Albums by this artist

When The Pawn... (1999)

Tidal (1996)

Fiona Apple

Tidal

---

» SHARNA MARCUS | STAFF WRITER

Fiona Apple Tidal 550, 1996 RiYL: Alanis Morissette, Kate Bush, Natalie Merchant, Tori Amos

While Alanis Morissette screamed "fuck you" on her mainstream debut album, Fiona Apple throws her punches intelligently in songs like "Shadow Boxer," "Sleep to Dream," and "Sullen Girl." She somehow cohesively blends the strength of a rap beat with the beautiful melodies of classical and jazz piano.

She uses this rare combo to support her lyrics, most effectively in songs like "Sullen Girl." The light chords allow Fiona to tell her story: "Is that why they call me a sullen girl? They don't know that I used to sail the deep and tranquil sea. But it washed ashore and it took my pearl, and left an empty shell of me."

In "Shadow Boxer," Apple's alto voice is expressive, complimented again by the piano. Apple shows she can emphasize a point without the whininess used by most of her singing peers.

Apple doesn't limit her vocal expresssion on Tidal: she is the victim, victimizer, party-girl, temptress. She is whomever she wants to be. She shows her seductiveness in "Slow Like Honey" and her musical depth in the Sade-esque "First Taste."

The trauma expressed on Tidal belies the singer's mere 18 years. One almost feels sorry for Apple, listening to her pain. We can only hope the artistic success of Tidal has helped her through some of her problems.

SHARNA MARCUS |