Extraordinary Machine
by Fiona Apple
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Oct 4, 2005
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 221 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 197 out of 221
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 221
  3. Negative: 12 out of 221

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  1. custodiotiago86
    Sep 4, 2023
    9
    Extraordinary Machine" stands as a pivotal milestone in Fiona Apple's career, marking her most exceptional work to date. This album displays a heightened sense of maturity and musical exploration, showcasing her evolution as an artist. With its intricate melodies and profound lyrical depth, it serves as a testament to her artistic growth and innovation. Undoubtedly, it's a remarkableExtraordinary Machine" stands as a pivotal milestone in Fiona Apple's career, marking her most exceptional work to date. This album displays a heightened sense of maturity and musical exploration, showcasing her evolution as an artist. With its intricate melodies and profound lyrical depth, it serves as a testament to her artistic growth and innovation. Undoubtedly, it's a remarkable accomplishment deserving of a well-deserved 9.… Expand
  2. After_peep08
    Mar 4, 2023
    10
    she's such an icon and this is perfect. fiona apple will always be the music industry
  3. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    5
    solid set of passionate, angry, marvelously produced songs delivered by a singular voice, and it succeeds by following a muse that doesn't just ignore genre distinctions and pop delineations—it doesn't know they exist.
  4. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    Extraordinary Machine stands as a powerful piece of work by Ms. Fiona Apple and there really is no need to compare it to her other work. The writing and performances still sound as passionate, creative, strikingly beautiful, magical and unleashed as ever, and in my humble opinion, the album is, truly extraordinary.
  5. panzcoolg
    Nov 20, 2020
    9
    Extraordinary Machine is an understated, excellent album in its own right, but the effects of the record label upon this album can be felt today. Apple's genius, however, manages to shine through despite corporate meddling.
  6. Ricko
    Jul 17, 2020
    7
    More often than not, when an album is made and then shelved, it is with good reason. I haven't heard the first, unreleased version of "Extraordinary Machine" but having listened to the official version many times, I wonder was the issue genuinely with the production etc or was the problem essentially down to the material. This is a fine fine album for sure but in comparison to her otherMore often than not, when an album is made and then shelved, it is with good reason. I haven't heard the first, unreleased version of "Extraordinary Machine" but having listened to the official version many times, I wonder was the issue genuinely with the production etc or was the problem essentially down to the material. This is a fine fine album for sure but in comparison to her other work, this is my least favourite album. There is something a bit too straightforward about too much of it if you get me. For a follow up that took 6 years, it sounds dry and lacking in real flavour. It exists, is enjoyable and then is gone whereas much of the rest of her work leaves me obsessively revisiting. Most people would give a limb to write something as good as this but when you've set a standard as high as she has it doesn't quite measure up. Then again, what do I know?… Expand
  7. sweeterman
    Jun 9, 2020
    3
    This album in simple terms describes chaos, even though the production might look like its all over the place its rawness is unparalleled in the grand scheme of her catalogue.Its the opposite of her last album where the lyrics this time seemed a bit dumbed down.
  8. Predy17
    Mar 11, 2020
    10
    This album it's so underrated that hurts!... This work has many amazing compositions... Extraordinary Machine it's one of the most underrated gems of the 2000's!
