Fetch the Bolt Cutters
by Fiona Apple
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Apr 17, 2020
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1396 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,131 out of 1396
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 1396
  3. Negative: 207 out of 1396
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  1. LittleMostra
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    I love this, is magical, the lyrics are spectacular, Fiona are a truly and complete artist, this deserves a Grammy, Ladies and gentleman this is the album of the year!
  2. lwtos
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    Its above this world! "Fetch the bolt cutters" and "Norman F*cking Rockwell" are maybe the bests albums ever.
  3. Ricko
    Jul 25, 2020
    9
    This is a tour de force. From the indescribable magical opener "I Want You To Love Me" all the way through to "On I Go" the bones of an hour later, the whole album is captivating and sounds unlike anything else for something made so organically. I was always an admirer of Fiona Apple but this has made me a fan. Lyrically, it operates at a stratospheric level, mixing weighty social issuesThis is a tour de force. From the indescribable magical opener "I Want You To Love Me" all the way through to "On I Go" the bones of an hour later, the whole album is captivating and sounds unlike anything else for something made so organically. I was always an admirer of Fiona Apple but this has made me a fan. Lyrically, it operates at a stratospheric level, mixing weighty social issues with dry humour giving the topics that bit more poignancy and at the same time relatable. Musically, there is so much going on it just needs to be heard. Organically rhythmic goes some way to describing it but then Apple throws pop magic on top of it all to turn what could be a mess into a masterpiece. Believe the hype.… Expand
  4. drderu
    Aug 3, 2020
    9
    Fiona Apple just proved that we should never count her out when “Greatest Modern Contemporary Songwriters” is brought to the table for discussion. Not only that she flexed her pen game the mightiest on her 5th studio album but we also find her at her most creative peak. Fetch The Bolt Cutters is an album of rage, self deprecation, acceptance and healing following the emotionally torturedFiona Apple just proved that we should never count her out when “Greatest Modern Contemporary Songwriters” is brought to the table for discussion. Not only that she flexed her pen game the mightiest on her 5th studio album but we also find her at her most creative peak. Fetch The Bolt Cutters is an album of rage, self deprecation, acceptance and healing following the emotionally tortured The Idler Wheel.. back in 2012. In this offering, Apple went all unconventional and experimental with her sound risking the usual song structure to an almost drumline-themed, always unpredictable and often disjointed sound. With lyrics that our outright self humorous, satirical, emotionally visceral and potent for a casual listener; “Bolt” might be a long, challenging and exhausting listen but the fruits that are to be reaped in the end are just as rewarding when we consider the masterful musicianship displayed by the singer-songwriter here. Fiona Apple has never sounded this self-assured and confident.

    Highlights: Newspaper, Under The Table, Relay, Heavy Balloon    … Expand
  5. refasliva
    Dec 10, 2020
    9
    Time will tell of course, but this absolutely feels like a classic album already. The cohesion and the flow between tracks is stellar, considering how chaotic the instrumentals and the riffs can be. Despite how intensely layered it is, it never feels exhausting or like it overstays its welcome. A Fiona Apple album is always a gift.
  6. vitortfv
    Dec 3, 2020
    8
    I didn't know Fiona before and her work was strangely tempting to me. Strange and pleasant.
  7. goncaloocp
    Dec 30, 2020
    9
    Fiona Apple is not one of the artists I listen to on a daily basis and after a lot of reviews and opinions I've decided to give it a listen. I was hooked. I loved the lyricism and even though the sound is not one of my favorites this was a really good album. Fiona is a wonderful artist.
  8. LilScience
    Jan 17, 2022
    8
    Quando você pensa que 2020 eu já tinha classificado quase todos os álbuns e singles possíveis tinha esquecido de um dos mais votados 'Fetch The Bolt Cutters' de Fiona Apple, e me impressionei de como o álbum se transita em um alternativo, rock, pop; tudo bem misturado e dosado, e sem falar na originalidade de Fiona, realmente um dos melhores álbuns de longe de 2020, esse realmente meQuando você pensa que 2020 eu já tinha classificado quase todos os álbuns e singles possíveis tinha esquecido de um dos mais votados 'Fetch The Bolt Cutters' de Fiona Apple, e me impressionei de como o álbum se transita em um alternativo, rock, pop; tudo bem misturado e dosado, e sem falar na originalidade de Fiona, realmente um dos melhores álbuns de longe de 2020, esse realmente me impressionou, estou sem palavras para essa obra musical.

