When The Pawn - Fiona Apple
- musicwavemanagment
- May 21, 2022
- 2 min read
Edgy, experimental, and twisted this album will make your skin crawl in the best way. This album showcases the torment and angst that are characteristic of Apple's music.
Fiona Apple's music takes an edgy twist on alternative rock. The classically trained pianist may come off as a recklessly confident rock star because of her niche sound, but upon closer inspection, Apple's music is a reflection of her experiences with anxiety and depression. Her unique candidness with depression and suicidal thoughts caused waves of criticism leading up to her second album, "When The Pawn".
"I thought it was a bird, but it was just a paper bag."
- Paper Bag
Album In Review
"When The Pawn" is Fiona Apple's second studio album. Apple faced harsh criticism from the public eye prior to the release of this album. She had a reputation as a possible- anorexic brat with a bad attitude. This album was her way of reshaping public opinion - for better or for worse.
Apple takes a new twist with this album by looking at her unhealthy desires under a microscope. The third track on the album, "Limp" examines a relationship where a man is emotionally abusive and gaslights his lover. Apple uses intense instrumentals against the chorus of " call me crazy, hold me down, make me cry, get off now, baby". This is seemingly the breaking point, the realization that the relationship is one that is no longer tolerable.
The examination of relationships is continued in the most popular track off the album, "Paper Bag". This track looks at the disappointment that results from hope. The upbeat ballad instrumentals create a juxtaposition with Apple singing, " hunger hurts, but starving works". She sings of the need to change in order to better fit into a relationship. However, the hope that changing will be enough is only shadowed by disappointment. This theme is exemplified through the metaphor of the bird.
Overall this album is thought-provoking, raw and gritty. It forces the listener to challenge the way they contextualize relationships while drawing in the ear with jazz-inspired rock.
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