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. setbro72
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    Pros.
    Flawless lyrical, album.

    Cons
    I wish lyrics were included but it's a minor issue. Sequence may make it difficult for 1st timers
  2. 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
  3. kaylamanor
    May 12, 2020
    10
    Perfect album. Definitely the best album of the year thus far. My ears were constantly surprised by the sounds it heard from Fiona and her band. So many twists and turns, so much storytelling, and unconventional sounds and beats. Just delicious.
  4. joethealien
    May 15, 2020
    10
    Seriously epic masterpiece, all killer no filler! Songs like Ladies and Cosmonauts cement her as an all-time great, with exceptional vocal and lyrical performances. Shameika has the coolest piano riff I've heard in years and, in a fair world, would be a ginormous radio hit. Fiona always delivers, but this is next level ****. It's an occasionally difficult listen, but it is so worth it andSeriously epic masterpiece, all killer no filler! Songs like Ladies and Cosmonauts cement her as an all-time great, with exceptional vocal and lyrical performances. Shameika has the coolest piano riff I've heard in years and, in a fair world, would be a ginormous radio hit. Fiona always delivers, but this is next level ****. It's an occasionally difficult listen, but it is so worth it and a complete breath of fresh air in these wild times. Easiest 10 I've given in years.… Expand
  5. Orbulon
    Apr 24, 2020
    10
    Amazing album that I've not yet listened to

    Anyone who disagrees is a big poopyhead
  6. jopester
    May 4, 2020
    10
    Passionate, percussive, perfection! I love this. Every song is fantastic. Particular high points are Newspaper, Ladies, Heavy Balloon, and Shameika. Another classic in a Ling line of classics from Fiona.
  7. LukeyC
    Apr 18, 2020
    9
    It's a funny one this, an 8 year wait? Who could have thought we'd get this and all it's greatness, however the record is one of a million for me as I can feel the said greatness pointed out by all these reviews but at some points cannot hear what some of these people want me too, sad to say really...
  8. chocstraw
    Sep 15, 2020
    7
    It's a good but the rave reviews felt too sensational. Many solid songs, great production, not a 10/10, must-listen album.
  9. Menios
    Apr 17, 2020
    8
    It is truly a nice album, with strong lyrics at times. Loved the sincerity she provided and the production she so meticulously took care of.
  10. nikolaynegodnik
    May 16, 2020
    0
    Сотка от критиков сделала своё дело. Никакого эмэйзинга и пёрфекта ту би хёрд у альбома нет. Альбом можно назвать странным и через чур желающим показаться особенным. Однако переборщили с необычностью и состряпали чёртову дюжину без какой-либо динамики. Очень похоже на соло ковыряние в пресетах Фрути Лупса и расстановку в хаотичном порядке (!) кирпичиков в пиано ролле. Музыка подойдёт дляСотка от критиков сделала своё дело. Никакого эмэйзинга и пёрфекта ту би хёрд у альбома нет. Альбом можно назвать странным и через чур желающим показаться особенным. Однако переборщили с необычностью и состряпали чёртову дюжину без какой-либо динамики. Очень похоже на соло ковыряние в пресетах Фрути Лупса и расстановку в хаотичном порядке (!) кирпичиков в пиано ролле. Музыка подойдёт для сериальных перебивок с громкостью на 30% и записи в титры, которые никто не смотрит. После Тяжёлого Воздушного Шара все песни подлежат перемотке. Интерес к альбому вызвала только сотка от обожравшихся белены критиков.… Expand
  11. Bazza
    May 4, 2020
    0
    This woman is stealing a living. The music is so incredibly bland, she is trying way too hard to be different and there is literally nothing that can possibly draw anyone to her music. It doesn't evoke emotion, it doesn't give you goosebumps... it's entirely mediocre and the album so far receiving 100/100 is proof that equally poor journalists and reviewers that cater to the mass and chartThis woman is stealing a living. The music is so incredibly bland, she is trying way too hard to be different and there is literally nothing that can possibly draw anyone to her music. It doesn't evoke emotion, it doesn't give you goosebumps... it's entirely mediocre and the album so far receiving 100/100 is proof that equally poor journalists and reviewers that cater to the mass and chart lovers can sell trite like this. Now all the users suddenly believe it's an amazing album because magazines and websites say so. Ugh.… Expand
  12. ARTCR1T1C
    Jul 8, 2020
    0
    Garbage. Despite its length, the songs sound unfinished and all of them are repetitive, the lyrics doesn't really have a deep meaning for it to be considered "best album of the year". I don't know why the critics think that just for being a crafty album means that is pure art and deserves the best reviews; it isn't all that, it doesn't bring anything new to the table, it's plain boring,Garbage. Despite its length, the songs sound unfinished and all of them are repetitive, the lyrics doesn't really have a deep meaning for it to be considered "best album of the year". I don't know why the critics think that just for being a crafty album means that is pure art and deserves the best reviews; it isn't all that, it doesn't bring anything new to the table, it's plain boring, and, honestly, it's exhausting to listen to it, especially with all the expectations that a "98" album brings. Basic, pretentious, and completely overrated, and the fact that it's shoved down our throats makes it even worse than it already is.… Expand
  13. antymosphere
    Apr 18, 2020
    10
    “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” é o quinto álbum da cantora e pianista estadunidense, Fiona **** Apple. O último lançamento dela foi em 2012, desde então seguiu durante oito anos sem lançar nenhum disco até o dia 17 de abril de 2020. Com seu trabalho de estreia, “Tidal (1996)”, Fiona conquistou o mundo, mostrando um trabalho genuíno que se tornou conhecido universalmente.

