By: Fletcher Pike

Fiona Apple’s unique album ‘When The Pawn…’ came out in 1999 and featured 10 songs total with a total length of 42 minutes. This album was released following Fiona’s hit album ‘Tidal’ which came out just a few years before in 1996. The full title of this album is actually a 90 word poem that is featured on an overlay on the album cover. In this album, Fiona Apple incorporates piano elements into most of her songs with pop-style jazz beats and features her distinct smooth alto voice.

Track 1: On The Bound

The first song on this album, “On The Bound” begins with a swing beat with a heavy piano melody accompanied with electric piano undertones. The chorus shifts into an elegant beat with added string instruments as Fiona howls echoed lyrics. I loved this song a lot and I think it was a great opening to this album. I think that this song deserves a 10/10.

Track 2: To Your Love

The following song, “To Your Love” features vibrating and scaling vocals with a classic drum beat and fast piano hits. I did like the melody but personally this song didn’t stand out as much as the other songs on this album. It was still a really enjoyable song and I would rate it a 9/10.

Track 3: Limp

“Limp” starts with a simple growing piano melody with increasing intensity that explodes into sections with loud drums and a note-descending saxophone. I really loved the drums on this song and how the intensity increased as the song continued. I thought that this song was very pleasant to listen to and I rate it a 9.5/10

Track 4: Love Ridden

“Love Ridden” is a solemn tune compacted with emotion including a mostly piano and vocal composed melody. Stringed instrument undertones add depth to the song. I found this song to be very touching, with Fiona’s emotive and powerful vocals. I really liked this song overall and I would rate it a 9.5/10.

Track 5: Paper Bag

“Paper Bag” begins with a slower scratchy drum beat with a vinyl-like effect over it, with Fiona’s scaling and staccato vocals entering shortly after. I loved how this song was put together and I found the lyrics to be very interesting, which talks about how hope can lead to disappointment. I think this song deserves a 10/10 for the melody and intriguing lyrics.

Track 6: A Mistake

“A Mistake” starts with an electric organ with scratchy brass elements. I overall thought that this song was pretty great, but it didn’t really stand out to me. I liked the melody and the electric organ that was used in the song, so I think that this song is a 9/10.

Track 7: Fast As You Can

“Fast As You Can” is the hit single from this album. The song includes a racing tempo with quick piano hits that stops at slow segments during the song that picks up as it continues. I enjoyed the faster tempo on this song, as it grabs your attention right away with the march-style drums and vibrant theme. I think that this track has to be one of my favorites on the album and I rate it a 10/10.

Track 8: The Way Things Are

The song “The Way Things Are” begins with a wavy synth instrument shifting into a roaring heavy guitar and a classic drum beat. I liked the addition of the heavy guitar since it made it stand out from the other songs on the album. I think that overall this song was pretty good to listen to, and that I rate it a 9.5/10

Track 9: Get Gone

“Get Gone” begins with a tranquil piano and an ambient brushed drum beat that transitions to a louder drum set and piano sounds with string instrument undertones. I was a big fan of Fiona’s vocals in this song and the duality between dynamics. I loved the melody of the song and the different instruments used in this track. Parts of this song reminded me of some vintage jazz songs, which I admired a lot. This is a really great song, and I think it’s a 10/10. 

Track 10: I Know

‘When The Pawn…’ ends with a slow and melancholy rhythm with an ambient piano under Fiona’s gentle vocals. I think that it was a fitting song to end this album, and I enjoyed the vocals in this song. This was a great finish to the album, and I rate it a 9.5/10.

‘When The Pawn…’ is by far one of my most favorite albums by Fiona Apple. I find that the creativity and uniqueness that she incorporates into her songs makes her stand out as an artist. These songs were full of different kinds of emotions that I found to be interesting to listen to. Overall, I think that this album is a 10/10.