Reviews (page 4 of 7)
Piano + lyrics= superb
So interesting to read about interpretations of this album in light of it's release timing: the beginning of pandemic lockdowns. This album had chaotic energy, and I liked it.
What a hidden gem, had no idea I was missing out on Fiona Apple. Diving into her music now, lots to discover
4.5
I’ve definitely heard of Fiona Apple before but I’m not sure I’ve actually heard anything by her. A quick Google says her most famous song is Criminal, but after finding this on YouTube it didn’t ring any bells for me. I’m excited to listen to an album in full and finally hear how her music sounds! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Shameika, Ladies, On I Go This was pretty great. It is piano-led music with excellent vocals, and very creative song structures. The closing song reminded me a little of stomp music and felt almost tribal which I liked. I read online that she recorded all of this at home, which explains why you can hear dogs barking every now and then. As jarring as that may sound, I found it quite charming. Overall, I enjoyed this a lot. Give it a listen!
4.5/5. Her music is like that quirky girl in school that you’re strangely attracted to.
Very intense (sometimes insane) jammy experimental songs about high school bullying and unrequited love. Creative, peculiar, amazing voice.
a slay
Good!
The first true COVID lockdown album. About a month after everything went down, Fiona Apple gives us an album with an apt name. It's a range of emotions that's mostly restless. This is emphasized by the percussive nature that drives the music in unique ways. Of course, Fiona Apple's impeccable songwriting is the crux of what makes Bolt Cutters so good. Her ideas are aptly explored without ever meandering or overstaying their welcome. These are a handful of interesting songs that are primarily build on drums and piano, simple as.
Awesome album, I’m shocked to see how controversial it seems to be. Philosophically I am opposed to putting albums from the last 5 years on the list, but I loved this album and at least it still holds up 3 years later! I felt it had a couple of weak songs that have brought it down from 5 to 4 stars Fav songs: For Her, Under The Table, I Want You To Love Me, Shameika Least fav: Newspaper, On I Go
I remember when this album came out. We weren’t even a month into the Covid 19 pandemic. After hearing this for the first time I thought, weird how this perfectly matches what the world feels like right now. This was one of my most listened to albums of that year. But how’s it hold up? Pretty damn well overall. The level of experimentation on typical pop tropes, particularly on the percussion is just wonderful. My main critique is that it does get a bit same-sy in the back half. I think like all of Apple's records, this will stay relevant and appealing over the next 20 years.
I've have become quite weary of all the older rock albums on this list so I was glad when it was a modern album today which i also have never heard of. My optimism quickly took a nosedive when i found out that Fiona Apple has been a thing since the 90s and prepared for another older sound. My optimism was also lower even more by the frankly hideous album cover. First song gave made me think of Regina Spektor, and I wondered if the 1001 creator had missed her for over a decade and thought this was original. But the more the album went on the more i enjoyed it. The weird percussion and tempo makes me think of a jazzy Tom Waits and the delivery is closer to the Sparks later work. I can see how people dislike it but i really liked it. It is the perfect mix of, quirky and jazzy. It is slightly pretentious but the unpolished and simple production removes the worst of it. There is also many hooks and ear worms in it so it manages to be both odd but memorable at the same time.
This was fantastic! What a pleasant surprise! It’s like industrial piano / avantgarde-adjacent / spoken word.
I think this is a brilliant record. The lyrics are naked and feel embarrassingly (to me) personal, Apples vocals and phrasing are (and have always been) entrancing, and I love how this vacillates between sound like was recorded in a bedroom and a studio. BUT it’s a challenge to listen to. I listened when it first came out and didn’t again until tasked to. And maybe won’t again.
A good listen. I liked some of the "unconventional percussion". The rougher sounding production fit her lyrics and voice better then some of the smoothed out 90s singles. I'm not sure if this was worth one of the rare pitchfork 10 out of 10s, but I'd listen to it again.
Speciaal album. Redelijk experimenteel, maar voelt toch commercieel aan
Fun pop album. Lookin' forward to the other Fiona Apple records.
Grotendeels leuk en "hip", maar paar kutnummers
Marcante no contexto da epidemia.
Sounds like a mix of Tori Amos, PJ Harvey, Lorde, and St. Vincent, sprinkled with Fiona Apple's vocal styling. Definitely a challenging listen, which makes it really interesting and thematically apt for the COVID-19 world.
Ah, sweet lockdown memories... No surprise the critics were so unanimous in their praise - this is a great album. Distinctive and innovative music (I enjoy the prevalence of homemade percussion) but not at the expense of good tunes. Also, lyrics that don't hold back and deal with weighty topics, but not at the expense of humour or relatability. 4.5
Nice album missing lots of corners 😉. Strange singing, between parlando and singing. Refreshing sound 😉.
Art pop. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
TOP!
I need to get into Fiona Apple more
Really compelling and good, fresh and creative.
When this came out three years ago (what how 🤯) I listened to the first couple tracks without too much interest. Bear in mind that in 2020 a lot of successful artists were putting out their homey releases: McCartney III, Punisher, how i'm feeling now, Folklore/Evermore, etc., so my attention was very much on other things. But now that I've heard it in its entirety, I appreciated the oddball percussion & homemade sound a lot more. It's not a concept album, but the individual songs do sound better together than, say, if one came up on shuffle. Rivals Swordfishtrombones in terms of an idiosyncratic, experimental sound I vibe with. HL: "Cosmonauts", title track, "Shameika", "Relay" February 27, 2023
I thought this album was really good to just sit and relax to. This is the first Fiona Apple album I've listened to and I very much enjoyed it!
Upeeta edelleen, miten kiinnostavia jokainen biisi tässä on. Tosin kaikki outoilu ja kokeilut ei uppoa muhun niin saumattomasti kuin esim. Björkillä. Mut paljon koukuttavia biisejä, jotka jää soimaan päähän. Tää oli myös hyvä ekan covid-kevään piristys aikanaan.
Ah muistan kuunnelleeni tätä kun tuli ulos. Erikoinen ja omalaatuinen, kiinnostavalla tavalla. 4/5
I listened this album days after its release and it didn’t get me. There were some catchy hooks here and there, but that was all. I thought that Fiona Apple was still a 90s icon, not a 2020 thing. However, when I revisited this album today I finally got it. That apple needed more bites to be of my taste - and what a tasty flavor! Solid album, great ideas, suggestive voice. Fiona, sorry for my delayed appraisal!
Liked
Frankly, I don't think albums released in 2010 and beyond should be in consideration for this list yet, much less a record from 2020. But because this is here, might as well. I like it. It's a throwback to that angsty '90s vibe, but freshened up for a new decade, made with a more adult and mature sound. Fiona Apple is a name I've been familiar with for a very long time, but I haven't actually heard any of her music beyond Criminal. That might have to change now! Standout tracks are Shameika and Under the Table.
