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. 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.
  2. tyronerubin
    Jun 19, 2012
    10
    A Remarkable album on every single musical level. Last year PJ Harvey brought out 'Let England Shake' where Mike Williams of the NME stated "Francis Ford Coppola can lay claim to the war movie. Ernest Hemingway the war novel. Polly Jean Harvey, a 41-year-old from Dorset, has claimed the war album,"

    With this album Fiona Apple captures the greatest break-up album we will ever hear. Every    A Remarkable album on every single musical level. Last year PJ Harvey brought out 'Let England Shake' where Mike Williams of the NME stated "Francis Ford Coppola can lay claim to the war movie. Ernest Hemingway the war novel. Polly Jean Harvey, a 41-year-old from Dorset, has claimed the war album,"

    With this album Fiona Apple captures the greatest break-up album we will ever hear. Every one of this albums 10 tracks is remarkable and each song will leave an indelible imprint in your mind forever.

    Its not often that an album with this much hype live's up to all the anticipation, but it most certainly does. Its the album that will remain strong forever. It will never get week. It will always be able to be played and its verver will resonate in your heart whenever you need to feel the love of great music.

    I give this album a 10 out of 10 as it will certainly be in my top 10 albums of 2012 list.

    My words cannot express enough how worthwhile it is to experience this album right this very second!    … Expand
  3. xavierfiaco
    Jun 20, 2012
    10
    Surprisingly much better than I thought it would be, deep lyrics with a impressively low and raw production that still manages to get much emotion across. Well worth your money, I doubt anything this year will be this good.
  4. MrJones86
    Jun 19, 2012
    10
    "The Idler Wheel" shows what music is in a purely artistic manner. Not written to contain a top 40 hit, or buy another car or house... but to convey an emotional response from the listener. The raw nature of the songs somehow seems to leave less to mask what it is being expressed in each song. It's not something I would consider "accessible" to the pop community, but any musician or really"The Idler Wheel" shows what music is in a purely artistic manner. Not written to contain a top 40 hit, or buy another car or house... but to convey an emotional response from the listener. The raw nature of the songs somehow seems to leave less to mask what it is being expressed in each song. It's not something I would consider "accessible" to the pop community, but any musician or really any true artist should be able to appreciate what this album is and what it brings to the table.… Expand
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. MikefromAngus
    Jun 23, 2012
    10
    After my first listen to the album, I hate it!!! It was nothing like Fiona Apples previous work. After giving it a chance and listening to it, I started notcing how special this album is! This is her best Album to date! very very deep! The more you listen to it, the more grand it gets! amazing!!! 10 out of 10 stars!!
  8. Fiction
    Jun 24, 2012
    10
    everyone who's familiar with the music of Fiona's, knows what she's able to deliver. She is definitely back , - with a more intimate and tricky album. Fiona is one of those artists you'd wait for no matter how long it takes for her to come up with a piece of art. "The Idler Wheel.." is a story of hers - therefore it isn't an album about you - for once, a record that's about the artisteveryone who's familiar with the music of Fiona's, knows what she's able to deliver. She is definitely back , - with a more intimate and tricky album. Fiona is one of those artists you'd wait for no matter how long it takes for her to come up with a piece of art. "The Idler Wheel.." is a story of hers - therefore it isn't an album about you - for once, a record that's about the artist herself. " An artistic, sarcastic & strong biography of Apple you can say". The album is a masterpiece. Fiona is very intelligent and talented, and knows when it's times to put up another record. (7 years - and we've got it). The Idler Wheel may be the best album over the past 12 years. You will have to listen to this album more than once. (Be patient with Fiona - she's worth it). I can't pick a favourite on The Idler Wheel because they're all strong and important. 10/10… Expand
  9. 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.
  10. aditmi
    Jun 22, 2012
    10
    I know that almost everyone said that this is the "Album of the Year" and whatsoever, but honestly I just can't get into this kind of music.
    It's like she's just singing (or maybe just screaming or whining) to some random chords and notes with some tingling piano and percussion, and that's all. Nothing really "wow"-es me.

