I just listened to Fiona Apple's new album beginning to end as I worked. A few thoughts:
Her songwriting is excellent, angry and interesting. The music is uneven on the album. I'd give it a 6 or 7.
Admittedly, I'm a sucker for and prefer attractive tunes to deep ones that aren't as likable. (Radio Clash or Once in a Lifetime or I are perfect examples of songs that I like more for the song than caring about the message)
Fetch the Bolt Cutters is a magnificent song, the best on the album for me. It's a perfect example of a song with an attractive hook, good melody and writing that attracts me.
There's a few others that are cool too like Ladies, Shameika and Heavy Balloon.
I'm seeing the tidal wave of "magnificent artistry" type reactions online. My narrow and particular point of view is it's the kind of artistry that you kind of have to like (like Hamilton which was in my mind really good but not great).
It's entirely possible that her music and writing is designed to speak to and attract certain people that I'm not one of.
It's also true that I saw her live many years ago and she was absolutely transcendent. She did a cover of Sitting in Limbo that literally had the entire audience transfixed. She has a few songs that are my all time favorites from the past.
I'll be interested in what others think.
