After a close to 7 year break from music, Fiona Apple returns with an ambitious record and amazing problems that I loved hearing about. Similar the title, "The Idler Wheel is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw, and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do", it is simple and beautiful, but at the same time strange and complex. The arranging is a perfect accompany to her spastic and erratic vocal melodies and words, which come across as helplessly honest. Although Fiona's voice is front and centre and there is no arguing that this is a pop record, her songwriting and production is way beyond that and impossible to ignore. With a collage of dissonance and stereo panning, an abundance of percussion, and a heavy foot on the sustain pedal, this album feels like a brick wall of passion that is ready to topple over at any moment. She successfully transcends her uncontrollable angst and emotional issues to the listener, which is what makes "The Idler Wheel..." so great.

FINAL MARK: BABE

If i had to give it a real grade it would be A. For grade A babe..

TRIAL TRACK: Left Alone