    Faixas favoritas: I Want You To Love Me, Shameika, Relay, Newspaper, Ladies, Heavy Balloon, For Her, Drumset.    … Expand
  9. utkarshbansal
    Nov 18, 2021
    9
    The entire album is a masterpiece, but the title track especially is underrated.
  10. IndianaParkWars
    Dec 10, 2020
    10
    12/12

    This is a tremendous album. Hands down. It's certainly one of my favorites of the year and favorites of all time. It's weird, catchy, and unlike anything normal. This is one of those albums that once you listen to it, you just know it's perfect. Every single song is a banger and challenges what normal pop sounds like. However, I like this better. It's experimental, out of tune,    12/12

    This is a tremendous album. Hands down. It's certainly one of my favorites of the year and favorites of all time. It's weird, catchy, and unlike anything normal. This is one of those albums that once you listen to it, you just know it's perfect. Every single song is a banger and challenges what normal pop sounds like. However, I like this better. It's experimental, out of tune, has weird time signatures, a lo-fi sound, and uses instruments in a different way. At the same time, it invokes some strange emotions. It's almost triumphant and powerful. Apple's voice is so strong and beautiful that she's almost created an avant-garde anthem for us. It's like if Ben Folds, Yoko Ono, and Joni Mitchell merged into one. All the right parts. It's perfect. One might think progressive and pop are oxymoronic when put together, but this is progressive pop and experimental pop in the flesh.
    I love every track and would listen to each one in my playlist. But, "Shameika" is a hit, "I Want You to Love Me" is an anthem, "Rack of His" might be the best song.

    ALBUM ARTWORK: The artwork is great. It represents the raw and experimental nature of the album. It looks like it's made from pieces of paper and markers, almost childishly, which is the same playfulness and low fidelity that the music has. It almost feels like an evening with Fiona Apple in her living room, with some arts and crafts and wine afterwards. Also, the black, gold, and purple color scheme works very well with the female-empowering theme here. It's strong and bold. Lastly, Apple's extreme close-up selfie in the middle looks like a random Snapchat put in black and white. What else would you expect? She's smirking right at us on the cover. She knows it is casual and quirky and the point is to have fun. And well, I certainly had fun.
    Artwork rating: 10/12    … Expand
  11. Simao
    Oct 1, 2020
    9
    if i'm being honest, at first it took me some time to understand the songs, both lyrically and musically. then i started to realize every time i would listen to the album again, it would make more sense and it would gradually grew on me - it did in such a way i wouldn't have ever predicted.

    fetch the bolt cutters is definitely her most experimental record and the most difficult to    if i'm being honest, at first it took me some time to understand the songs, both lyrically and musically. then i started to realize every time i would listen to the album again, it would make more sense and it would gradually grew on me - it did in such a way i wouldn't have ever predicted.

    fetch the bolt cutters is definitely her most experimental record and the most difficult to listen to - but it is also the one which sounds completely out of this world when you start to REALLY get into it.

    from the unusual melodies to the experimental use of new sounds and hard-to-guess lyrics, fiona made a masterpiece that is, i have to admit, worthy of all the critical acclaim. the album is, without a doubt, fiona's most cohesive body of work. it all just fits so well together, which just proves her genius and always improving talent.

    i cannot say this is my fav album. when the pawn... is probably gonna fill that place forever, but who knows, maybe i'll review it again and i'll like it even more.

