Fiona Apple

After taking an extended break, the fiercely talented Fiona Apple returns with her most surprising work yet. The title track opens things up in a surprisingly lighthearted, showtune-y way before the vibes get heavier and the mood grows darker. The creative, baroque orchestrations from albums past are still present, giving further distinction to an already singular artist.

Instead of delivering the music a sharp-tongued breakup record by an empowered young female would imply--if not folk-rock plain and simple, then emotional piano-woman pop--Apple adapts Broadway show tune to confessional mode. Although Mike Elizondo adds momentum, Jon Brion's colors still predominate, and the melodic and structural contours are all Apple's. Ira Gershwin she's not; Betty Comden she's not either. But she wouldn't be half as inspiring if they were what she was aiming for. (Grade - A-)