07/23/2026
30 years ago today, Fiona Apple released her debut album, Tidal.
She was just 19 years old when it came out.
At a time when many of the biggest albums by young women were polished pop or alternative rock, Tidal went its own way.
With its piano-driven songs, jazz and blues influences, and Fiona Apple's unmistakable voice and songwriting, it felt unlike much of what was on the charts in 1996.
If you've never given Tidal a listen, it's well worth your time.
For me, it's one of those albums that instantly takes me back to driving around my college town with the windows down needing a "good defense because I'm feeling like a criminal".