Matt’s Take: Fiona Apple is without a doubt one of the best lyricists of our time; she’s able to transform the best poetry into heartbreaking and engaging songs. Luckily, life isn’t as unfair as most would believe in these stressful times because we have been blessed with a genuine masterpiece of an album by the wonderful songstress during quarantine. “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” is Apple’s fifth album, but with the emotions that she imparts to the listener, one would think that she has been releasing many albums over the course of many decades. It is genuinely shocking to me that an artist can be so revered and make an album that acts as an auditory gut-punch, a hype piece and a musical piece of pure anger. If this album doesn’t make you feel any strong emotions, please check your pulse because something might be wrong with you. From the opening, “I Want You to Love Me” to the closing track, “On I Go,” Apple has something important to say about her past loves, and she does not filter herself. I honestly cannot imagine Apple doing anything different on this album, and I strongly urge everyone to check it out as soon as possible. I listened to this album upon its release and knew it needed a re-visit because of its brilliance. However, I didn’t think I would listen to it four times in a row in preparation for this review. I see myself re-visiting this album many times in the future, and I would definitely add it to a personal list of the best lyrical work done for a music album.
Three Standout Tracks: “Shameika,” “Under the Table” and “Cosmonauts.”
Overall Score: I can’t believe I’m doing this for such a recent album, 10/10
Hannah’s Take: It has been a hot minute since Fiona Apple released anything to the world. Despite her eight-year hiatus, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” proves one thing with complete certainty: Apple is still a phenomenal storyteller. Her voice is distinct and evokes plenty of emotions, sure, but this album is so much more than a simple musical experience. Apple’s ability to turn her own life experiences into lyrics that listeners are able to be moved by is sublime. From the first track, “I Want You to Love Me,” it’s clear that Apple isn’t here to mess around. Whether or not she intended to release something a bit more obscure to top the charts or just wanted to produce something that came from the heart, is a mystery. After hearing just the first song from the album, I knew that some serious business was about to occur. Every song contributes to a greater narrative of love, heartbreak, transformation and a huge “screw you” to anyone who’s ever hurt her before. This is something I can always get behind. The power behind some of my favorite tracks on the record, “Relay” and “Newspaper,” is a bit contagious. Apple’s voice and lyrics inspire confidence and empowerment, something many current pop stars try so hard to achieve, but she is able to do so effortlessly. Not having deeply explored Apple’s discography before, I wasn’t sure how much I’d truly like this album, but when Matt texted me to tell me that “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” is the highest reviewed album on Metacritic, I knew it had the potential to be a masterpiece. Like Matt, I can’t believe I’m rating such a fresh album so highly, but it is truly deserved. Apple didn’t release a mere album; she released a work of art, a story to be read over and over again. It is a true contender for best album of 2020 already.
Three Standout Tracks: “Relay,” “Newspaper” and “Heavy Balloon”
Overall Score: 10/10