Little Earthquakes

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.

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

Before her MTV video dropped for the title track, a buddy of mine told me to get in the van; we were going to a concert. "Who?" "You've never heard of her, but you want to come." In the van we go down to Deep Ellum, Dallas. We get into the club, $10 a head, and there's nobody there, but there's this piano on the stage. Where's the rest of the instruments? Don't worry about it. We walk up, take a seat – we can reach out and touch the stage. After a few minutes maybe 100 people total show up. Small show, and then Tori takes the stage, straddles the piano bench so she's quarter facing out, quarter facing the piano, and she proceeds to blow my 17 year old mind. I am utterly entranced with every moment of this performance. She plays every song on the Little Earthquakes album, yes, even Me and a Gun. She covers The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, and I cherish this concert as a core memory. Afterward, my buddy, who is 6 foot four, and I go out back to the access door to see if we can talk to Ms. Amos. She actually comes out and is so generous with her time. We thank her for the incredible performance, and my friend gets his picture taken with her. He just towers over this woman; she barely comes up to his collarbone. When I go to see him years later, he has a life-sized copy of this image framed on a significant portion of his wall. I've seen her in concert since then, and it was a good show, but there's nothing like this that I can compare it to. "Saw her before she was big" is a cliché, but her video dropped the next week, and she blew up. But I was front row before she was big, and Tori Amos was absolutely amazing. Easiest 5 on here. Little Earthquakes is a desert island album for me.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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"

Didn't know her before and am happy I heard this Album before I died.

