The Idler Wheel Is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do
by Fiona Apple
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Jun 19, 2012
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 353 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 319 out of 353
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 353
  3. Negative: 25 out of 353
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  1. nami2
    Sep 9, 2023
    9
    Fiona Apple is not just a musician, but a sonic artist imbuing each project she makes with so much raw emotion, passion, and feeling. Amazing album.
  2. aleom_hx
    Sep 18, 2022
    10
    9.8/10
    It's really a great album.The songs "Every Single Night" and "Hot Knife" are really nice!
  3. After_peep08
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    she's such an icon and this is perfect. fiona apple IS the music industry forever
  4. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    Recorded in secret fresh off the controversy of "extraordinary machine " Fiona unknowingly began gathering the pieces of her acoustic masterpiece. Developing as casually as it seems to sound the record made itself. This spontaneous upbringing is what elevates the idler wheel. Moment's feel visceral and reactionary rather than plotted and structured. This might feel abrupt and off puting toRecorded in secret fresh off the controversy of "extraordinary machine " Fiona unknowingly began gathering the pieces of her acoustic masterpiece. Developing as casually as it seems to sound the record made itself. This spontaneous upbringing is what elevates the idler wheel. Moment's feel visceral and reactionary rather than plotted and structured. This might feel abrupt and off puting to some but it's what makes it so lauded.

    Fiona hadn't sounded so raw before. Sure her vulnerabilities have been mined in previous records such as "tidal" or "when the pawn " but the accompanying full production smoothed out the rough edges she leaves razor sharp here. With a diaristic wit she's taking stock of herself and those around her brutally.

    "Every Single Night " quite start was the first sight of this new Fiona and it was so stunning. Taking anxieties to their most naked highs with lyrics people could only wish to have written . "Daredevils" self aware self sabotage is a mirror anyone can see themselves in. The same could be said for" Valentine " longing obsession that marks the torch song "Jonathan " with a loving co-dependence coming to an abrupt deppression in "left alone " which has one of the record's most despairing lines"how could i find anyone to love me/when all i do is beg to be left alone "

    "Were-wolf" is arguably one of Fiona's best works. It's metaphors are so rich and eloquent. The production is it's most obscure here,the sound of screaming kids walks the line between sinister and joy. In "periphery " she says goodbye for good to a chaotic lover who can never change their ways. It's detachment is searing but it's meditations on domesticity are frankly terrifying as she debates if she's on the periphery of the traditional family unit. "Regret" looks back on harmful milestones of a relationship that gave nothing. It's iconic "i ran out of white dove feathers to soak up the hot piss that comes from your mouth every time you address me." is the most poetic "you **** piss me off and im not gonna stand for it " ever.