    fav songs: i want you to love me, ladies & cosmonauts
    least fav: heavy balloon    … Expand
  12. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    Perfect album from start to finish! So beautiful, mesmerising and endlessly inventive. It's appropriate to call it an instant classic.
  13. stskotty
    Oct 30, 2020
    10
    We only had to wait 8 years but it was worth every single second. I don't know how but she exceeds expectations with the bar set at nothing less than Extraordinary. If you listen to this and don't like it I beg you to put on headphones and listen from beginning to end. It may take some a little time to find the comfort, but when you do, it's magnificent.
  14. princefan1999
    Jul 4, 2021
    10
    Initially I was impressed with the free-flowing, chaotic jazz rhythms but only after two listens of the whole album did I start to really understand the hype. It’s meant to be an uncomfortable, claustrophobic listen because it is meant to match the spontaneous anxieties and insecurities in Fiona’s troubled mind. The content itself if heavy hitting as it talks about bullying, depression,Initially I was impressed with the free-flowing, chaotic jazz rhythms but only after two listens of the whole album did I start to really understand the hype. It’s meant to be an uncomfortable, claustrophobic listen because it is meant to match the spontaneous anxieties and insecurities in Fiona’s troubled mind. The content itself if heavy hitting as it talks about bullying, depression, and even how Fiona was raped as a young girl. The music relies mainly on piano and percussion, and percussion in this case being anything Fiona finds lying about the house. It pushes her to vocally be as creative as possible and to put her all into her two main instruments that it creates some unexpected rhythms.

    My advice is if you listen to this album, throw away all expectations, especially if you’ve listened to her previous work and give it two or three spins for it to really sink in. This is Art Pop, with less of the pop but a huge emphasis on the art.    … Expand
  15. Faxthtax
    Nov 30, 2020
    7
    Good, but very undefining, sounds very experimental both in composition and recording and the whole thing feels "out" and open.
    I don´t see the ultra praise that it gets. After one listen i did not feel compelled to give it another round.
    But i have enjoyed Fiona's previous works though.
  16. Willduffy
    Oct 15, 2020
    10
    I honestly thought it was lame on first listen. But after a few more listens and searching up the meaning behind all of the songs and how Fiona made them, I realised I've never been more wrong in my life. This album is creative, unique, incredible and just mind blowing. One of the best albums I've ever heard and without a doubt the best of 2020 (so far, although I doubt this will beI honestly thought it was lame on first listen. But after a few more listens and searching up the meaning behind all of the songs and how Fiona made them, I realised I've never been more wrong in my life. This album is creative, unique, incredible and just mind blowing. One of the best albums I've ever heard and without a doubt the best of 2020 (so far, although I doubt this will be topped). I do not have any favourites, all of the songs are great.… Expand
  17. All_ButTrU4
    Mar 3, 2021
    10
    BEST ALBUM I'VE EVER HEARD.
    *disclaimer:i heard this album on it's release date before public opinion could form *
    This album was an experience from me. An emotional rollercoaster. The first time i heard it i felt uncomfortable, repelled but as negative as that sounds it was in all the good ways. It did things i wasn't comfortable doing, it confronted me. The album must be noted as one    BEST ALBUM I'VE EVER HEARD.
    *disclaimer:i heard this album on it's release date before public opinion could form *
    This album was an experience from me. An emotional rollercoaster. The first time i heard it i felt uncomfortable, repelled but as negative as that sounds it was in all the good ways. It did things i wasn't comfortable doing, it confronted me. The album must be noted as one greater than music. Although it honors musicality well. It's relevance in our social climate of sexual assault, racism and discrimination this was a manifestation of what those victimized by those circumstances would feel without self pity or bias. It's honest. Take relay for example,the 5th song ,which details the aftermath of being wronged. The irrational hate, the need for revenge and perception of the perpetrator. It explores how hating someone or revenge doesn't let u gain anthing besides temporary satisfaction. That by doing so all u r doing is trying to one up the aggressor which is making them determine ur behaviour. Making you want to be just as worse as them just to be better when that notion in itself is contradictory:if they are awful for their actions doing the same would make u just as bad.
    The song explores this through a simple yet profound mantra and likewise production. The chorus is uniform whilst the song bursts into almost tribal chants and eruptions of improvisational backing. As if chaos has just insued. Then softly,there's an apology. She acknowledges that she isn't innocent to this.

    After learning more about f.t.b.c :it's creation,meaning and intention i felt overwhelmed.
    Firstly by how I'd learned this myself through listening and secondly that it's context like fank oceans Tumblr post is for C.O is part of it. Recap:The album was created a long time ago with pieces and different disjointed forms. That different non musical objects (pet dogs remains&baby shoes!)were essential to it's sound. This explains how natural the album feels. It's as if it existence always was.

