Fetch the Bolt Cutters
by Fiona Apple
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Apr 17, 2020
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1396 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,131 out of 1396
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 1396
  3. Negative: 207 out of 1396
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  1. cdmartin8
    Apr 27, 2020
    4
    Edit:
    It's funny, all the "most helpful" reviews are the one where someone gushed for a few lines, probably paraphrased some things they read in the Pitchfork review, and threw up a 10. And yes, these were apparently very helpful to all the other sheep that wanted to jump on the bandwagon, wrote "Brilliant!" and put up another meaningless 10. Ba-aa-aa-ah!
    Edit: Okay, I’ve listened a    Edit:
    It's funny, all the "most helpful" reviews are the one where someone gushed for a few lines, probably paraphrased some things they read in the Pitchfork review, and threw up a 10. And yes, these were apparently very helpful to all the other sheep that wanted to jump on the bandwagon, wrote "Brilliant!" and put up another meaningless 10. Ba-aa-aa-ah!

    Edit:
    Okay, I’ve listened a more and am even more convinced this album is nowhere close to the 10 that all you gushing automatons keep heaping on it. Insightful, bold, creative lyrically, yes. But musically uninteresting. And this is a musical album, right? Not poetry? So what’s with all the 10’s?

    Let’s look at a couple tracks, shall we? I Want You To Love Me: Some pretty piano flourishes behind meandering, structure-less verses followed by a chorus that’s three words and two notes. “Yooooooooooooooou love me.” What is interesting, enjoyable, or creative about that? And the title track: Some of what sounds like rapping on things in your kitchen, then some more of the structure less, meandering verses followed by an extremely simple, energy-less, musically blah chorus, “Fetch the bolt cutters, I’ve been in here too long.” And repeat. Finish with some dogs barking. OMG, the genius! Album of the year! Seriously, WTF?

    Sure, put this up for some poetry or literary awards. Hold her up as a feminist icon, role model. Sure, I’m with you. But musician of the year, heck no. And the sad thing is Fiona doesn’t have to choose between lyrically amazing and musically gorgeous. She has at least three other albums that are both. It’s why I’m a big fan. But apparently that’s over now. Lowering my rating to 4.

    Original review:
    I’m a huge Fiona Apple fan. For me, this album doesn’t compare to her first three. It’s not nearly as accessible or musically affecting. And granted I’ve only listened a handful of times, but I don’t think it ever will be. Sadly, as is often the case, all the unconventional-ness and artistic bells and whistles the critics gush over are the very things that make it a ho-hum listen for me. Don’t get me wrong, I hear all the creativity, emotion, honesty, etc. that went into it and respect her for it. But that’s not the same thing as that indescribable, goose bump-causing feeling I get from music I love. And when an album like this is regarded so highly by critics I have to wonder what it is they’re reviewing. Is it music as music, or music as an overall piece of art? I can’t help but think it’s the later and whether it’s actually enjoyable is an afterthought. Or even a detriment. (Kinda like how having a “happy” or satisfying ending seems to make movie critics drop a star, as if being enjoyable to the average viewer is a bad thing.) To give critics the benefit of the doubt, maybe when you get to a certain professional level of music appreciation, being artistically bold and musically affecting become the same thing. But it’s definitely not for me and there’s nothing wrong with that. On the contrary. I think critics should give more consideration to who they’re writing their reviews for. Themselves?

    Probably the most artistically bold and creative of Fiona’s albums. But for me (and I’m guessing a lot of people, if they’re honest), the least enjoyable listen. 10 out of 10 for performance art. 6 out of 10 for an album of music.

    A side note: How it possible for the Metacritic score to be 100 out of 100 if almost half of the publications MC claims to consider give it a less than perfect score? Either their math is really bad or about six publications are completely thrown out. In which case, isn’t listing them dishonest?    … Expand
  2. elras
    Apr 26, 2020
    1
    Tremendamente sobrevalorado, original si, pero inaudible y pretencioso. No entiendo las críticas aquí recibidas.
  3. realdeal69
    Apr 26, 2020
    10
    Brilliant - will be hard to beat as album of the year. Did not expect to be listening to a Fiona Apple album on repeat this year.
  4. Orbulon
    Apr 24, 2020
    10
    Amazing album that I've not yet listened to

    Anyone who disagrees is a big poopyhead
  5. jayman69
    Apr 24, 2020
    9
    Great album. Second time listening reminds of Tom Waits Bone Machine and after listening to title track, Fetch the Bolt Cutters, a few times, I am dying to here Tom do a cover!!
  6. Suedehead
    Apr 24, 2020
    10
    Album of the Year... Simply stunning...

