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. 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
  2. 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
  3. Vampire25
    Jul 22, 2012
    9
    I had to really devote a lot of my time to this album but it was completely worth it. Apple almost makes an album that's better than Extraordinary Machine, almost. Each track is beautifully written and sung with raw emotion. All in All, The Idler Wheel... is a fantastic album. A-
  4. 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.
  5. axelkoch
    Nov 30, 2012
    5
    Actually, the title is the most interesting and creative thing about the album. I admit that this lady is a goddess in phrasing but despite that, the songs are boring. It is nice to hear and to look at the lyrics and what's behind them, but after doing that one time it gets pretty insipid. None of the songs could be a single and they're all just a bunch of poems with strange tunes.Actually, the title is the most interesting and creative thing about the album. I admit that this lady is a goddess in phrasing but despite that, the songs are boring. It is nice to hear and to look at the lyrics and what's behind them, but after doing that one time it gets pretty insipid. None of the songs could be a single and they're all just a bunch of poems with strange tunes. Additionally Apple distorts her voice in a horrible way so often on this release. Not really good.… Expand
  6. jyo_tirmaya
    Jun 25, 2012
    9
    I enjoy listening to this album very much. She's doing things she hasn't done before and the results are just wonderful. Genius! So far, best album of the year!!!
  7. 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. ♥
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. JotaBrasil
    Jun 29, 2012
    9
    O que falar de um álbum como o de Fiona Apple? Genial? Esquizofrênico? Brilhante? Insano? Que tal: tudo isso e mais um pouco.

    Desde que foi revelada em 1996 com o aclamado Tidal, Fiona se tornou uma das "rainhas" do mundo indie apesar do sucesso no mundo mainstream. Uma artista complexa em todas as suas características, Fiona ficou sete anos sem lançar um    O que falar de um álbum como o de Fiona Apple? Genial? Esquizofrênico? Brilhante? Insano? Que tal: tudo isso e mais um pouco.

    Desde que foi revelada em 1996 com o aclamado Tidal, Fiona se tornou uma das "rainhas" do mundo indie apesar do sucesso no mundo mainstream. Uma artista complexa em todas as suas características, Fiona ficou sete anos sem lançar um trabalho (o último foi em 2005 com Extraordinary Machine). Esse ano ela resolver sair da toca e lançar The Idler Wheel... (outra característica dela são os nomes gigantescos para os álbuns) que vem recebendo as melhores criticas da impressa especializada no ano até agora. E devo dizer que merece, mesmo não sendo exatamente fã. The Idler Wheel... não é para todos. Fique claro isso, pois quem só curte eletropop e CIA vai achar uma merda a sonoridade minimalista de Fiona. Nisso é que o álbum encontra seu maior brilho na construção impecável de arranjos impressionantes que usam e abusam de sons e instrumentos inusitados para criar uma excepcional, intrigada e poderosa rede de sonoridades. Esse ano vai ser difícil ver um artista tão preocupado em ir além do que se pode ir e chegar um pouco mais além do que a gente imagina. Devo dizer que fiquei boiando um pouco nas complexas composições de Fiona, mas aos poucos as texturas de cada canção vão ganhando forma na minha cabeça. Trabalho provocante e de inteligência refinada. Vocalmente, Fiona não precisa de muita coisa para se encaixar no meio dessa loucura. Dona de uma voz poderosa que poderia ser usada para pop de primeira qualidade, mas Fiona não se entrega nada para o caminho fácil. Performances avassaladoras e cheias de personalidades em cada canção. Não tem com ressaltar faixas como melhores, pois The Idler Wheel... é um trabalho para ser escutado inteiro. Depois você pode escolher qual adjetivo melhor se encaixa para a definição do trabalho de Fiona. Contudo, uma coisa é certa: não é um trabalho para ser esquecido.    … Expand
  11. LuizCC
    Jul 13, 2012
    9
    It's not a easy album to listen and understand. But when it flows inside your head, you feel every and each intention of hers in each music. It's mesmerizing the way she sings, and the songwriting is the best since 'Tidal'. The only low points is the voice tone that is too much changeable. She remains bold and sharp for the (good) music industry. Best ones are "Hot Knife", "Every SingleIt's not a easy album to listen and understand. But when it flows inside your head, you feel every and each intention of hers in each music. It's mesmerizing the way she sings, and the songwriting is the best since 'Tidal'. The only low points is the voice tone that is too much changeable. She remains bold and sharp for the (good) music industry. Best ones are "Hot Knife", "Every Single Night" and "Werewolf".… Expand
  12. MusiclyMade
    Jun 19, 2012
    8
    At first, I couldn't quite understand why this album had received such high praise, but after a couple of listens I really began to appreciate the obscure beauty hidden under Apple's wonderful vocal acrobatics. While there is a perfect blend of obscurity and relatability in the song writing and instrumentation, there is also a perfect blend of power and delicacy appropriately placed inAt first, I couldn't quite understand why this album had received such high praise, but after a couple of listens I really began to appreciate the obscure beauty hidden under Apple's wonderful vocal acrobatics. While there is a perfect blend of obscurity and relatability in the song writing and instrumentation, there is also a perfect blend of power and delicacy appropriately placed in Apple's vocal arrangements. It's not quite perfect, because at times I was longing for something with more energy, but I rarely become engaged by albums that don't conventionally evolve. Good work.… Collapse
  13. ManilaCritic
    Jun 29, 2012
    10
    All I can say is that Fiona Apple has been gone for a long time but her comeback is untouchable, for an album to be this good and have very little promotion is not heard off. Album of the Year contender for sure.
  14. Dingo
    Jun 19, 2012
    10
    I say with zero hesitation or exaggeration that this record is a masterpiece. Sometimes when I'm listening to the Idler Wheel I need to get up and punch the air and jump on top of things. I mean, it's an incredibly strong emotional and physical reaction. She has punched me in the gut and I'm still winded.
  15. 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
  16. After_peep08
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    she's such an icon and this is perfect. fiona apple IS the music industry forever
  17. 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.
  18. 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!
  19. 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!
  20. kjhkjhk
    Mar 19, 2019
    10
    I CANNOT BELIEVE I MISSED THIS WHAT THE **** SIMPLY BREATHTAKING . just discovered this and my mind is blown...........
  21. WhiteCannon
    Jun 19, 2012
    10
    This is the first 10 I've give out all year, and the 10 I've been compelled to write about. This magnificent album never ceases to expel beautifully unstable poetry over riveting and compelling songwriting. Fiona has really outdone herself. Waste no more time reading reviews, spend it with this album instead, for it is surely the album of the year (of the apocalypse), if there ever was one.
  22. RobbieCope
    Jun 25, 2012
    10
    I am floored. This is Fiona's "art" album. Everyone thought it was Extraordinary Machine, which, while good, was kind of a hot mess. I mean, the leaks, the re-workings, the misunderstandings that led to the Free Fiona protests, "Window" and "Please Please Please" sounding so overworked that they were ultimately overwrought, etc. To put simply, that album that everyone freaked out over, andI am floored. This is Fiona's "art" album. Everyone thought it was Extraordinary Machine, which, while good, was kind of a hot mess. I mean, the leaks, the re-workings, the misunderstandings that led to the Free Fiona protests, "Window" and "Please Please Please" sounding so overworked that they were ultimately overwrought, etc. To put simply, that album that everyone freaked out over, and was such a masterpiece, is completely eclipsed by this cohesive, complete, sonically and emotionally jarring piece of work. No one is making records like this any more. No one but Fiona Apple.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. mtofer
    Jul 23, 2012
    8
    As you can see 7 years means a lot to her because that was the process of the album's entitlement. And at the same time waiting 7 years doesn't mean anything to her while being absent.