    O álbum segue uma    “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” é o quinto álbum da cantora e pianista estadunidense, Fiona **** Apple. O último lançamento dela foi em 2012, desde então seguiu durante oito anos sem lançar nenhum disco até o dia 17 de abril de 2020. Com seu trabalho de estreia, “Tidal (1996)”, Fiona conquistou o mundo, mostrando um trabalho genuíno que se tornou conhecido universalmente.

    O álbum segue uma linha única e tênue, usando de conceitos, referências para conduzir a obra do início ao fim. Apple é suavemente ousada em criar esse tipo de atmosfera, provavelmente muita gente não irá se identificar com a proposta da artista, mas é necessário considerar as influências apresentadas e a cena pop-alternativa atual, estabelecendo um paralelo entre as visões pessoais dela e o mainstream dos anos 90.
    Apreciando o disco me deparei com uma comparação interna com o estilo de musical da banda norte-americana The Doors, a força que ela impõe suas ideias e usa do piano para trazer a potência da obra me remeteu a Jim Morrison. Deixando claro que é apenas uma comparação técnica e pessoal da minha parte. A compositora se apresenta perfeitamente a frente das canções, trazendo suas características melódicas, fazendo críticas sobre o relacionamento pessoal dos humanos e entre outras coisas, sempre brincando com as palavras e com a voz buscando expressar a intensidade das letras e das melodias, se tornando única ao fazer isso.
    Utilizando de modelos diferentes nas faixas, trabalhando com repetições e elementos experimentais, o disco pode ser um pouco difícil de ser digerido e compreendido em sua complexidade. O processo de produção constrói uma coesão baseada no pop-rock, com influências do folk e vertentes alternativas já conhecidas de seus trabalhos anteriores. Amy Aileen Wood é o produtor creditado em todo o álbum juntamente com Fiona, ajudando a transferir toda a verdade e excentricidade dela.

    Lembrando algumas músicas dos anos 60 e 70 com reflexões atuais, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” surge com toda uma força expressiva quem vem especialmente do esforço de Fiona, não é atoa que esse é o álbum mais aclamado pela crítica especializada até o momento, arrecadando notas excelentes. O meu favorito ao Grammy de Álbum do Ano no momento precisa ser muito bem apreciado e analisado, a partir da proposta de não seguir padrões comerciais, mantendo sempre o nível elevado de qualidade, faz de Fiona Apple uma lenda vida em todo o contexto musical atual. Esse disco é aclamado por mim como uma obra prima, (e única), da nova década. Clássico, violento e sofisticado.