    I Want You to Love Me is the best track I've heard in a long long time!
  7. Leogxx
    Apr 23, 2020
    0
    a bad album, does she out of tune and have the courage to release it? Totally inaudible, this is an album that can be thrown away, sucks and is totally rotten, I don't know how there are people who have the courage to rate this terrible album with a 100
  8. la_pared_rosa
    Apr 23, 2020
    1
    This album Is like that glass of water in the middle of a modern art museum. Some pretentious critics praise it and everybody Is following the hype...But still just a glass of water. I bet 1 dollar no one who give It a 10 will listen this mess in a week. Pretentious and boring i give It 1 just for The effort.
  9. Spenserbower
    Apr 23, 2020
    10
    All of her albums hold a special spot in my heart. I wasn’t sure she could top the Idler Wheel, but this album is right up there. She never disappoints.
  10. thepowerout_
    Apr 23, 2020
    10
    Because so many reviewers have called out all the strengths of this release, I thought it would be fun to go through some of the more asinine and truly senseless "reviews", since there really are so many that display what makes this album one of the strongest of the year so far--

    The majority of "0-1" scores are accounts who signed up solely to give this album that obscenely low rating    Because so many reviewers have called out all the strengths of this release, I thought it would be fun to go through some of the more asinine and truly senseless "reviews", since there really are so many that display what makes this album one of the strongest of the year so far--

    The majority of "0-1" scores are accounts who signed up solely to give this album that obscenely low rating for someone who sings without autotune and masterfully plays their own instrumentation. At the very least, that calls for a 3 if using sound judgement.

    Putsman - Rating: 1 (no other reviews) - "Doesn’t sound like anything I’d want to listen to again after one go." So you willfully admit to listening to it once (and 95% sure you skimmed). Nice. Thanks for typing that out.

    ravenvenom - Rating: 1 - "Original, that’s for sure." "Don’t mistake originality for genius." Originality gets a 1, that makes sense, totally. But dont worry, they gave the past three Madonna releases all 10's. So they definitely have an understanding of both originality and "genius."

    JesseBarre - Rating: 0 - "feminist anthems that act as if women who willingly utilize their sexuality to get ahead & become plutocrats in Beverly Hills who have the ability to destroy any man they wants lives with a single tweet." This drama queen sounds like he had a bad relationship once. But Jesse gives Big Sean a 10 due to "quirky wordplay." k!