    If i had to use three words to describe it it would be:bold/emotional/complex.

    It looks at everything it sees closely:love(i want you to love me/cosmonauts)trauma (newspaper/for her/newspaper )depression(heavy balloons/drumset)progress (on i go)feminism (shemika/for her/under the table/fetch the bolt cutters)
    It's a masterpiece deserving of the heist. A journal of love, trauma and whatever follows
    Favorites: relay, ladies, for her,cosmonauts, shemika    … Expand
  18. asdeerty
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Sin duda el mejor trabajo de la discografía de Fiona, es recomendable que si no te gusta el mainstream no lo escuches, porque este álbum no es para encerrarse en lo comercial, sino que lo experimental lo hace más timeless y orgánico, no se encuentra un álbum tan bueno como este dos veces, destacando los lyrics.
  19. twet
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    o melhor álbum do ano sem sombra de duvida, fiona deu o nome dela e se não ganhar o aoty desse ano é marmelada
  20. cadusoares
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I simply have no words for this album. The whole thing just feels like everything is falling apart while Fiona blasts you with jaw-droppingly great lyrics so full of vivid details it feels like you are having a conversation with her at that very second. The songs here feel so feral and unbounded, and the percussion just sounds SO CRISP. This album is an experience, I really never heard anything like it.… Expand
  21. renzoandre
    Dec 3, 2020
    9
    Cuando descubrimos que hay un mundo más allá de la música ordinaria, nos da miedo pensar que esta puede ser buena o mala, pero eso no debería ser el punto. La música trasmite mucho, así sea el género más popular o el que esté lleno de sexismos. Fetch The Bolt Cutters transmite con los instrumentos más convencionales una ola de feminismo que nos hace pensar más en unirnos a la causa. UnCuando descubrimos que hay un mundo más allá de la música ordinaria, nos da miedo pensar que esta puede ser buena o mala, pero eso no debería ser el punto. La música trasmite mucho, así sea el género más popular o el que esté lleno de sexismos. Fetch The Bolt Cutters transmite con los instrumentos más convencionales una ola de feminismo que nos hace pensar más en unirnos a la causa. Un album empoderado, lleno de furia, amor, locura, etc. Sin duda una obra maestra.… Expand
  22. sunflowxr
    Jan 16, 2021
    10
    De una manera salvaje, genuina, alocada y es increíble lo que hace en este álbum cómo te teletransporta y viajas en cada canción.
  23. Cnsydm
    Jul 11, 2020
    8
    Wow just... wow. I agree that it isn't the BEST album of the year but it's still a fine piece of pop-rock filled with moving ballads. Fiona' voice is as strong as ever as well. Higlights: newspaper, the title track, shameika
  24. GamePlayer77
    May 25, 2021
    9
    Fiona Apple's pandemic project, filled with new alternative takes on her musical style has left me feeling great and refreshed.

    FAV TRACK: Rack of His
    LEAST FAV TRACK: On I Go
  25. musicalmarvell
    Jul 31, 2020
    9
    It wasn't until I was in the car with my earphones on listening to Fiona Apple's fifth LP "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" that EVERYTHING started to make sense.

    As a person who enjoyed Apple's newest album but is not a fan, I can understand both sides of the reviews. I don't exactly get why the critics are raving about this album and calling it the "album of the year", but I surely grooved to    It wasn't until I was in the car with my earphones on listening to Fiona Apple's fifth LP "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" that EVERYTHING started to make sense.

    As a person who enjoyed Apple's newest album but is not a fan, I can understand both sides of the reviews. I don't exactly get why the critics are raving about this album and calling it the "album of the year", but I surely grooved to almost every song. Yes, the production does not seem like the best. And the vocals are 'very interesting'. But really, there's a message hidden buried under it all: To "set yourself free." To "fetch the bolt cutters" because "I've been in here too long."

    What I believe Fiona Apple is trying to achieve with this new LP is to spread the message that you just gotta do you. You don't need to be the "perfect pop star" and create pop hits that sound identical or use autotune. Her dog barks throughout the album for goodness sake. And I think that's brilliant. But it's so brilliant that you don't even see it at first glance, or you just don't see it at all.

