple. Bout time I get around to this album. I was not let down, but with the high expectations, id say they were met. Not exceeded. But it was a good listen! Regret not trying this sooner.
8.5/10
She mad
Pretty good.. she’s obviously VERY talented
Fiona Apple has a beautiful voice but it’s almost too smooth, too good. It creates a dad rock/jazz feel to it which I truly hate. Yet somehow I loved Tidal, there is some unnamable quantity to it. It’s sad and soulful. I absolutely love Sullen Girl. I’m positive this will be my highest rated album of this genre 8.1/10
Each song was emotional and unique.
Nice voice. Good album overall.
Criminal. The end
i skipped this when it came out because, indie rock snob, but i got into her by the next one and it was good to sit down and re-listen to this with focus. Solid debut!
Liked it a lot. I'd only heard Criminal, which I still think is the best track, but a lot of them were great.
Sohva, sunnuntai, kuppi kuumaa teetä tai kaakaota. Hyvää chillausmusiikkia. Lenkillä liian hidastempoista, mutta tykkäsin silti.
Such a nice voice
She's really matured as an artist since releasing this. It's still very good, but her later work is better.
This album was pretty good. Fiona Apple has surprising range. 4/5.
Reminds me of Sara Barielles and a little Brandi Carlile. 4 out of 5… it’s definitely my vibe.
Never listened to Fiona Apple before this. I had a great time. Jazzy, moody and just impressive song writing and vocals. Favorite tracks: Shadowboxer, Criminal
Þessi er eins og síðasta plata sem ég hlustaði á með henni, vinnur verulega á strax við aðra hlustun. Þetta er töff hljóðheimur og flutningur, ekki endilega brjálæðislega catchy en ljómandi gott fyrir því.
I didn't know what to expect. It's good. Smooth but not too smooth. Good songs, good lyrics. Favorite song: the first taste
9/10
Great record should not have dismissed it during my music snob period in college
7/10 Angsty Sheryl Crow. Enjoyed it a surprising amount. The production is rich and full. My favorite songs were the first 5 on the album, though. Did not get better as it went along.
I thought I knew this album, but I only knew the singles.
Who can forget that video! The album builds and builds with each song. 'Shadowboxer' and 'Never is a Promise' big highlights. She's awesome - incredible voice, creative as hell, and her later albums are even better.
Jazzy, bluesy, pop, emo…I mean she was 18, it’s impressive. Billie Eilish should thank her.
A monster hit and a bunch of other good songs. Made me want to listen to more of her albums. Rating 4.
The brilliance of this album is overshadowed by the gigantic hit she had.
Pop mezclado con soul, jazz... está bien. Un 4.
Okay Roxy you’re right, this shit slaps.
This Fiona Apple album has good vibes good vibes and good grooves feels like something my parents would have put on on sunday afternoon at like 5:30 and you listen to it as they cook dinner and the sun goes down
I need to listen to more Fiona
First listen Saved 7/10 Top track: Criminal
Already have it on loop. Definitely drags toward the end and contemplated skipping the last song. More rock than I expected in the best way possible. 4 or 4.25ish
I am familiar with the artist but was not familiar with this album as an album. It's nice. The pianist and violinist are excellent. OK, I cheated, and wanted to know who was playing, so looked it up... and Fiona herself is the pianist on some of the tracks, and she wrote everything. Wow. Impressive. Definitely makes this a solid four star now.
This Apple is far from rotten, first time ever listening to one of her albums and it was a pleasure