ALBUM OF THE WEEK: From the Choirgirl Hotel - Tori Amos

 Tori Amos is strange. Not Zappa kinds of strange but...strange. A preacher's daughter who was sexually assaulted and went on her way to writing songs about her own difficulties of faith, human struggle, and strong feminism, Tori Amos is more known for "strange" than her actual authenticity and poignant words. I tried Miss Amos on a complete whim. 

One thing Tori will make you do is think. Lyrically, there's not a Tori song that does not "Say" something. Also a majority of her albums follow a similar ballady style, piano based structure. 

Which is why I absolutely love this Tori album - she mixed this with a sort of alternative/pop genre style and her voice sounds gorgeous on every track. The darker tone mixes with the fact Tori was writing about her struggles with having a miscarriage, and her usually testy lyrics that probably make her preacher father quite uncomfortable. 

The songs thematically follow stories of strength, courage and songs of deep sadness and anger with God about the miscarriages. Album starter "Spark" discusses the intense hurt and loss, wondering how it is fair that some woman who hurts her child gets to have one while Amos lost her own. It captures grief and fear of trying for a child again only to feel this same intense hurt with a grunge-y rhythm to it.

"Cruel" switches to a sort of crass song, sultry sounding but angry in delivery. Grief often causes a great deal of anger and hurt, which can in turn switch to hurting others.

The next song, "Black Dove (January)" references Tori's feeling toward her dreams. She feels they speak to her and she must take time to understand them. It can also doubly be seen as a song referring to the outcasted child, trying to find their way.

"Raspberry Swirl" references a female relationship she had and standing up to the boys who wanted to have her. It is a very poppy song and stands out, yet despite the switch, it still seems authentically Tori. 

Switching back to the sad beginnings to the album, "Jackie's Strength" refers to Jackie Kennedy, but more her loyalty to John. Amos feels unsure marriage is suited for her and wonders if she could have the same sort of strength. 

"I I E E E" returns to the topic of miscarriage, as Amos cries wondering why the children must be a "sacrifice". The song always gives me chills as it feels like such a personification of the pain of the loss. The delivery is haunting and bitter. 

This leads to "Liquid Diamonds", a song of grief and acceptance. In the end, everyone will have to accept what has happened and this song exemplifies that. It is painful and it does not take away the hurt and suffering, but there's acceptance.

"She's Your Cocaine" is renowned in the music community as the "ballad of Trent and Courtney", because it seems a lot of people get angry with Courtney Love. It seems to suggest a woman who cannot decide what she wants and brings other people down with her.

This shifts to "Northern Lad", a heartwrenching song of trying to change yourself to be more appealing to your lover. "Pianos try to be guitars" is such a creative line for a musician though. Trying to make your instrument more of theirs, only to find hurt and loss in this madness.

"Hotel" carries on this theme of lost love, in what I perceive as being a sort of story of a one night stand. Possibly the "hotel" prom girls will go to and discover their thought to be forever just wanted one thing. 

"Playboy Mommy" returns back to the feelings of loss of the child, having a sense of shame that perhaps the baby chose a less "shameful" mother. She struggled to get over her miscarriages quickly, and asked not to be judged. 

The album closes with "Pandora's Aquarium", which brings everything together. She must turn over the rocks and take the pain in which she has to find healing and growth. It is a beautiful closer to a very strong but dark-themed album. 

Lyricism: 10/10 - I always find Tori Amos to have a strange, cryptic lyricism which allows so much of yourself to enter a song while still remaining authentic to her own feelings.

Music: 7/10 - I do feel at times the music erred a bit or took over the song even. It takes away from an otherwise beautiful piece.

Overall: 8/10 - Lovely album. I recommend you take a listen if you have never listened to Tori before. Most of her songs are actually not near as upbeat as this album became, but it is a nice introduction to what she does.