I’ve loved singer/songwriter, Fiona Apple, for years, many years. I’ve loved her for far longer than all these sad posers on TikTok. Does that matter to anyone? No. But it’s important to me that you all know that. When I originally wanted to write an article on Fiona Apple I was going to do what I do best: complain. Complain about her not releasing music often enough, complain about how her music is often misinterpreted, complain about it all. However, I decided to instead write about, in my opinion, the best songs on each of her studio albums. I, as well as many others, am beyond sick of seeing the same three of her songs be used on rotation across social media, so here are a few of my favorites you should all have a listen to.
Tidal (1996)
“Tidal” is Apple’s first studio album released in 1996, and my top song from it is “Sullen Girl.” “Sullen Girl” was the first song I had ever listened to by Fiona Apple, though I highly doubt I understood its meaning at such a young age. The song is about Apple’s experience being sexually assulted at 12 years old and the complex emotions that came with that horrific experience. The song begins with soft, but dramatic piano and slowly builds up to Fiona’s voice. The lyrics emphasize the sort of way others seem to misinterpret her emotions, stating, “Is that why they call me a sullen girl, sullen girl? They don’t know I used to sail the deep and tranquil sea.” I love how the song begins with Apple sounding quaint and defeated, but as the piano intensifies, so does her singing. She begins to sound powerful, still devastated, but powerful, almost reclaiming the term “Sullen Girl” entirely. Overall, it’s a song that is incredibly personal and passionate. It’s an extremely melancholy song, but it’s truly a masterpiece.
When The Pawn (1999)
“When the Pawn” is Apple’s second studio album released in 1999, and my top song from it is “I Know.” This is one of my all time favorites solely because of the lyrics. The entire song’s melody is calming and sultry. This song is perfect for those who consider themselves not so much rhythmic people, but people who instead pay much more attention to the words a song is stating. Apple’s lyricism in this song is absolutely incredible. Her words perfectly dictate the plight of feeling as if you are required to take responsibility for others, saying, “And you can use my skin to bury secrets in, and I will settle you down, and at my own suggestion, I will ask no questions, while I do my thing in the background.” This song’s melody, while beautiful, is really nothing extraordinary. Apple’s precise words are what make “I Know” a work of absolute art.
Extraordinary Machine (2003)
“Extraordinary Machine” is Apple’s third studio album released in 2003, and my top song from it is “Better Version Of Me.” This song is arguably one of Apple’s more upbeat songs and that’s why I adore it so much. This album in general is one of Apple’s more experimental ones. The use of the flute, the triangle, synth, bass, and even oboe, all unique instruments, make the song have an extreme sanguine feel. With this song in particular, I feel the opposite of how I felt about “I Know.” When listening to this song, I pay more attention to the melody and rhythm than the words. The instruments used have a nostalgic feel and after crying my eyes out to just about every other Fiona Apple song, I turn to “Better Than Me” to lift my spirits once again.
The Idler Wheel… (2013)
“The Idler Wheel…” is Apple’s fourth studio album released in 2013, and my top song from it is “Every Single Night.” Fiona’s voice in this is so gorgeous, yet devastating. At the beginning of the song, her tone is demanding and serious. The way she sounds during the chorus, singing the words, “I just want to feel everything,” is heart wrenching. Her voice cracks are what really stick out to me in this piece, as they give listeners this overwhelming feeling of dread. Despite this, “Every Single Night” is a stunning song and is, in my opinion, the definition of beautifully haunting.
Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020)
“Fetch the Bolt Cutters” is Apple’s fifth studio album released in 2020, and my top song from it is
“I Want You To Love Me.” Now, not only is this my favorite song on this album, but one of my favorite songs of all time. Call me basic, but this is some of Apple’s best work. The lyrism alone is enough reason why this is my #1 song on the album. My favorite line has to be, “And I know that you know that you got the protector to pick me up, and I want you to use it.” This lyric so perfect describes the feeling of hopelessly pining after treatment you aren’t receiving and it is remarkably gut-wrenching. On top of that, the instrumental build-up in this song is simply incredible. As the tune escalates, so does the emotion of the individual listening, as Apple’s voice increasingly begs. Overall, this song encapsulates a niche, yet universal feeling and Apple’s ability to do so is something that should be highly applauded.