  9. ultipop19
    Mar 11, 2018
    10
    This was the record that made Kanye West want to be the hip-hop Fiona Apple. Yet during the three years Apple labored over this ambitiously ornate song cycle, fans wondered if the album would ever see the light of day. After recording with producer Jon Brion, she scrapped the results and rerecorded most of the album from scratch. But with the pained, confessional balladry of "O' Sailor"This was the record that made Kanye West want to be the hip-hop Fiona Apple. Yet during the three years Apple labored over this ambitiously ornate song cycle, fans wondered if the album would ever see the light of day. After recording with producer Jon Brion, she scrapped the results and rerecorded most of the album from scratch. But with the pained, confessional balladry of "O' Sailor" and "Red Red Red," Apple sings with enough emotion to make Machine worth every day of the wait.Extraordinary Machine is the #49 best album of the 00s

    HOT TRACKS:

    *Extraordinay Machine
    *Oh Well
    *Tymps
    *Parting Gift
    *Not About Love
    *Get Him Back
    *Watz    … Expand
  10. Vampire25
    Jul 10, 2012
    10
    I've always known about Fiona Apple, but never gave her the light of day. Hype is an evil thing. The hype surrounding this album however is 100% accurate, it's a fantastic album. Every track is sung with such beautiful honesty from Apple that you really can understand what she's feeling and what she's been through. I love this album with a such a passion. A
  11. jyo_tirmaya
    Mar 12, 2012
    8
    I found this album/CD at the record shop in brand new condition. I didn't buy it originally for certain reasons, but now that I have it, I can't stop playing it. I enjoy this album much more than Fiona Apple's previous albums - although those are very good also. There's something about this album that makes for good listening. The overall sound is lighter than her older material, but itI found this album/CD at the record shop in brand new condition. I didn't buy it originally for certain reasons, but now that I have it, I can't stop playing it. I enjoy this album much more than Fiona Apple's previous albums - although those are very good also. There's something about this album that makes for good listening. The overall sound is lighter than her older material, but it has an easy flow which is very enjoyable. Pitchfork needs to loosen up a little. They are so anal - this album is much better than a 6.2 rating. I give it an "8" which stands for almost excellent. I am so sorry I didn't look for this album when it first came out.… Expand
  12. gagaforever
    Oct 12, 2010
    10
    Such an amazing album!!!!!! I jknow ever word to every song and can hit all the notes...Fiona apple is such a good singer and deserves to be recognized
  13. AlfonsoG.
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    Omg, this is her vest album to date! Sure tidal was awesome and so was her other one with the really long name that I cant remember for some reason right now. I think this album just pretty much surpasses any expectations she had for her whole career or any one else. I think as each album she makes, she just continues to do better and better and better and so on. The lyrics and just the Omg, this is her vest album to date! Sure tidal was awesome and so was her other one with the really long name that I cant remember for some reason right now. I think this album just pretty much surpasses any expectations she had for her whole career or any one else. I think as each album she makes, she just continues to do better and better and better and so on. The lyrics and just the melodies and the tempos and everything is sooo on the perfect notch! Every single song has so much to look afford to. This Album will go down as awesome!… Expand
  14. AlexisB.
    May 18, 2007
    10
    LITERALLY my all time favourite album, im not here to talk abt which version is better but to talk abt fiona's work and evolvement as an artist, she broke every line with EM. Jon Brion did an amazing work with Not About Love, Red Red Red and Used to Love Him while Elizondo did an amazing work for get Him Back, O sailor (2 thumbs up!) and Window...but i must say that, to me, some LITERALLY my all time favourite album, im not here to talk abt which version is better but to talk abt fiona's work and evolvement as an artist, she broke every line with EM. Jon Brion did an amazing work with Not About Love, Red Red Red and Used to Love Him while Elizondo did an amazing work for get Him Back, O sailor (2 thumbs up!) and Window...but i must say that, to me, some Brion tracks were totally unhearable (get Him back) and cold (Oh Sailor) while Elizondo did his best to make a world out of every song and indeed, he succeeded...amazing album, one of those that u just listen to but cant quite figure out how to criticize it… Expand
  15. RaffaellaA.
    May 8, 2007
    10
    I'm one of the few who prefer the new version to the baroque one she conceived with Brion - I love it actually! The clean sounds leave room for raw emotions, carried by Fiona's outstanding voice. Obsession (Get Him Back) and wiseness (Better Than Fine) live together well in some of Fiona's best lyrics ever.
  16. CLiam
    Apr 28, 2007
    10
    Her every albums are my all time favourite and I give it a 10 too!
  17. RobbieC
    Apr 11, 2007
    5
    An utter disappointment. The original tracks sounded audacious, ostentatious, grandiose! Unlike any other music being made today. In their finished state, she is part Eminem, part Fiona-on-Quaaludes, all weak and compromised. The only reason this album gets so much as a 5 is because two of the tracks are unchanged and two others might have been improved.
