Little Earthquakes

Its like if you merged Alannis Morissette, Bjork and Kate Bush and it didn't work.

It always baffles me to remember that this was Tori Amos' first solo album. It has such a confidence about it, a strong sense of self. This album would become the basis for her entire musical career, and is pretty much reflective of how she continues to conduct her musical style still today. First, Tori Amos was a surreal lyricist out the gate; all of the songs here have poetic wording and phrasing, but there are certain things said that cause you to raise an intrigued eyebrow. Much of the material is derived from her own personal life experiences, which she clearly has some extremely vibrant and bizarre reflections about. This is all presented with a beautiful voice that she often twists into wails and hollers. Second, Tori Amos was piano-forward out the gate. She took a natural passion and a talent and drove it directly into her music and allowed it to shine. What you get as a result is music that exists somewhere between singer-songwriter, bizarre cabaret, and alternative pop/rock. So rooted is her songwriting and her musicianship in her piano playing, that the sound of the piano is an extension of her voice, from discordant slams to quiet tickling of the keys. Throughout the album, Tori keeps things sounding fresh; she manages to take her concept and be consistent across the entire album, all while allowing each song to sound unique and individual when compared to the others. This is a beautifully done album that feels powerful from start to finish, but it is also an album that deliberately leaves a bit of uneasiness with the listener. Again, this album is somewhat autobiographical, and up to this point, Tori has not always had the easiest life, and on this album, that uneasiness masterfully weaves in and out of the forefront, much in the same way that life's difficulties come and go. This album is probably around a 4.5 for me, but I'm going to round up for the pure impact of this album, whether it's recognized or not. People across reviews have said things implying that Tori Amos is a wannabe Fiona Apple or Alanis Morissette, when in fact Tori was a groundbreaker that helped make room for artists like them to succeed.

China is a ridiculous song and I still can't figure out what is going on in it. I love it. The album has so many different sounds with each different song and I liked a lot of them. The lyrics were strange and surreal some times, but I always enjoyed the story told. 4 stars, I would like to listen to this again some day.

Pretty fucking epic. So many very-good-to-great songs (“Crucify,” “Girl,” “Silent,” “China” and “Little Earthquakes” and “Tear in a Hand”). There’s a likable consistency to the tone and arrangements (centered on vocals and piano), and yet enough variety to keep listeners consistently engaged. Her voice is classic (if occasionally overextended) and the playing and instrumentation offer lots of grace notes and nice touches. This is way better than I remember (heard a lot when it came out) and has aged extremely well (even improved), an easy 4.5, even accounting for the fact that it was one of my ex-wife’s favorite records, and rounding up for overall excellence.

Alanis Morissette wishes

Listened Before? Y This… is one of my favorite albums of all time. Tori Amos in her prime. Complex lyrics that completely capture the emotions intended, beautifully composed and performed music. A classic. Added to Library? Y

This is insanely good. Left me with chills. Standout tracks: all of them but I guess "Silent All These Years," "Leather," "Little Earthquakes"

Powerful. Her voice is amazing, passionate and varied and the piano work perfectly accompanies the pieces (though clearly Me and a Gun is stark and painful with just her voice).

Superb. Before Tori Amos the only really groundbreaking female piano artist was Kate Bush. Many other artists were making bland, upbeat numbers which never really stood out. Along came Tori talking about masturbation, unrequited and lost love, religious oppression and many other things that made her stamp on the world. This album is a masterpiece.

Here’s another album I have loved it since its release. Tori Amos’ piano work is exquisite, the songs perfectly crafted, the arrangements beautiful. I love every song on this which is why it has been and will remain one of my favorite albums of all time. Little Earthquakes is perfection and every bit as compelling 30 years after I first heard it.

I feel like I can't give it 1 star, but I wanted to

This album has clearly been influential for a lot of future indie women artists, but I don't think these songs hold up.

This is what Fiona Apple would sound like if she was twice as generic and half as talented.

I genuinely do not want to hear any of the songs on this album ever again. 2/10

I feel like I should like Amos (or at least appreciate her) but .. I mean, it's just a really annoying album. Amos comes off as a cut-rate Morrisette and every track grates on the ear. The album is entirely populated with noisy, cardboard songs sung with more energy than skill and oddly lacking in anything approaching passion. I never get the impression that she actually cares about anything she's singing about. And the constant, often atonal warbling and wailing quickly gets legitimately painful. It's fingernails-on-a-chalkboard levels of cringe.

Classic

One of the greatest albums of all time.

I know I know you well well better than I used to. I've enjoyed a 30 year relationship with this record. Despite having critics and sceptics along the way for the love I have for Tori, I still try to celebrate and share her brilliance as often as I can. My life is better for knowing her work so well. I'm glad I picked up that cd single at the rock pit record store in 1992 because I liked the cover art. Castles are burning in my heart. Thank you, Tori. Thank you.

Very surprising and great album. Loved "Crucify", "Winter".

