Fiona Apple’s fourth album, “The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than..,” can be exhausting to listen to. When you really listen closely, it’s strange, and at times, negative and confusing. So why listen to it?
Apple’s opening song on the album, “Every Single Night,” never fails to create an eerie setting. The xylophone-sounding noises create a tone of suspicion and pain, which is then elevated by her raspy-whispering voice. In my opinion, it’s a great opening that hooks you and makes you want to continue listening.
Track number two is “Daredevil” – a rageful transition from “Every Single Night.” Instead of continuing with the eerie voice that she accentuates in “Every Single Night,” she shifts to a voice full of fury. From the lyrics, “Wake me up” to “In your mind in the middle of the night,” Apple perfectly displays that she’s angry and hurt, yet trying to remain calm.
Next, “Valentine” starts and isa beautiful combination of the previous two songs. Out of every track in the album, it’s the song that hints at the most twisted love story. In addition, the piano and violin that are mainly present through the song make it feel more dramatic and versatile. At the beginning, the song feels light and pretty, but then the song features a screechy violin. Still, it works.
Her fifth track “Left Alone” combines a jazzy tune with a fun range of vocals. The lyrics are also my favorite on the album, where she somehow talks about dewy petals and calluses in the same song—again, she pulls it off. Her vocal talent is also so prevalent with all the emotions packed into her voice.
Lastly, a standout is “Hot Knife” with its spunky, energetic sound. Her voice is a playful contrast at the end of the album. The tempo of this song is also the fastest on the album, with layered vocals and distinct rounds. All these elements make it the highlight of the second half of the album.
“Jonathan” and “Largo” are the only weaker tracks on the album. Standing alone, they are great songs, but when compared to other songs on the album, they feel repetitive. When compared, the first half of the album is the better thought-out half.
“The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than..” is an album that can make you feel somber, but it’s so layered and well thought out that you can’t not listen. It feels special, unfamiliar and rare. The listening experience captivates me and I hope it does the same for you.
