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. Vsenese
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Simply AMAZING! She's got so much to say and no one says it quite like she does. The music, lyrics and her voice are a perfect marriage of her brilliant art!
  2. vavavavaugusto
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    meu deus fiona vc se superou nesse, expressa a raiva e a insatisfação e ao mesmo tempo a neutralidade que eu sinto todos os dias muito obrigado pelo seu álbum
  3. KauaDallaCorte
    Apr 17, 2020
    3
    I don't hear the full album but,I dislike,it's boring...her voice is good..
  4. amskyi
    Apr 17, 2020
    3
    I don't know why it gets so many good reviews, It seems kinda unenjoyable and overrated
  5. rykketid
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    my mom gave me life but Fiona Apple gave me a reason to live with this album.

    Fiona Apple's fifth record is unbound, a wild style symphony of the everyday, an unyielding masterpiece. I don't really know how to articulate what this woman means to me, nor what she makes me feel but I'm so happy rn that she's back and with an album this great that's being rightfully appreciated and been    my mom gave me life but Fiona Apple gave me a reason to live with this album.

    Fiona Apple's fifth record is unbound, a wild style symphony of the everyday, an unyielding masterpiece. I don't really know how to articulate what this woman means to me, nor what she makes me feel but I'm so happy rn that she's back and with an album this great that's being rightfully appreciated and been received with such critical acclaim –which I know she almost certainly doesn't give a sh*t about– but it only feels right that this is happening to her. To her specifically because she's always said F*CK YOU' to the puppetry and whoring expected of women in music; she's an alchemist making music and living life without the accoutrements people believe define stardom. After years of praying, my god has finally provided me and she's never once let down. I don't know how she does it but she's a mad genius, she pushed her own boundaries while maintaining the Fiona Apple signature sound we fell in love with. This is both timely and timeless. The bolt cutters have been fetched.    … Expand
  6. pandaman51115
    Apr 17, 2020
    2
    For cult fans I could maybe understand it but this is just not very good in the slightest.
  7. vicxxx
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fiona never disappoints, this album is a **** masterpiece, raw, beautiful, unique and experimental like everything she does. 10/10 stream fetch the bolt cutters!!!!
  8. badboyleleo
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    A única coisa que eu posso dizer é que Shameika tinha razão. O resto é só pra bater o limite de carácteres.
  9. ZekeMorgan24
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Amazing and iconic! This definitely will be an album remembered and discussed about for decades!
  10. ldss
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    I knew she was gonna deliver a brilliant album but I never imagined it'd be this career topping masterpiece that is FETCH THE BOLT CUTTERS. Love you like crazy, Fiona. Always a pleasure being able to witness such extraordinary talent!
  11. Kylepdavis2000
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Just a beautiful album, she really said! You ready mouthed **** and gave of the album of the decade
  12. eliluc123
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums of 2020! It’s so emotional and brilliant the way that miss Apple writes her music. QUEEN OF EVERYTHING
  13. ArionXenos
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    There is literally nothing wrong with this album. How could you not like this! The singing's unhinged, people hitting stuff, bluesy melodies, changeable instrumentation, tempo shifts...amazing!
  14. pdelvalle
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Easily her best album and easily the best thing to come out of this quarantine. This is heavy on the percussive elements, which serves as a nice base for a cohesive sound despite having a multitudinous appeal to varied genres. It's an interesting formula that just works. I think this is also the best Apple's voice has sounded, and the lyrics are consistent with the quality we expectEasily her best album and easily the best thing to come out of this quarantine. This is heavy on the percussive elements, which serves as a nice base for a cohesive sound despite having a multitudinous appeal to varied genres. It's an interesting formula that just works. I think this is also the best Apple's voice has sounded, and the lyrics are consistent with the quality we expect from her as a songwriter. Wowed with this one.… Expand
  15. abkman
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fiona unbound, wild, and let loose. And she is here to save us. Bow down. Thank you Fiona.
  16. Nick_o_laus
    Apr 17, 2020
    7
    It's not bad. The meta review? It's made by a New York person and loved by New York people. I have a lot of New York friends (New York is the best, did you know that?) and they make sure to let me and everyone else we know know. About 1 song in I thought- oh she's going to be called an "American Kate Bush of 2020" or something and then on one of the following songs she sings how she needsIt's not bad. The meta review? It's made by a New York person and loved by New York people. I have a lot of New York friends (New York is the best, did you know that?) and they make sure to let me and everyone else we know know. About 1 song in I thought- oh she's going to be called an "American Kate Bush of 2020" or something and then on one of the following songs she sings how she needs to run up that hill. Thankfully because of that she can't now be called the Kate Bush of 2020.