    The percussive "fetch the bolt cutters " prophesy "Hot Knife" is a mantra on passion and infatuation. A stunning closer to a idiosyncratic masterpiece of monumental proportions.    … Expand
  5. panzcoolg
    Nov 20, 2020
    10
    Apple's vocals are raw and unrestricted, her lyricism airtight and perfected. The Idler Wheel isn't as experimental as Fetch the Bolt Cutters, but it excels in areas Fetch the Bolt Cutters simply cannot by having a somewhat more standard structure.
  6. sweeterman
    Jun 9, 2020
    8
    Perfect ensemble of a collection of sound and lyrics put together.This is her best work so far and is undeniably a must in anyone’s favourite catalogue.A rare instance where critics and listeners agree on one thing!
  7. idealizo
    May 7, 2020
    10
    I can say without a doubt that this is a masterpiece, it's my favorite album ever.
  8. Cesargalindo
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    The pure and painful sound of drama, loneliness and depression that you never get tired of listen to
  9. Andremax
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    The Idler Wheel... hasn't only a big title... Album also is grandious. Pop melodies divides spaces with tense atmospheres, creating a new notion of dynamic.
  10. kjhkjhk
    Mar 19, 2019
    10
    I CANNOT BELIEVE I MISSED THIS WHAT THE **** SIMPLY BREATHTAKING . just discovered this and my mind is blown...........
  11. Reeve
    Jun 7, 2017
    10
    Utterly brilliant! The song 'Jonathan' is a highlight but the entire album is a masterpiece. Her chord progressions are strange and interesting and her drummer is also excellent. A work of musical genius, in my opinion.
  12. RizzoShow
    Feb 19, 2017
    10
    Bow down to Fiona Apple, for she created this powerful album that pulses with life and reveals our most intimate insecurites whithout a single trace of its passing.
  13. CharlieGray
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    I'm obsessed with this album, Fiona Apple's voice it's just magnificent, the piano it's calm and furious, some weird but amazing samples like scissors against glass or child's playing fit pretty well, and the lyrics are so poetic and amazing. Ten out of ten record.
  14. thaleslucas
    Sep 26, 2014
    8
    This album really surprised me! "The Idler Wheel..." was the fist album by Fiona Apple that I listened and I was like "What's this?"! Her voice is amazing and I cannot talk how much feelings I felt when I listen I all time. I don't know if it is the best, but I really love it. ♥
  15. factorking
    Aug 6, 2014
    9
    Arguably her best album since Tidal, The Idler Wheel takes what was so good about that one and bumps the knob up on the intensity and honesty factor while letting Miss Apple get more loose and unleashed. This album aches, swells, undulates, and roils you with all its boiling emotion; this burn feels good.
  16. Ricko
    Jan 9, 2014
    8
    Firstly, I'm not going to compare this to any of Apple's previous work. What strikes me most about "The Idler Wheel" is the consistent vibe it gives off. While its 10 tracks are all quite distinct and individual pieces, the songs integrate together excellently and every line of every song feels like it belongs to this album and this album only.

    The sort inverted jazz-rock style creates    Firstly, I'm not going to compare this to any of Apple's previous work. What strikes me most about "The Idler Wheel" is the consistent vibe it gives off. While its 10 tracks are all quite distinct and individual pieces, the songs integrate together excellently and every line of every song feels like it belongs to this album and this album only.

