lambchops's Full Review: Tidal [ECD] - Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple was just 19 years old when she wrote and released "Tidal" in 1996. Despite her tender age, the music that is contained within the disc is everything but childish. She is quite a talented songstress in the old-fashioned sense of the word. From this album, she found Billboard success with gems like "Shadowboxer," "Criminal," and "Sleep to Dream." This music isn't what pop is generally known for. It's not chipper and it's hot in the least bit happy. Rather, it's moody and Apple's low voice echoes with hurt and pain.
The 10 tracks contained on this album are mostly good. Some are quite literally brilliant. My favorite, and arguable the most brilliant is "Never is a Promise." I'd also like to mention that Apple's talent has been recognized by the Grammys when she won a 1997 award for best female rock performance for "Criminal." Like I said, amazing. Tori Amos doesn't have anything on this woman.
1. SLEEP TO DREAM
This popular single should be appreciated. Apple is obviously a talent as demonstrated by this melodic little tune. It's a mature song, one in which you feel some anger and some angst to say the very least. The lyrics are thoughtful and mature. Apple has crafted this first single carefully as shown even with her lyrics: "You've got your head in the clouds you're not at all what you seem..." It's exceptionally impressive that somebody so young can be this obviously talented and that she's this obviously mature.
2. SULLEN GIRL
I wish that there were something really bad I could say about this track, but Apple really has left very little room for criticism. Her talent again shows through with this bass driven and piano laden track. Again, she's not in the least bit happy as demonstrated by her exceptionally sad lyrics, but it's still a can't miss. Apple is a talent.
3. SHADOWBOXER
If I'm not mistaken, this was the very first single that was released from Apple's album. This is also one of the best from the entire album. It's got hints of Motown, hints of other genres that most artists can't successfully weave. Possibly, what's most striking about this particular song is that she's used the piano so eloquently and so importantly. There really aren't that many songs in popular music today that accomplish this with such grace. Especially songs from 19-year-old young people. Gorgeous, beautiful.
4. CRIMINAL
You remember the video. The one with Apple dress in her underwear and nothing else. Well, that aside it still is a very good song and was rightfully relased as a single. A faster tempo than most of the other songs on the album, it's also a tiny bit happier than the others. There's a piano, and even flutes, but the base of the track is still very much driving. You can't forget the line "What I need is a good defense, because I'm feeling like a criminal...but, I need to be redeemed for the one I sinned against, he's all I knew of love..." Perfect. So says Mr. Grammy, too.
5. SLOW LIKE HONEY
It really doesn't matter that this song was never an official single. It echos of lounge acts, and most amazingly (okay, not really) all you hear is a piano and Apple's pained lyrical voice. It's amazing that she's put together such a complete, thoughtful album. Don't skip this track because you've never heard it. Every song leads to the next in sort of a tapestry of sound.
6. THE FIRST TASTE
This is a rather chipper song so far as Apple songs go. It's fast, and it somehow echos of 1970's pop melodies. It's also more driving than most on this album, you hear guitars and drums rather than her signature piano. There are also beautiful accompanying voices. A beautiful song that could have done wonderfully as a single (even though it was never released as such).
7. NEVER IS A PROMISE
By far, this is my favorite Apple song. There is no question that it's sad. The lyrics speak about ends and death. But, it's also gorgeous. In this song, Apple stretches her vocals in accordance with her beautiful piano and the violin. It's a ride of sorts ranging from a driving, hard song to the depths of soft emotion. The lyrics are also brilliant...her most brilliant if you ask little ol' me: "You'll say, Don't fear your dreams, it's easier than it seems You'll say you'd never let me fall from hopes so high But never is a promise and you can't afford to lie..."
8. THE CHILD IS GONE
Another piano driven lyrical near-masterpiece (I have to leave room for improvement...she should have a long future). Somehow, this song isn't as interesting to me, but among the likes of the other tracks on this album that's not saying much. It's still high quality, but lacks in comparison to "Never Is A Promise." Still, don't skip it. "Tidal" is a real album in which each song adds a piece to the whole.
9. PALE SEPTEMBER
This is a very soft, very gentle song in comparison to many of the others on "Tidal." Though, it's still very depressing. As with all of Apple's other songs, the music is in a key that suggests depression. And, as with all of the other songs it's very complete and very well-done. Apple is a craftsman of moods and of lyrics.
10. CARRION
Somehow, this songs reminds me of the earlier "Shadowboxer." With this said, it's a great song that's driven by Apple's very low vocals and her figers on the piano keys. It's a great song to end the album on a memorable note. She's not gone wrong for even so much as half-a-step.
There's so little I can say to criticize this album. I wish it were longer, but with 10 tracks Apple has created a very complete picture. I wish that Apple had been a bit older when she had this album. Why? Then people would have taken her more seriously. This is a mature album...one in which any songwriter would be proud of. I love it, and if you like this kind of music it's a necessity.
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