The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw, And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
This is Fiona Apple’s 4th full-length album, and the second with a wordy title. Many of the traits that were developing in her earlier albums come into full bloom here. The lyrics dwell on confidence in the face of loss, self-acceptance battling against self-hate, and how one’s romances come to define one’s self. The song titles tend to be meaningful words that are buried in the verses, rather than following the pop music convention of titling the song after the easiest-to-hear line in the chorus. Musically, Idler Wheel confirms Apple’s preference for piano-driven arrangements and for a contralto and belting style of singing to emphasize the emotion in her lyrics. It was released June 19, 2012.