4/5 I think what as been lacking for me is a female voice. I just noticed today that this is the first woman we have had, I think. Queen Elton doesn't count. I don't know if it's the vocal quality, or the subject matter, but it just felt like something was missing. I'm a huge fan of Fiona, but I wasn't super happy about this album. Each individual song had really good parts to it, but that thing that some artists do where the song dissolves into chaotic noisy racket...she was running like a fool (being pretentious) but just running to hide (being like all the other artists) and I can't abide. I really liked some of the lyrics, (important but intense content) and rhythms the first 4 times, but then on the 16th time, she lost me, she lost me, she most me, she lost me.... Etc. I will listen to it again and maybe it just lacks familiarity? Sometimes, I just want a good song I can share with my girl and we can enjoy it, you know?
As a fan of Tidal I had high hopes but this didn't quite live up to them. Definitely gets better with more listens but found the album a bit repetitive and intense. A grower?
I don’t know what to think of this album. It’s not made for me, but some of the tracks are so good and take risks. Heavy Balloon was my favorite.
I really enjoyed it, not the sort of thing I often like but this was good
Luckily the music is much better than the album cover.
I haven't listened to enough Fiona Apple. I say that because whenever I do listen to her work, such as this album, I'm quite intrigued and interested. She is original in many ways and seems to feel very comfortable exploring what she is drawn to. Her vocals are incredible, and her piano playing as well as other instruments and non-instrument instruments, and her writing, of course, are all fantastic. I read the Wikipedia entry and it's cool that she mixed most of it herself using GarageBand, and even some of the album's "rawness" is attributed to her own admission that she had to teach herself how to use the program while recording and mixing the album. That's great. As this album is, too. So, yes, I need to listen to more Fiona Apple.
Liked this, but wouldn't go so far as saying loved it. All the songs are fun, but most overstay their welcome. I like all the rhythmic things happening, but it's hella repeaty over the songtime. 3.5/5
I remember playing this when it first came out and feeling unimpressed. It’s grown on me a little. I like how Fiona displays a wide range of emotions and sounds. Still not totally my thing, but I kind of get why everyone was into her for a week. B
Wonderful. Emotional, hard hitting, vibrant but in often instrumentally sparse, masterfully performed.
I can imagine exactly what her house is like. There will be at least one cat.
Have to admit, I really like her stuff. Just the right amount of edge
i don't know if i loved it or hated it. but i kinda wanna listen to it again. weird af. on i go was the standout, only disliked the first two tracks and maybe because i wasn't into the mood of the album yet. have to listen again.
i really liked this one
Unconventional in all the right ways. Best track: Under the Table
Soul baring and honest album. The piano is almost used as a weapon. Nothing is held back in the playing or the lyric writing. Amazing template on writing from the heart. She is my age, so it is interesting to hear her view of the world on how it is similar and different from mine.
I always forget I like Fiona Apple...never heard this album and there is a lot of goodness here. Shameika, Under the Table, the title track. She has a rhythm and uses her voice like a percussive instrument and then the eclectic format of music around it is constantly changing and keeping my interest. And there's a sense of humour to it that just doesn't get enough appreciation.
To be completely honest, when this album first released during the covid pandemic, i was not a fan. It was my first experience with Fiona's music, and i found her vocals and style to be quite offputting. Looking back, all i have to say is "what was i thinking?" throughout this album, fiona proves that despite the eight year hiatus, she's still one of the premier writers and vocalists in all of music. fiona shines in all aspects on this album, the production, all done in her home, is flawless, and the narrative and concept she weaves through it is masterfully crafted.
Well done. Not exactly my taste though
I've been a big fan of Fiona Apple for a long time. This album definitely needs a couple of listens. My fave is probably Fetch the Bolt Cutters.
This is a very fun mess - kinda reminds me of Tom Waits, with the weird experimental backing music and vocal vignettes over the top. Fave track - "Heavy Balloon", maybe, or "For Her". I can see that quite a few tracks would be contenders if I gave the album more listens....
3.75/5
Something different, nice casual alt music, played in the background so not super closely analyzed but would listen again.
Sore throat, tired, unproductive, planning annoyance and flakiness
4.0
Unique
great
Finally a new one. like it
Dissonant and percussive. Oddly chill yet abrasive. 4 stars with the caveat it could go up to 5 with repeated listens
I actually really dig this. Strong core of Si ger/Songwriter energy infused with rawness, chaos, alternative vibes. Many tracks I could revisit and find something new in. Honestly a really cool experience. Wish I had intervals to rate with. I expect I like it igher than I can rate it, and it will likely climb after further listens.
Now i have heard of Fiona Apple and especially this album during 2020 with high praise but never listened to it so i was intrigued to listen The album wasn’t not really my normal genre with Apple talking over some of the tracks which didn’t appeal to me at first but as the record went on i opened up to it Some tracks I Liked were: Relay, I want you to love me, Rack of His, Cosmonauts
Very good, though I’m not quite at the fever pitch of adoration of most of music criticism at its release. I feel like the rough edged, DIY thing isn’t always a strength in this, and at times feels manufactured, though it probably isn’t (or at least no more than anything), and mostly it works. A lyrical powerhouse, any complaints are really quibbles, it’s a great album.
Really enjoyed
big fan of the second half of this album, i can deal with the industrial, but it isn’t my fave. loved Under The Table, Newspaper, and Ladies.
Not my thing but good
This thing slaps. Very few albums on this list have me looking up the lyrics and the meaning behind them but I had to for this. It’s thematic, powerful, jarring, and a great listen. Those drums hit on almost every song and Fiona’s songwriting is great. I really just wish she used that voice and range more instead of speaking for a large portion of the album. Highlights: Rack of His, I Want You To Love Me, Shameika.
I only know Fiona apple from her biggest hit "criminal" and I wasn't sure what to expect. I am pleasantly surprised by this album, the story telling is interesting and kept me captive in a good way.
Wasn't so sure when i heard the first few songs but once it got to Under the Table, I really enjoyed it. Also really liked Newspaper. The whole album is really fun and feels very empowering.
The wiki blurb said that Fiona produced this whole album in her apartment and that definitely shows in a good way. The instrumentals were really stripped down and it was fun to hear her dogs barking in the background at the end of a couple of songs. This definitely felt like an album an artist would make late in their career after they've had their biggest successes and are just fucking around. At first, I wasn't the hugest fan of the weird experimentation but songs near the end like cosmonaut and drum set were really good and changed my mind a bit
Very unique
Una locura hermosa. Este disco es actual, de apenas dos años atrás, pero no tiene ninguna de las formas del mainstream musical del momento.
Fiona’s art ages like fine wine!
The second listen is a little less bracing; Two and a half years ago, things were differently unclear, and I identified lows and highs in Fetch I barely recognize now. The music comes from all directions, many of them novel for Apple. The percussion, of course, convinces everything to hang together. Everything includes chants and deeper lyrical workings, rhythmic breakdowns and harmonic moves which echo and return. Something substantial for everyone.
musically intriguing, the songs tell a good story but overall it can become tiring to listen to.
Absolutely fearless, loud, real!
Is this Jazz + Rock'n Roll on the piano?
What a intriguing collection of words and sounds. Lots of dark humour and anger.
Fetch the Bolt Cutters was an interesting album. Power in her lyrics, going through her journey as an artist and as a woman. Clear message of women need to be heard and we won't be silenced. Especially liked the title track Fetch the Both Cutters and Under the Table. Will listen again.
