The Top Songs On Each Fiona Apple Album

Tidal (1996)

“Tidal,” is Apple’s first studio album released in 1996, the best song from it being “Sullen Girl.” 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 Apple’s voice. Apple’s voice sounds quaint and defeated, but as the piano intensifies, so does her singing. She sounds powerful yet still devastated, almost reclaiming the term, “Sullen Girl” entirely. Overall, it’s a song that is incredibly personal and passionate. 

When The Pawn (1999)

“When the Pawn,” Apple’s second studio album released in 1999, and the best song from it is, “I Know.” This is one of the best songs on this album solely because of the lyrics. The entire song’s melody is calming and sultry. This song especially appeals to those who are not necessarily “rhythmic people” and pay more attention to the words. 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 art.

Extraordinary Machine (2003)

“Extraordinary Machine,” Apple’s third studio album released in 2003, and the best song from it is, “Better Version Of Me.” This song is one of Apple’s more upbeat songs, and that’s what makes it so special. 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, many fans feel the opposite of how they feel with “I Know.” When listening to “Better Version Of Me”, you are more inclined to pay attention to the melody and rhythm than the words. To some, the instruments used have a nostalgic feel and after crying your eyes out to just about every other Fiona Apple song, you can turn to, “Better Than Me” to lift your spirits once again.

The Idler Wheel (2013)

“The Idler,” is Apple’s fourth studio album released in 2013, and the best song from it is “Every Single Night.” Apple’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 many in this piece, as they give listeners this overwhelming feeling of dread. Despite this, “Every Single Night” is a stunning song and is the definition of beautifully haunting.

Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020)

“Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” is Apple’s fifth studio album released in 2020, and the best  song from it is, “I Want You To Love Me.” The lyricism alone is enough reason why this is the number one song on the album. One of the most outstanding lines 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 perfectly 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.