  18. Vin
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    The leaked version of the album is ten times better than the official release. It was more raw and organic. It had more emotion.
  19. Mike
    Mar 6, 2007
    8
    Very good.... But I liked her 2nd album alot more.
  20. JeremyF
    Jan 20, 2007
    9
    Fiona Apple's "Extraordinary Machine" is a work of genius. From her beyond great lyrics, to her fantastic musical compositions, to her rare, low, smoky, throaty vocals, this is album is very very good. However, I do believe that after 6 years of remaining idol since her even MORE wonderful sophomore effort, "When the Pawn..." (recommended over "Machine"), she would've come back Fiona Apple's "Extraordinary Machine" is a work of genius. From her beyond great lyrics, to her fantastic musical compositions, to her rare, low, smoky, throaty vocals, this is album is very very good. However, I do believe that after 6 years of remaining idol since her even MORE wonderful sophomore effort, "When the Pawn..." (recommended over "Machine"), she would've come back to us with a highly impeccable album outdoing her previous works all together. Still, it deserves it's raving reviews.… Expand
  21. JuliaA
    Oct 25, 2006
    9
    all the waiting time was worth it. brilliant,artsy,and such a relief to hear that Fiona hasn't lost her musical touch at all. all the tracks are good,if not superb.she gave us 'Criminal','Fast As You Can',and theatrical piano driven songs like 'O' Sailor' and 'Tymps'.no more to say but WOW.
  22. DB
    Oct 2, 2006
    8
    One can't help wishing most of the tracks were as creative, original and infectious as the title song. It sets the listener up for something different, and when the cliched rock and roll drums kick in on the second track, its more than a little dissapointing. The fact that this is still an excellent album doesn't change the fact that it is frustrating in its unused potential. One can't help wishing most of the tracks were as creative, original and infectious as the title song. It sets the listener up for something different, and when the cliched rock and roll drums kick in on the second track, its more than a little dissapointing. The fact that this is still an excellent album doesn't change the fact that it is frustrating in its unused potential. Mike whatever his name is (the new producer) is obviously an incompetent label slave, and if the songwriter wasn't as talented as Fiona, this could have been a wreck. If you can stand the injustice, the album is rewarding. If not, download "Extraordinary Machine" and save your money.… Expand
  23. Andy
    Aug 22, 2006
    8
    Really damn good.
  24. Alex
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    Fuckin great. That's all I have to say.
  25. JonathanC
    Jun 20, 2006
    10
    A flawless transition that shows that every one grows up. Fiona Apple's newest album shows that she has matured, but still contains the right amount of edge that makes her a future classic. A upbeat, yet downbeat assortment of songs that contain their own amount of diversity. With her piano and sailor's mouth Fiona Apple proves that six years can be put to very,very good use.
  26. CoryB
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    An amazing musical and emotional journey. The best pop album of 2005.
  27. ErazuaA
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    It is like the perfect companion to Elvis Costello's 1982 album "Imperial Bedroom". Strings never sounded better and tales of love never as sweet and bitter at the same time. You can't hum any song on this album. They defy such easy lilting. And that is a art to be admired.
  28. SamD
    Mar 20, 2006
    9
    i love this album. definately in my top ten of all time, it really reminds me of when aimee mann hit big with "bachelor #2"
  29. brookeb
    Feb 20, 2006
    10
    Love it! I like to alternate all 3 pf Fiona's cds to gte an unbelievable mix of music. fabulous!
  30. StephenS
    Feb 10, 2006
    10
    My favorite CD of 2005
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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best Album of 2005
26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2005
46
#46 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    The cleaner take on Extraordinary Machine is like a trip to a less cluttered haunted house, and Apple's more nuanced delivery sticks the knife in, but slowly. It's both charming and devastating. [7 Oct 2005, p.72]
  2. The New York Times
    90
    There's a new layer of perspective on her magnificent third album. [3 Oct 2005]
  3. Billboard
    80
    With a less confessional and more confrontational attitude, this long-gestating album has lost the tenderness found on "Tidal" and some of "When the Pawn . . .," but her execution still commands attention. [8 Oct 2005]
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