Extraordinary Machine

If forced to rank Fiona's albums, I would rank this last. Make no mistake about it, Fiona's "worst" album is still head and shoulders above most albums. Her voice and lyrics are there per usual (that's why I will always turn to her), but I feel the production really lets her down. A lot of the songs feel too slick and over polished (Tymps and Please, Please, Please really stand out in this regard). It's like someone came in and smoothed over most of her rough edges to appeal to more people. If this is what she wanted to try for this album then that's fine. I can understand that. All of this is not to say that this is a "bad" album, just not up to her usual standards. I do think that this contains some great songs that could go just as well on her "better" albums like "Extraordinary Machine- Parting Gift- Red, Red, Red- Waltz (Better Than Fine)." The rest of the songs have some great moments that are kinda watered down but still pretty good. This album will always be compared to her demos with Jon Brion. I think her versions with Jon showed great promise, and I'm sad that her versions with him will probably never come to fruition. With all my nitpicking, I would still recommend this album as a starting off point to a new fan with the advice that her other albums are even better.

The music is so weird and yet so catchy, and the lyrics are subtly humorous and fun. An absolute must-have.

When I first heard window I looked it up and bought it I am surprised she is not as popular as Taylor Swift or someone.I like how she adds a touch of jazz to her music.This is a good clean artist I highly recommend buying her songs.

I love her voice. She has immense vocal skill and talent. The rub with Apple for me is that something always sounds slightly off with her. There's an instrumental dissonance in my ears when listening to this album. The music sounds good for a bit, then it sounds flat or the melody just seems to take an odd turn. I feel basically the same with her personality and lyrics. She sounds classic in her voice and i expect to hear more down to earth and relatable lyrics, but she seems odd all too often like many of her contemporaries do (like Regina Spector). What I'd like to hear is her singing things that i'd like to hear. She's capable of crafting new classics, but she's not doing that. If she can't write and create classic songs, maybe she should try singing standards to put her great voice to some good use instead of odd use.

I have both versions of this album, the Brion version and this one. And while I prefer the Brion version, this one has its merits. It's still Fiona Apple and her words. Get both of them, go crazy with it.

Before this, i thought Criminal was all she had to offer, but this album is beyond excellent. All the songs are woven together perfectly and each have individual magic. You really do have to listen to the album several times before it clicks, but when it does it's all worth it. One of my all time favorite albums, I would recommend it to absolutely anyone. My favorite tracks are Oh Well (one of my all-time favs by any artist) and Not About Love. Other great ones are Tymps and Get Him Back.

Passionate songs and amazingly unique voice. Can't get enough of Fiona's music

At the previous reviewers suggestion, and with absolutely no preconceived notions I listened to both versions. I choose the Elizondo version. Its seems to be more about Apple's abilities. The other version is crowded. It doesn't let me hear her gorgeous, earthy voice. A piano and her voice is all she needs.

I really love this album. I've been a Fiona supporter from the beginning so it was no surprise when she put out another brilliant piece of art with Extraordinary Machine. She has always been one of those artists where I love every song on the album (which for me is extremely rare) and this is no exception. I definitely recommend buying this - you won't regret it.

I have listened to Fiona since her first album Tidal. Her music is original, raw, and not like any other style I have ever heard. She is the real deal when it comes to talent. Her songs have helped me through the most difficult times and experiences of my life. Every album she has released has not been a disappointment. I just wish there was more original talent in music these days. This album is amazing. Buy it if you like real talent.