Tidal  (Audio CD) 
by Fiona Apple

While each track is amazing, the last three songs suffer from too much similarity. "Criminal" (probably the most radio-friendly) is a stand-out, as well as Fiona's rare use of her upper range in the haunting "Never is a Promise".

Here's a quick run-down of each track.

1. "Sleep to Dream" - great opener with it's biting accusations and rage. It sets the mood well for the rest of the album. The production here is "fixed", which improves the overall feel from the first album. 9.6/10

2. "Sullen Girl" - a mellow, sad, yet gorgeous song about Fiona's rape. Very powerful. 10/10

3. "Shadowboxer" - the best display of her musicianship (and a precursor to her refined composition on "When The Pawn..."). A great "pop" song with a good melody. It isn't my favorite, but still a great song. 9.8/10

4. "Criminal" - definitely radio-friendly alt-pop, while still just as complex as every other track. I still sing along when I hear it on the radio. Everyone knows this one. 10/10

5. "Slow Like Honey" - Fiona tries on the role of seductive vixen here and croons in her huskiest, sexiest tone, "It's my big secret--Keeping you coming/Slow like honey, heavy with mood." It's the longest track and a bit monotonous at times. 9.5/10

6. "The First Taste" - Similar to track 5, Fiona holds the seductive mood well. However, it feels like a continuation of the same track. 9.5/10

7. "Never Is A Promise" - Softer and gentler than anything else on the album, this is an amazing ballad and my favorite track. Fiona uses her upper register well in this stunning song. I cry every time. 11/10

8. "The Child is Gone" - In the same vein as "Sullen Girl", this one's obviously about the loss of innocence and shows Fiona's more vulnerable side. 9.8/10

9. "Pale September" - I love the lyrics of this one more than anything, especially the opening, "Pale September, I wore the time like a dress that year." 10/10

10. "Carrion" - More of the tough, in-your-face attitude, with vocals to match. 9.7/10

Overall, this far surpasses any expectations of a new artist. In fact, I'm about the same age as Fiona was when she wrote this and could never dream of wrtiting anything that comes close to touching the "least good" (none are bad) lyric. Bravo, Fiona.

4 of 5 found the following review helpful:

Is there no one out there with any taste?  Nov 05, 2002
I can't believe I'm the first person to review what is probably the best album of the last decade. Not only does Fiona Apple write all of her own lyrics, she also creates all of the instumentals. She is an incredible artist with a beautiful voice and a lot to say. As a music lover, female artists especially, this album is a must.