Tori Amos’s Latest Album, ‘Midwinter Graces’ Shines

The rock siren, Tori Amos releases Midwinter Graces on November 10, and it is her first seasonal album release after almost 2 decades of writing and recording some of the most emotionally-charged, provocative, and influential music of her time. The album features Tori’s reworking and reinterpretation of classic holiday carols, as well as some of her own seasonal jewels!  To anyone thinking this is Tori’s ploy to bring home some bank between albums, shut up and listen first.

Though a seasonal album doesn’t seem typical of the rock goddess openly opposed to the teachings of Christianity, she doesn’t fail us in creative output and musical grandiosity, even on an album based on holiday spirit!  The holiday that Tori is more likely referring to within the songs is the Winter Solstice, since Christmas is not once mentioned on any of the 12 tracks.  Tori grew up as a minister’s daughter and has finally found the opportunity to put her fingerprints on the holiday carols that she grew up singing. These Christmas songs were among her first taste of music at her father’s church.

Midwinter Graces can sound like a holiday album lyrically, but musically it’s almost indistinguishable from one of her normal releases.  The melodies are soothing, peaceful, and gentle, much more reminiscent of her album, The Beekeeper and far from the sound we experienced with Boys for Pele or Little Earthquakes. All 12 tracks linger with a mysterious holiday glow, but Tori adeptly forces you to forget it’s a seasonal album to which you’re listening.  “Holly, Ivy, and Rose” is an absolutely exquisite song with a Celtic backbone and becomes more charming when her niece comes in for a precious duet during the chorus.  “Pink and Glitter” is an amazing, sultry, jazzy little number that accentuates Tori’s sexy!  You’ll hear the harpsichord, sleigh bells, piano, and orchestral strings throughout the album.  “Winter’s Carol” is a highlight of Midwinter Grace, and sounds like a song that could have been misplaced from the Under the Pink B-sides onto an album that came out much later!  The melody is fully mesmerizing and throws you into a whirlwind of beautiful harmonies and cellos.

Tori is offering her fans a free listen to the whole album on IMEEM

You can pre-order Midwinter Graces on iTunes or amazon.com

Midwinter Graces Tracklist:
What Child, Nowell
Star of Wonder
A Silent Night with You
Candle: Coventry Carol
Holly, Ivy, and Rose
Harps of Gold
Snow Angel
Jeanette, Isabella
Pink and Glitter
Emmanuel
Winter’s Carol
Our New Year

Nadia Lelutiu, Indie Editor

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