I feel confident in saying that Fiona Apple is my favorite singer/songwriter. With her newest release, Fetch the Bolt Cutters, completely blowing my expectations out of the water, I have began to dive back into her back catalogue. I love all of her albums, there is no such thing as a bad Fiona Apple album, but I do find myself reaching for some more than others. That being said, here is my list of Fiona Apple's albums, ranked worst to best:
5. Extraordinary Machine (2005)
This album is often pointed to as one of Apple's weakest and I have to agree. In early 2003, Apple recorded this whole album with producer Jon Brion. That version was shelved and Apple decided to re-record almost the entire album with new producer Mike Elizondo. This version was also shelved before a group of fans demanded its release in 2005, and succeeded. Knowing that information, her vocals almost sound tired on the official version, and many of the tracks sound too smooth and produced for a Fiona Apple record.
Best tracks: Get Him Back, Please Please Please, Tymps
4. Tidal (1996)
It pains me to place Tidal on the lower half of this list because it was the first Fiona Apple record I ever heard, as a teenager, and I have forged a very emotional relationship to it over the years. However, just like I did as a teenager, this album suffers from a bit of melodrama. Some of Fiona's sleepiest and near-cliche lyrics are on Tidal, but that doesn't mean they aren't delivered beautifully and passionately. This album will always have a special place in my heart. Andy Slater's production is full, round and timeless, just like Fiona's voice.
Best Tracks: Sleep To Dream, Never is a Promise, the Child is Gone
3. The Idler Wheel... (2012)
Truly an art-pop album, nobody predicted this is the type of sound Fiona would return with after 2005's sweet and technical Extraordinary Machine. This is her most skeletally-produced project, but that does nothing but help her raspy and raw voice shine. Her lyrics have a new-found sense of self-awareness on The Idler Wheel, which demonstrates that her genius has not stagnated.
Best Tracks: Every Single Night, Werewolf, Largo
2. When the Pawn... (1999)
When the Pawn... is undoubtedly a more self-actualized version of Tidal and Apple does not hesitate to show her audience how much she grew as both a songwriter and person since her debut. Produced by Jon Brion, When the Pawn... has a refined and elegant sound. This project pulls the listener in from the start and doesn't let them go. Unfortunately, this album's largest flaw is the probably the 90-word title, which further made Apple out to look like a divisive and difficult artist. Nonetheless, When the Pawn will remain one of the greatest albums of the 90's.
Best tracks: Limp, Love-Ridden, Get Gone
1. Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020)
Rush-released in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, Bolt Cutters shows at Fiona's art is raw and untethered as ever. This is by far her most experimental project, and I can't help but enjoy more and more upon each listen! Punctuated by dog parks, hands banging on walls, cussing and whaling, Fetch the Bolt Cutters is unashamedly dynamic and authentic. Apple's songwriting is less sorrowful and more empowered than ever; She's not apologizing, rather commanding one. Bolt Cutters is her most socially conscious effort to date with a number of tracks clearly inspired by the #MeToo movement. This will be remembered as one of the best albums of 2020 for sure, and Fiona deserves every bit of praise she is getting right now. Shameika was right!
Best tracks: Shameika, Heavy Ballon, For Her
That's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this list. I'd love to know what you think: dv.micalizzi@gmail.com
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