"**Little Earthquakes**" by Tori Amos, released in 1992, stands as a cornerstone in the history of alternative rock and singer-songwriter albums. This debut album introduced Amos as a bold, introspective artist willing to confront themes of trauma, self-identity, and empowerment through intimate lyrics, haunting piano melodies, and inventive production. Here’s an in-depth review exploring the lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and overall strengths and weaknesses of the album. --- ### 1. Lyrics Tori Amos’ lyrics on *Little Earthquakes* are raw, confessional, and often confrontational, delving into deeply personal experiences. The words are poetry in motion, unafraid to examine difficult emotions and moments. Amos writes about sexual assault in “Me and a Gun,” expressing both vulnerability and strength as she sings from her own experience. This track is unaccompanied, forcing listeners to confront every word without distraction. “Silent All These Years” reflects on self-discovery and self-worth, giving voice to the silenced parts of Amos’ personality as well as the voicelessness many women experience. Themes of religion, sexuality, and internal conflict permeate songs like “Crucify” and “Precious Things.” In “Crucify,” Amos wrestles with feelings of guilt and repression, using religious imagery to illustrate a struggle between personal freedom and imposed guilt. She critiques societal standards and uses metaphor in innovative ways. Her lyrics often shift from soft reflection to biting critique within a few lines, such as in “Precious Things,” where she examines social expectations and identity, mixing anger and sadness in a biting yet vulnerable manner. **Pros of the Lyrics**: - Lyrically intense, they offer a profound look at personal and social struggles. - Amos’ ability to blend the personal with universal themes makes the songs accessible and resonant. - The rawness of “Me and a Gun” particularly stands out, giving voice to trauma in a way few artists have dared. **Cons of the Lyrics**: - The complexity and ambiguity can make the lyrics difficult to interpret for some listeners. - The heavy nature of the themes may feel overwhelming or uncomfortable for more casual listeners. --- ### 2. Music and Composition Musically, *Little Earthquakes* is piano-driven, which gives it a classical-meets-pop feel, distinguishing Amos from her guitar-centric contemporaries. The album opens with “Crucify,” where Amos combines layered vocals, driving percussion, and rhythmic piano to create a powerful soundscape. She uses her piano not just as an instrument but as a companion in storytelling, often using it to build crescendos or underscore emotional peaks. “Winter” is a standout, with its delicate and melancholic piano line that enhances the introspective lyrics about family and self-identity. The arrangement gradually builds, matching the progression of the narrative. In “China,” Amos brings a softer touch, with a melody that reflects longing and separation, highlighting her dynamic control over emotion through instrumentation. **Pros of the Music**: - Unique, with the piano as the central instrument, setting Amos apart from other alt-rock musicians of the time. - Each composition supports the mood of the lyrics, adding depth to the stories she tells. - Musicianship is exceptional, particularly Amos’ skill at building emotional peaks and valleys through music. **Cons of the Music**: - The album’s sound can be too somber or slow-paced for listeners seeking more energetic music. - The reliance on piano might make some tracks feel repetitive or lack instrumental diversity for some. --- ### 3. Production Eric Rosse co-produced *Little Earthquakes* with Amos, creating a lush, layered sound that complements her lyrical and musical vision. Rosse’s production style is subtle; it focuses on amplifying Amos’ voice and piano without overshadowing them. The album was produced in an era dominated by grunge and rock, so the minimalist production style allowed *Little Earthquakes* to stand out as more personal and intimate. The production enhances the storytelling; each track feels meticulously crafted to capture different moods. For instance, the bare production in “Me and a Gun” leaves the vocals completely exposed, maximizing the impact of Amos’ story. In contrast, “Silent All These Years” incorporates reverb and harmonies that build into a fuller sound, emphasizing the theme of finding one’s voice. Despite some tracks featuring layered arrangements, there’s a spaciousness that gives the lyrics and piano room to breathe. **Pros of the Production**: - The production is minimalist yet effective, amplifying the emotional impact. - Rosse’s approach respects the rawness of the material, avoiding overproduction. - Each song’s production is tailored to match its theme, creating a cohesive feel. **Cons of the Production**: - Some may find the sparse production lacking in excitement or polish. - Tracks can feel too uniform in texture, which might deter listeners who favor varied production styles. --- ### 4. Themes and Subject Matter *Little Earthquakes* is thematically rich, tackling identity, trauma, self-worth, sexuality, and resilience. Amos doesn't shy away from uncomfortable topics; instead, she uses them to create powerful, relatable narratives. The album’s themes are universal yet deeply personal, offering listeners a look into Amos’ psyche while inviting them to reflect on their own experiences. “Silent All These Years” addresses the theme of finding one's voice, echoing the sentiments of empowerment and self-worth that run through the album. Songs like “Girl” and “Leather” delve into femininity and the struggle for self-identity within societal constraints. Amos’ exploration of sexuality is both overt and complex; “Leather” juxtaposes sensuality with vulnerability, challenging societal norms about desire. Themes of religious guilt and self-acceptance in “Crucify” are particularly compelling, as they reflect the conflict between self-expression and moral expectations. Amos’ use of religious and cultural references is impactful, as she examines how they influence personal freedom and guilt. **Pros of the Themes**: - The themes are universal yet deeply personal, allowing for emotional engagement and introspection. - Amos’ willingness to address taboo topics like trauma and sexuality is bold, resonating with listeners who’ve experienced similar struggles. - Complex yet accessible, the themes reflect both an intimate and societal exploration of identity and empowerment. **Cons of the Themes**: - The heaviness of the themes may feel intense or overwhelming, limiting the album’s accessibility for casual listeners. - Some listeners may find the depth of subject matter overly introspective or difficult to relate to without similar experiences. --- ### 5. Influence and Legacy *Little Earthquakes* influenced a generation of female singer-songwriters, proving that commercial success could coexist with unflinching artistic honesty. It established Amos as a voice for women in alternative rock and challenged the music industry’s norms by prioritizing vulnerability over polished pop tropes. The album paved the way for artists like Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey, and Alanis Morissette, who would also bring personal storytelling to the forefront. Beyond the music, Amos inspired a conversation around the importance of survivors speaking out, particularly with “Me and a Gun.” Her candid exploration of trauma and resilience provided a blueprint for artists to address such issues openly, promoting healing and validation for listeners facing similar struggles. **Pros of the Influence**: - *Little Earthquakes* has a significant impact on alternative rock and the singer-songwriter genre. - It created a precedent for female artists to discuss personal, often taboo experiences in their music. - Amos’ unapologetic approach to complex themes gave legitimacy to vulnerability in mainstream music. **Cons of the Influence**: - Its unflinching content may limit its influence in pop music, which often prioritizes mass appeal over introspection. - Although influential, the album remains somewhat niche due to its heavy themes and distinct sound, which may not suit all musical tastes. --- ### Final Verdict: Pros and Cons of the Album **Pros**: 1. *Little Earthquakes* is lyrically profound, touching on universal yet intensely personal themes. 2. Amos’ musicianship is exceptional, and her piano-driven style is refreshing and distinctive. 3. The album’s production supports its intimacy, enhancing the emotional resonance. 4. Thematically complex, it offers both personal and societal commentary, making it deeply resonant. 5. Amos’ influence paved the way for many artists, particularly female singer-songwriters, to be open about their vulnerabilities and experiences. **Cons**: 1. The album’s themes are heavy and may feel intense or overwhelming for casual listeners. 2. The production, while intentional, may feel sparse or uniform for those who prefer more dynamic arrangements. 3. Amos’ distinctive sound and lyrical depth might be challenging for listeners unfamiliar with alternative rock or introspective music. 4. The piano-centric sound may seem repetitive to some, limiting the album's appeal to broader audiences. **Conclusion** Tori Amos’ *Little Earthquakes* is a groundbreaking album that embraces vulnerability and challenges societal norms. Its impact on alternative rock and singer-songwriters cannot be overstated; it remains a daring testament to the power of personal storytelling. While it may not be universally accessible due to its intense subject matter, it is a masterpiece for those willing to engage with its depth and honesty. Amos crafts a journey that is raw, reflective, and revolutionary, making *Little Earthquakes* not just an album but an experience.

