Imagine a voice that slices through the noise of injustice, igniting hearts and sparking change—that's Fiona Apple roaring back in 2025 with her electrifying protest anthem 'Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)'. This wasn't just a song; it was a rallying cry against a broken system, and it left fans and critics alike buzzing. But where did this fierce, empathetic artistry come from? Stick around, because diving into the 15 tunes that shaped her might just reveal why Fiona Apple isn't just a musician—she's a storyteller for the ages.
When Apple re-emerged after five long years, she chose simplicity in her sound: minimal instruments to let her words dominate. She poured her heart into lyrics about the heartbreak of mothers trapped in pre-trial detention, unable to post bail despite their innocence. It's a stark reminder of how money talks louder than justice sometimes, and her song didn't just echo that—it amplified it, solidifying her as an artist with global awareness, deep compassion, and a relentless drive to weave tales that matter.
Of course, Fiona's unique spark is all her own, but no one creates in isolation. For Apple Music, she opened up about the 15 tracks that fueled her musical odyssey, culminating in that powerhouse comeback. These aren't your everyday hits—they're gems that molded her style, from raw emotion to jazz-infused wisdom. Let's unpack them one by one, with a little extra insight to help newcomers grasp their magic.
Kicking things off is Cyndi Lauper's 'Money Changes Everything', a punchy anthem about love turning toxic when wealth enters the picture. Think of it as a cautionary tale: a woman ditches her partner for a richer guy, showing how cash can corrode relationships. It's raw, it's real, and it echoes themes Apple often explores in her own work.
Next up, Bill Withers' 'Use Me', drawn from his gritty factory days under a demanding boss. This song dives into the messy dynamics of give-and-take in a relationship, where one person feels exploited. Withers' soulful delivery adds layers of vulnerability, much like the emotional depth Apple brings to her narratives.
Then there's Jimi Hendrix's psychedelic trip 'If 6 Was 9', which flips reality on its head with mind-bending lyrics. And The Roots' 'What They Do', a hip-hop gem that delves into street life and societal pressures. Both inspired Apple by their boldness in challenging norms.
Apple also nods to Jon Brion's 'He Needs Me', featuring Shelley Duvall from the 'Popeye' soundtrack. It's a quirky, emotionally stripped-down tune from 'Punch Drunk Love' that mirrors the raw honesty in Apple's catalog—simple yet profoundly moving.
A live cover of Frank Sinatra's 'The Best Is Yet to Come' by Cy Coleman catches her ear too, with its jazzy swing and hopeful lyrics like 'Out of the tree of life I just picked me a plum / You came along, and everything started to hum.' That optimistic vibe, underpinned by a steady double-bass, infuses a sense of possibility into her own songs.
But here's where it gets controversial: Despite loving unconventional tracks, Apple includes the Beatles' 'Blackbird'. You know the one—Paul McCartney's tender acoustic ballad about freedom and resilience. At just over two minutes, it's short but packs a gut-punch emotional wallop. Some might argue it's too mainstream for her offbeat taste, but Apple sees its quiet power as timeless inspiration. What do you think—does this classic fit her edgy vibe, or is it a surprising twist?
Ella Fitzgerald's smooth 'Love Is Here to Stay' follows, a classic jazz standard celebrating enduring romance with her flawless vocals. Then, Carmen Miranda's lively 'A Week-End in Havana', brimming with tropical energy and rhythm, adds a fun, international flair—think vibrant dances and escapism.
Harry Belafonte's 'Matilda' rounds out the early picks, a folk-inspired tune with a catchy story about a runaway wife, blending humor and heartache in a way that might remind you of narrative-driven folk tales.
And this is the part most people miss: Apple's deep admiration for poet Maya Angelou. 'My singing self was born out of singing Maya Angelou poems to myself at night, going to sleep,' she shared. So, it's no surprise 'Scandal in the Family'—a recording of Angelou's spoken words—tops her list. It's poetic, profound, and embodies the spoken-word roots that shape Apple's lyrical prowess.
Wrapping up with four more heavyweights: Laura Nyro's 'Stoney End', a soulful ballad about longing and self-discovery; Joan Armatrading's 'The Weakness In Me', exploring love's vulnerabilities with haunting melody; Madonna's confessional 'Live to Tell', baring secrets in a way that's both intimate and bold; and Aimee Mann's 'Stupid Thing', a raw breakup anthem about relationships crumbling. Each one is a powerhouse, reflecting themes of love, loss, and inner strength.
There you have it—a playlist that paints a vivid picture of Fiona Apple's influences. By the end, you might feel like you've unlocked a new layer of her genius. But let's stir the pot a bit: Some might say certain songs, like the more experimental ones from Hendrix or The Roots, push boundaries that could alienate traditional fans. Is Apple's embrace of such diverse inspirations a sign of artistic brilliance, or does it dilute her 'unique' voice? And what about her choice of a Beatles tune—does it prove she's more populist than we think?
We'd love to hear your take! Which of these songs resonates with you most, and do you agree with Apple's picks? Share your thoughts in the comments—does this list change how you see her music, or spark any debates?
The 15 songs that influenced Fiona Apple the most:
- ‘Money Changes Everything’ – Cyndi Lauper
- ‘Use Me’ – Bill Withers
- ‘If 6 Was 9’ – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
- ‘What They Do’ – The Roots
- ‘He Needs Me (feat. Shelley Duvall from Popeye)’ – Jon Brion
- ‘The Best Is Yet to Come (Live)’ – Cy Coleman
- ‘Blackbird’ – The Beatles
- ‘Love Is Here to Stay’ – Ella Fitzgerald
- ‘A Week-End in Havana’ – Carmen Miranda
- ‘Matilda’ – Harry Belafonte
- ‘Scandal in the Family’ – Maya Angelou
- ‘Stoney End’ – Laura Nyro
- ‘The Weakness In Me’ – Joan Armatrading
- ‘Live to Tell’ – Madonna
- ‘Stupid Thing’ – Aimee Mann
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