Tidal by Fiona AppleMy rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Rich, beautiful debut album by a pop star that kind of faded from the limelight. But from what I've been able to discern, she has a new album possibly coming out this year.
The maturity of this album lyrically and musically is quite prodigious. It's really amazing actually. "Sleep to Dream" is a powerful song with deep percussion and a lot going on in it. There's an iciness that is just right if you consider the words. I think it's a perfect song for a disgruntled, jilted woman. "Shadowboxer" with the piano, winds, and xylophone makes a really unique, passionate piece of music with unusual combinations of sound. A lot of Fiona's music, such as "Shadowboxer", is dreamy and reflective.
Fiona's voice is velvety and has a depth that is pleasantly surprising. She's an admirable artist who sings honestly about her rape experience in "Sullen Girl." She may have been thought of as pretentious by many because the music and the lyrics of her music were far beyond her tender years at that time. But, I'm rather inclined to think she's really just brilliant.
"Criminal" has an unmatched soul and funkiness with the piano and winds that is brooding and complex. Even if the music video was a little weird, the music itself is incredible. It blows me away. This is a signature 90s piece of songwriting intelligence. Oh, and the chaotic piano notes at the end are fantastic.
"Slow Like Honey" is lovely. Just like the lyrics, the song stretches itself out tenderly and has a certain smoldering quality that is classy and gorgeous. She sounds like a seasoned pro. It astounds me. People think that Alicia Keys is this amazing pianist, but I think Fiona surpasses her. You can actually hear the piano work in Fiona's music.
"The First Taste" is a very sensual, gentle track with a nice rhythm. It's a little more like mainstream 90s tracks I've heard before, so I would say it's the weakest of them and maybe a little uncharacteristic of Fiona Apple. I actually hear someone more like Gloria Estefan singing to this one, but it's still not a bad song.
"Never Is a Promise" has a very personal touch. I feel like she's singing from experience and there's a certain heartfelt quality and dignity to the lyrics. If you've ever felt like someone doesn't understand you or wouldn't ever understand you, this is the song that expresses that.
"The Child Is Gone" sways with strings and piano that lulls you and puts you at ease. Her soulfulness is expressive without being over the top. She doesn't have to prove herself a diva. There's a confidence that transcends that and I really like that about her.
"Pale September" is dreamy and a beautiful piece I really love. The subtle and smooth transitions between minor and major tones make a magical, dream-like lullaby that is tender and very sweet without being overly sentimental.
Great album. I'm usually not a pop star fan, but Fiona brings something different to the table.
Track listing:
1. Sleep to Dream
2. Sullen Girl
3. Shadowboxer
4. Criminal
5. Slow Like Honey
6. The First Taste
7. Never Is a Promise
8. The Child Is Gone
9. Pale September
10. Carrion
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Who is Fiona Apple?
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