Nice mix
Apple at her most sober and, at times, even sunny. No less assertive and clever but you sense a sigh of relief and resignation in every tune. A classic marker in the evolution of an artist whose every album deserves to be an event.
Surprenament j’ai adore. Ca prend beaucoup de talent pour faire un album du genre qui sonne bien et qui sort de l’ordinaire. Tres bon album a recommander. 4.75
This is a strange one, it seems to polarise people a bit. Is it a creative, well written album? Yes. Did I enjoy listening to it? Kind of. Would I listen to it again? Probably not, something about the style and lyrics really hurt the replayability
I'm glad this makes it onto the list. It's kinda the opposite to me in it's sentiment and viewpoint but it's real and 100% genuine and boy does it blow away the glue that's stuck my mind today. I like the odd-ball DIY feel with weird sounds and odd chord changes that are never predictable or dull. She's like the evil twin of Taylor Swift and PJ Harvey's American cousin. I'm impressed and I need to listen again.
Two things work really in favor of this album: the absolute cacophony of drums and Fiona's impassioned performance. I'm usually skeptical of recent albums on this list, but this record is just objectively good. Love the lyrics, really love the energy and intensity of this record. Favorite tracks: "Shameika", "Relay", "Heavy Balloon", "Drumset"
Musicalmente me intrigó lo suficiente para ponerme a leer las letras y me terminaron gustando más de lo que esperaba. Es lindo ver a una adulta hablando de situaciones creciendo y del costo de "no caber en el molde" porque quizá a nuevas generaciones les sirva, además de que una que otra siguen siendo bastante vigentes. 3.5 que sube a 4 por las letras aunque no toda la música me encantó. Songs: Under the Table, For Her, Relay
Con esa portada creía que me iba a caer mal y hacerme pensar en mujeres enojadas usando botas y odiando todo… pero no, resulta que estuvo bastante agradable. La canción que le da título, de hecho, cae en esa casilla, pero ni esa está realmente mala. Quizá lo que me falla, para darle la 5 estrella, es que no encontré una rola que realmente se me quede pegada o que quiera agregar para siempre, pero eso no quita que el disco me gustó.
Not Fiona Apple at her best (see: Tidal) but still better than 3/5 of the albums on here. Inventive, playful, deeply felt and always sonically interesting.
Solid album, a bit odd
Solid, will listen again
Tykkäsin tyylistä ja lauluäänestä. Chilliä menoa auringonpaisteeseen - tätä lisää Jussina
Has potential. Prefs: I Want You To Love Me, Shameika, Fetch The Bolt Cutters, Under The Table, Relay, Heavy Balloon, Cosmonauts, For Her Moins pref: On I Go
Like Fiona. The way she sings and the lyrics contents.
the joy of listening to music by a singer/songwriter means the lyricist can draw from a variety of aspects; they may be autobiographical, or from a friend, or even about politics/world news. which is how we get songs like "for her". i mean, these lyrics, so striking so powerful: "good morning, good morning/you raped me in the same bed your daughter was born in" and "like you know, you should know, but you don't know". that song wasn't the best on the album, but the lyrics hold such strength! this album definitely has an experimental feel to it. despite that, it remains a pleasant listen! a lot of the time experimental can be another word for unrefined, which can be true for apple's type of music, i think. but i think it also allows apple to be simplistic. music can be busy and fun and loud, but "i want you to love me" has a beautiful, beautiful piano to pair with apple's voice and lyrics. songs can be so beautiful without all of the bells and whistles. it definitely allows apple's lyrics to remain prominent as she covers various topics. this is definitely an album i will look forward to revisiting and enjoying more and more. i'm obsessed with the album title.
decent veisla tbh
For Her, Ladies, Shameika are instant classics I love how this was recorded and mixed The songwriting is Fiona's pinnacle essence of talent I wish there was more production but I love her quirks all throughout like the dolphin noises and background stuff
Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Heavy balloon, Cosmonauts, Shameika
Haven't actually listened to a complete Fiona Apple record and she sounded like I expected. Fiona's lyrics are interesting and provocative and the music is fine and though I can't say I love it, it was enjoyable and sometimes challenging. She's been around for a while and she's achieved much critical acclaim and I'm glad her music didn't get super mainstream. She seems to be doing what she wants to be doing, so extra points for integrity.
Art pop. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
4.5 + We were in peak-covid when this album dropped. I'd double-mask for the grocery store and immediately sanitize every bag and container with Clorox wipes when I came home. I'd even mask up to go jogging outside. There were strange drunken Zoom calls scheduled late into the night with people randomly strewn within the farthest reaches of my social orbit. It was a weird and unsettling time. My media diet also changed. I was reading less, watching fewer new shows on television. Old standbys like the Sopranos were a comfort. Then, this album dropped and Pitchfork gave it the exceedingly rare "10" rating. It felt like a beacon during a gray and foggy time. I remember really liking it when I first gave it a spin, and upon return, I like it even more. The first four tracks alone are a riot of emotion, tenderness, vulnerability, humor, with splatters of strange percussion. The middle mellows and curdles emotionally with "Rack of His" and "Ladies." Apple's self-exploration teeters between laceration and affirmation, leaning more towards the latter. The fact that she created this brilliant mess mostly at home, quarantining before quarantining was our collective reality, makes this album feel especially poignant.
Fiona Apple creates some very detailed songs here. Very good stuff, which might be close to a 5 for me. Favourites: "Under The Table", "Newspaper", "Cosmonauts"
very nice, i like
I can't believe I putt of listening to the Fiona Apple albums I had in the backlog for as long as I did. This is fantastic. I need to get into her other stuff. No idea why I thought I wouldn't like them, but I do. Certainly will listen to this album again. I didn't like it as much as Tidal but it was still really good.
I've never actually listened to Fiona Apple, but she has a pretty good reputation, so let's check it out..... Cool first song, not totally my style but I see the appeal. Same with second song; not exactly my type of music, but it's catchy and musical and I like it in spite of my usual leanings. Under the Table is also fairly in my wheelhouse, so really liking it. Bit of a lull, but liking Newspaper a lot. Ladies too Gonna say I liked this. Not every song totally did it for me, but all interesting, all basically good, I enjoyed this!
7/10, very solid, very ambitious
I've been a huge fan of Fiona ever since Extraordinary Machine, and I'm a big lover of "quirky female vocalist in the 2000s with like a ukulele or whatever" as a genre. Was very excited to check this new album out; surely one of the newest on this entire list. It's a bop! I loved Shameika, Ladies, and Under the Table, but the whole album reminded me that I should listen to more of her stuff. An Apple a day, you know...
Heard fantastic things about this a couple of years ago, and while I didn't fall in love with it, was a very good listen. I prefer Tidal but I like the experimentation here, especially with the percussion. Also half of the songs are noteworthy too.
Swag men varför inte sätta något av hennes äldra skivor son byggt upp sin status mera på listan? Svårt att säga om den här faktiskt kommer vara relevant om 10 år.
Great album as always by Fiona. I think the hype over it is slightly overblown and partially just a reevaluation of her legacy in general. This isn’t my favorite album of hers but a middling Fiona Apple album is still better than 99% of the music out there.
