Continuing a countdown of my favorite albums of 1996…

#5 – Tidal – Fiona Apple

It’s nice to discover a favorite artist right on the ground floor. Such was the case with Fiona Apple, whose debut album quickly became a staple for both my future wife and me. And while my wife didn’t stay onboard for Apple’s subsequent releases, I found them even more enchanting than this one.

Tidal does sound like a debut at times. It’s a bit overwritten and over-serious. It doesn’t have the playfulness or rhythmic experimentation of her next few records. But as an introduction to an extraordinary new talent, it’s a bracing and emotional work of art.

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