    Surely, I wouldn't call "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" the "Best Album of 2020". But I will say that it's one of the smartest and honest.    … Expand
  26. MetaSwiftie19
    Sep 5, 2020
    10
    We got the Album Of The Decade in the first months of 2020 periodt, it was worth every second of this MASTERPIECE
  27. gabriellla13
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    I just LOVED the content in the lyrics!! Fiona you really did something here. Thanks for being in this world. My favs were Ladies, Cosmonauts and Fetch the Bolt Cutters.
  28. Jorgepardo
    Dec 7, 2022
    10
    It’s just the best album. It’s unbelievable how her humor moves along the whole record. She talks about some many topics in this record and the way she approach them are so particular. It’s Fiona Apple literally. Love this récord could listen all day long non stop
  29. VersonMandel
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    10 out of 10!!! tracks feel like deep conversations...full of passion...awesome album!!!
  30. Cmc83
    Aug 5, 2020
    10
    Perfect. Lyrical genius as ever with an Apple record. Considering some of the heavy subject matter, it’s light hearted and often amusing. The rhythmic almost rap-like way she delivers some of the lines is a joy and the melodies and piano parts are stunningly beautiful. A real gem.
  31. Carl234
    Aug 7, 2020
    10
    Loved every second of it. From writing, production, vocals, and dogs barking. Fiona did an amazing job
  32. Dave74
    Aug 7, 2020
    10
    Great music has layers. New meaning is discovered on different listens. New details that you notice compel you to re-listen time and again. Vocals and story telling emotionally invest you. Excellent compositions have your toes and finger tips dancing on reflex. This Album delivers on all fronts.

    Fetch the Bolt Cutters will pull you in with more accessible numbers like Cosmonauts and have    Great music has layers. New meaning is discovered on different listens. New details that you notice compel you to re-listen time and again. Vocals and story telling emotionally invest you. Excellent compositions have your toes and finger tips dancing on reflex. This Album delivers on all fronts.

    Fetch the Bolt Cutters will pull you in with more accessible numbers like Cosmonauts and have you come back for more for tracks like Heavy Balloon. The vocals are raw - emotive and strong. But unpolished and real. Musically it is intriguing, building on sounds from her last record. Composition wise Fiona Apple has delivered a fine wine. These tracks improve with age as they pull you into their intricacies. If you like your music polished and simple, it’s not the album for you. If you like your music to compel you, engross you and emotionally impact this is the album for you.    … Expand
  33. bushbjork
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    I knew some Fiona's songs, i have never heard an album from her before, and this one fed me it was exquisite.
  34. maximizen
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    Original, emotional, blunt, captivating and immersive. Best album of all time.
  35. Fellipecomichol
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Another masterpice worth the wait! So unique, one of the best albums of the year and for me it's her best work. She is genius!… Expand
  36. hellohellohell4
    Nov 5, 2020
    10
    The Best Album Of ALL TIME! it is just so amazing and gets better every time i listen to it!
  37. Samfallows
    Jul 3, 2021
    10
    Initially I was impressed with the free-flowing, chaotic jazz rhythms but only after two listens of the whole album did I start to really understand the hype. It’s meant to be an uncomfortable, claustrophobic listen because it is meant to match the spontaneous anxieties and insecurities in Fiona’s troubled mind. The content itself if heavy hitting as it talks about bullying, depression,Initially I was impressed with the free-flowing, chaotic jazz rhythms but only after two listens of the whole album did I start to really understand the hype. It’s meant to be an uncomfortable, claustrophobic listen because it is meant to match the spontaneous anxieties and insecurities in Fiona’s troubled mind. The content itself if heavy hitting as it talks about bullying, depression, and even how Fiona was raped as a young girl. The music relies mainly on piano and percussion, and percussion in this case being anything Fiona finds lying about the house. It pushes her to vocally be as creative as possible and to put her all into her two main instruments that it creates some unexpected rhythms.

