Songwriting
From a lyrical standpoint, the hallmark of "Criminal" is Fiona Apple's use of extended metaphor. In this case, likening herself to a criminal on trial.Though her sins are never enumerated, she conf...
Music
Sonically, "Criminal" contains much of what has made Fiona Apple such a distinctive and successful artist. Deep, resonant piano tones combine with a hip-hop drum pattern and unconventional chord pr...