Criminal - Fiona Apple Cover
“Criminal” is a song by American recording artist Fiona Apple, the third single from her debut album “Tidal” released on June 2 1997. Apple’s highest-charting single peaked at no 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.4 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks. The song won the Grammy award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance at the 40th Grammy Awards and was nominated for Best Rock Song.
ABOUT THE SONG
Fiona Apple wrote the biggest hit of her career in 45 minutes. In 1996 Fiona was just 18 years old and finishing up her debut album “Tidal” much of it being written by the time she was 16 - songs filled with lyrical and musical depth typical of artists who have lived hard with many years of professional songwriting behind them!! With Sony Music pressuring her for a “more obvious” first single Fiona a highly accomplished classically trained pianist sat down and pounded out some C-minor chords and began: “I’ve been a bad, bad girl …..” the opening of the song “Criminal” the most successful single of Apple’s career propelling sales of “Tidal” to more than 3 million copies.
This song showcased her brooding, brilliant style. It had a killer hook! Apple admitted that she had developed an eating disorder following her rape at age 12. She has described “Criminal” as a song about using her sexuality to get what she wants and elements of guilt for doing so. She has stated that her songs are merely extensions of her journal set to music.
There is so much more to this song and controversial video; one cannot help but admire this incredibly authentic artist who is not afraid to bare her soul, be outspoken and inspire us with her message to “Go with yourself.”