Fiona Apple at Damrosch Park Aug 8, 2015.
Our Fiona Apple albums ranked list looks at an extraordinary young musical artist who has only released five studio albums over a span of 25 years, yet has become one of the most respected musical artists in the industry. Fiona Apple was born September 13th 1977 in the heart of New York City. Her father Roscoe Maggart Jr was an actor who appeared in the film’s Dressed to Kill and The World According to GARP as well as many other films and TV shows. Fiona Apple released her first album at 19 years old in 1996 entitled Tidal Wave. The same age Kate Bush released her first album. Fiona Apple followed up her extraordinary debut album with her sophomore effort When The Pawn… which was released in 1999.
After the release of her second album, Fiona Apple would take more time in between albums as each record she released would become a work of art and a critic favorite. Fiona Apple’s third album was released in 2005 entitled Extraordinary Machine. It would be seven more years before Fiona Apple released her fourth record called The Idler Wheel in 2012. Her longest stretch in between albums would occur between 2012 and 2020 when she released her most recent album entitled Fetch The Bolt Cutters. Our Fiona Apple albums ranked list takes a look at these five extraordinary albums and puts them in order of our favorites.
# 5 – The Idler Wheel…
Opening up our Fiona Apple albums ranked list is her wonderful album entitled The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do. The album is more commonly referred to as The Idler Wheel. The album was released in 2012. It was her highest debut spot on the Billboard top 200 where it reached number three. This was an extraordinary great album and we almost feel bad opening up this list with it. The problem is every Fiona Apple album is just brilliant. We have to start with one of them so we started with The Idler Wheel. What we love about this album is just the focus on the songs. The arrangements are very simple, yet the song melodies and lyrics are as deep as they can get. They are both moody and yet very catchy. Standout tracks include the album opener “Every Single Night, Daredevil, Jonathan, Werewolf,” and the album closer “Hot Knife.”
# 4 – When the Pawn….
For those of you who are not aware that the album title When The Pawn … is simply an abbreviation for a much longer title that will just not fit on those LP bin label dividers here it is…..When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He’ll Win the Whole Thing ‘fore He Enters the Ring There’s No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won’t Matter, Cuz You’ll Know That You’re Right,.
Whew, we actually had to start an entire new paragraph after that. The album When The Pawn… was Fiona Apple’s second album. The record was released in 1999. When The Pawn… contained the hit single “Fast As You Can,” which reached number 20 on the Billboard Modern Rock charts. Her second album was a more complex record than her first from a musical standpoint. It showed maturity in her writing as both an artist and a musician. Although sometimes with maturity doesn’t always come better songs. We still liked her first album better.
# 3 – Extraordinary Machine
In 2005, Fiona Apple released her third album entitled Extraordinary Machine. It had been six years since her last album entitled When The Pawn… was released in 1999. Fiona Apple did not disappoint with her third album. Many music publications named Extraordinary Machine album of the year. The album was also nominated for a Grammy award for Best Pop Vocal album. Four singles were released from the record including the songs “O Sailor, Parting Gift, Not About Love and Get Him Back.”
# 2 – Tidal
Fiona Apple’s Tidal album was the artist’s debut album. The album was released in 1996. The LP was a stunning debut record from such a young artist. In many ways it reminded me of Kate Bush and Tori Amos’s debut albums in the impact they had instantly. Fiona Apple enjoyed significant help from an element that Kate Bush never had when she released her debut album. That was MTV. Fiona Apple’s mesmerising blue eyes and very bad girl stare hypnotised an entire audience of millions of music fans when they were introduced to her music in the “Criminal,” video that seemed to be played on MTV every 15 minutes when the album was released. Fiona Apple even won a Grammy Award for Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for “Criminal.”
“Criminal,” was not the first single released from the album. “Criminal,” was actually the fifth of six singles released from Tidal Wave. The album’s first single was another extraordinary song entitled “Shadowboxer.” One of our other deep favorites from the album was the track “Sleep To Dream,” which was the album’s opening track and third single released from the album. 10 perfect songs from a marvelous debut album.
# 1 – Fetch the Bolt Cutters
During the coronavirus pandemic, many people found themselves with nothing to do but binge on Netflix and over eat. Now, not everyone did that as there were thousands and thousands of first responders, health care workers and essential workers who still continued to go to work every day as well as many others who worked from home or along in abandoned offices.. And of course there were those who could not go to work but just did not want to stay home watching TV. Some worked on their homes, some on their fitness and of course there were the artists who took that time to really dig deep into their art. And some of them made the greatest albums they ever released. One of them went by the name Fiona Apple and the album was called Fetch The Bolt Cutters.
Fiona Apple’s brilliant album Fetch The Bolt Cutters stands as the album of her career. The title says it all. It was an album in which an artist who always defied convention takes it to a new level in both song and instrumentation. The album echoes what Tom Waits had begun to do in the 1980s when he turned to the opening and closing of dresser drawers to be used as percussion instruments. Fiona Apple uses similar techniques in her use of percussion on the album Fetch The Bolt Cutters. Yet, it’s not just just the unique instrumentation that makes this album stand out, it’s the songs themselves that defines her best written material of all time. Songs like “Shameika,” which tell the story of middle school acceptance and identity, or the issues of depression in the song “Heavy Balloon.” Of course there are the deep songs about relationships like “Rack Of His.”
We can’t use the word maturity because Fiona Apple was a mature writer beyond her years starting with her very first album. The songs on Fetch The Bolt Cutters defines an artist reaching her peak of artistry within herself . A place that many artists never get to.
Fiona Apple Albums Ranked article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
