Fiona Apple, like her fellow female singer-songwriters Jewel and Ani di Franco, is huge stateside but has yet to attain mega status in Europe.

Although too often the image of the lone woman pouring her heart out over a piano conjures up visions of a Tori Amos type creature sobbing over boys and tampax, here Apple displays a blinding songwriting talent that echoes Cole Porter and American blues.

From the chug-a-lug start of 'On The Bound', it's clear that we're in for an aural and emotional treat. Baroque production that's reminiscent of Prince's Around The World In A Day, including the best drum sounds I've heard in ages, combined with Apple's distintive vocals creates an experience that's both intimate and powerful. And if that isn't enough, the lyrical content of the work is nothing short of poetic. "Love ridden, I've wished for you, With the focus I gave to my birthday candles, I've wished on blue lidded flames under your brow, and baby I wished for you."

Apple's songs reverberate with an almost irrevererent power and passion; these songs are so good you won't believe you haven't heard them before. This is the kind of album that men steal from their girfriends' record collection. Highly recommended.