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.

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).

Hadn't heard this one before. I was blown away. Incredible piece of art

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

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.

An album guaranteed to make me into an absolute emotional mess

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

I have to admit that I've never really listened to Tori Amos before, apart from the radio hits. I was into the punk and metal scenes back then. On top of that she didn't get airplay in my country until Cornflake Girl, a couple of years after this album. So this album was all completely new to me. Wow have I been missing out. This album is fantastic.

I will at least consider the viewpoints of most people on most topics. Gun control? I can see your point. Hot dogs and gyros are/ aren't sandwiches? I can see that. Omnivore? Vegetarian? I get it. But if you can’t see the sheer brilliance of this album, I don’t think I can talk to you. Tori Amos is strong, aggressive, vulnerable, soft…and that a just in one song. Her voice is superior to most, of that era or since, and she brings emotion and voice to a piano like no other. And if you can listen to Me and a Gun and not be a little affected, I can only assume you are a sociopathic monster.

A beautifully stunning collection of songs. Having never listened to Tori Amos before, I didn't know what to expect but I was pretty blown away by this album. Songs like Winter, Mother and Me and a Gun are breathtaking. Vocally and lyrically gorgeous and the piano is very easy on the ears. There's not a bad song here, which is mightily impressive from a debut album. An easy 5/5.

Finally the list got at least one of the albums right. This is one of those albums that almost singlehandedly set the table for Alanis Morrisette's album JAGGED LITTLE PILL to go supernova merely 3 years later. These female confessional albums practically set the stone from which the Lilith Fair would be built upon. Very hard to be objective about this album as it is one of my favorites. I've known so many people who leaned on this album to help them get through difficult times. Personally this album helped me to understand the perspective of the feminine in my life in a way I had not before, and I am very thankful Tori Amos shared that with us. Just banger after banger on here. A little something for everyone. You want surrealist lyrics? check. You want virtuoso on an instrument? Check. You want your songs to be more about the internal and less about the external? Check. An amazing vocal range and delivery? Check. One of the reasons I respect this album more than a recently released confessional by some female artist is that this one fairly looks inward rather than just pointing the finger externally. I appreciate that. It seems more honest and universal. And if you are a rocker and think this doesn't rock enough, do yourself a favor and check out the live version of "Precious Things" from the TO VENUS AND BACK. Recorded on her PLUGGED tour in 1998, it will blow your mind. Personally I think all 4 of her albums (LITTLE EARTHQUAKES, UNDER THE PINK, BOYS FOR PELE, and FROM THE CHOIR GIRL HOTEL), all released during the 1990s could have been on this list. Each is very different from the next and they are all peak performance and creativity.

Back in high school, a friend tried to get me into Tori by playing me "Past the Mission", assuming that my love for NIN would transfer over just because Trent sings backup vocals on it. It didn't stick. A couple years later, I heard "Professional Widow" and that lured me in. I picked up Boys for Pele and worked my way backwards, then kept up with her until we started drifting apart after the 90s ended. Her 90s run remains undefeated (and I'd argue all 4 albums could have a spot among these), and while Boys has long been my personal favorite, there's no denying the power of Little Earthquakes. I know every word and note on this album, and yet the emotions still hit me like they did the first time. Her sense of humor and word choice endears me to her, and I'm as moved by her strength as I am her vulnerability. For whatever reason, I can't think of a single song that's ever made me actually cry, but there are at least 2 on here that bring me close to it. That's worth celebrating. As is everything else about this album.

