In a way, this is a “transitional” album. Taking the more polished and pop sound of her first two albums and hinting towards the more experimental and raw sounds of her latter two albums. I don’t think this album is a masterpiece like Fetch The Bolt Cutters, The Idler Wheel and When The Pawn. It just isn’t as singular and consistent. However, it’s still damn good overall and contains some of the strongest songs in her discography.
Extraordinary machine and waltz are the only 2 songs from the originally recordings. And yea, we all have our own tastes, the first 4 songs the only ones I listen to 😂
This album was the version she wanted. The leaked version was the version she wasn't confident in. She recorded the leaked version with Jon Brion, but said she sort of shelved it herself because she didn't know what she wanted and didn't feel confident in it. But when she heard Mike Elizondo's work on one of the songs, she said she immediately knew what she wanted. But then the studio said they'd only give her enough money to record one song, then approve it, give her money for another, then approve it, and so on. She she basically said, "Nope," and the record was shelved. Once the Free Fiona people heard the leaked version, they sent green apples to the record execs and held protests to get the album released. Once the record label saw how much fans really wanted another album from her, they went back to her and said she could record it how she wants with who she wants. So her and Mike Elizondo made this version. So this is the one she ultimately wanted, and while I like the leaked version, I like the vibe of this version way more. It's not my favorite Fiona album, but it's definitely still a very good album.
I’m a massive Fiona fan and I agree with the majority of your takes on the album (but I love the opening and closing tracks 😂) It’s the one I go back to the least. I think Red, Red, Red and Not About Love are the strongest songs.
The songs that stayed the same are Extraordinary Machine and Waltz (Better Than Fine). The album was going to be more orchestral and classical-sounding like those 2 songs but the label stepped in and she had to make it more pop-rock like her first two, so it's a compromised album. Also btw, could you please maybe react to Robyn's Body Talk album? It's one of my favorite dance/pop albums ever and I think you'd enjoy it as it's very fun and gets you moving 🤍🤍
god I love this album! I remember loving some of the leaked stuff but don't even remember any of it now, but quickly just loved this version as wholly. I literally listened to this start to finish, over and over forever.
I love Fiona’s first two albums. Equally. After that it’s real hit or miss for me. I like a few songs from every album, but she never made another album I could listen to from start to finish again. You described this album perfectly. It just sounds like a band practicing a set. Ha.
Omg yay! What a treat this morning for me! I really hope you like it! This one and her next album to me are her best! I can’t decide which I like better! lol! Her lyrics are amazing!
Not my favorite Fiona Apple album, but it has one of my favorite lyrics from Better Version of Me: "I am likely to miss the main event / If I stop to cry or complain again / So I will keep a deliberate pace / Let the damned breeze dry my face"
This is def the better version in my opinion but more importantly this is version Fiona wanted the world to hear so never understood the push for the leaked version after this came out. Glad you're still on the Fiona train, it's worth it!!
I have to say, I agree that she should have ended the album in Not About Love or Parting Gift. Parting Gift would probably be my choice for the end track simply because it’s called Parting Gift, and that just makes sense.
Out of all of Apple’s albums, this one would be considered the weakest just because of the controversy surrounding the setbacks with the record label and such. As someone who dealt with thinking this album would never see the light of day and had downloaded the leaked version a year and half before this one came out, I can say, with the exception of “Red Red Red”, the album isn’t vastly different except for minor changes in little spots in some areas. RRR was originally an upbeat song so when I heard the version on the album that we have today, I was blown away. It goes down as one of my favorite songs from her, along with “I Know”.
When she sings the merry paramour part in O’Sailor and he says “oh paramore” says a lot about the music this guy listens to and why he couldn’t digest the first tracks which are artistic gems and not pop by numbers.
And Questlove did the drums!!! When I saw her live right after Idler was released, the show was in a very small, GA venue, and who do I see up on the balcony, but Questlove!! I was so excited because I thought he was gonna jump onstage, but she just gave him a shoutout. lol.
In a way, this is a “transitional” album. Taking the more polished and pop sound of her first two albums and hinting towards the more experimental and raw sounds of her latter two albums. I don’t think this album is a masterpiece like Fetch The Bolt Cutters, The Idler Wheel and When The Pawn. It just isn’t as singular and consistent. However, it’s still damn good overall and contains some of the strongest songs in her discography.
One of my all time favorite albums since I was like, 13! And I’m 31 😭 Her mind is just so powerful
Extraordinary machine and waltz are the only 2 songs from the originally recordings. And yea, we all have our own tastes, the first 4 songs the only ones I listen to 😂
Same I loved the first 4 songs back in the day
This album was the version she wanted. The leaked version was the version she wasn't confident in. She recorded the leaked version with Jon Brion, but said she sort of shelved it herself because she didn't know what she wanted and didn't feel confident in it. But when she heard Mike Elizondo's work on one of the songs, she said she immediately knew what she wanted. But then the studio said they'd only give her enough money to record one song, then approve it, give her money for another, then approve it, and so on. She she basically said, "Nope," and the record was shelved.
