📚 Homework Alert! Dig into Tidal by Fiona Apple
Rediscover Fiona Apple’s 1996 Debut Blending Jazz, Alt-Rock, and Raw Emotion – Prep for Our Upcoming Episode
Class is in session, and today’s lesson is all about Tidal by Fiona Apple—a moody, jazzy, emotionally raw masterpiece that took the mid-90s by storm! Suggested by our friend Martin (great pick, by the way), this episode promises to be a deep dive into the album that made poetry out of heartache and piano riffs. 🎹✨
Released in 1996, Tidal was Fiona’s debut, and wow—what a way to enter the scene! Imagine smoky, late-night piano bars meeting the diary of a soul-searching 18-year-old, all set against sultry, sometimes stormy, alt-rock production. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if jazz, blues, and grunge had a tea party, Tidal is your answer.
With tracks like "Criminal" (yeah, that iconic music video!) and "Shadowboxer," Apple made vulnerability sound fierce and irresistible. Her voice? Earthy, haunting, like she's lived a thousand lifetimes—at 18!
Before we get too carried away (because, let's face it, we could rave for hours), here’s your Homework to prepare for the episode:
📝 Homework
Listen to Tidal 🎧
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, immerse yourself in Fiona's world. Let those piano arpeggios, jazzy chords, and raw lyrics pull you into that melancholic '90s magic.Revisit Fiona Apple’s backstory 📚
We’ve got you covered with a fantastic history of Fiona’s music journey here: History of Fiona Apple – Dig MeOut. Dive into her influences, the making of Tidal, and her impact on alternative music.Gather your thoughts and join the conversation! 🗣️
What’s your favorite track? What do you remember about first hearing Tidal? Maybe you were binge-watching MTV back in ’96, or maybe Fiona’s lyrics hit different now. What works about the album and what doesn’t work for you?
This episode is going to hit all the feels—angsty, nostalgic, and everything in between. Can’t wait to hear what you all think!
You know a hidden treasure when you hear one.
If you love digging out lost gems and sharing them with friends, here’s your chance to do just that. We’re inviting you to submit your favorite forgotten 90s rock or 80s metal album to be rescued and featured on the podcast. Our patrons vote every month to decide which albums we dig into next. Share your pick and help us spotlight a deserving album: Submit Your Album.
Fiona Apple - Tidal | 90s Rock Revisited
In July of 1996, the airwaves were in flux. Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill was still dominating—its blend of raw emotion and pop accessibility had reshaped what mainstream success could look like for female artists. Meanwhile, the Smashing Pumpkins’
Fiona Apple | History of the Band
If you were spinning CDs in the late 90s, chances are Fiona Apple was part of your rotation—her music felt like a confessional whispered in your ear, only amplified by her unmistakable voice and fearless songwriting. Rising at the crossroads of alternative rock and jazz-tinged pop, she carved a path that was both deeply personal and wildly influential. …
Hands down, this is one of the best records of that entire era!!