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

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

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

Classic

One of the greatest albums of all time.

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

Why is Tori Amos acclaimed for anything? This is a serious question. There's nothing noteworthy about her voice, her piano-playing is nice but nothing special, her lyrics range from generic to daft to bad (though I think she's trying to sound profound), and the songwriting is just bland. In fact, in most cases, I think it's not just that she sounds uninspired, she's downright annoying when she starts in with her "ooh" and "ahh" pseudo-yodeling. The best tracks in my opinion were "Winter" and "Happy Phantom" but even those weren't very enjoyable. This album is laughably bad, and I can't fathom how it made the list let alone considered in the top 100 and regularly cited as one of the greatest albums of all time. It's trash.

Tori Amos is like Sarah McLachlan with an okay voice, instead of a great voice.

Sorry. No. Not for me

Bory anus.

Here's an old favorite I haven't heard in literal decades. Sang along with every word from the beginning, luckily no-one was in the car to hear my vocals accompanying "Precious Things" and "Winter".. Packed with tunes, humor and artistic flourishes. I was very fortunate to be peripherally involved with the European tour for the (slightly lesser) follow-up - seeing her piano playing every night for a couple of weeks was absolutely incredible, what a talent. A lot of fun and a cherished memory, a great album.

Heaven on CD.

A near perfect album. Her voice, the golden melodies, the aching sadness permeating throughout, tender like a bruise. I loved it then, and I love it now.

Amazing. I wish the list was more female singer songwriter and less brit rock focused.

An unexpected love. Strong Kate Bush vibes, and I see the influence on Fiona Apple

Didn't need to listen again to give this 5 stars - this album has been a companion for decades. Insane to think that it was her debut. Lyrically, musically, vocally - all amazing. It has everything, from beautiful quieter bits to rock moments, and it all works. Glorious.

Giving this a five for originality, gorgeous piano, and fearless feminist angst. 5

“What’s so amazing about really deep thoughts?” Tori’s debut is a revelation. Lyrically it cuts deep and hard while musically it feels just as daring. Orchestral with rock n roll flare while every song is just as good as the last. In a cabinet full of powerful Precious Things might actually be her best song and it’s surrounded by multiple bangers. Crucify, Silent All These Years, the title track and the gripping Me & A Gun. This album is no joke.

This album is excellent. Piano playing and arrangements are top-notch. Seriously, just listen to Winter! Perfect song in my opinion. It's really a shame that this is the only Tori Amos album on the list, she's got a few others deserving to be on here as well. A solid 5 star album for me.

Q U E E N

I have some close friends who really love Tori Amos, but that love never managed to rub off on me. I know I’ve heard her music in passing before, but I’ve never listened to an album of hers. I tend to enjoy female singer-songwriter albums from this era, and I love some good piano playing, so I think this album might be right up my alley. My inclinations were correct, and I really loved Little Earthquakes. Everything about this album was excellent: the vocals, the piano playing, the musical arrangements, and the songwriting were all top tier. I could kick myself for never having listened to this album until now. I wouldn’t say that Little Earthquakes was a fun listen, due to the emotional weight of these songs, but Tori Amos is a compelling storyteller with her music. How has Tori Amos never won a Grammy? The older I get, the more I realize what a sham these awards are. But I digress. Little Earthquakes was excellent, and I need a physical copy of it yesterday. Some notes on the individual songs: I loved the piano, vocal effects, and percussion on “Crucify.” I got big Kate Bush vibes from this song, but not in way that was derivative. I loved the way that the vocals were layered. Such a big and beautiful sound that’s still super intimate. I loved the strings on “Girl.” The piano was excellent too, and I loved that little crescendo that the song built to, where more vocals were mixed in. Fantastic. Whoa, “Silent All These Years” was brutal lyrically, but so gentle in its sound. That little tinkling percussion element is really excellent. It’s such a small detail, but I loved it. I really loved when the multi-track vocals kicked in. The drumming on “Precious Things” was awesome. These songs have been so gentle so far, and this one is too, but those drums really add some serious pop to the chorus. The strings on “Winter” were incredible. Each song on this album is so beautiful musically, but there’s so much variation. The piano is usually driving the sound, but the other elements add so much richness to things. I love the way her songs flow. Some songs are quiet and then loud, but the way she structures things makes so much sense. The shifts in energy never feel unnatural. There’s some sort of deep whooshing element on “Happy Phantom” that I love, but I have no idea what it is. It’s gotta be some sort of percussion instrument, or maybe a keyboard effect. The piano was excellent too. The bass on “China” was excellent, and I read that the guy who did the bass was in The Soft Boys and Thompson Twins. What a career that guy had, and then COVID took his life. Jesus, that’s awful. Excellent lyrics on this song though. I really loved the sound of “Tear In Your Hand.” The piano and guitar sounded fantastic together. The percussion was really tight and neat, and sounded excellent as well. And of course there’s multitrack vocals too that come in later. Little Earthquakes was an outstanding album. If this is what it’s like to listen to a musical prodigy, then sign me up for more.

