Tori Amos - Scarlet's Walk Review
A lot has already been said about how Scarlet's Walk was inspired by the events of 9/11, so I won't get into that here. Also, a lot has been said about the delivery method of this CD to reviewers. Do NOT get me started on THAT! What I will talk about is the music.
SW is Tori's most consistent work since her debut, which, for me, still ranks as one of the top 10 albums of all time. It took awhile for that to grow on me, and in a sense, I can tell that this will prove the same. At that time, I may swing to 4.5 stars. But for now, it stands at 4 stars -- excellent, but not quite the "masterpiece" label some reviewers gave to it. Nothing is really groundbreaking, and most of it contains excellent examples of some of her strength, but LE is definitely more diverse (although the opportunity is there with a whopping 18 songs). Yes, there is definitely more instrumental diversity, which I think is a good thing. Piano is often prominent, but I do like the increased orchestration.
At her best, Tori can envelope a single, beautiful thread into an atmospheric emotional ride. At her worst, her songs can meander quite a bit, never really taking off. For the most part, she avoids the latter here. One thing I don't miss with this album is the NIN direction she has taken with some recent releases. Too much Trent Reznor influence for my taste.
Although the packaging is interesting, I'm not very happy about the omission of lyrics. But with the Internet, that is not such an issue these days. I have not yet visited the special site (sorry
, so maybe they're available through that link. Otherwise, several sites already have the lyrics. The DVD is interesting, but doesn't add too much, IMO.
Let's go track by track. Please bear with me; my reviews are rarely this detailed, and I'm not too eloquent with my musical vocabulary. This may be my longest review yet:
1) Amber Waves (9) - classic Tori. This will definitely strike a nerve in long time fans, sounding familiar, yet fresh. Trademark track.
2) a sorta fairytale (9) - (Maybe I just don't get it, but it appears the lack of use in proper capitalization in some titles is intentional.) Perfect choice for the first single. Immediately accessible, and will please both long time fans and new listeners. Great hooks and a cool, breezy mood.
3) Wednesday (9) - absolutely LE material here, in the image of "Happy Phantom". Definitely one of the album highlights. Short and bouncy.
4) strange (7) - Far from strange, and not very special. Nice tune, though.
5) Carbon (8) - The highlight of this song are the layered harmonies, which definitely add an atmospheric level to an otherwise unremarkable tune.
6) Crazy (8.5) - Beautiful song - one of my favorites.
7) wampum prayer (8) - A very pretty short prayer in acapella.
8) don't make me come to Vegas (6.5) - More tuneful than "God", and reminds me a bit of that song, but I never liked it, and this song doesn't do too much for me, either. But I do like it better each time I hear it. I know that many people will love it. That's one thing I can guarantee about a Tori Amos album. Many people will love it for different reasons.
9) Sweet Sangria (6.5) - I'm still trying to catch a ride on this thread, but I still can't grasp it. Not bad, though.
10) your cloud (9) - This song has really grown on me with repeated listening. Once it hooked me, though, it will never let go. Gorgeous. Reminds me a bit of Cocteau Twins for some reason.
11) pancake (7) - Very "Under The Pink". To me, it meanders a bit too much. Not bad, though.
12) I can't see New York (8) - Although it takes a bit to build up, this is a beautiful song. And although it's the longest track on the album, it's over before you know it. It reminds me at times of "Precious Things".
13) mrs. jesus (7) - Another one of those "growers". I was bored with this earlier today, and I'm liking it now. Maybe I'm just getting it now. The way this album's growing, it may make it to 4.5 stars by the time I get to the end of this review
14) Taxi Ride (10) - Currently, my favorite song. This is definitely one of those sweetly wrapped threads
Reminds me of the style of "Tear In Your Hand". Carries me away. Over way too fast. I can listen to this 100 times in a row and not tire of it.
15) another girl's paradise (8) - This song has more "attitude" than any other on the album.
16) Scarlet's Walk (8.5) - I first heard a live version of this song, and to be honest, it annoyed me a bit. I like the studio version a lot better. I really like the guitar on this one.
17) Virginia (7.5) - The vocal play on this is the most interesting thing about this song.
18) gold dust (7.5) - An example of a song that I feel meanders a bit much. Well, I felt that way more at first. I like it a lot more now. It's very pretty, and melancholy. It's the perfect album closer.
Overall, Scarlet's Walk is an excellent album, with some of the most beautiful songs Tori has ever written. My ratings would probably change daily. It's not as daring as her earlier work, but it does not deserve any of the negative reviews I've read. I have always thought some critics trash her work just because she's different, can be intimidating, and at times appears self-centered. That is unfair. Anyone who goes out on a limb and exposes themselves through their art can appear somewhat self-centered. Although this isn't her "masterpiece" (LE still is, IMO), it is great, and well worth it, and may be her second best album. I may feel differently one day, as it continues to grow on me, and remain on my CD player for a long time (alongside the "instant classic" new Coldplay). And it's my second favorite album of 2002 (behind Coldplay).
He's so sweet. 
They scare me, too. But so does PLEBA. I only check in with The Dent when there's a new record and tour.
at those comments. I can't believe other people used the words "Stevie" and "technicolor" too! Still, it wasn't that bad. Her hair was pretty weird, though. 
So I'll be curious to see what you think after you've had some time with it.
And yes, even though I don't have it yet, I changed my location. 
