As she turned 50 in the spotlight, Tori Amos’ 2014 album Unrepentant Geraldines dropped and was greeted with headlines trumpeting the singer-songwriter’s “return to form” and “comeback”. But here’s the kicker: she never went anywhere.

Although she had written a musical for the stage (The Light Princess, 2013), and composed a 21st century song cycle (Night of Hunters, 2011), Unrepentant Geraldines was Amos’ first record of entirely original compositions in five years, since Abnormally Attracted to Sin (2009). If that album found Amos floating above a palette of darkly-glowing synths and sultry beats, then Geraldines was firmly grounded in what many would deem the Amos “signature” sound: a foundation built around soulful, churchy organs, classical-complex pianoscapes, and pristinely-orchestrated vocal arrangements (exemplified on the single “Promise”, which prominently features her then-15 year old daughter Natashya).

The romantic and lush album evokes and references other key moments in Amos’ catalog, while somehow possessing a distinct energy that distinguishes it as its own living, breathing experience. “Each song had to tell a story that you understood without needing to hear another song to make it make sense,” Tori told me at the time of the records release. “Although some of them are interconnected, the songs, but they needed to live on their own.” There’s no rigid adherence to any one specific style of music or instrumentation, no concept to be beholden to, and yes, while there are influences from past albums, Geraldines deploys them with fresh style and in an alchemic, organic way.

The album possesses the kind of wildness of spirit that has always permeated Amos’ work, but here that oft-explosive vivacity is contained and refined on songs “16 Shades of Blue”, with it’s emotionally articulate swagger; and on the psychedelic sonic Fata Morgana of the title track. There is a noticeable confidence in the songs — in the writing, in the delivery, and in the bright verisimilitude of her compositional landscape. Also adventurous are her lyrical arrangements and vocal delivery. “I’ve told you many times: I sound like a fairy on crack. I know that! So you have to surrender to what your pipes are.”

Please join Kristen, Matt and Joey as they tackle a pivotal moment in Tori’s discography and history. Messing With The Master: Unrepentant Geraldines is available wherever you check out podcasts.

Playlists

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