permanently altered my brain chemistry at 15

Ohhhhhh yesssss. Tori Amos is perfection. Source: I was a teenage girl in the early 90s.

65/1089 read some reviews before listening describing this as Kate Bush/Alanis Morisette/Fiona Apple/Björk and i’m VERY happy that that was accurate, i thoroughly enjoyed listening to this one I will ABSOLUTELY be checking out the Deluxe edition with so many extra tracks 92/100 faves: Tear in Your Hand, Little Earthquakes, Crucify, Mother

This is an absolute work of art. The production, the vocals the playing, the lyrics and the melodies. Tori Amos never sounded better than on this record. Songs like crucify, me and a gun, cornflake girl and silent all these years are as significant as any song released since and they have aged beautifully. The subject matter of a few songs is the rape she suffered as a young girl. The songs are sad but memorable. A true companion piece to joni Mitchell's blue in lots of ways.

Yep, this was brilliant and I can't believe I'd never heard a single Tori Amos song before. Everything stood up musically, lyrically. Some of it was soul destroying, some hilarious. A lot catchy. First two songs were brilliant. Obviously a lot reminded me of Kate Bush but even more so Joni Mitchell. Silent All These Years could quite easily have been on a Joni album and nobody would have batted an eyelid.

I'll always give her five stars

The earth moved, a little.

Maybe the best memoir written in the last 50 years about everything wonderful & awful about being a girl.

I haven’t heard this album in over 30 years. It came out when I was in college and I remember that it stunned everyone. Listening to it now was like hearing it brand new all over again. No skips, every song hits. Unbelievable album.

How can you not love Tori. Absolute classic album, one of my faves since childhood!

I remember getting up early for my 5am swim practice and putting on MTV and the video for silent all these years came on and I was hooked. I bought the album that weekend and it’s one of those rare albums that you love on the first listen!

Ngl kinda ironic to make me listen to a song called 'Crucify' on Easter Sunday 💀

That’s some massive talent.

Unique, fem-forward, and worth listening to again.

These songs really made me think about what the artist was trying to say. The compositions were lovely, too. Not something I would have sought out on my own, but I’m glad I listened to it.

beautiful angelic voice with deep lyrics. "Silent All this Years" "China" my favs on this album

Little Earthquakes Just because you can make me come, doesn’t mean you're Jesus Wise words. I really liked this, but I’m struggling to think of a great deal to say about it. Apart from the cabaret excursion of Happy Phantom and the unconvincing bluesy-quirk of Leather there are no bad songs and there are some great songs; Crucify, Girl, Precious Things, Winter, China and in the duo of Me and a Gun and Little Earthquakes it has an emotional charge and frankness that is incredibly affecting and harrowing - the reverb heavy crassfade to Little Earthquakes is superb It feels a bit reductionist to make the comparison but I suppose Kate Bush is the obvious touchstone, particularly on something like Girl, but her emotional frankness and directness makes her quite unique. It’s on the border of 3 and 4, but I think those final two tracks being as great as they are just push it into a 4. 🫨🫨🫨🫨 Playlist submission: Little Earthquakes

Putting a little Broadway into her Bush, Amos’ is a likeable record that’s more puppy than wolf. I am surprised that I don’t recognise any of the songs, though artist, album title and cover are familiar.