    Anty.    … Expand
  14. GabrielVR
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa diosa
  15. Real_g22
    Jun 1, 2020
    1
    Honestamente no me hicieron sentido los ritmos de este álbum. Entendí el concepto del título más no lo ví representado en ninguna parte del álbum. Vocales muy aburridos y monotonos de una buena cantante. Yo como hablante hispano no disfrute nada este álbum y creo que cualquier persona que lo escuché simplemente lo sentirá aburrido y con falta de ese factor que nos hace querer escuchar unHonestamente no me hicieron sentido los ritmos de este álbum. Entendí el concepto del título más no lo ví representado en ninguna parte del álbum. Vocales muy aburridos y monotonos de una buena cantante. Yo como hablante hispano no disfrute nada este álbum y creo que cualquier persona que lo escuché simplemente lo sentirá aburrido y con falta de ese factor que nos hace querer escuchar un álbum una y otra vez. Todas las canciones son los mismos sonidos. Quizás las líricas son muy buenas pero no algo excepcional, No entiendo la alta puntuación de este álbum honestamente.… Expand
  16. eugene_skala
    May 7, 2020
    7
    It's insulting to saddle what merit this album does have with extraordinarily out of whack pandemic-sized praise—and Apple herself even admitted being uncomfortable with it. The response to this album is oddly parallel to her debut, Tidal, but we all know an artist can never debut twice. In truth, when the dust settles, this album will be understood as a career shakeup that will bring aIt's insulting to saddle what merit this album does have with extraordinarily out of whack pandemic-sized praise—and Apple herself even admitted being uncomfortable with it. The response to this album is oddly parallel to her debut, Tidal, but we all know an artist can never debut twice. In truth, when the dust settles, this album will be understood as a career shakeup that will bring a new audience to her older catalog and it will settle into being what it is: every "weird" RIckie Lee Jones album the public ignored. Best track: "Cosmonauts"… Expand
  17. 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!!
  18. VestingBoot
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    Fiona apple is an artist that never really can't impress. Even though I am particularly a Hip Hop and Rap fan, I can see the artistry and brilliance of this album. I found the lyrics amazing and insightful. I truly think this maybe be the best album released this year within this particular genre. My only real complaint is the songs could blend a bit better.
  19. dola1323
    Apr 17, 2020
    4
    I can appreciate Fetch the Bolt Cutters for its unique vision and thought-provoking lyricism, but its many quirks, bizarre vocal inflections and volatile arrangements are overwhelming at times for a new Fiona Apple listener like me. Tracks like Relay and Newspaper are void of almost all instrumentation with the exception of vocals and percussion, and the album primarily relies on layeredI can appreciate Fetch the Bolt Cutters for its unique vision and thought-provoking lyricism, but its many quirks, bizarre vocal inflections and volatile arrangements are overwhelming at times for a new Fiona Apple listener like me. Tracks like Relay and Newspaper are void of almost all instrumentation with the exception of vocals and percussion, and the album primarily relies on layered chants, yelps and howls to fill in the blanks. While Apple's vocal performance features a wide range of emotions, it rarely stands out from a technical standpoint and consistently devolves into idiosyncratic chants and war cries. The album ends on a really sour note in On I Go, a tone-less track riddled with whispers, droning vocals and the occasional dissonant buzz in the background. Without any consistent melodies, hooks or instrumental convergences to latch on to, I have a hard time seeing this album demand replayability or appeal to those outside of Fiona Apple's existing fanbase. 4/10… Expand
  20. 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
  21. weing
    Apr 17, 2020
    5
    The worst Fiona Apple's album. One of the greatest songwriter of all times doesn't decide if the lyrics are songs or podcast. Absent concept, most songs have an identical beginning, making the true music lover sick.
  22. 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.
  23. invertedrisk
    May 15, 2020
    8
    Percussion like I've never heard before. Fiona Apple's songwriting ability is on full display, touching on relevant topics with a razor's edge.
  24. rayjay
    Aug 26, 2020
    1
    Cannot get into this album. Her music is too cold and intellectual and quirky for my taste. If the music does not move me emotionally in some way, then forget it.
  25. TakeMeAway
    Jul 23, 2020
    3
    I've tried to like it but i just couldn't, it doesn't make me feel anything
  26. Swiftie1989love
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    It is boring, repetitive, it leaves you without wanting to listen to it again,
  27. nikris
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    It is boring, repetitive, it leaves you without wanting to listen to it again
  28. Putsman
    Apr 18, 2020
    1
    Meh. Doesn’t sound like anything I’d want to listen to again after one go.
  29. 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
  30. eldieguisss
    Jun 16, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoiler!! Te dormirás oyendo esto!!
    Mejor ve a reproducir SAWAYAMA es muchísimo mejor!!    … 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 »