Extraordinary Machine - Fiona Apple
Extraordinary Machine Image
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 156 Ratings

  • Summary: The singer-songwriter's third album finally sees the light of day after originally being shelved by her record label in 2003 and then leaked onto the Internet. This official 'Machine' is a newly-recorded version (with producer Mike Elizondo taking over for the original's Jon Brion), so if you've heard the leaked tracks, you haven't heard this. Let the comparisons begin! Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 100
    This is one helluva piece of singer-songwriter art. [Nov 2005, p.129]
  2. 80
    A fine, off-beat listen. [Jan 2006, p.124]
  3. This is a frequently great and occasionally bold statement from an - extraordinary - artist on top of her game.

See all 27 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 105
  2. Negative: 7 out of 105
  1. 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 Expand
  2. 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 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
  3. BrianM
    6
    are they crazy? jon brion's production added an extra dimension to this "machine"... but the new production simply sounds boring.
  4. BrianB
    4
    I wouldn't have even written a review of this if I hadn't noticed that it's on the "best of 2005" list. Are you serious? I adored "Tidal" and "When The Pawn...", but this is...not good. I've read the other reviews, and I have to agree with terms like "overrated" and "unfocused". She had six years to get inspired; to come up with a great record. I mean, it has its moments (hence, the 4 rating), but her "best album to date"? Please. If you don't have her other albums, get those, and leave this on the shelf (which, coincidentally, Ms. Apple should've done for you). Expand

See all 105 User Reviews