I feel like I'm in Frozen

This was pleasant. Like an updated kate bush, there was joy and a touch if madness and some epic grandeur to it. It announced her as a talent to the world but lacks the stand put singles of layer albums. A nice listen.

Some interesting piano motifs - particularly on 'Silent All These Years' (fave so far). 'Winter' is a good track - dramatic and emotional. Very piano heavy - some of the melodies sound like something you'd hear in a musical - e.g. 'Happy Phantom'. Feels quite 90s - reminds me of the drama and emotion in parts of Damien Rice's O' and Jeff Buckley's 'Grace', especially the acapella parts. Vocals are a bit yodel-ly in parts - Kate Bush-esque. On second listen vocals feel a bit like Chappell Roan

I recognised the name, but I didn't recognise any of the tracks as I was listening. There is nothing on this album that I would actively seek out to listen to again; it was a pretty boring album, to be fair.

Sack this

Feels stuck in the 90s, like I'm watching a long lost Honey I Shrunk the Kids sequel. Not necessarily bad, just doesn't feel like a must listen.

Sounds like a bunch of disney songs, not really my type of music and i actually found it annoying to listen to.

What an incredible album. Been looking forward to this one popping up on the list. I absolutely love it.

Tori Amos has such a command of everything she does. This one took me in all sorts of unexpected directions, and I was hanging on every note (even with the 90s production, which isn’t as bad as many of its contemporaries save for a few tracks). Phenomenal.

Beautiful....

I really love this. Her voice is like a warm hug and she makes heartache feel beautiful. This is such an emotional journey through life and love and pain, in a swirl of enchanting musical majesty. Easy 5.

Listened before?: i've probably heard this thousands of times as a child by way of my mother. i probably know most of the tracks like the back of my hand at this point Crucify - 5/5 Girl - 4/5 Silent All These Years - 5/5 Precious Things - 5/5 Winter - 5/5 Happy Phantom - 4/5 China - 5/5 Leather - 4/5 Mother - 4/5 Tear in Your Hand - 4/5 Me and a Gun - 3/5 (it's a dark song that i try my best to skip) Little Earthquakes - 4/5 Average score: 4.4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ i have very few words for this gorgeous album. what a talented woman. as someone who loves their father dearly, Winter never fails to make my eyes water realistically, this would likely receive 4.5 stars anywhere else. however, i can't find it in me to give it any less than 5 stars on this site

I don’t know what happened with this one. I had heard of Tori Amos but never listened to her music. I started listening to this album and I was like “okay it’s decent. Great lyrics, interesting instrumentation.” And then I finished the album and I didn’t really know how I felt about it overall. So I decided to listen to it again. Maybe it just needed more attention? I enjoyed some of the songs if I remembered. And that’s how I ended up listening to this album 5 times over the course of the entire day. I actually listened to her newest album too in the middle of my repeats. I didn’t want to turn it off. So I guess that means this album is one of my favorites? It’s truly addictive!! The fact that this was her debut. I love the lyrics, I love her voice. I love how much emotion she can pack into each and every song while keeping them distinct and powerful in their own ways. It’s truly art to me and I’m so shocked at how much I love this album once I let it marinate. I really found a new favorite. The haunting simplicity of me and a gun, the huge arrangement of happy phantom. Tori Amos is truly like Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, but also Fiona Apple, Florence and the Machine, and PJ Harvey (who I also discovered through this project) it makes sense that I loved this considering I love all of the other women I listed. Anyways all that being said, I’m now firmly on the “Tori Amos is woefully underrated” train.

Piano and vocals are good

It was the right album at the right time.

Streaming really did ruin music. Because I listen to silent all these years at least once a week and have for… years… but have never listened to this album In its entirety?? What a loss. Wow some of these fucked me UP. This feels groundbreaking and I can’t believe this is her debut. I also cackled several times (so you can make me come, that doesn’t make you Jesus💀), and was devastated other times (the entirety of me and a gun) Incredible listen driving home from seeing St. Vincent with the philharmonic (late on a Thursday night, so Me and a Gun had me even more transfixed and horrified). I imagine Tori must be an influence for St. Vincent. Badasses. Update, 24 hours later: The B-Sides are SO GOOD as well. Wowowowow. This was already a 5, but this is an extra 5 knowing those exist.

absolute tour de force. 5/5.