Love the timbre of the drums and piano, the echo and emptiness and loneliness. It's really incredible. Very jazzy. I also love her voice, feels agressive, raw.
Whip smart, idiosyncratic, Fiona Apple has been making great records for sometime now and this is one of her best. Subject matter which gets under your skin, percussion and piano loops that get into your head and always that fierce, fiery, impassioned vocal driving the thing along. She might just be a genius.
1st song, chills. The lyrics 🥵. But one point off for chicken sounds at the end… I like the Lofi quarantine sounds in theory, I don’t like the way it actually sounds sometimes 😹 cosmonauts and ladies rocked my world Percussion on heavy balloon was 🤌🏻 Overall ended and I felt happy 90s angsty girl is almost always a win for me.
I just love Fiona Apple and how weird she has made her pop, and how she couldn't give half a shit about a Grammy or the industry.
At its core, just flat-out interesting. Into the pretty large array of instruments used and Apple’s delivery is something you don’t hear often in everyday listening. A little too out there for me to revisit often, but certainly worth the listen. Best songs: *I Want You To Love Me*, Shameika, Under the Table, Cosmonauts
Avant garde, extraordinary, magnificent, never been done before. Al mi fali onaj replay faktor.
".... I've been in here too long." Jako mi je drago da je ona došla. Kad je izašao album, pokupio je jako dobre, pozitivne kritike. Čak i više, hvaljen album, ovo ono, desetka od Fantana, to je bilo rare. Meni je bila 7,5 do 8 i to max. Al sam si rekao da ću njenu diskografiju proći jer sam samo dva albuma iz njenog kataloga poslušao, uključujući ovaj. Dakle, 8,5/10, nije mi za devetku još, ali nakon 2 godine ne slušanja ovog albuma, ipak se vidi pomak u tome da mi se više svidio. I volim to što je u par navrata imala pomagača, svoga psa na nekim pjesmama.
The soundtrack of Covid, and BLM. Not because any of the songs related to those events but due its release date Fetch The Bolt Cutters was being played on repeat and my twitter feed was filled with people singing its praises. I didn't like it on first listen, finding it a bit over the top and somewhat pretentious. I gave it a few more listens because something about it did intrigue me. I ended up really enjoying the offbeat instrumentation and clever lyrics finding some of the songs were really catchy and others had a depth few artists can match. For me, this is the best work by Fiona Apple
I really liked the song Relay. The album really grows on you, and probably needs a few listens until you really get all she is trying to say.
Fetch the Bolt Cutters. Apparently, it refers to freeing oneself from oppression. And I think that it's also a statement for us listeners to try something that us outside our comfy zones. And that's how an industrial rock percussion driven pop album is made... just a couple of years ago. Tbh, however, it's not something that I would listen to casually. It's an experimental album, and it's the best experimental album that I have ever heard so far. I love how it is lo-fi (a so-called "bedroom pop" which basically means that it's recorded inside their home) yet it sounds sophisticated. It's chaotic, it's cathartic, and as the hype-induced critics put it: it's human. Overall, it's enjoyable. Love the chaotic mess of angst, humor, and heartbreak. Perhaps I'll enjoy it a lot if I were a teenager. Is it wrong if I assumed that this album, like any pop album, is made for teenagers? Perhaps.
verrassend!
Interesting rhythms. Kinda jazzy, avant guard. Very catchy tunes. Lyrics are quite poetic. Nice album. Great use of repetition.
I loved Fiona Apple in the nineties and I didn’t expect this album to be a Tidal 2. I expected it to be more grown up. I loved the humorous irony in the lyrics and in particular the hilarious lyrics on ‘Rack of His’. I think it definitely warrants another listen as I get the feeling that like Tidal, there’s always something new to discover. It’s called ‘Fetch the Boltcutters’ - a pithy command of ever I heard one and once she’s unleashed, Fiona doesn’t hold back and I love that!!
wasn’t a big fan at first but really liked it towards the end
Tatsächlich aus der Masse des songwriterinnen Nachwuchses nicht beliebig ausgewählt
Great record! Shameika, Relay are particularly good in showcasing her odd phrasing and her fascinating way of turning a phrase, often with a real bite. Overall I still prefer Idler Wheel……
7.5/10 F.t.: Heavy balloon
This is a well-thought-through piece of artistry - it's not all in 4/4, there are interesting, unusual rhythmic accents and structures - not one I connected with, at first, but it grew more on a second listen. "you can kick me under that table all you want but I won't shut up, won't shut up" is a great line. This is the 37th LP offered to me by the random selector from the 1001 LPs on the list, and the first that has made me think "yep, this needs a third go round".
Vegetable cutters
Oh, a more recent album! Probably my 3rd favorite from Fiona after "The Idler Wheel" and "Extraordinary Machine"
Artig
First time listening to Fiona apple.
Pretty good
It’s fine
It was weird, it was experimental. I am glad she made it but it wasn't for me.
too long for this type of music
Interesting pop album but honestly I wouldn’t listen to it again, but I’ll give it credit for trying to do something different
I was today years old when I found out that Fiona Apple released an album in this decade. On that note, it's my favorite Fiona Apple album. She's always poetic, and this album comes off as more humorous than her albums in the past, but she touched on a variety of oppression issues on this one, particularly with sexual assault, and women's rights. I just wish I enjoyed the music itself a bit more. Favorite Track: "On I Go".
I can understand why this album received so much critical acclaim. It’s carefully crafted, full of inventive ideas, and feels deeply personal. That said, I don’t think it’s an album I’ll come back to very often. I admired it more than I enjoyed it.
A sprawling, ambitious record. No idea where this was recorded or where Fiona Apple is from, but holy does this record ever “feel” like New York.
Mitigée +
PLACEHOLDER
I was like we just had an album by her (it was 2 weeks ago) and this one doesn't have Criminal but also doesn't have many great tracks
There were some tracks I enjoyed but on others I found the vocals kind of annoying. It might need another listen or two. Top Track - Shameika
Fiona is best with beautiful piano and sultry jazzy vocals. This album did not work for me. I think the critics who made this list put a lot of value on people who had traumatic experiences and gave them a voice.
I love Fiona Apple generally, but this album was a bit too experimental for my tastes. It may be one that grows on me with more listens, as it was a bit near the end. So I’ll give it a 3/5.
pitchfork gave this a 10 lol
Ahhhhh, another contemporary album I've already listened to a couple of times before. It’s solidly … fine verging on good. The end of the title track is giving Yoko Ono (complimentary, believe it or not) but after having listened to this album in full back when it was released, then again a couple of months ago, and then again now, I just don’t find it particularly compelling (outside of a few tracks like Relay and Newspaper). I really like Fiona’s voice as an instrument but in terms of actual song output, I prefer The Idler Wheel and everything that came before it. This gets a 3.5/5 from me.
Yoko want to be
Only ever heard Tidal before this album.
Review - I remember listening to this when it came out and hating it, but on relisten it's pretty good. Score - 7/10 Need to listen? YES
Interesting. 3.5
A challenging LP than comes across as indulgent by the artist. It is almost an 'emperors clothes ' album. If you don't understand, you are wrong. Well, I guess I'm wrong
Very interesting, and very listenable! Definitely feels like something that would've hit harder during COVID lockdown. 6/10
Better than most but probably not cutting 4 stars for me.