    On this album, Fiona's obsessive experiences & interpersonal analogies pulls notable percussion instruments which seem to be more like her guide to create musical exotic patterns.There is a lack of    As you can see 7 years means a lot to her because that was the process of the album's entitlement. And at the same time waiting 7 years doesn't mean anything to her while being absent.

    On this album, Fiona's obsessive experiences & interpersonal analogies pulls notable percussion instruments which seem to be more like her guide to create musical exotic patterns.There is a lack of harmony missing intentionally but instead of that she gives every character its own intention. First one her piano: in some songs its pretty simple and almost nonexistent but in others it sounds more like a desperate monotonous tune repeating just like a constant thought on her mind. Her voice is emotionally over felt and she dares to place in all songs every set of words she needs to say. Drums & percussion are surprisingly environmental in some songs and multi-rhythmical in others going mostly by its own or following the piano. Really well executed.

    Of course its hard to understand some of her lyrics but these type of artists remind us that there has to be a richness in music as well on the lyrics to appreciate their work.    … Expand
  25. 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!
  26. Jfandango
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    Honestly, if you are on the fence with Fiona Apple, listen to "Hot Knife". This song showcases all of her talent in one song. I can't express how happy I am that this record is among us and how great it was composed with Fiona's wonderful jazzy pop style and a wide variety of songs that all sound like a new experience. Great job Fiona, definitely worth the wait.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. iAmericA45
    Jun 20, 2012
    9
    Most of Fiona's past albums were surrounded with a great deal of controversy, which caused her to take two very long career breaks. With The Idler Wheel, the creation process was kept very secretive, and Fiona was thus able to create an incredibly personal and intimate album without any record label pressures. And the verdict is in: she was successful. Vocally, she takes new leaps, bothMost of Fiona's past albums were surrounded with a great deal of controversy, which caused her to take two very long career breaks. With The Idler Wheel, the creation process was kept very secretive, and Fiona was thus able to create an incredibly personal and intimate album without any record label pressures. And the verdict is in: she was successful. Vocally, she takes new leaps, both shouting and borderline screaming certain passages. Among the lighthearted piano-rock segments, these emphases create a shocking contrast that both shock and engage the listener. As the album title would indicate, the lyrical work on this record is masterful. When the vocal parts are so blatantly highlighted, the lyrics truly stand out, showcasing a vast vocabulary, crystal-clear imagery, and (probably) a handful of relationship-themed innuendos. Overall, Fiona's former style remains the central core of The Idler Wheel, but her refinements of all aspects pushes her to near-perfection.… Expand
  30. 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.
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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 »