Really good soundscape, which makes sense due to her Chromesthesia. Truly beautiful, somewhere between PJ Harvey and Rufus Wainwright.

Prachtig natuurlijk.

Beautiful and magical... Especially the song "Winter".

9/10

Legendary album that has a special place in my heart

I’m possibly rating this too high as I think a few of the songs in the middle of the album are pretty weak, but it think the highlight (crucify, girl, tear in the hand etc.) are some of my all time favourite songs. I think the lyrics are really interesting and unique and overall I find the album really engaging.

One of my favorite of all time. I don't need to listen to it to hear it, but I will.

A voice from a girl's heart

Alright, I'm going to be fair on this. It was not to my tastes (completely) though there were times I was into it. That said, it's clear how different and influencing this album was in an entire genre.

Geweldig album! Staat nog altijd als een huis.

One of the rightful heirs to the Kate Bush throne

Tori Amos excels at what some bands and artists fail to do: Make good piano-based rock songs. Her debut solo album ‘Little Earthquakes’ is no exception, being a melodramatic and confessional album full of Kate Bush style lyrics and grandeur bigger than some Ancient Greeks’ hubris. The album’s cover shows a metaphorical representation of Tori’s story. She’s trapped in a box, and the look on her face tells the listener that she needs some help to get out. By making this album, Tori became a sensation, being on Rhino Records for her whole career. Coming from a person who hasn’t listened to any of Tori Amos’ songs before listening to this album, she’s more amazing than I thought she would be. 4.8/5 (rounding up to a 5 because I can) Favorite Track: Happy Phantom Least Favorite: Precious Things

A beautiful album- Amos is so unique. Love the piano.

Still love it after all these years.

Far from being my favourite genre, but this is an amazing record and Tori has an amazing talent for songwriting. "Me and a Gun" is a truly heartbreaking piece that will forever stick with me. Favourite Tracks: - Precious Things - Crucify - Winter - Me and a Gun - Little Earthquakes - Silent All These Years - Girl - Leather Overall Grade: 5/5

If you're unsure what rating to give this album, just listen to the final two songs.

Listened to all through high school.

I love how Tori uses her voice and sparse piano arrangements. The meter and delivery are uneven and unpredictable, keeping you off-balance but wanting more.

Love

Really good voice!

One of my favorite albums of all time. Happy Phantom is, in my opinion, the perfect encapsulation of 90s Tori. Listen to the Deluxe edition for a haunting Smells Like Teen Spirit cover: https://music.apple.com/us/album/smells-like-teen-spirit-remastered/961925135?i=961925206

She showed her (and women's, I assume) vulnerabilities to the world with incredible bravery. Like, the disc opens with "Crucify" reminds me about Odysseus ties himself to the sailboat pillar to hear - not to hide - the voice of sirens while the other sailors cover their ears to avoid (though It doesn't actually relate to the lyrics). She crucifies herself on the piano with no attempt to hide away any of vulnerabilities at all, thus, at last, reaches to a carthasis that made her delivery becomes redemptive and universal. And again, no songs are worth to be skipped. Fav track: Winter.

Double yass! Like so many people, I discovered Tori Amos via Professional Widow. This album is not like Professional Widow. Most tracks are a simple piano/singer combo, and while the style is very familiar to those who grew up in the 1990s, it holds up still. Amos is earnest, emotionally aware and just plain splendid. One of the best albums ever recorded.

I’ve looooved this album since I was like 16 a masterpiece. So personal

Absolutely beautiful, a lot of these tracks are perfect. "All These Years" and "Me and a Gun" are proof that music can literally break me.

Still as exceptional 30 years later.

"Got enough guilt to start my own religion." Tori Amos put the bar for any follow-up album incredibly high with a 1-2-3 of 'Silent All These Years - Precious Things - Winter.' I don't have much more to add than others with 5* have already said.

Phenominal album, I love how personal and touching her storytelling is throughout. You won't find many songs better than Silent all these years.

Love Tori, Love this album. All the tracks are winners.

What an album! I love this. It's got emotional depth, gothy vibes, virtuosity, literary references.

This is one of my favorites! I saw Tori in concert not too long ago — she’s still making great music. “Boys For Pelé” is my favorite of her records, and “Little Earthquakes” might be my third favorite. She wasn’t afraid to speak up about things and assert her musical style. This record in particular touches on many different songwriting/piano approaches, so you get to see some of her range. She did indeed make some little earthquakes before making even bigger ones with her later success!

Beautiful, haunting and poetic from start to finish

I love this album.

Tori Amos’ debut is incredible. It is symphonic, melodic, and experimental. Her musical instincts are spot on and it creates an album that is confessional, surreal, and intimate. I hear a lot of influence from Kate Bush, another phenomenal songwriter who wasn’t afraid to takes risks. Tori Amos’ sound itself had become very influential and can be heard in similarly phenomenal artists like Fiona Apple.

