When The Pawn... - Fiona Apple
When The Pawn... Image
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 63 Ratings

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  • Summary: The full title of this sophomore effort from the 22-year-old singer-songwriter runs a whopping 90 words: When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing 'Fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and if You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and if You Fall It Won't Matter, 'Cuz You'll Know That You're Right.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Apple's piano trundles, the strings loom, the beats clop; everything, including her throaty voice, has alluring dark circles under it. With their hints of cabaret, tango, and doomed chanteuses, the melodies slither rather than pummel you.
  2. Sonicnet
    80
    When the Pawn Hits ... is so good that the next album could have a 900-word title and I wouldn't even scratch my goatee.
  3. Pitchfork
    80
    Her musical ideas and lyrics have caught up with the ability of her voice. The songs are well varied, and transition smoothly from one to the other.
  4. The A.V. Club
    60
    Apple is ... crafty, covering up her rambling, dorm-friendly lyrics with sharp arrangements and sturdy songcraft.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. SRod
    10
    Definitely her best, and possibly one of the best albums by a woman ever! Top notch production, mesmerizing arrangements, beautiful and intimate lyrics. Every little thing about 'When the pawn . . ." is brilliant.… Expand
  2. GraemeWilson
    10
    This album was Fiona coming into her real power. Utilizing heavy and interesting rhythms while using the lower register of the piano brings a dark and, at the same time, funky feel to her music. Her ballads shine even greater than they did on her first album as they move gently and make it difficult to shake the feeling of shear heartbreak. I have not heard a female artist with lyrical craft nearly as great as Ms. Apple's. Not only is this album a 10 out of 10, it ranks to be in my top 20 favorite albums of all time.… Expand
  3. ViLa
    10
    10/10 because it is an album that can be listened to over and over again. Such well written lyrics + melodies to go with them, each song being different and unique. Definitely her best album, and the best album for female artists ever! For she embraces what it feels like to be sensitive, angry, loved, betrayed and misunderstood. This album appealed to me personally, it's reassuring that I'm not the only one who goes through this stage. GO Fiona, you rock.… Collapse
  4. axelkoch
    8
    A very good work. Her voice, her lyrics and the piano make 'When The Pawn...' to a wonderful work. But I can't pick out an excellent song, or at least something that could work alone as a single. Anyway, this album is totally worth hearing and a great experience!… Expand

See all 28 User Reviews

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