Acht Jahre nach The Idler Wheel… erschien das fünfte Album der in New York geborenen Singer-Songwriterin Fiona Apple im April 2020 – ein Werk, das auf eine ungewöhnliche Entstehungsgeschichte zurückblickt: Aufgenommen zwischen 2015 und 2020 vorwiegend in Apples eigenem Haus im Stadtteil Venice Beach sowie in den Studios Stanley Recordings und Waystation in Los Angeles und teilweise im Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, entstand es unter dem Indie-Label Clean Slate in Kooperation mit Epic Records. Die Produktion lag bei Apple selbst gemeinsam mit Amy Aileen Wood, Sebastian Steinberg und Davíd Garza; GarageBand diente als wesentliches Aufnahme-Tool, dessen begrenzte Beherrschung Apple bewusst für sich nutzte. Das Ergebnis ist radikaler Minimalismus, der sich kaum in ein Genre pressen lässt. Perkussion steht im Zentrum: Trommeln, Alltagsgegenstände, Körperklänge, das Gebell von Apples Hunden – alles wird rhythmisch organisiert. Songs wie „Shameika" und „I Want You to Love Me" offenbaren, wie präzise Apple Emotion und Struktur verknüpft, während „Under the Table" und „Heavy Balloon" mit brodelnder Energie und kompromisslosen Texten über soziale Macht, Trauma und Befreiung überwältigen. Das Titelstück selbst ist ein trotziges Manifest, das dem Album seinen Ton gibt. Fetch the Bolt Cutters erhielt bei Erscheinen eine der seltensten Auszeichnungen im Musikjournalismus: eine geschlossene Wertung von 100 Punkten auf Metacritic. Diese Reaktion war keine Hysterie, sondern angemessen – das Album verändert tatsächlich, wie Pop über sich selbst nachdenken kann. Es ist intim und gleichzeitig wütend, chaotisch und trotzdem makellos konstruiert, eine Antithese zur polierten Albumproduktion seiner Zeit. Wenige Alben des letzten Jahrzehnts haben ihr Versprechen so vollständig eingelöst.
probably cooler if you aren't lyrics deaf
I did like it I wanted to like it more
Eh. Vocals were a bit weird
This was a really unique album, and I enjoyed listening to the different parts, as I've really not listened to much music like this before. I think that this is something you either hate or love when it comes to the style, and I really enjoyed it. There were so many different things going on, and the vocals were sometimes quite strange, but all the same time, lovely to listen to. I think the album itself kind of drags on slightly, as there isn't much differentiation between tracks, but I did enjoy what was offered. Favourite lyric: 'Kick me under the table all you want, I won't shut up.' ('Under The Table'). Favourites: Shameika Relay Under The Table
Provocative and interesting. Really interesting sounds. I like the poetry. I like the vocal playfulness and experimentation. It's all quite intense though and kind of jarring in parts. It doesn't flow nicely for me. I bet it could grow on me, but I'm not sure I'll listen enough to get there.
The lyrics are great, the arrangements are exciting, and the singing is qUiRkY 🤪
This album was good, but I can’t say it was the vibe that I usually listen to. I had to listen to it a few times before I began to enjoy it. I did really enjoy “For her” and “Heavy balloon”. 23 may 2026
It was fine. Interesting at least.
Sound was pretty good, but I think not for me.
At first I wasn't sure I was going to like the album, but I enjoyed it.
Certainly sounds fairly different. I just didn’t really enjoy the drumming and stomping and misc percussion/noises. And distorted lyrics typified on Newspaper and some of the screeching (spoiling end of Cosmonauts). On the plus side some humorous lyrics. Enjoyed the title track, Ladies and Heavy Balloon. Probably deserves a revisit.
This seemed like it probably is good haha there were def a few moments that had me grooving along with her. Mostly I was confused by this though. It's not as brash and abrasive as Bjork and not as pretty as Joanna Newsom though in the same vein. It's also a long way from Criminal.
I enjoyed this record, it was better than I expected.
solidno. raznovrsno i nedosljedno što je istodobno i dobra i loša stvar, i vrlina i mana. istakla mi se stvar »relay« kao daleko najbolja. neki repniškiji momenti pretkraj nisu mi nikako sjeli
It's good and I really like Fiona Apple, but just solid.
I've been listening to this record for the past five days in order to former a proper opinion, as with my first listens I wasn't very sure how much I liked it. The reason why is because this album is certainly uncommon. It is like a Singer-songwriter project with some cabaret and jazz touches. I wouldn't labeled it as incredibly experimental or avant-garde, but the composition is undoubtedly out of the ordinary. First of all, the main attraction of the project is Fiona Apple herself, having a great range of expression in her voice and lyrics. She isn't what makes the album unusual (even though her occasional weird noises do contribute) as her singing could be considered as typical for a singer-songwriter project but without getting into the generic territory. What I liked the most about her is how much attitude she shows. She may have some more relaxed and intimate moments, like in "Ladies", but in general, her voice has a very powerful tone, specially at her loudest parts like in "Under the Table", "Heavy Balloon" and the end of "Cosmonauts", but not exclusive to when she raises her voice. I did also enjoyed her lyrics, most notably "Shameika", where she talks about her problems in her young life; "Under the Table", talking about how she won't let anybody restrict expressing her thoughts; and "Heavy Balloon". When it comes to the instrumentation, it is the main element in charge of adding the experimental aspect to the record. In general, it is super minimalist and very jazzy, consisting basically on percussion, a double bass and some additional instruments to add some texture. They usually play in a way that elevate Fiona Apple prominence, with the exception of the first two songs, where the piano also have the same presence as the voice, and even more in the case of "Shameika" with its incredibly playful melodies. Overall, while I think is a very interesting and great album, I also find it a little hard to sit through the whole experience. A lot of the times I listened to it, I got easily distracted with something else, and that is a negative aspect for me, as it translates to some parts not graving my attention.
I enjoyed the lyricism, the message of breaking out of the confinement of an abusive relationship. I can see how this would hit especially hard hearing it in the early days of the COVID pandemic. The sound itself didn't do a whole lot for me though.
You know that girl you dated who was a little crazy but a lot of fun. Then you break up with her and all hell breaks loose. She burns your cat and leaves you weird messages on the answering machine until one day you wake up and find her sitting on the edge of your bed with a knife. This is that as an album. 6/10 Top song Under the table
I expected crazy and she delivered. Strangely catchy sometimes. I love the piano on the opening track. Stark contrast with the vocals.
Sounds unfinished
Feels like a lot of singer-songwriter stuff I've heard, but with enough personality and pop elements that I think it takes more of a step in the right direction compared to others. She really owns her style for better or worse and I respect it
은은한 광기
Quirky, unnerving at times but intriguing. It kept me wanting more while also thinking 'wtf am I listening to?'. Definitely an album I won't forget.
It's been a few hundred albums since I had a Fiona Apple pick but I think that previous earlier one might have been better
Lyssnade mycket när det släpptes. Gillar fortfarande men blir lite rörigt i längden
Respect the talent ... just never a huge fan.