    liscarta - Rating: 0 (no other reviews) - "It sounds like a podcast." Can you recommend some to me? Those sound dope.    … Expand
  11. heitorcruv
    Apr 23, 2020
    10
    This is the first album that I've listened from Ms Apple. I didn't even had an account on this website but I needed to create one just to say: SHAMEIKA WAS RIGHT!!! This woman is amazing, her album is incredible and I only have to thank to my very best friend Jorge Pontes, from Recife, for sharing this masterpiece with me. 10/10 is all I have to say to resume that I didn't found not oneThis is the first album that I've listened from Ms Apple. I didn't even had an account on this website but I needed to create one just to say: SHAMEIKA WAS RIGHT!!! This woman is amazing, her album is incredible and I only have to thank to my very best friend Jorge Pontes, from Recife, for sharing this masterpiece with me. 10/10 is all I have to say to resume that I didn't found not one single thing wrong with this album, I even loved the dogs they sing better than me. lol. LOVED LOVED LOVED!!!… Expand
  12. Connorcaughs
    Apr 23, 2020
    10
    This album is genuinely, incredibly rejuvenating. It is a masterpiece that is totally necessary right now, and has messages almost everyone can connect with.
  13. JuneD
    Apr 23, 2020
    10
    I freaking love this album! It's intense, abrasive,playful and weird. Fiona's voice has never sounded stronger or more confident as vocalist. Her lyrical wordplay is masterful and unique. This is definitely going to be in my top 5 albums of the year.
  14. AdonisOG
    Apr 23, 2020
    2
    there are some interesting songs but overall its a pretentious and indulgent noise collage for militant cultists.
    i would give it a higher rating if all these sycophants werent dropping casual 10s
  15. Mccusky
    Apr 22, 2020
    8
    It's a leap in songwriting and an exceptionally well written album, to fit so much content in some of the songs and change the tempo whilst keeping it melodic shows how much talent she has. Seems like an album that has so much depth it will keep giving to the right person for decades but its not really that accessible to some, seems to be have quite a feminist vibe about it and the vocalIt's a leap in songwriting and an exceptionally well written album, to fit so much content in some of the songs and change the tempo whilst keeping it melodic shows how much talent she has. Seems like an album that has so much depth it will keep giving to the right person for decades but its not really that accessible to some, seems to be have quite a feminist vibe about it and the vocal orgasm she has at the end of the opening track is cringeworthy. Musically and lyrically there's so much depth there but the subject matter can feel like you're being lectured.… Expand
  16. imadabbou
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    This is a perfect album i recommend it for everyone a classic. A modern masterpiece. I like the wierd quirky instrumentals that transcribe emotions. And the lyrics were probably my favorite on any fiona apple record
  17. datwilli
    Apr 22, 2020
    8
    Why does this have a 100 score when half of the reviews are 100 and the other half less than 100? I put the average at 94-95. Are you using median for some bizarre reason to average the score?
  18. EtherPogrom
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    Its simplicity and experimentation with vocal percussion really paint a clear picture of the potential thoughts and feelings of a creative individual who is trapped or quarantined. It's one of the most accurate depictions of how I currently feel personified into a sound.
  19. marcosarf
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    "Masterpiece" is enough. The perfection: IWYTLM, Shameika, Kick me under the table, newspaper, heavy balloon, cosmonauts.
  20. anuj1234
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    The lyrics are god tier. Songs flow so smoothly telling her story in a manner which is unheard of. Just legend things for her.
  21. eleventy4
    Apr 21, 2020
    10
    Sheer brilliance. Mesmerizing, challenging, nuanced, simultaneously minimalistic and cacophonous.
  22. guitfiddler95
    Apr 21, 2020
    6
    Not her best work, honestly blown away by all the praise it’s getting. This maybe would’ve been a great album if it had come out in the 90’s, Idler Wheel was much more interesting sonically and still sounds more modern. The only thing that appeals to me as a producer is the gritty, textured percussion. I get that the lyrics are meant to be more relatable to women but still disappointing toNot her best work, honestly blown away by all the praise it’s getting. This maybe would’ve been a great album if it had come out in the 90’s, Idler Wheel was much more interesting sonically and still sounds more modern. The only thing that appeals to me as a producer is the gritty, textured percussion. I get that the lyrics are meant to be more relatable to women but still disappointing to a fan looking forward to hearing innovative compositions rather than a bunch of raggedy piano jams with quirky vocal delivery.… Expand
  23. sagebrushfire
    Apr 21, 2020
    10
    This album has an abundance of things to appreciate: experimental/raw sounds, methodical editing choices, a mix of narrative perspectives and thick, layered lyricism. If "Idler Wheel..." was a foray into challenging the status quo of popular music then "Fetch The Bolt Cutters" is the flagship of an all-out war on radio-friendly music. It is clear that every beat of this album is carefullyThis album has an abundance of things to appreciate: experimental/raw sounds, methodical editing choices, a mix of narrative perspectives and thick, layered lyricism. If "Idler Wheel..." was a foray into challenging the status quo of popular music then "Fetch The Bolt Cutters" is the flagship of an all-out war on radio-friendly music. It is clear that every beat of this album is carefully crafted and yet the recordings and instrumental choices feel raw and improvised in parts. Rather than sanitize every track for radio Fiona chose to leverage every imperfection for effect. A lot of people are upset about the "lack of melodies" but I suspect they are just expecting an album that is immediately accessible and stuffed with mindless tracks with the same 2-3 tired chord progressions that have been dragging pop music along like an expired pet caught in a wheel well for the past 20-30 years. "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" is not necessarily an album that grabs you on the first listen because it can be very chaotic and disarming. That being said it's not an album that tricks you into accepting it with repeated listens by way of Stockholm syndrome—once you have some time to absorb the lyrical content and identify the different layers of sound you can appreciate the album for its merits and not just because the overused "hooks" are worming their way into your brain—there are no cloyingly sweet pop paradigms to choke on here. "Fetch The Bolt Cutters" is unapologetically creative; it has a hand stretched out ready to comfort you but doesn't need your sympathy or care about your criticism either. The weakest tracks on this album are still interesting enough to make most of what's being pumped out by big artists look like embarrassing schlock and that's merit enough for a perfect score from me.… Expand
  24. Onthebound
    Apr 21, 2020
    10
    An artist unleashed. It's Fiona Apple, we can't expect anything less. Unconventional and raw. Art at its finest.
  25. sab123
    Apr 21, 2020
    3
    Obviously it's just my opinion, but really, music shouldn't be this much hard work to listen to. Some melody here or there and a few less discordant notes wouldn't go astray.
  26. rselistre
    Apr 21, 2020
    10
    Talvez o melhor álbum da Fiona, pela ousadia e originalidade. E definitivamente um marco para a música pop.
  27. FatLadRoss
    Apr 21, 2020
    3
    This album sounds like it was made by a 10 year old having a tantrum after being told they can't get Animal Crossing on the Switch!