    My advice is if you listen to this album, throw away all expectations, especially if you’ve listened to her previous work and give it two or three spins for it to really sink in. This is Art Pop, with less of the pop but a huge emphasis on the art.    … Expand
  38. HG_Kitara
    Nov 20, 2020
    9
    This album is the definition of human emotion. Exploring the concepts of love, anger, sadness and joy, Fionna's ability to turn a song on its head within a blink of an eye is second to none. Writing ranges from comedic to shocking. Fantastic album.
  39. fkablockhead
    Nov 21, 2020
    10
    After an 8 year musical hiatus, Fiona Apple reemerged with her most prolific, unique, and raw work to date. Distinctly composed of percussive layering and vocal loops, this album is the most notable sonic departure in Apple's musical discography. Released with little promo in the rise of a global pandemic, Apple's lyrics stick like oatmeal to the ribs of a society itself looking to "fetchAfter an 8 year musical hiatus, Fiona Apple reemerged with her most prolific, unique, and raw work to date. Distinctly composed of percussive layering and vocal loops, this album is the most notable sonic departure in Apple's musical discography. Released with little promo in the rise of a global pandemic, Apple's lyrics stick like oatmeal to the ribs of a society itself looking to "fetch the bolt cutters" and get out of our universally bad situation.… Expand
  40. anguswats
    Nov 24, 2020
    10
    This album is incredible. I understand that some may find it confusing but it brings a sound with it that's like making an album from the 90's today (an extremely rare occurrence). When listening to Fetch the Bolt Cutters it actually feels as though the music is live - incredible
  41. DUCHIEU
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    This is such a huge statement as an album. The lyrics are brilliant, incredible instrumental, incredible production, incredible everything. It feels almost like a new statement for music in general, it got too much going on and everything just works incredibly well, nothing like it. It feels like a huge fresh air of a completely original, innovative and refined masterpiece.
  42. EnriqueBallinas
    Dec 1, 2020
    10
    This album has so much power, it is pure perfection and everyone should listen to it at least once.
  43. cosmonauts
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Instant classic. When you start to analyze every detail of this album you get to understand its greatness and the reason why this is an album that will define a decade.
  44. Jackprior
    Feb 23, 2021
    10
    Love this album so much. Has fantastic lyrics and Uses a wide range of instruments.
  45. crissss23
    Dec 16, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It s literally one of the best albums of all time, the pasion she has in this album and the story about middle-school experiences and how she grew out of them, amazing!… Expand
  46. ksullivan
    Dec 27, 2020
    10
    FTBC's "I Want You To Love Me" is the best album-opening track I've ever heard to date. Fiona's voice is so moving
  47. sugarbaby3
    Jan 9, 2021
    10
    raw, emotional, and real every song every lyric every sound was crafted by an artist
  48. Jrpacnw
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    Wow. Just...wow.
  49. BillboardPH
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    This is such a huge statement as an album. The lyrics are brilliant, incredible instrumental, incredible production, incredible everything. It feels almost like a new statement for music in general, it got too much going on and everything just works incredibly well, nothing like it. It feels like a huge fresh air of a completely original, innovative and refined masterpiece.
  50. cherrymusic
    Mar 19, 2022
    10
    Fiona Apple has entered the big door with her most recently album, there is certainly a word to define this album and it is "unique", the wait of almost more than 8 years has been worth it, this album has brought us a breath of fresh air to this new era of music, each song has its own personality, in addition to the fact that Fiona has managed to have a balance between the lyrics and theFiona Apple has entered the big door with her most recently album, there is certainly a word to define this album and it is "unique", the wait of almost more than 8 years has been worth it, this album has brought us a breath of fresh air to this new era of music, each song has its own personality, in addition to the fact that Fiona has managed to have a balance between the lyrics and the production, where both manage to stand out enormously, in the lyrics we can find a great maturity on the part of Fiona. In "Fetch The Bolt Cutters" she is sincere, raising her voice to express her anger, frustrations and experiences through metaphors, likewise, on some occasions being direct and without any hesitation. Sonically "Fetch The Blot Cutters" is an album without equal, which has elements of percussion, piano and strings in general. But these sonic elements are not just that, they go further, the resulting sounds arose from sounds produced by anything Fiona could imagine, from banging on the wall to a nearly unplayable piano arrangement.
