20. SHAMEIKA
"Shameika said I had potential! Shameika said I had potential!"
Only Fiona, after a much exhausting absence, could include a song on her album in which she reflects about her experience of being bullied as a kid, and specifies the individual who helped her get out of it. And that person? Shameika Stepney, of course! In this incredibly percussive, organic and frenzied song, Fiona reflects on how Shameika got through to her but sadly, she'd never see her again. Guess what? She did see her again! The two ended up linking up after the release of FTBC, and Shameika released her own track (including for the sake and purpose of discussion around the journey of 'Shameika' - Shameika's own song, in which Fiona features, does not appear as part of this list).
Fiona was only happy to provide some vocals, and although we haven't heard from Shameika since, it's fair to say that through the power of music, the two are now great friends. Everyone needs a Shameika.
Best lyric: "Hurricane Gloria in excelsis deo! That's my burden my dream! My dog and my man and my music is my holy trinity!"
19. NEVER IS A PROMISE
"Never is a promise, and you can't afford to lie".
I'm not entirely sure why, but 'Never Is a Promise' is a song I always gravitate towards in winter. Whilst being, arguably, a very sad song, it also has a beautiful cocooning air of melancholy from start to end. Fiona delivers one of the purest vocals of her life in the chorus, with her voice shifting shape into a very fragile head voice. Fiona's sorrow can be felt from start to end as she establishes the bitter disappointment of dealing with a person who, whilst promising the world, simply cannot keep to their word. A cinematic, devastating and timeless ballad with all the qualities needed to absolutely cement itself as a Fiona Apple classic.
Best lyric: "But as the scenery grows, I see in different lights. The shades and shadows undulate my perception. My feelings swell and stretch, I see from greater heights. I realise what I am now too smart to mention... to you".
18. LADIES
"Ladies, ladies, ladies, ladies, take it easy - when he leaves me. Please be my guest".
'Ladies' is a fantastic song about womanhood, and features vocals from Fiona's sister Maude, who is also an excellent musician. When shit goes down and relationships crumble, Fiona is quite to observe and comment on how women are quick to blame other women. In conversation on the track, she went back to recall how her grandmother used to talk about her grandfather having a mistress, and even after decades of marriage, would consistently direct her anger towards the mistress. Fiona stands her ground on ladies - if he cheats, it's his fault, not hers. The track itself has a bit of a woozy quality and some epic vocals from Fiona, ultimately coming out triumphant as Fiona gazes into womanhood, choosing to stand with her sisters rather than against them.
Best lyric: "She was very kind, fruit bat! Cuter than a button, mutton-head maniac!"
17. VALENTINE
"You didn't see my valentine, I sent it via pantomime. While you were watchin' someone else - I stared at you and cut myself"
'Valentine' features an eerie production and some deep and dark lyrics (actually, some could say downright disturbing, depending on how much of an appetite you have for it). Fiona watches from afar, as others live their lives as freely as possible, feeling trapped in her own skin, in a desperate cycle of mistakes and wishing to escape. She's happy for them, or at least she's convincing herself she is, but her manner tells a different story. Fiona launches into a frenzy in the chorus, with an extremely pointed attack featuring the word "you" being repeated TWENTY-FIVE times. The piano creates an unnerving undercurrent as Fiona gets her point across, remaining the damaged star of the show who seasoned every plate at the dinner date with her teardrops.
Best lyric: "I'm a tulip in a cup, I stand no chance of growing up. I'm resigned to sail on through, in the wake of tales of you!"
16. A MISTAKE
"I've acquired quite a taste, for a well-made mistake, I wanna make a mistake, why can't I make a mistake?!"
Although arguably not one of her more complex songs, 'A Mistake' deserves a high placing here for just how badass and cool it is. The production on this particular track shimmers from start to end, to my ears with an almost beachy, psychedelic vibe. Fiona goes against all the rules by exclaiming she can only unpave her path by doing exactly what she wants - which of course, includes making sure she fucks up as much as possible. She does show SOME humility by confirming she DOES want to do good, but quite frankly - cannot, and will not be following instructions. Interestingly, it didn't quite stop here... the theme of 'A Mistake' presents itself in much of Fiona's work. With killer lyrics and a full bodied instrumentation throughout, 'A Mistake' is an accessible Fiona classic.
Best lyric: "'Cause I'm full as a tick, and I'm scratching at the surface, and what I find is mine"