    No seriously, I now know that I am uncool, not down with it and have no idea what constitutes a good album anymore. Which is fine with me as long as I don't have to listen to this again! This album has rave reviews but I have no idea how, it's drivel.    This album sounds like it was made by a 10 year old having a tantrum after being told they can't get Animal Crossing on the Switch!

    No seriously, I now know that I am uncool, not down with it and have no idea what constitutes a good album anymore. Which is fine with me as long as I don't have to listen to this again!

    This album has rave reviews but I have no idea how, it's drivel. It's a mash of noises and poor singing, shouting and screeching. If you like that sort of thing which people obviously do then power to you, however I like my music more enjoyable.

    My pretentious score for this album is 165 out of 10!    … Expand
  28. Luis77777777
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    es un excelente disco donde experimenta y demuestra que sigue siendo una de las mejores artistas de inventario musical
  29. matthewmirliani
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    Not sure how to properly describe the magic touch of this album - it’s not always the easiest listen in some parts, but there’s a magnetism about it, a hypnotic element that draws you back in. Along with its sheer ambition and the emotions that underly it, the album impresses with the richness of its sounds - Broadway-esque piano riffs; soulful choruses; folksy drumbeats; a poetic, jazzyNot sure how to properly describe the magic touch of this album - it’s not always the easiest listen in some parts, but there’s a magnetism about it, a hypnotic element that draws you back in. Along with its sheer ambition and the emotions that underly it, the album impresses with the richness of its sounds - Broadway-esque piano riffs; soulful choruses; folksy drumbeats; a poetic, jazzy coffeehouse aura; notes of Bjork’s softer cuts and Stevie Nick’s powerhouse raspiness. Standouts include the title track, Newspaper, Ladies, and Heavy Balloon.… Expand
  30. A23llie
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Incredible from the jump, with “I want you to love me,” she sings, “I know none of this will matter in the long run / But I know a sound is still a sound around no one.” And the album never falters. It’s strong, unique, introspective and cathartic all the way through.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2020
18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
98

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Under The Radar
    Aug 18, 2020
    85
    Guttural, soft, cacophonous, and poetic, Fetch the Bolt Cutters is a reminder of Apple’s genius and that we are all interconnected, one people, existing in a pulse.
    Read full review
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jul 6, 2020
    80
    Forget the bolt cutters, Apple's already shed her last shackle. [Summer 2020, p.87]
  3. Uncut
    May 22, 2020
    90
    Fetch The Bolt Cutters is mostly the soundtrack of liberation, not recrimination, with Apple's piano keys, battering on the walls and barking dogs as its percussive, beating heart. [Jul 2020, p.27]
See all critic reviews »