    Without a doubt, Fiona has brought us the best album of her career, the album of the year and the album of the decade. She surpasses herself in every album she releases, from "Tidal" to "Fetch The Bolt Cutters" we have seen how she has advanced and matured as an artist, proof of this we have before us a genuine album.
    Top 5 Tracks: Heavy Balloon, Relay, Shameika, For Her, Drumset    … Expand
  51. georgiarose888
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    I feel like Fiona has a window into my soul, I have always said if anyone would like to get to know me, all they have to do is listen to her entire discography. Fetch the Boltcutters is a welcome addition to my psyche.
  52. shad0w0711
    Aug 15, 2022
    10
    Perfect! Iconic! Amazing! Acclaimed! Memorable! Through instruments and lyricals, Fiona was able to understand human emotion in a simple and real way!
  53. WheresTheGay
    May 18, 2021
    10
    Wow, I was wary at first but now this album is all I think about. Unconventional and wise. Fiona Apple at her best.
  54. xbluefairytale
    May 18, 2021
    10
    This album is definitely a grower. I didn't like it at first, but now I'm listening at least once a week. It's innovative, original and completely out of the box. It might not be appealing to everyone
  55. finnster04
    Jun 16, 2021
    10
    A fantastically enjoyable and interesting album the whole way through. I can listen to it endlessly and never get bored.
  56. Darkmorning
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    It’s a modern masterpiece and it can only be made by Fiona Apple. Love her new experiments. This is one of her best albums for sure.
  57. barbosaalvesfla
    Sep 9, 2021
    9
    Do have anything else to say? It's a practically perfect album. It's Fiona.
  58. musicenjoyerrr
    Oct 9, 2021
    10
    The way every single music outlet collectively decided this was a masterpiece but the jobless fat ugly misogynists hate that it got a higher rating than their fav so they use the little power this website has given them to lower her score just for the thrill of it.
  59. fulltimepharb
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    most perfect album ever fiona apple has done it once again. the production of it is something i’ve truly never heard before which is something i find a lot in her music.
  60. After_peep08
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    she's such an icon and this is perfect. fiona apple IS the music industry forever
  61. badboiruru
    Mar 26, 2022
    10
    This album is lyrically incredible poetic but still brutally honest and self aware, but still enough lines to **** the patriarchy! congratulation Fiona, you done good [:
  62. Stavush
    Apr 12, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The lyrics and production are next-level, just pure genius. You'd think that 34 years into her career Fiona would play it safe and continue the piano-rock sound of her previous albums, but she kept being innovative and different in the perfect way. The music is very experimental and many times odd, but still catchy.… Expand
  63. Thatsajokeright
    Apr 25, 2022
    8
    honeslty a beautiful album, I just never go back to it, but when I do, it's beautiful.
  64. arixsz
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Brilhante e genial. Não há espaços para o previsível, Fetch The Bolt Cutters é autêntico e um clássico instantâneo, tudo nesse álbum funciona com precisão, a única coisa que importa aqui é a música e Fiona Apple nos mostra todas as camadas que o som pode alcançar. Além disso, os sons caseiros contribuem para um projeto que se torna perfeito não por ter a intenção de ser perfeito, mas simBrilhante e genial. Não há espaços para o previsível, Fetch The Bolt Cutters é autêntico e um clássico instantâneo, tudo nesse álbum funciona com precisão, a única coisa que importa aqui é a música e Fiona Apple nos mostra todas as camadas que o som pode alcançar. Além disso, os sons caseiros contribuem para um projeto que se torna perfeito não por ter a intenção de ser perfeito, mas sim de ser um lembrete de que nós não precisamos ser como querem que sejamos, ela está nos permitindo entender que nós podemos nos livrar das algemas que nos prendem. Sem dúvidas um álbum que transborda emoções, criatividade e autenticidade e para todos os efeitos, se algo for um empencilho em seu caminho, pegue os alicates e o tire você mesmo.… Expand
  65. shadowfetch
    Jun 12, 2022
    10
    the best album of 2020, fiona managed to outdo herself with this work of art.
  66. oNewYorker
    Sep 16, 2022
    9
    You might not like the songs, but you do have to agree that this album is one of her best.
