Extraordinary Machine
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Extraordinary Machine Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 217 Ratings

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  • 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 ifThe 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

Top Track

Extraordinary Machine
I certainly haven't been shopping for any new shoes And I certainly haven't been spreading myself around I still only travel by foot, and by foot... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    The cleaner take on Extraordinary Machine is like a trip to a less cluttered haunted house, and Apple's more nuanced delivery sticks the knife in, but slowly. It's both charming and devastating. [7 Oct 2005, p.72]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    Although Mike Elizondo adds momentum, Jon Brion's colors still predominate, and the melodic and structural contours are all Apple's.
  3. The A.V. Club
    90
    It's another solid set of passionate, angry, marvelously produced songs delivered by a singular voice, and it succeeds by following a muse that doesn't just ignore genre distinctions and pop delineations—it doesn't know they exist.
  4. Dot Music
    80
    This is a frequently great and occasionally bold statement from an - extraordinary - artist on top of her game.
  5. Uncut
    80
    There's now a sardonic wit to these break-up ballads. [Dec 2005, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Spin
    75
    Elizondo's zippy production effectively pushes Apple's tendency to plod. [Nov 2005, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Stylus Magazine
    50
    A rudderless piece of work.

See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 96 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 113
  3. Negative: 8 out of 113
  1. gagaforever
    Oct 12, 2010
    10
    Such an amazing album!!!!!! I jknow ever word to every song and can hit all the notes...Fiona apple is such a good singer and deserves to beSuch an amazing album!!!!!! I jknow ever word to every song and can hit all the notes...Fiona apple is such a good singer and deserves to be recognized… Expand
  2. chuckbarrisa
    Nov 29, 2005
    10
    it took me a while to warm up to it. but after a few listens, i think its better than her other two albums, which are also fantastic. it took me a while to warm up to it. but after a few listens, i think its better than her other two albums, which are also fantastic. something i listen to over and over again, and one of the best albums i've ever heard. yeah, its that good.… Expand
  4. EmilyS.
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    I'm split 50/50 on leaked vs. new version. Regardless, both are 10 out of 10s. How can anyone compare this to any of the crap out there I'm split 50/50 on leaked vs. new version. Regardless, both are 10 out of 10s. How can anyone compare this to any of the crap out there today? Fiona dominates.… Expand
  5. ErazuaA
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    It is like the perfect companion to Elvis Costello's 1982 album "Imperial Bedroom". Strings never sounded better and tales of love never It is like the perfect companion to Elvis Costello's 1982 album "Imperial Bedroom". Strings never sounded better and tales of love never as sweet and bitter at the same time. You can't hum any song on this album. They defy such easy lilting. And that is a art to be admired.… Expand
  6. applefan
    Oct 26, 2005
    9
    Lyrically, I found "Extraordinary Machine" decidely weaker than both her previous albums ("Not About Love" being the biggest exception). The Lyrically, I found "Extraordinary Machine" decidely weaker than both her previous albums ("Not About Love" being the biggest exception). The listening experience of the album, however, is incredible and does not disappoint. I prefer the more organic feel of the Jon Brion sessions and while I bought the released version, I will view his as the 'right' version.… Expand
  7. jyo_tirmaya
    Mar 12, 2012
    8
    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, II 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
  8. jim
    Nov 26, 2005
    0
    yawn.

See all 113 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best Album of 2005
26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2005
46
#46 Most Shared Album of 2005

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