This is interesting. I really enjoy some of the musical ideas here especially the use of idk acapella like sounds? Fetch The Bolt Cutters itself is a song that could be actually terrifying if you're alone in the dark. I do like it, even if some songs subtract from the overall album because they thin out the good in the album and make the true stand out songs less special by comparison.
Made it through about the first half of the first song thinking that this is going to be an alright album.... THEN I suddenly felt like Yoko Ono showed up and I almost turned it off.... after you get through the Yoko portion of the first song it gets much better. The instrumentals on this album are really fun. Lyrically it contrasts the instrumentals but in a good way. overall I'm not mad that I listened to the album ... but I wouldn't listen to it again.
My 2020 lockdown new release of choice was Survival by Wares. I didn't listen to this one when it came out & don't have any associations with it. It sounds a lot like The Idler Wheel to me, a bit more developed. I think I'd be rating higher if I'd never heard of Fiona Apple before, or if this was the only one on here
Not as good as Tidal, but still pretty good. Well, except for the dolphin noises at the end of the first track. WTF.
To me this feels very indiepop but earlier than 2020s indiepop if that makes any sense. No song really stood out to me in either way. Its a solid album in a genre I'm not very familiar with so its not something I would listen to often even going forward. Very middle of the road without anything that caught my attention after the album was over. At the same time not any songs where I felt I wanted to skip.
I guess the experiment was successful, but it doe feel like this came out about two weeks ago. It's interesting but I can't imagine listening to it again. 3.5
Цікаво) Експеріментал гараж)))
A beautifully rhythmic and primal album that is so relatable and draws you in.
Interesting album. Very stripped down and raw. Lyrically odd and her delivery is a bit strange, but the album is decent and I think she might be a genius, just one that makes music that doesn't always translate. 3/5 Might listen again
The style reminds me of Peter Gabriel or Talking Heads. Very percussive. Definitely shapes the sound.
I think I like Tidal better, but would give this a re-listen for sure.
Surprisingly decent. Was expecting a 1 or 2.
Not really my thing, but it was fine??? 2.5
I liked this one a lot when it came out, but 6 years removed, it falls into the memory hole like most COVID era media.
I like her voice and a few of her songs really hit for me, but this album was a wee bit too long. Still a solid album though.
Good album, some really complex and intelligent arrangements, just not something I'd listen to often
Album #46, Fiona Apple, Fetch the Bolt Cutters ⭐⭐⭐ I’m no mathematician, but what are the odds that I’d get two Fiona Apple albums in the space of three days? I was delighted to see this come up because I loved Tidal the other day. This, not so much. This is probably one of the most critically lauded albums of the decade so far, so I’m not trying to be contrarian here at all. This is just a personal reaction. I’d never actually listened to it before, even though I’d been meaning to do a deeper dive into her catalogue. Up to now, the only albums I’d heard were Tidal and The Idler Wheel. There are definitely positives. It’s a really inventive album and a big departure from her earlier work. It feels like it picks up where Hot Knife left off. The way the percussion is used is genuinely cool and creative. No two tracks sound the same. It’s a strange, interesting listen. Lyrically it’s very strong as well. The big moment on For Her genuinely shocked me, it really landed and was very powerful. There’s humour in places too, and overall it’s a great lyrical album, which isn’t surprising for her. What’s missing for me is her singing and those big, rich piano chord progressions. I don’t begrudge her at all for trying something different, but she spends a lot of the album in this kind of half-spoken, quick fire delivery, which I don’t love. Because the record is so focused on percussion, there’s very little piano, and very little of those beautiful chord movements that I loved on her earlier albums. I really missed that. My favourite track was Ladies, probably the most straightforward song on the album, which probably says something about my taste for her music. Because of this, I didn’t get much emotional weight from it. I never really had that moment where the hair on the back of my neck stood up. It just didn’t move me in the same way. That said, this album screams “grower”. Alas! With this whole exercise, there is rarely a day where I can listen to an album twice. I’ll definitely come back to it because I am a fan of Fiona Apple and I want to get to know her music better. But for now, I didn’t quite see what the critics saw in it.
Nice mix of songs of this album for someone like me that isn't that familiar with FA's discography. The piano is lovely and well recorded. Got to say this one was worth a couple of listens too and her vocal definitely grew on me.
Förra gången vi fick ett album med FA växte det rejält vid en andra lyssning. Denna gång vet jag inte. Det är rätt bra utan att riktigt lyfta. Ladies som är riktigt bra utgör ett undantag. Till det positiva hör att hennes röst definitivt vuxit sedan debuten knappa 25 år tidigare. Överlag är det dock lite kantigt. Trumspelet gör sällan någon glad. Tydligen inspelade under en 5-årsperiod. Det märks det är ganska spretigt. Inte sällan lite demokänsla, där de två sista spåren kunde stannat inbyrålådan. Det blir en trea även denna gång. En svag sådan.
I had never heard of this and when I saw 2020 I googled "best albums since 2020" and came across a Pitchforks list and this was #1. Probably not the best start, definitely wanted to hate, but it's pretty good! Still skeptical it's the BEST since 2020 but whatever. Feels close to 4 for its originality but i think a minimum requirement for a 4 is that I'll go back consistently. Happy to have listened to this though.
Not great, not terrible.
When it's good it's really good. Some of the songs are bit too chaotic and/or spooky for my taste. Overall this exceeded my expectations. 3.5, rounding down per my policy.
The Good: We are gonna get outta here! The Bad: Turns out these bold cutters are made of cold butters… The Ugly: Putting an apple on cold butter… Yes, I agree, the above was stupid and silly… which is kind of the way I was feeling during at least half this album. Tit for tat, I’d say. Fiona does a good job in staying true to that ‘90s vibe that made her famous, yet also embracing the here and now of these shitty ‘20s—that could be my age judging the ‘20s. I’ve listened to the album three times now and it has convinced me of the fact that I am done with the album… it can go onto the bottom of the pile, and remain there… 3* for effort though
This one will take me a few listens! It was not what I expected! Rating for now but may adjust later!
It‘s funny, so much it becomes annoying.
An enjoyable listen. Good vibes and different styles. A band I will look out for and try to catch them live.
I almost stopped listening on the first song but I hung in there and sort of liked Shameika. The album dragged more the further it went on.
This album definitely has the anxious feel of 2020 to it. 3 stars, I think, is fair, but I don't really ever want to listen to it again.
The beginning was really strange, then I thought it got better, and then it became a bit boring. I don't know, a 3 because I see great potential here, maybe I'll listen to it again, but anyway, I think it's another one of those that I could have done without.
This album plays like prog cabaret, or the soundtrack to a one-woman play. Fiona Apple's talent for arrangement and writing lyrics that hold nothing back shine through, but outside of that I have a hard time finding things to latch onto from this largely melody-less, amorphous release. The vibe feels scattered, prickly and chaotic, making for an almost stressful listen.
I like its idiosyncratic nature but its not an immediately appealing listen for me. I wish she'd been given the opportunity to release more albums in her career because she seems like a gifted songwriter and I'd love to hear more than 5 albums over 25 years.