  67. aleom_hx
    Sep 18, 2022
    10
    9.8/10
    Only Fiona Apple can only use the call of the cats and dogs, the sound sent by the bench, a piano and a long string of sighs to write a song.
  68. Ndrwdvdbrsn
    Oct 9, 2022
    10
    Fiona Apple's latest album, Fetch the Bolt Cutters is one of the greatest alt-rock albums ever. Shameika has some of the greatest vocals of all time making it an incredible rock song.
  69. nami2
    Jun 21, 2023
    10
    I have a lot to say about this album. From the opening song, Fiona Apple had me hooked. Fetch The Bolt Cutters came at a time where we were all locked up at home and wanting to escape, and it came as a bold statement from one of music's most reclusive pop stars but also one its loudest and least afraid voices. The different influences on this album, from the rock to electropop to theI have a lot to say about this album. From the opening song, Fiona Apple had me hooked. Fetch The Bolt Cutters came at a time where we were all locked up at home and wanting to escape, and it came as a bold statement from one of music's most reclusive pop stars but also one its loudest and least afraid voices. The different influences on this album, from the rock to electropop to the "bedroom pop"-esque nature of it being recorded in Apple's house, and the overall industrial and artpop sound of the album, Fetch The Bolt Cutters is a grand statement, a statement of a woman who has had enough of everything holding her down and is encouraging us to fetch our own proverbial bolt cutters and cut ourselves out of whatever **** box we let ourselves get in. The entire album has an aura of strength and empowerment from Shameika and standing up to bullies to Under The Table and refusing to be quiet at a dinner table for the sake of everyone else's comfort and the bold For Her, Fiona Apple made a truly visceral piece of work.
    One element that makes the album shine is Apple's unique use of instrumentation and the recording methods itself. Apple said she used GarageBand to make part of the record, a software she is unfamiliar with, and that it resulted in long takes being used for the album with her not being able to edit her mistakes out, but I think this worked in favour of the album, an example of this is Apple and Cara Delevigne's dogs barking on the end of Fetch The Bolt Cutters, adding to the overall theme of the song and the album of wanting to break free and escape, of not being able to be contained.
    Overall, I think Fetch The Bolt Cutters is an amazing album, and easily one of if not the best experience of music I have ever had, and Fiona Apple is truly one of the greatest musical geniuses that has graced the Earth. It is just a shame I will have to wait another 5+ years for another one of her albums, but while I do, this and the rest of her discography will be on repeat XD.    … Expand
  70. leogarcia132002
    Nov 25, 2022
    10
    As a writer I can say that Apple is one of those indescribable and unpredictable women, this album is magical and it is the best of 2020, even one of the best of all time.
  71. custodiotiago86
    Sep 4, 2023
    10
    Fiona Apple's 'Fetch the Bolt Cutters' is a true masterpiece that emerges once in a blue moon. This album is nothing short of a revelation, boldly stretching the boundaries of musical artistry with its raw and unapologetic authenticity. From its unconventional instrumentals to its fearless exploration of lyrics, it's an extraordinary gem that will unquestionably withstand the test of time.Fiona Apple's 'Fetch the Bolt Cutters' is a true masterpiece that emerges once in a blue moon. This album is nothing short of a revelation, boldly stretching the boundaries of musical artistry with its raw and unapologetic authenticity. From its unconventional instrumentals to its fearless exploration of lyrics, it's an extraordinary gem that will unquestionably withstand the test of time. It's a genuine work of art that unequivocally merits a flawless 10.… Expand
  72. normanfrockweII
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Fetch the Bolt cutters i’ve been in here too long MASTERPIECE fiona will never disappoint me i love every thing shes doing
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2020
18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
98

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Under The Radar
    Aug 18, 2020
    85
    Guttural, soft, cacophonous, and poetic, Fetch the Bolt Cutters is a reminder of Apple’s genius and that we are all interconnected, one people, existing in a pulse.
    Read full review
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jul 6, 2020
    80
    Forget the bolt cutters, Apple's already shed her last shackle. [Summer 2020, p.87]
  3. Uncut
    May 22, 2020
    90
    Fetch The Bolt Cutters is mostly the soundtrack of liberation, not recrimination, with Apple's piano keys, battering on the walls and barking dogs as its percussive, beating heart. [Jul 2020, p.27]
See all critic reviews »