    I remember being 5 years old and dancing like a maniac to Fiona Apple in the mid-90s. It was accessible. It was fun. It was deep. Inaccessible music doesn't necessarily make music better. Nor does it make music worse. But it is something to note, because the rest of this review is about the music itself.

    It's fine. I think I'd much rather listen to The Knife's Shaking the Habitual if I were in the mood to listen to something like this. Certain instruments really shine through in fantastic ways in many songs but are then quickly overwhelmed by the refrain or chorus of the song. It never hits just right for me- too complex for the sake of complexity, too flat for the sake on monotony, and superseded by many many more "deep/lyrical/interesting/complex/complicated/intense" albums out there. It's not bad. It's just not amazing.    … Expand
  17. necafa
    Apr 17, 2020
    7
    Creative, cheerful, it has a sound unit, but it is not a masterpiece. I liked the way it was recorded, the improvisations, the lyrics about everyday life. The final product is simply good. Björk has already done better jobs.
  18. HueyLewis
    Apr 17, 2020
    9
    Most relevant female artist of the 21st century is back with a poignant, playful and personal album for the ages. Another one, that is.
  19. Rafapixelado
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    I can't even remember the last openin track that sounds too good as "I want you to love me", she shares with us the perfection of trying to be non perfect in a track. In the second one, she came with a type of progressive rock/alternative beat, that came inside my brain like an storm, the next, I doen't need to tell but i wanna... perfection
  20. pedrorider
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    The best songwriter just made an amazing percussion-heavy, raw masterpiece. 8 years waiting and it was worth it.
  21. igorarnaud
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    It's raw, it's unique, it's powerful, it's everything Fiona always was, but elevated, matured, refined. The lyrics are very particular to her experience and at the same time extremely universal. It's an album that demands attention. It's not easy, but it's necessary and it feels GOOD!
  22. DanielaCaro
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fiona ha demostrado evolucionar disco tras disco, año tras año. Definitivamente es una de las mejores letristas que ha dado la música. En este album podemos atestiguar el cómo Fiona utiliza los sentimientos complicados, ansiedad, preocupación y lo vuelca en una bomba de experiencias únicas.
  23. platemiy
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    I guess we have the best album of 20-s already in the beginning of decade, just mesmerizing
  24. Kremyy
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    People who don't like this album are probably people (and I mean mostly men) who simply don't understand or feel it. As a woman who went through very similar things like she did, this record is utterly heavy, raw, honest and sometimes painful.
    The lyrics are absolutely perfect and so is the delivery. Her voice sounds as good as ever and this is the kind of album that just won't let you    People who don't like this album are probably people (and I mean mostly men) who simply don't understand or feel it. As a woman who went through very similar things like she did, this record is utterly heavy, raw, honest and sometimes painful.
    The lyrics are absolutely perfect and so is the delivery. Her voice sounds as good as ever and this is the kind of album that just won't let you go, even after it's over.    … Expand
  25. Styletoowell
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. incrível, perfeita, isso é o álbum do ano caras eu passo mal em como tudo nesse album é perfeito… Expand
  26. flmdrs
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    puta que pariu você foi demais com essa letra você foi muito inteligente você foi perspicaz, você foi..olha, você foi demais, eu amei, simplesmente amei
  27. HellMotel
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    I have been a fan for years but frankly, this album is one of the best I have ever head. An absolute gem of an album by one of the greatest songwriters still living.
  28. juanmanueltorov
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fiona has mastered her abilities in this album, you can feel how she put together ideas from her previous works and put them together with even more feeling and compromise, being involved in the production of this album makes it so personal. She has a statement and she's not afraid to shout it out loud for everyone to hear it, she literally fetch the colt butters and use them to fightFiona has mastered her abilities in this album, you can feel how she put together ideas from her previous works and put them together with even more feeling and compromise, being involved in the production of this album makes it so personal. She has a statement and she's not afraid to shout it out loud for everyone to hear it, she literally fetch the colt butters and use them to fight against the patriarchy. A lot of palpable influence from another great artists like Kate bush and Patty Smith. Such a masterpiece.… Expand
  29. LeoandSly
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece. Fiona Apple continues to be singular. The timing of this release is perfect- as we are all pacing in our homes being slowly swallowed by the stillness of the world. Fiona gives us a way to cope and to punch our way out. What a time to be alive.
  30. NotAndrewPisano
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Entire record is phenomenal from start to finish. Extremely powerful performance.
  31. sashafiona
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fiona Apple finally made an album that is "the sound of somebody who has broken out a little bit. Who’s breaking the windows and the doors in order to get some air. Instead of the person who’s just walking into their own fog of their own perfume, smelling the same thing over and over again." The growth from her more iconic and relatable songs into a specific, personal piece makes me smileFiona Apple finally made an album that is "the sound of somebody who has broken out a little bit. Who’s breaking the windows and the doors in order to get some air. Instead of the person who’s just walking into their own fog of their own perfume, smelling the same thing over and over again." The growth from her more iconic and relatable songs into a specific, personal piece makes me smile during every song, no matter how rough the topic. I understand the movement from The Idler Wheel... to this, and the 8 years of growth explain the creativity and change embodied in this album. AND it shreds. Miss Apple I love your dolphin noises.… Expand
  32. tiego
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fetch The Bolt Cutters is a masterpiece. No one can express feelings and emotions like Fiona Apple. One of the greatest songwriters of our generation. Absolutely outstanding!!
  33. Enriquecasas
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Excelente, Fiona siempre ha hecho de su vida arte y este no fue la excepción
  34. viniciussawate
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This is certainly Fiona Apple's most affordable album since her cheeky debut. But it's not for it's melodic side (it's difficult to retain melodies), but for it's very new and impossible "delivery". A sigh is passed. As an expression of this paradoxical field of conversion and musical composition, the album is a masterpiece. In it, you can practically feel the creative and emotionalThis is certainly Fiona Apple's most affordable album since her cheeky debut. But it's not for it's melodic side (it's difficult to retain melodies), but for it's very new and impossible "delivery". A sigh is passed. As an expression of this paradoxical field of conversion and musical composition, the album is a masterpiece. In it, you can practically feel the creative and emotional process as it is loaded with relentless and overwhelming revisionism; of a disturbing mix between memory and the present.… Expand
  35. Lincolnsbeard
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    An incredible album, the sound of an artist further exploring the boundaries of their creative freedom. Perhaps she's even shattered them.
  36. Lgrew
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    It was amazing and breathtaking. Everybody moved!!!! Everybody said something!!!!!!
  37. CharlieGray
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This is easily the best album of the year, I don’t know what could possibly top it
  38. dess211925
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    It's is exactly what I was expecting from her.
    Reminds me of The Idler Wheel
  39. dola1323
    Apr 17, 2020
    4
    I can appreciate Fetch the Bolt Cutters for its unique vision and thought-provoking lyricism, but its many quirks, bizarre vocal inflections and volatile arrangements are overwhelming at times for a new Fiona Apple listener like me. Tracks like Relay and Newspaper are void of almost all instrumentation with the exception of vocals and percussion, and the album primarily relies on layeredI can appreciate Fetch the Bolt Cutters for its unique vision and thought-provoking lyricism, but its many quirks, bizarre vocal inflections and volatile arrangements are overwhelming at times for a new Fiona Apple listener like me. Tracks like Relay and Newspaper are void of almost all instrumentation with the exception of vocals and percussion, and the album primarily relies on layered chants, yelps and howls to fill in the blanks. While Apple's vocal performance features a wide range of emotions, it rarely stands out from a technical standpoint and consistently devolves into idiosyncratic chants and war cries. The album ends on a really sour note in On I Go, a tone-less track riddled with whispers, droning vocals and the occasional dissonant buzz in the background. Without any consistent melodies, hooks or instrumental convergences to latch on to, I have a hard time seeing this album demand replayability or appeal to those outside of Fiona Apple's existing fanbase. 4/10… Expand
  40. BBlake
    Apr 17, 2020
    3
    Meh. It's good if you're already a fan of Fiona Apple. Unlikely to convince you if you're not.
  41. dollmouth
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    A completely perfect album. Somehow improves upon the perfection of her past four. A stunning collection of feminist lyrics, production that’s experimental yet accessible + warm, and raw, unedited vocals.
  42. PretentiousGeek
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Such a thrilling evolution of The Idler Wheel's sounds with a pen as sharp as ever and a constantly charming sense of playful inventiveness. I don't think I can quite pin down how exactly I feel about this. Wow.
  43. Matteyo
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    A true masterpiece, no less. Probably we're witnessing a new music genre being born.
  44. pascoupe
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    While I've never heard anything quite like it, it does feel perfectly timed for this moment. Other unsettled souls, in these unsettled times, can find comfort in its unpredictable and sometimes wacky drive and pulse because it all ultimately adds up to something that fills a hole that maybe we didn't know was there until now. It feels like a signpost on the human condition in 2020. We'reWhile I've never heard anything quite like it, it does feel perfectly timed for this moment. Other unsettled souls, in these unsettled times, can find comfort in its unpredictable and sometimes wacky drive and pulse because it all ultimately adds up to something that fills a hole that maybe we didn't know was there until now. It feels like a signpost on the human condition in 2020. We're still here. 10/10.… Expand
  45. weing
    Apr 17, 2020
    5
    The worst Fiona Apple's album. One of the greatest songwriter of all times doesn't decide if the lyrics are songs or podcast. Absent concept, most songs have an identical beginning, making the true music lover sick.
  46. K4RM4G3D0N_ki
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    She never disappoints, she is the clear reference to say "good thingz always takes time to come out", excellent lyrics and perfect sounds, please Fiona sit on my face
  47. liscarta
    Apr 17, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It sounds so bad. It sounds like a podcast. I don’t know what you all see in this album a tital mess!… Expand
  48. Agus-arg
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fantastic album. Really potent lyrics combined with unique and interesting instrumentals that make it one her best works. Every song hits, and has something to say.
  49. Menios
    Apr 17, 2020
    8
    It is truly a nice album, with strong lyrics at times. Loved the sincerity she provided and the production she so meticulously took care of.
  50. mrlucbra
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fiona is proving, onde again, that she is the greatest songwriter os the past 25 years.
  51. bensp
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    brilliant, her mind is something else. the album is everything i expected and more
  52. don-nik
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Wow this album... It's do different yet exactly something you'd expect from Fiona. The charm that the self produced sounds creates, all the goofy gimmicks, the funky and experimental drum and bass, the repetitions of lines and the story telling lyrics. I'm in love with everything
  53. Whimsy
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    8 years allowed for a wonderful experimentation to become refined and purposeful.
  54. jude5420
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece of surreal feminism. Chaotic, eruptive, brash, indicting, and wholly self reliant. It feels like watching a great master paint violently into the night, unaware that she is being watched. And Apple is standing alone, as these songs dip and dive, collapse and then rise again along a tripwire of purrs, barks, moans, screeches, clanks and coos. It’s like nothing I’ve ever heardA masterpiece of surreal feminism. Chaotic, eruptive, brash, indicting, and wholly self reliant. It feels like watching a great master paint violently into the night, unaware that she is being watched. And Apple is standing alone, as these songs dip and dive, collapse and then rise again along a tripwire of purrs, barks, moans, screeches, clanks and coos. It’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before and yet she retains structure, technique and melody effortlessly. This is her fifth album in a row of extraordinary work. I’m inspired to work harder as a artist, and I will listen to this as I paint in my own studio. Thank you, again, FA.....simply brilliant work.… Expand
  55. yaboirolex
    Apr 17, 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.
  56. FIghtDucksFIght
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    I'd like to think i have pretty diverse taste. One constant over the past 25 years from age 10 to present day has been to various works of Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails). While other brilliant artists have a streak of quality albums over this quarter century, the only artist I can think of that has created such bold evolutions to their style is Fiona Apple. Tidal really impressed me in aI'd like to think i have pretty diverse taste. One constant over the past 25 years from age 10 to present day has been to various works of Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails). While other brilliant artists have a streak of quality albums over this quarter century, the only artist I can think of that has created such bold evolutions to their style is Fiona Apple. Tidal really impressed me in a way that no other singer-songwriter had at the age of 12. Only a few trip hop albums were even in the same universe. FINLLLY 1999 came around and I partied like all 16 year old children shouldn't. My favorite artists brought my favorite albums; The Fragile and When The Pawn.... The Fragile remains. I write this after three listens but friggin (#*WUR(@# this is so good. I am not biased on this genius. Extraordinary Machine was great, Idler Wheel was greater. It's already pretty clear that Fetch The Bolt Cutters is Fiona at her absolute best. The syncopation and sudden shifts of pace shouldn't feel like anything new to fans of her past work. I'd have to agree with a reviewer from earlier this evening that this is the best album of the decade so far; and one of the very best of the past 10.46 years as well. So damn amazing.… Expand
  57. lukascabahug
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fiona makes music that exposes truth, pretty or ugly. Every moment of this record hits heartstrings just as hard as its drums hits on each quaking beat. The lyricism is just as personal as her raw, riveting voice, so compelling it could contend with the greatest of poets. I've given this album a few listens and it has already cemented itself in my mind as one of the greatest albums of thisFiona makes music that exposes truth, pretty or ugly. Every moment of this record hits heartstrings just as hard as its drums hits on each quaking beat. The lyricism is just as personal as her raw, riveting voice, so compelling it could contend with the greatest of poets. I've given this album a few listens and it has already cemented itself in my mind as one of the greatest albums of this century.… Expand
  58. aaaai
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    The eight-year wait was absolutely worth it - Fiona's brilliant songwriting shines through on every single track on the album. It's so far removed from what conventional 'music' in 2020 sounds - her music and lyrics demand attention, and are so uniquely hers. By far the best album of the decade thus far.
  59. mjelbam
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    this is literally perfect. one for the ages. it's such a total testament to fiona apple's qualities as a songwriter, as a performer, and a s a genuinely brilliant writer. you feel every single second of this.
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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 »