    The sort inverted jazz-rock style creates an uneasy atmosphere across the record and matches the lyrical content perfectly. The music and vocal delivery are almost like a mirror image of what I would imagine her nervous system must be like when experiencing sound difficulties during a gig. I wasn't sure what to expect from this album but I'm impressed and can only see myself growing to like it more as time passes. If I'm to pick out highlights they would be "Left Alone" and "Periphery" but the whole record fits together so well that these songs sound best when listened to during the album rather than in isolation. An album well worth checking out - having had the radio saturated with Adele for the past 2 years - music like this shows what a lady can really do with a piano.    … Expand
  17. hjo1446
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    This is actually one of my favourite albums of the year. It has everything from great songwriting, hard hitting personal lyrics, great instrumentation especially the percussion, and a voice which is so expressive and full of emotion. You can also tell that she experiments with her music and the sounds she's making but also sticks to her original signature sound that made her so great inThis is actually one of my favourite albums of the year. It has everything from great songwriting, hard hitting personal lyrics, great instrumentation especially the percussion, and a voice which is so expressive and full of emotion. You can also tell that she experiments with her music and the sounds she's making but also sticks to her original signature sound that made her so great in the past. She's amazing!… Expand
  18. andrewsalgado
    Oct 17, 2013
    10
    I would never consider myself a Fiona Apple fan. Prior to this album, I found her quite self indulgent, annoying. This album took me a long time to come around...but when it finally did, WOW, its absoultely brilliant.
  19. GGCase
    Mar 11, 2013
    10
    This album is simply amazing. Wash your ears (don't forget the Q-tips), sit down in a comfortable ambient environment, and put some ear buds or headphones in and just listen.... You will not experience the full grandeur of this fantastic studio album if you are multitasking; the lyrics and vocals, along with all other instruments and measures, intertwine so well that it would beThis album is simply amazing. Wash your ears (don't forget the Q-tips), sit down in a comfortable ambient environment, and put some ear buds or headphones in and just listen.... You will not experience the full grandeur of this fantastic studio album if you are multitasking; the lyrics and vocals, along with all other instruments and measures, intertwine so well that it would be disrespectful to do otherwise! Enjoy! … Expand
  20. carayverson
    Feb 7, 2013
    10
    This album is a masterpiece. It is a work of genius. Though it is more stripped down than her other records, it is more in depth sounding. She holds absolutely nothing back through her voice which shows traces of old time jazz, rock, and just flat out screaming. She matches the incredible diverse vocals with amazing lyricism on every single song that will make you think, laugh, and cry.This album is a masterpiece. It is a work of genius. Though it is more stripped down than her other records, it is more in depth sounding. She holds absolutely nothing back through her voice which shows traces of old time jazz, rock, and just flat out screaming. She matches the incredible diverse vocals with amazing lyricism on every single song that will make you think, laugh, and cry. And then their is the instrumentation which is just brilliant. Her piano playing has become something else. She still plays jazz type chords in her signature thumping blues style but it is so much more of a thing on it's own now.The piano and percussion work brilliantly together and express moods just as well as her insanely intellectual lyrics.Very few artists could pull an album like this off, you'd have to be genius to come up with this and know it would work. She is without a doubt a genius.… Expand
  21. NatalieAnne_
    Feb 6, 2013
    10
    I grew up around the spectacular talent that is Fiona Apple. Her first album came out two years prior to my birth, so from practically day one I've been with her. And I love it. I love her insanity, I love her attitude, I love the sadness and the anger and the feeling that she has. The greatest part of this album is that it's all there and on display for anyone. I very honestly believe theI grew up around the spectacular talent that is Fiona Apple. Her first album came out two years prior to my birth, so from practically day one I've been with her. And I love it. I love her insanity, I love her attitude, I love the sadness and the anger and the feeling that she has. The greatest part of this album is that it's all there and on display for anyone. I very honestly believe the only way you can't like this album is if you haven't experienced real, true to the heart pain, or if you don't like to enter someone's mind as deeply as you do with this album. Apple leads us on a dark, deep, terrifying journey through her inner thoughts and it's something you'll never forget. My Favorite Songs {in order}:

    - Werewolf: I don't like to say this, but 'Werewolf' is essentially perfect. It's sad and looming, but her voice is so strong and pained. It's very, very Fiona and very, very wonderful. From the first time I heard it, I fell in love and haven't stopped listening to it since.

    - Every Single Night: This song is all about strength and going from just a step above whispering to full force. The lyrics are not only hypnotic, but stunningly beautiful and as poetic as you can get.

    - Anything We Want: I adore this song because of it's simplicity. It's Fiona and a little bit of background exactly how I love her. Daredevil: This song is strong and powerful. It has energy and she really goes all out with her insturments in a great, understated way.

    - Hot Knife: There isn't much to say about this song except that it's wonderfully sexy, and is far from anything in any genre. It really takes on it's own sound.

    - Left Alone: The lyrics are perfect. Absolutely riveting. Not to mention the overall sound of it all it's just wonderful. Everything goes together just as it should.

    - Valentine Johnathan Regret: These three songs are all of the same sad, generally deep and painful sound. Fiona cries her heart out to get the sound and it shows that emotion is much, much better raw in music.

    - Periphery: Even though this is listed as last, it's still one of very favorite songs of all time. It's strong and gets stuck in your head like you wouldn't believe.

