Torn_Willows's Full Review: From the Choirgirl Hotel by Tori Amos
Tori Amos made a name for herself with the release of three amazing albums, all which are individual masterpieces, came back to release 1998's "From the Choirgirl Hotel". This is one of the few albums I have found that can soothe my nerves when I am angry, bring me up when I'm depressed, or just depress me in general. The effects this album have over me are monumental, I have never loved an album more than the ones produced by Tori because they all have a magic to them. The magic is only understandable if you listen to one of her albums and are able to connect with some of the lyrics, I have found this in "From the Choirgirl Hotel". This brilliant album has become a prized possession to me, and will continue to be one of the dominate albums over all.
"From the Choirgirl Hotel" is a 12 track, emotional roller coaster into the life of Tori Amos. "Spark" is the first song and brings me to the verge of tears every time I listen to it because I know that the song is about her miscarriage. Tori is one of the rare songwriters that will put every last feeling into her music, and it is shown by this song. It takes a bold person to share the inner pain of loss with millions of fans. "Cruel" is the second song on this album, and one of my top favorites of this album. This is the song I connected with because the lyrics are basically part of me. "I can be cruel, I don't know why." That is like her taking a piece of myself and putting it to song, which is what she does with herself, so this song is obviously about her as well.
"Black-Dove(January)" is the third track on this album, and is absolutely wonderful. The lyrics and vocals in this song are some of the best that are on this album. "Raspberry Swirl" is by far one of my all time favorite Tori Amos songs, because it makes me want to do something no other Tori song ever has, and that is move around. The beat to this song, seems strangely new to Tori but she is able to work with it, and make an amazing song. "Jackie's Strength" is another one of the Tori songs that talks to me with. "You're only popular with anorexia.", is the one line out of the song that seems to slap me in the face and say "Hello, sound familiar?"
Skipping down a few great tracks comes the eighth song "She's You're Cocaine". This song is one of my favorite faster Tori songs on this album, though I'm not exactly sure what the lyrics mean, but they are great. The other tracks on this album are "i i e e e", "Liquid Diamonds", "Northern Land", "Hotel", "Playboy Mommy", and "Pandora's Aquarium". Just because I didn't go into any detail about all her songs, doesn't mean I love them any less, I mean seriously how could I not love a Tori Amos song?!
I would recommend anyone curious about the sounds of Tori Amos either start off with this album, or make it one of the very first they own. In my mind the only Tori album that can surpass this one in greatness is the amazing "Little Earthquakes". There seems to be one artist that every person can connect and relate to, mine is Tori Amos. This gorgeous woman, has been in this business for years and still manages to produce albums worthy of praise, not easy for someone to do, but she has done it. Go buy this album if it is missing from you collection, because no matter what genre you prefer, this will please the open-minded.
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