4.5 favs: crucify, girl, silent all these years, winter

250626 16:12 4.5

An amazing, timeless debut. Tori Amos boldly arrived fully-formed, with crystal-clear identity and artistic voice. In an era in which the piano was decidedly uncool, her beautiful arrangements ran the gamut from restrained to adventurous and playful, her terrific voice and incendiary lyrics an order of magnitude beyond her peers and contemporaries.

precious things best song ever recorded

Little Earthquakes es una obra de arte atemporal de la música confesional y el plano fundacional sobre el cual se redefinió el art-pop de los años 90, demostrando que ha envejecido bien como un monumento a la catarsis humana. Desde la perspectiva del diseño formal, el álbum destaca por una claridad interpretativa sobrecogedora; el piano, las cuerdas y la respiración de la artista se entretejen muy bien, sirviendo como el escenario perfecto para un control vocal extraordinario resaltando el dramatismo que lleva al sentimiento visceral en cada compás. La consistencia de la obra es tan abrumadora que resulta difícil elegir cuáles canciones me gustaron más. Sin embargo, el viaje alcanza cumbres de una belleza telúrica en "Winter" y en su magistral e intimista deconstrucción de "Smells Like Teen Spirit", complementadas de forma impecable por la fuerza lírica de "Crucify", el dolor contenido de "Girl" y la desnudez de "Silent All These Years". Cada pieza proyecta una fuerza y calidez que transmiten autenticidad desarmante, otorgando a Tori Amos una autoridad superior desde la vulnerabilidad más absoluta. Es un documento conmovedor, crudo y real que opera como un potente llamado a la conciencia sobre la identidad y las heridas del espíritu; un trabajo que, a pesar de su intensidad, posee una magnética sensación de paz y fluidez estructural.

So this is Amos' only album on here, not counting user-submitted ones. Easy 5/5 then, and it's a nice reminder to listen to more Tori Amos, even though not all of her later albums could be expected to have the same impact as her first three or four.

This is a cracking album. I remember loving it when it first came out and it started me on a long journey with Tori Amos that has seen me eagerly awaiting each new album over the years. She is phenomenal live. I’ve been lucky enough to see her a few times - many of them just her and her pianos. The fact she can captivate an entire audience as the sole person on stage is testimony to how strong her stage presence is. This album has some great tracks on it, and is one that still gets a fairly regular outing for me.

I sometimes reckon I have a kind of allergy to sincerity in song lyrics. I think it might really be that it's not often done this well.

Another one I've never listened to before but really enjoyed. Easy to hear the influence in lots of women that came after. Unlike some of her contemporaries this also manages to avoid sounding the same. Really enjoyed it and will at least hunt down a best of

So great

One of the best to come out of the 90s. Emotion and imagery and musicality.

90s singer-songwriter. Uniquely Tori. Touching, epic and soft. Absolutely insane for a debut.

Another pleasant discovery, I'm sure I've heard her songs in passing before but getting a whole album to sit through is why this list is consistently great. I am very partial to the style of piano playing going on here, especially with the various background instruments from the drums to strings that pair perfectly to set the variety and distinctiveness of each track. Her vocals are the only weak point, and only in short bursts, the rest of the time she sounds great and powerful and really ties it all together. This will be on the regular rotation after this.

oh my god my queen

Awesome

Beautiful, beautiful album. Winter is one of my favorite songs; it makes me tear up every time I hear it. It's crazy that this was her debut album! Stunning lyrics, haunting delivery. A high 4.5 stars for me, rounding up to a 5.

A classic!

Ok this is pretty good. I really like this album, Tori Amos has always been an artist I've liked and this record is no exception. From the moment this starts, to the very end I throughly enjoy this. So many great vocals and interesting melodies, and I love her lyricism too. Tori just rocks, and I can't say much else. Her variety of musical influences is so good, and the piano usage across the record really pulls everything together. The only gripe I have with this, is that I feel that towards the end, there is a bit of a lull and you feel the album drag a little. I'm conflicted on giving this a 5, I really enjoy this. But it's not something I would listen to all the time. Its a great album, but purely because I like a lot of Tori's other stuff a bit more I'll stick with a 4. Actually, scratch that it's getting a 5. Fav Track: Crucify

Вау, этот сайт умеет генерировать в пики женские альбомы (2). Ангелочек и зайка. Красивое произведение искусства.