Very impressive but also very performance-y art to me, and my tolerance/appreciation for that kind has withered rather than flowered with age, and although some albums of that style (ie Nick Cave's Ghosteen) transcend that even today, this one did not. I may not be the audience for this.
⭐︎3.9 まだ理解しきれてない感じ。 声がいい。メロディが個性的。 ケイトブッシュみたいなスタッカートする感じ。もう少し味わいたい。
i really enjoyed this, far more than anticipated. would I add it the daily rotation? probably not, but I'm glad a listened to it.
interesting
I think I actually did listen to this album when it came out during covid lockdowns. I don't remember it but who really remembers anything they did at that time? Ok so I don't know why this album would be included on the list. It's fine, not nearly as good as some of her older stuff from the 90s. This really does sound like the project of someone stuck inside by themselves for an extended period of time. Which is odd because this was released in April of 2020 and that was right at the beginning of the whole covid lockdown period. Maybe I just didn't get it? I'd never listen to this again. 2.5/5
I’m pretty sure that Fiona had Patti Smith in mind when she decided to put out what is essentially a long form tribute to Patti. The poetry - a mix of mumbles, stumbles, ramblings and musings - is used to great effect as it is carried by a broad range of percussive experimentation while still highlighting the piano elements central to her sound. Likely recognized for the free wheeling lyrical content typical of Patti and, as recognized by many, Tom Waits, the songs flow into one another such that the wide variety of subjects covered is much like a poetry reading set to weird bedroom pop rather than a garage rock backing band. There are several highlights including Newspaper, Shameika, Fetch The Bolt Cutters and Cosmonauts. This album gets a bit long and mostly a vibe. If you are in the mood then this resonates because it’s Fiona’s vocals and her ability to turn a phrase that make this an interesting listen. The real question is whether you would revisit this record? I would likely not as it doesn’t hold much interest for me either musically or lyrically. This is a record for her core audience- young women from 15-25 years old who would appreciate the emotional content much better than I. So, for me 3/5
Liked: I Want You To Love Me, Shameika, Cosmonauts
Decent album. Could be a 4.
I like her but again, not someone I want to listen to on the daily.
I've heard a lot of how Fiona Apple is terrific, and I'm sure she is, but this album didn't meet those expectations. Most songs just kinda stumbled through some syncopated beat and piano line and some off-tempo vocals. Like it wasn't bad, and I enjoyed some of it, but it seemed to get old.
Not really my thing
Fiona's still got a great voice, even after almost 10 years without a release. I've got a lot of respect for the experimentation here, and love the idea that this is her, spending early COVID learning how to use GarageBand. That being said, it's just not a great album. Some good moments, but most of this almost hour long album feels like a demo that hasn't been fully fleshed out.
I know this album is supposedly very good, but I can’t get into it for some reason. Stand-outs - Heavy Balloon
Well, that was... different. My first thought was wow, Fiona Apple is still making music in the 2020's? My second thought was that this sounds like an open mic/slam poetry night at the corner dive bar. I don't know much about her music other than Criminal and Shadowboxer... this album is very different than that. Fetch the Bolt Cutters is beautiful piano melodies, discordant sounds (dogs barking, clanging objects), sing talking, wailing. I was tempted to skip several songs but glad I didn't because something unexpected sometimes came up towards the end of a song. Then it started to sound less experimental and more normal towards the end of the album - I really liked Heavy Balloon, for example. Every track kept me guessing! I'm not sure what to make of this... torn between a 2 & 3 star. I guess I'll give her a 3 for keeping things interesting and for inspiring the longest review I've written to date. (3)
Solid album but a bit same-y
this probably shouldn't have been where I started with Fiona Apple respectfully
It's a low 3, borderline 2. Feel she has some talent, but there's way too much bullshit going on here.
It’s an interesting one but difficult to listen to. I really believe that she was influenced by a band called tuneyards even though there is no evidence to suggest this other than it sounds similar
I still don’t get the appeal
Don’t remember, but she’s generally good. 6/10
Wanted to love it but didn’t. A full minute of dog barking is a bit much for me. Some parts were great but others annoyed me.
Since this was a totally new artist for me, I liked listening to the music; however, it is not an album that I'll turn to in the future as the music was too repetitive for me.
This was a much different album to what I expected. Not that I know much about the artist, but I don’t think I’ve quite heard something like this so far in the challenge. I heard a lot of interesting themes from what lyrics I made out, and I figure she’s not afraid to say what she wants. Most tracks here were oddly structured which I’ll say made for a more intriguing listen; it’s just a lot didn’t land for me musically. From just the one listen it feels the lyrics and commentary took precedence – not that there’s really anything wrong with that – I guess I like to hear more song progression personally. “Shameika” had some timing changes and an interesting piano run that felt almost a bit trippy, repetitive for effect. I enjoyed “Newspaper” and particularly liked her vocals towards the end. She has quite a jarring way of delivering her vocals – the whole record feels like it’s someone writing whatever they want – a uniqueness that I can respect. I’m interested in reading into this album and the themes a bit more on a second listen. For a first listen I’ll say 3 stars.
not as good as her early imo!
Good but definitely a little boring, despite how unique the instrumentation is. Cosmonauts is great song though, I thoroughly enjoyed that one
Favorite track: I want you to love me other picks: shameika, under the table, newspaper
Quirky different sounding album with lots of attitude. It's not bad, wouldn't listen again
Fiona Apple is pretty cool
I appreciate the DIY sound of this album, but it's very late oughts/early tens, despite the 2020 release date - especially with its focus on cutesy harmonies and echoey drums. However, there's enough originality and creativity on this record to earn it three stars. 2.5/5.0: Mixed
It was ok but didn't really interest me. Quite experimental. Probably the better of the Fiona Apple releases I've heard so far.
This was a weird one. It perfectly nailed the "lockdowns started and we're doomed" vibe. Still a bit too poppy for my tastes but a refreshing take on it.
It's no Tidal or Extraordinary Machine, but it's still pretty good. She's unique. Not everything she tosses out will land, but when they do, it's magnificent. From this album, I'll toss "Shameika" to the playlist.
Oddly interesting. Interestingly odd? Not a very pleasant listen.
Another album which fits in the perfectly fine catagory. Nothing spectacular here, but also nothing dreadful. Listened, enjoyed, moved on with life.