Once the Free Fiona people heard the leaked version, they sent green apples to the record execs and held protests to get the album released. Once the record label saw how much fans really wanted another album from her, they went back to her and said she could record it how she wants with who she wants. So her and Mike Elizondo made this version. So this is the one she ultimately wanted, and while I like the leaked version, I like the vibe of this version way more. It's not my favorite Fiona album, but it's definitely still a very good album.
I’m a massive Fiona fan and I agree with the majority of your takes on the album (but I love the opening and closing tracks 😂) It’s the one I go back to the least. I think Red, Red, Red and Not About Love are the strongest songs.
Btw you’d probably HATE the original production of Red Red Red hahaha
I LOVE that version!
The songs that stayed the same are Extraordinary Machine and Waltz (Better Than Fine). The album was going to be more orchestral and classical-sounding like those 2 songs but the label stepped in and she had to make it more pop-rock like her first two, so it's a compromised album. Also btw, could you please maybe react to Robyn's Body Talk album? It's one of my favorite dance/pop albums ever and I think you'd enjoy it as it's very fun and gets you moving 🤍🤍
The label did not step in. Fiona herself wanted to rerecord the songs. The released version of the album is the version Fiona wanted to release
Okay…you’ve done 4 out of five. Now it’s time for you to react to Idler, because I honestly suspect that it might end up being your favorite one.
god I love this album! I remember loving some of the leaked stuff but don't even remember any of it now, but quickly just loved this version as wholly. I literally listened to this start to finish, over and over forever.
What’s so impressive about a diamond except the mining? I love that line!
I love Fiona’s first two albums. Equally. After that it’s real hit or miss for me. I like a few songs from every album, but she never made another album I could listen to from start to finish again. You described this album perfectly. It just sounds like a band practicing a set. Ha.
Omg yay! What a treat this morning for me! I really hope you like it! This one and her next album to me are her best! I can’t decide which I like better! lol! Her lyrics are amazing!
Not my favorite Fiona Apple album, but it has one of my favorite lyrics from Better Version of Me: "I am likely to miss the main event / If I stop to cry or complain again / So I will keep a deliberate pace / Let the damned breeze dry my face"
This is def the better version in my opinion but more importantly this is version Fiona wanted the world to hear so never understood the push for the leaked version after this came out. Glad you're still on the Fiona train, it's worth it!!
I have to say, I agree that she should have ended the album in Not About Love or Parting Gift. Parting Gift would probably be my choice for the end track simply because it’s called Parting Gift, and that just makes sense.
Definitely consider “Are We There” or “epic” by Sharon Van Etten. She has this really wonderful contra-alto voice
Waltz is the song I probably listen to the most! Lol! Love it! Great ending for me! Lol
Yeah, it’s probably one of my most listened to songs in her discography. I just love the vibe of that song, and I love to sing along with it.
u loving oh well….TASTEFULL KING THO
🥰🥰🥰
Out of all of Apple’s albums, this one would be considered the weakest just because of the controversy surrounding the setbacks with the record label and such. As someone who dealt with thinking this album would never see the light of day and had downloaded the leaked version a year and half before this one came out, I can say, with the exception of “Red Red Red”, the album isn’t vastly different except for minor changes in little spots in some areas. RRR was originally an upbeat song so when I heard the version on the album that we have today, I was blown away. It goes down as one of my favorite songs from her, along with “I Know”.
I think this version of the album is way better. The unreleased one was good too of course but I prefer this one!
When she sings the merry paramour part in O’Sailor and he says “oh paramore” says a lot about the music this guy listens to and why he couldn’t digest the first tracks which are artistic gems and not pop by numbers.
And??? Lol
Its almost like people have different tastes… mindblowing I know
Recommend him something more vanilla and top 40. He'll dig it.
I will 😍
Window is so underrated I love that song, and tymps is so fun!!
not u hating o’salior😭😭😔
Hahaha oopsie
Hind's Hall pls
Not me loving the first 4 songs
Id like for Ben to react to Eurovision songs and why not live performances wow
DO THE ORIGINAL. IT'S WAY BETTER.
You should watch the video for not about love. It's quirky and stars Zach Galifianakis
And Questlove did the drums!!! When I saw her live right after Idler was released, the show was in a very small, GA venue, and who do I see up on the balcony, but Questlove!! I was so excited because I thought he was gonna jump onstage, but she just gave him a shoutout. lol.