When The Pawn...

Roughly 3 years after the impressive, although flawed, debut album Tidal, Fiona Apple returns with a powerful, angry gem that perfects everything she failed on with Tidal. This sophomore effort is sheer perfection and one of the best records to emerge from the 90's alternative scene. Here is my track-by-track breakdown of Fiona Apple's When The Pawn:1. On The Bound-The music on this song is interesting and lilting, sounding almost like something from a carnival. It contains a few musical interludes that are absolutely great, and the chorus is sung with fiery, raw passion: "You're all I need!" Fiona cries in anger and desperation.2. To Your Love-Has unique instrumentation, driven by a keyboard, drums, and Fiona's vocals. This song is caustic and powerful, especially the choruses and bridge.3. Limp-One of the hit singles lifted from this release, and it's fairly short (3:30) and simple, which means it can be boring occasionally. It has a verse, chorus, verse, chorus, musical interlude, and chorus. It's lack of a bridge is disappointing, but it's still an amazing song.4. Love Ridden-An anemic ballad that would be better if put on Tidal. Pretty and emotional, but nothing special. It's not a skipper, though. "Nobody sees when you are lying in your bed," Fiona croons. "And I want to crawl in with you/But I cry instead."5. Paper Bag-I LOVE this song!!! One of my favorite Fiona songs of all time! It's catchy and ingratiate, with stunning lyrics. From here on out, the album just gets better and better.6. A Mistake-A good song with an interesting arrangement, catchy melody, and good lyrics.7. Fast As You Can-Once again, great instrumentation, great vocals, and great lyrics.8. The Way Things Are-Another favorite. Everything about it is good. Love the piano and drums together.9. Get Gone-An exceptionally pissed off song that is also one of my favorite Fiona songs of all time. The lyrics and chorus are incredible; the anger in Fiona's voice just oozes through the speakers, as if she's bleeding herself dry.10. I Know-The perfect closer to the album, a beautiful ballad that is definitely superior to Love Ridden. It's so sad, and the high notes Fiona hits are beautiful.When The Pawn is a stunning, angry masterpiece that trounces Tidal in every aspect. With this album, she gets everything right.

Got what I ordered

When the pawn hits my hard if you know what I mean. YES. Love!

"When the Pawn" sounds like the greatest hits album of an artist in his/her 20th year of recording. Every song is perfect and meticulously crafted. It's analogous to a box of chocolates, where you can't decide which is your favorite, and after you listen to each song, you say "omg" out loud. All the songs are different, and even sung differently. I adore Fiona's vocal phrasing in the jazzy "To Your Love" and "Fast as You Can", and with lyrics like "My derring-do allows me to dance the rigadoon around you..But by the time I'm close to you, I lose my desideratum and now you...", make sure you keep a dictionary handy. And if you've ever been jilted, you'll be singing "f-ing go" (from "Get Gone"), even if you don't swear. "The Way Things Are" sounds Sheryl Crow-ish, but is better than anything Crow has ever composed. "Paper Bag" is a song your great-grandmother would enjoy. "A Mistake" has one of the sexiest vibes ever recorded. Her lyrics alone could make you cry, even without the music. I've said this in my reviews of her other albums, but it bears repeating... Fiona is the John Lennon of her generation. Musical genius like hers only appears on the planet a few times a century. She is truly a gift.

I kind of ignored Fiona back in the 1990s, but for some reason I rediscovered her music in the mid-2000s and have been constantly impressed with this artist. The good impression only grows with each passing day/month/year. This CD is my favorite of all of her works. Everyone has their own opinions in this regard so no need to quibble about differences of perspective. In my opinion, had Fiona been born a few hundred years ago to an aristocratic European family, she would have been the intellectual and artistic equivalent of Mozart, Haydn or Beethoven. I have a high opinion of this phenomenal human being. And for purposes of this review, this CD is well worth purchasing and owning.

I bought this CD for a road trip I love Fiona apple and this album I definitely recommend buying this!!

Definitely recommended, Exactly as described, quality product!

I love fiona apple and this album. CD sounds amazing in my hello radio/cd player from 2010 :o