    But it still has some interesting sounds, though.
  11. fionasapple
    Jun 19, 2012
    10
    Fiona is a goddess !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this album is amazing :) not as good as Tidal but better than Extraordinary Machine (even tho its also really good)
  12. ellebant
    Jun 19, 2012
    10
    Just a perfect and beautiful album! So intense and raw and poetic ! Perfect music, perfect voice, perfect lyrics and also perfect artwork: Fiona Apple is really a complete artist.
  13. BoyForPele
    Jun 20, 2012
    10
    I thought I was going to be disappointed by this album, because (1) it's a critical darling (90/100) and (2) her other music has had years and years to change in me from songs to therapeutic relativity. But the critics were right, and I'm eating this album with my ears as if a painkiller. The minimal percussion,piano, and outside noise combined with her voice sometimes levitated, but quickI thought I was going to be disappointed by this album, because (1) it's a critical darling (90/100) and (2) her other music has had years and years to change in me from songs to therapeutic relativity. But the critics were right, and I'm eating this album with my ears as if a painkiller. The minimal percussion,piano, and outside noise combined with her voice sometimes levitated, but quick to ease to guttural is a shock to the system. I've never heard someone exist so much.… Expand
  14. adsum_adesse
    Jun 20, 2012
    10
    "The Idler Wheel..." is a fantastic album, and is probably one of the best albums I have heard in a long time. The most ecletic album of hers, incorporates her soulful voice with the haunting piano chords and those mystical painful lyrics. With every fiber of her being, Apple spews out glorifying remedies needed to mend a broken heart or help you fall in love. After the "Extraordinary"The Idler Wheel..." is a fantastic album, and is probably one of the best albums I have heard in a long time. The most ecletic album of hers, incorporates her soulful voice with the haunting piano chords and those mystical painful lyrics. With every fiber of her being, Apple spews out glorifying remedies needed to mend a broken heart or help you fall in love. After the "Extraordinary Machine" made me believe she wasn't angry anymore and her troubled phase was over, this brought me back to being a mega fan. Please listen to this album. I highly recommend it.… Expand
  15. Dustinyoureye
    Jun 23, 2012
    10
    This album is a game changer. Most of Fiona's albums feel that way but this one is particularly so. Its brooding and intense and by contrast also whimsical and free spirited. To call this album sparse wouldn't necessarily be a misnomer but upon multiple cursory listens you begin to hear the subtle nuances in the arrangements both vocal and musical tempered by all of the unique found soundThis album is a game changer. Most of Fiona's albums feel that way but this one is particularly so. Its brooding and intense and by contrast also whimsical and free spirited. To call this album sparse wouldn't necessarily be a misnomer but upon multiple cursory listens you begin to hear the subtle nuances in the arrangements both vocal and musical tempered by all of the unique found sound samples (children screaming, bottle factory, foot dragging on gravel). Charlie Drayton has proven a perfect music counterpart to Fiona. He adds unique percussive touches without ever drowning out Fiona's voice and piano. As much as I LOVE Jon Brion, he tended to do with with his everything and the kitchen sink production flourishes. This is Fiona's most emotionally naked album yet. Not to mention there are even some vulgarities in the lyrics. They are never there for the sake of being there though. They serve their illustrative purpose. "I ran out of white dove feathers to soak up the hot piss that comes from your mouth every time you address me." Talk about lacerating lyrical venom. The album feels like the purest form Fiona has taken while there are still nods to work past. The discordant piano line running through "Jonathan" is a dead ringer for the equally discordant piano in the Jon Brion version of "Oh Sailor". Its ominous and foreboding while also adding a touch of whimsy. Album closer "Hot Knife" is little else than the rumble of tympani drums and layers upon layers of Fionas vocals with her sister Maude Maggart (cabaret prodigy) on high harmony. The effect is dizzying, confounding and most importantly ecstatic. With this album Fiona has reconciled with her part in every breakup shes had while also touching on the inner workings of a brain that simply refuses to slow down. As a long time fan this album feels like a culmination. Like Fiona has just reached the peak of her Kilimanjaro, but all of her past records felt that way too. Even if it takes another 7 years for the next album, I simply cannot wait to see how she's able to once again raise the bar for herself and her peers.… Expand
  16. thepowerout
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    Sit with this one for a bit, because its a grower. The first few listens may be a bit frustrating or underwhelming. But then you realize it's only because you're looking for a certain type of song. Soon the melodies flow and the lyrics sink in. The stark contrast between her past work and this new collection makes it even better. Fiona Apple is clearly pushing herself, with new vocalSit with this one for a bit, because its a grower. The first few listens may be a bit frustrating or underwhelming. But then you realize it's only because you're looking for a certain type of song. Soon the melodies flow and the lyrics sink in. The stark contrast between her past work and this new collection makes it even better. Fiona Apple is clearly pushing herself, with new vocal harmonies she hasn't sang before over far more minimal instrumentation than ever, and it works. I love this album. The more i listen to it, the better it is. The catchiest numbers for any that are curious are- "Every Single Night," "Periphery," and "Anything We Want." But these aren't even necessarily the best, give the album a few listens as a whole and you'll see what i mean. Amazing work.… Collapse
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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!
  21. 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!
  22. 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 !
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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 »