Outstanding album

How have I never heard of Tori Amos before. That piano playing is sublime, not complex but full of emotion that lets it sing. Speaking of which, Amos' vocals are very good too. The tracks with those two elements or just the voice for Me and the Gun, were so powerful.

Absolutely stunning. I need to listen to more by her.

I just love love love this album! Have I really been singing along to this for 30 years?!? I suppose that is why it felt like coming home as "every finger in the room is pointing at me".

One of the best albums of my life. What a way to represent a woman’s late teens and early 20s. Girls today need this album.

Yes!!

Such a good album

Just beautiful

A lovely surprise to see this album on the 1001. Unique, earthy, haunting vocals, gifted lyrics and strong melodies. A long time since I listened to this - I'd forgotten a lot of the songs - e.g. "Silent all these years" and "Leather". Yes, Tori has strong echoes of Kate Bush, but she's a lot more avant-garde. A definite 5... which for me means I'd happily listen to the album end to end and multiple times

I've loved this album since 1992!

First album I got that is actually in .y current rotation. So visceral. I love her.

This is amazing. Love.

An old favorite. Still excellent.

An exceptional album, with a couple of properly arresting tracks - me and a gun in particular makes you stop what you're doing and listen. Like a wonderful mix of Kate Bush, Björk and Alanis Morissette, with flawless vocals, wonderful instrumentation and musicianship, and exceptional lyrics.

One of the greatest albums of the 90s.

Unapologetic love for this album and Under the Pink. Tori Amos is my favourite singer/songwriter/piano warrior.

Fantastic album. No bad tracks, some great ones The album flows well and is a pleasure to listen to Still not bored after the 4th or 5th repeat

In the early 90s, I was waiting tables at a wine bar and cafe in Chicago when Ms. Amos and her manager sat at one of my tables. They were there to promote this album and she had spent the afternoon at a nearby record store, signing copies of this CD, that sort of thing. She had brought in some candy apples and I said to her that the cafe's policy was no outside food allowed but because she's Tori Amos, I've brought her a plate and knife so she can enjoy them. Towards the end of her visit, I thanked her for this album and especially 'Silent All These Years' really spoke to me. I meant it, too. I added that to show my gratitude for her singing to me, I'd like to serenade her. So I did. I knelt beside her, sang 'Love Is All Around', then she gave me a kiss on the cheek (and, yes, I very much had a Marcia-Brady-kissed-on-the-cheek-by-Davy-Jones "I'll never wash this cheek again!" moment), and left behind a signed CD with a sweet note thanking me for the candy apple indulgence. After that, her career continued to shine. I think we all know it's all becaause of me.

OH MY GOSSSSH LOVE IT.

Beautiful and moving album

Þessi spilaðist oft í bakgrunnninum í den, en ég gaf ekki mikið fyrir hana. Núna græðir hún vissulega á kunnugleikanum, en sko vá, þetta er frábær plata. Ég er ekki mikill píanómaður en þetta steinliggur. Frábær lög, flutningur og útsetningar.

Parts boisterous, parts arresting and parts vaudevillian, Little Earthquakes announces Tori Amos' arrival to the music world. And what an arrival it is, reconfiguring the singer-songwriter pianist trope for a new generation and infusing with stories fanciful, imaginative and taboo. An enduring classic thirty plus years on.

Vocal e piano são o ponto forte. Crucify parece um misto de música ocidental com oriental, maior pira

Where has this been all my life??

one of my favorites ever!

I didn't discover Tori Amos until Under the Pink (1994) and then I went back and listened to Little Earthquakes relentlessly. Tori was basically a different, less distortion driven way to express my teenage angst at a time when grunge music was dominating airwaves. Grunge and Tori Amos were two sides of the same coin for teenage me.

This album is simply amazing.

What a great surprise. Loved Tori's soft voice paired with the great instrumentation that ranges from acapella to atmospheric piano

Fantastic, not my first listen.

Really good, will definitely listen again

Just too good of an album. Incredible voice in all aspect, used so well in different songs that are all very very good. Transcendant songs. 4.5/5

This was very good! A lot of songs sounded surprisingly familiar, and there was enough really good stuff on here that I'm happy to round up to 5

hun er forelskende

Still a pretty perfect album (voice, piano, song writing etc) apart from the lyrics and some misfires.

A true classic imho.

The first real masterpiece I’ve discovered on this list.

So good, still, after all these years.

Excellent

This album defined the 90s for me.

Love. So angsty. Listened on repeat all day.

Not to “Boss Baby” this album but getting lesbian Kate Bush vibes for this. I def get the lineage from Tori Amos to like the current sad alt pop girlies.

Musically relevant. Lyrically sound. An important album, to be sure. Her voice just hits me a little wrong. It always has. I still love everything else about the album.

Excellent. Bold, delicate, really the full gammut.

9/10. This was excellent, enjoyed every song, maybe even worth a 10.

Great

Piano girl popped off, haunting vocals, sick hooks and she's CRAZY FOR THE SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT COVER. i love you and in the pink even more

Lobed