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#HyliaRANKS: Tori Amos' Discography


Hylia

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Like with Madonna, I'm merely doing her studio albums. I know many people here aren't familiar with Tori, but oh well! sia3

 

1. Scarlet's Walk

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Scarlet's Walk is a concept album where Tori sings from the point of view of Scarlet, a fictional character loosely based upon herself. Scarlet's story leads her through the United States, and while learning more about herself tales of US history and society are woven into her life. Religion, politics, tragedy, homophobia among other topics are prominent themes in Scarlet's journey, set against Tori's signature baroque pop and piano rock sound, this time accompanied by a guitar, adding in some folky layers.

 

2. From the Choir Girl Hotel

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This album isn't live in a technical sense. This is another one of Tori's concept albums, this time taking place within the titular Choir Girl Hotel. Each song is a character of sorts that is staying at the hotel, with their stories flourishing and coming to life during their stay. This is one of Tori's more expire mental albums, blending electronica with harder elements of rock. Lyrically, I'd say this one is at least in the top 3 with her rawest and most personal lyrics.

 

3. Boys for Pele

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Boys for Pele is, without a doubt, her rawest album to date. Even Tori still thinks of it as her rawest work. The title is a reference to the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele, with the album itself being very aware and open about the mystique of the feminine persona. Although her two albums preceding this one are fantastic, I feel like this album is where she truly found herself musically. The harpsichord also appears a lot on this album, which is a large contributor to my love for it. 

 

4. The Beekeeper

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The Beekeeper is hated among Tori's fanbase for some reason I have yet to discover. This album came after Scarlet's Walk and the sound almost feels like a continuation of its sound, albeit with some new instruments she picked up along the way as well as some soul influences. The title is a reference to the ancient art of beekeeping, particularly drawing from Celtic influences. The album deals with topics such as illness, as her mother was going through a health crisis, adultery, particularly on the track Hoochie Woman, along with romance.

 

5. American Doll Posse

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American Doll Posse is a concept album with Tori playing the roles of various "dolls" based on American stereotypes. American Doll Posse marked a musical shift from Tori, as she brought her earlier rock sound back more than ever on this record. Lyrically, the albums deals with topics such as her criticism of George Bush, the modern age of technology, war, and religion.

 

6. Little Earthquakes

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Little Earthquakes is her debut album, and by far my favorite debut album I've ever heard. Crucify, Girl, and Silent all These Years already ring as if Tori's been in the business for years, with the rest of the record brilliantly penned to introduce herself to the industry. Winter is a particular favorite of mine, shining with a message of self love. A great album to start with for anyone wanting to check out Tori's music.

 

7. To Venus and Back

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To Venus and Back is a double record, with the first half of the album being new songs and the second half being live recordings of older songs. This album came after From the Choir Hirl Hotel, and like it, she opted for a different direction. This is easily Tori's most experimental album, with elements of trip hop, electronica, and rock coming into play. The lyrics touch on topics such as the high number of femicides,p in Ciudad Juarez, the hallucinogenic Datura flower, homophobia, and lust.

 

8. Abnormally Attracted to Sin

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Abnormally Attracted to Sin is behind only Biys for Pele and From the Choir Girl Hotel in terms of raw lyrics. This album was a return from the more rock tinged sound of American Doll Posse, but rather than being a return to her original baroque pop sound, the songs here are awash in electronica and trip hop. I like to describe this album as mysterious. It sounds like it could be the soundtrack for a dark fantasy film to me, if that makes any sense.

 

9. Unrepentant Geraldines

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Unrepentant Geraldines is Tori's most recent album, having been released in 2014. Many of the songs reference real life art pieces as Tori gives them each a story. Musically, this album is a stark return to her roots, mainly staying within the boundaries of piano rock and baroque pop.

 

10. Under the Pink

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Under the Pink is Tori's second album, and musically it's pretty similar to her debut Little Earthquakes. I'd say Little Earthquakes is lyrically better, but that doesn't at all diminish how good Under the Pink is.

 

11. Night of Hunters

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Night of Hunters is an album where Tori took classical arrangements composed by legendary composers and added lyrics to them. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is whisked away into the past, where war and chaos rage as she witnesses a previous incarnation of a romantic relationship she just ended. Her daughter also appears frequently on this album, playing the role of the girl that has transported Tori's character into the past.

 

12. Gold Dust

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After Night of Hunters, Tori was inspired to do an album with songs from her past albums redone in classical and orchestral form. Don't let its low place in my ranking fool you, it's a beautiful album and it's amazing to see these songs in a new light.

 

13. Strange Little Girls

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Strange Little Girls is a conceptual cover album where she covered songs by male artists, and gave each song a character portrayed by her. Some of the covered artists include Eminem, Depeche Mode, The Beatles, and Slayer. The album has a pleasant alt rock sound, but I miss her lyricism on this album, which is why it's so low here

 

14. Midwinter Graces

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Midwinter Graces is, as the title implies, a Christmas and winter themed album. I don't particularly care for Christmas music, but I will say this is one of the better Christmas album I've listened to.

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14. Midwinter Graces

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Midwinter Graces is, as the title implies, a Christmas and winter themed album. I don't particularly care for Christmas music, but I will say this is one of the better Christmas album I've listened to.

Well someone sure isn't in the Christmas spirit! rav2 

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Just now, LadyGootgoot said:

I've been wanting to try Tori's music. What album would you recommend I start with? jj2

Little Earthquakes, Boys for Pele, and Scarlet's Walk. I'd recommend starting from the beginning if you're into that, cause her sound naturally evolves jj2 

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8 minutes ago, Justice said:

Well someone sure isn't in the Christmas spirit! rav2 

Christmas is cute but the music can go rav2 

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Boys for Pele, American Doll Posse, Abnormally Attracted to Sin, To Venus and Back and From The Coir Girl Hotel>>>>>>>>>>Careeers cry9 

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6 minutes ago, Saiga said:

What's a good album to start with? Debut?

Yeah, it's a great intro to her signature sound

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2 minutes ago, Hylia said:

Yeah, it's a great intro to her signature sound

I'll check it out then bey6

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Never listened to her apart from a little bit of her multi-piano talent on TV, but some of the descriptions look quite interesting - especially the concept albums, which is a thing I love a lot. Might check those out someday.

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5 minutes ago, Hyun. said:

Never listened to her apart from a little bit of her multi-piano talent on TV, but some of the descriptions look quite interesting - especially the concept albums, which is a thing I love a lot. Might check those out someday.

She's my concept album queen cry6 definitely check them out!

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From the Choirgirl Hotel is my personal favourite but I agree with most of this ranking rav2

Although I'd rank The Beekeeper lower in the list (even though I still like it and I don't understand why it's so hated) and To Venus and Back would be in my Top 3.

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7 hours ago, Mint said:

Which album blends orchestral elements with hard piano rock the most? aretha1

 

American Doll Posse definitely 

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My ranking based on the number of songs I like on every album. eve1

1. American Doll Posse/  Unrepentant Geraldines

2. To Venus And Back

3. Gold Dust

4. The Beekeeper

5. From The Choirgirl Hotel / Strange Little Girls / Scarlet's Walk / Under The Pink

6. Abnormally Attracted To Sin/ Boys For Pele/  Night Of Hunters

7. Little Earthquakes

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