Big Fiona Apple fan but unfortunately this is my least favorite album of hers. Sorry. It's just not very good! Feels like a typical Fiona Apple album but with worse songwriting. I still like it because again big fan of hers but yeah I don't see anyone save diehard fans liking this one. There's some really great songs here though. Like I really love Rack Of You. Hmmmm
really enjoyed some of these songs but i think i have to be in a certain mood for them, which i am not often in. maybe over time i will rate this higher as i let it marinate. i'm also way more of a background music person than a lyrics person, so a lot of the time these highly praised songwriters can go over my head. I Want You To Love Me may as well have gutted me and left me for dead though, i'll admit that much.
what the hell sure
I think maybe my brief, intense period of continually listening to Tori Amos' Little Earthquakes as a teen has put me off anything that sounds similar. Fiona Apple is clearly talented and has a strong POV, and I like this ok, but it's not something I'll come back to. (I also don't remember her repeating lyrics this much?)
it's cool, i like Fiona Apple, i prefer her other albums more, but this one is decent
12/13/2025. I've listened to this album before but only vaguely remember the titular song. This is clearly a personal and introspective album. Fiona Apple seems so cool but this is my first full album of hers and I don't feel like I know her well enough to peer into this journey and properly appreciate it. It's not resonating with me. (The second half of the album is maybe an improvement; maybe I finally settled in to what is offered.) I trip over my words trying to sing with her and maybe that's the point, you're supposed to be listening. She's more of a poet at heart, I think. This took me on a unique journey but I don't know the odds of listening to it again. My rating increased by 1 point after a second listen. 5/10 Favorite parts: fetch the bolt cutters. you can kick me under the table all you want, i won't shut up! the weird parasocial relationship in newspaper. heavy balloon!
Standouts Heavy Balloon
The first 3 songs are excellent. Full of life, vigour, humour. I want you to love me one of the songs of the decade. Then after the 3 song burst it becomes a little wallpaperish. Still very listenable.
This one was peculiar. I still enjoy Fiona Apple's vocals and her fingers dancing all over the ivory keys of her piano, but this had an odd vibe going on, and I don't know if it's better or worse because it took her 5 years to record this album, in her house, while her dogs were present. That's either genius or a big head-scratcher.
This was OK. Her music can be pretty enjoyable when she's not going off the deep end lyrically
I love this woman
I'm aware of the context for this record, it's a mature and logical endpoint for many of the more heartfelt and explicit solo female singer songwriters. That said, I didn't find it super compelling.
Quite eclectic. Some pretty cool stuff. Some ok stuff.
What she chooses to do, she does well. But what she does here, isn't for me.
it ends strong, i like fiona
I had to listen to this album a second time to find some appreciation for it. Fiona Apple definitely put her heart and soul into the vocals. As for the music, it’s experimental but still structured in a pop format. The album is piano-driven with percussion that doesn’t follow typical beat patterns. She recorded the album in her home studio with minimal production equipment, creating most of her beats and percussion with random found objects she had lying around. Overall, I’m not a big fan of her voice, but her experimental approach to the music production actually turned out pretty good.
Very solid record from Fiona. At times, it sounds like a spoken word project, keeping with her passionate views and philosophies toward life and living in general. Even for a more recent record such as this in her catalog, she's still herself as we remember from the 90s era.
Somewhat discordant, jagged music. Quite compelling but not really something I will listen to again
Maso
hm, kinda liked this, I'll be back
Nice variety of styles and tones. Love the little outros on most of the songs; reminds me of The Beatles. Nothing too memorable though.
3.5
I always judged Apple's albums from their covers
Definitely don't hate this and can find things to like, although I may not quite believe the praise of this as quite a masterpiece. The percussion is probably the best part, full of skittering beats, hand claps, and found sounds. Her vocals definitely show a wide range of emotions, bordering on unhinged at times, and some great (funny? wry?) lyrics at times, Under the Table, Cosmonaut and For Her in particular stood out in that department. Not sure how many repeat spins this will get from me (I did listen a few times when it first came out, but not much since), but can appreciate what she achieved here.
Enjoyed it overall. A bit repetitive in the lyrics in part. Did skip a few. Once you have heard the song you can skip the last two minutes of repetition
Growth, melancholy and brat energy. I wasn't sure I'd like it during the first song but my mind was quickly changed.
repetitive
This album got a lot of love from the music critics… Not my favourite Tidal is hard to top. Good to see here still make music.
Thoight the first song was great and enjoywd the lyrical style got stuck on an ex loop. Apparently been around for ages not heard of her before.
I couldn't find any reference to this album in the 1001 books or even the ex-1001 list. Fiona Apple's Tidal is on the list, but I'm unsure why this one is here. 🤷 As for the album, if you'd have told me that it was recorded during the COVID lockdowns, I wouldn't have been surprised... but that it was recorded before then, yikes, talk about going stir crazy!
Me encanta fiona pero no es mi favorito...
Not my fave. Like a lot of post-OK Computer Radiohead, her songs are too formless for me to really vibe with.
Fiona Apple is an artist I appreciate and respect more than I enjoy; it's one of those annoying "it's not for me, but I am glad others like it" kind of things. This isn't something I would listen to personally, but even though I don't like it, it's impossible to miss just what a big bold achievement it is. She is an incredible songwriter and piano player.
It's like the least good Fiona Apple album, but it's still pretty good. A bit weirder, but a good listen.
Why this finos apples man? She’s fucking great
3.5/5
Stumbled upon this during the pandemic and it felt really timely. Overall, not something I listen to frequently but can appreciate the uniqueness of this album and recording. Cosmonaut is played on repeat.
I respect her but this is a bit to avant garde for me!
Has its moments, I guess.
Schräg.
I liked the piano. Shameika sounds lovely.
This was an inter a lot by album. The singer kind of felt like budget Amy Winehouse that wasn't as sad
This album was quirked out. Fiona has a great voice, but sometimes it gets weird, and I'm not too sure if its good or bad weird, might need to sleep on it... (That laughing at the end of the first song (⊙ _ ⊙ ) ) Loved the drumming and piano though. I prefer Mrs. Apple when she's singing more ballad like tunes. She has this one cover of 'Pure imagination' from Willy Wonka that's really sweet, her voice under other circumstances reminds me a bit of Lana Del Rey.
I never heard Fiona Apple’s music before, though I knew the name, so I came into this record with no preconceived notions. What I heard was, like, lots of metal percussion, pop and jazz combined I think, and some interesting storytelling. I somewhat enjoyed it for a while, but didn’t find it highly relatable, so I am not sure I’ll return to it. So that’s a 3, but a strong 3.
This album started with some promise but quickly devolved into the ramblings of a shut in. Fiona finished the album in the midst of the quarantine and could have used reconnection with the world to add polish thematically and production wise. Still, her talent is evident throughout.
I'm a fan of Fiona Apple, but this is definitely not among my favorites of hers. Tidal and When the Pawn definitely resonate for me more, with strong melody, rhythm, and more traditional song structures. Fetch the Bolt Cutters feels more tribal, more raw, and more freeform than that work, and while I can appreciate it, it's not for me. The result feels to me like someone reading out of a book of poetry which was written without the context of a song in mind. While that might have been true of her process for Tidal and When the Pawn, it feels more exposed here. I can hear the artistry and appreciate a lot of what's here and I'm sure the raw, exposed, and emotional nature of these songs is what sells it for some people, but I'm not a huge fan.
This was fine, but nothing special just monotonous
A little annoying
Reminds me a bit of Amanda Palmer, although obviously precedes her. The disjointed singing doesn't quite work for me across multiple songs, although sometimes it really hits (like on For Her). A really interesting songwriter, I'd like to listen to more of her stuff. 3.8/5
Kul! Mycket percussion
Jag uppskattar weird när det förankras i nåt jag kan greppa, detta var stundtals svårt att greppa men uppskattar försöket. Tror jag kommer gilla det mer om jag lyssnar igen.