Fiona Apple [ tickets ]'s "Extraordinary Machine" is her first album in six years. And it almost didn't get released. Originally recorded with producer Jon Brion, a guy who loves strange sounds and off-kilter arrangements, the album was ultimately saved by producer Mike Elizondo, best known for his work with Eminem and 50 Cent.

But this is no trip-hop album. "Extraordinary Machine" features uptempo, bluesy numbers and thoughtful ballads, none better than "Red Red Red." Apple rediscovers her signature jaded piano-funk sound on several tracks, including "Get Him Back," "O' Sailor" and "Window."

While it was the Freefiona.com fans who most loudly solicited her return, Apple at least explores the reasons she disappeared, including apparent record-company apathy. "Give us something familiar," she sings on "Please Please Please," echoing what must have been a familiar refrain. She goes on, "Something similar to what we know already/That will keep us steady/Steady goin' nowhere."

While not groundbreaking, "Extraordinary Machine" does signal Apple's return to the scene with a set that's perhaps more accessible than her earlier stuff, but still pretty artsy and esoteric. At least Apple is a worthy artist, one for whom wordplay, melody and skepticism go hand in hand--all essential parts of "Extraordinary Machine."