    All in all, I personally believe this album will be one of my favorites from the day I bought it to the day I die. It's timless, beautful, striking and painful at times. It's not meant to be smooth and pretty, it's meant to be an emotional ride and damn, that's exactly what it is.    … Expand
  22. RylandDinneen
    Jan 23, 2013
    10
    The Idler Wheel is an incredibly mature work of art, taking the few musical resources at hand and using them to absolute perfection. This album must not be missed.
  23. QuintonB
    Jan 4, 2013
    10
    Nevermind the album title; Fiona Apple has delivered one of the best albums to come out of 2012. Simply dripping with raw emotion and gut, you can feel Fiona's pain, heartache and suffering on every song as she pours her heart and soul out onto these masterpieces. Sonically the album is fascinating, as Fiona blends traditional drums, piano and occasionally bass with oddball percussion thatNevermind the album title; Fiona Apple has delivered one of the best albums to come out of 2012. Simply dripping with raw emotion and gut, you can feel Fiona's pain, heartache and suffering on every song as she pours her heart and soul out onto these masterpieces. Sonically the album is fascinating, as Fiona blends traditional drums, piano and occasionally bass with oddball percussion that will boggle the mind. My only criticism is that Fiona should try to release albums more frequently; 7 years is too long for someone of her caliber!… Expand
  24. groovygroover
    Oct 10, 2012
    10
    Fiona can do no wrong. Every song on this album is absolutely breathtaking. Her emotion, her songwriting, everything is perfectly captured in these songs. The thing that makes this record stand apart from the rest of her work is how stripped-down and focused each song is. This is truly Fiona's masterpiece.
  25. AnalyDewa
    Oct 6, 2012
    10
    An album made ​​for people who can understand it, their low sales refer to mass culture imposed by the media. Don't sold much because much of the current population is not able to interpret it, to understand what it means and were guided to hearing songs completely different and boring like Nicki Minaj and Rihanna, even the strange Adole. Too bad for those who reject thisAn album made ​​for people who can understand it, their low sales refer to mass culture imposed by the media. Don't sold much because much of the current population is not able to interpret it, to understand what it means and were guided to hearing songs completely different and boring like Nicki Minaj and Rihanna, even the strange Adole. Too bad for those who reject this masterpiece, because they are having a chance to completely change your viewpoint about anything just hearing the ten tracks that make up the best album of the year.… Expand
  26. PALEGRE3N
    Oct 3, 2012
    10
    It's quirky and it's not an easy listen but it's nothing short of amazing and it deserves every 10/10 it gets, I can almost guarantee there'll be nothing better to listen to until her next album !
  27. np6
    Oct 3, 2012
    9
    Great musical achievement! For me, this is the second best album of the year after Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange". This is a lot better than anything Fiona has released so far. Try it!
  28. federicobenny
    Aug 29, 2012
    10
    Great album! She hasn't publishing any CDs for seven years, but "The Idler Wheel..." (what a long title!) is worth the wait! With no exageration, I can easily say this is gonna be the best album of 2012 so far!
  29. nickireland7
    Aug 19, 2012
    10
    Full of emotion, powerful lyrics, amazing voice (very different than her older albums!! it's still strong, but in a very different way!) I am addicted to this album. Every. Single. Song. I don't understand how anybody could not enjoy this music, it's just too great!
  30. PMN
    Aug 5, 2012
    10
    I have been a fan of Fiona Apple from the very beginning back in 1996. The Idler Wheel is easily the LEAST accessible of her four albums, and although there were a couple of tracks that engaged me almost immediately (Valentine and Werewolf in particular), it took at least 20 listens to the full album, uninterrupted, before it finally 'clicked' for me. Now that it has, I can honestly say II have been a fan of Fiona Apple from the very beginning back in 1996. The Idler Wheel is easily the LEAST accessible of her four albums, and although there were a couple of tracks that engaged me almost immediately (Valentine and Werewolf in particular), it took at least 20 listens to the full album, uninterrupted, before it finally 'clicked' for me. Now that it has, I can honestly say I think it is her finest work.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2012
17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2012
37
#37 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. The Guardian
    Dec 20, 2012
    80
    It's an album that demands something of the listener, but rewards it in spades.
    Read full review
  2. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Jul 24, 2012
    91
    An album that's damn catchy after all.
    Read full review
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Jul 19, 2012
    67
    Still the same Fiona Apple: bigger than "all the fishes in the sea."
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »