Fiona Apple had such a toned-down, quiet debut that it's often met with mixed reaction because people thought it lacked in emotion. The album is actually quite different. It's lyrics go deep into the mind of a troubled young girl, and the music itself, let alone the vocals, showcase her talented way of showing her emotions. The highlights of the album include the high notes in "Criminal", "Slow Like Honey", and "Never Is a Promise", and, of course, the deep sadness of "Sullen Girl".

Sleep To Dream and Criminal are fantastic. I love this dark/fierce world she discovered/created.

I just listened to this CD the other day. I had forgotten what a fine voice the woman has. The songs are great the production is sparse unlike her later releases. A good album!

Moody, jazzy. A little slow in the second half.

What a beautiful, poetic, and emotional album. You can feel her pain and trauma. The piano can be sad and jazzy and what more can we say about Fiona's vocals? This album will stay with me forever. "Never is a Promise" is a song that you wouldn't believe was written by a teenager (among many others on this album).

This is an amazing album. She never quite returned to this style, so it gets treated like a misstep by a lot of critics. But it's lush and beautiful, and makes for a stellar debut.

Gotta disagree with earlier comments... Fiona Apple's sullen face and lack of drama does not mean she's without emotion. Should she scream like Fugazi or Alexis on Fire? Should she emote like Neutral Milk Hotel or Jeff Buckley? That's not done by everyone. She has thoughtful lyrics, an expressive voice, and rolling melodies. Don't hate her because she's young. She's what Liz Phair could have been. Should be top 1000, but too bad...

Good analogy an_outlaw. Anyway, I think this is good, but her subsequent albums are more impressive.

I can't imagine a better debut album from a moody teenage girl. Tidal was a great way to start a career. Wish she'd actually built on it...

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