Scarlet's Walk

This was the first album by Tori that I bought - I think it was recommended me by Amazon and on a whim I decided to buy it. Since then, I have not looked back and have virtually everything that she has released. So, for that reason, I see it as being one of her best albums. If you have listened to those that came before SCARLET'S WALK, you will know that this album seemed to present a happier, more content Tori - the darkness of Choirgirl has been lost and the pure experimental aspect of Boys is somewhat more subdued, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. All things have to change over time and Tori's fans will only know too well that all of her albums have a different sound to them.For me, the best songs are "A sorta fairytale", "Crazy", "Strange", "Your Cloud" and "Gold Dust". "Your Cloud" especially is a favourite of mine, from all of her work actually. It is a very beautiful song about being in a relationship and the problem of trying to be your own separate self, while at the same time being incredibly close to another, almost so close that you are no longer sure where one ends and the other begins. Although the album feels perhaps more 'positive' than other albums by Amos, the theme of relationships turned sour is a recurring one - "Strange" echoes this, describing perfectly how we are often only too eager to give up our own lives for the one we are attracted to, only to be let down later on.As ever, the lyrics and the music on all of the songs are brilliant. Tori's talent on the piano is something which goes without saying - I personally don't think there is another artist to equal her. Listen to "Gold Dust" if you think this is in doubt - the arrangement of the music and the orchestra added with her Bosendorfer is just pure heaven. A sweeping modern masterpiece.SCARLET'S WALK is perhaps Tori's most accessible album, so if you are new to her music, this is a great place to start. It was the one that got me hooked and it still remains a favourite of mine.

Scarlet's Walk is far, far better than I ever hoped it would be. By turns haunting, provocative, poignant and mesmerising, the arrangements and the vocals are smooth and the lyrics, whilst at first glance nominally less opaque than those on recent of albums (especially To Venus and Back), still typically retain layers of meaning with their use of metaphor. It's an album of standout tracks, but those that linger in the ears and the mind the longest are the Pink Floyd-esque, emotionally-wrenching story of a girl on a plane who will never reach New York, "I Can't See New York", the vocally-layered, haunting Carbon, the upbeat, gliding, yet sorrowful Taxi Ride, the beautifully melodic "story-of-Pochohontas-as-America-metaphor", Virginia, and the string-orchestra enhanced Gold Dust. This is the work of an true artist at the height of her powers. It hasn't been off my stereo since I bought it. Buy it, and buy her entire back catalogue too, whilst you're there. You will not regret it.

Close to having them all. have had to make a list so I don't double up too many times.

A really nice album with songs that are quieter and reflective. You need to listen a few times to get into the feel of this album, which is one that makes you think a lot about life.

Superb sixth album from Tori Amos.Worth it for the sublime Carbon alone.An undisputed five star must buy masterpiece.Simply Stunning.