Native Invader
Tori Amos · 2017
61 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of introspective piano melodies and intricate storytelling, wrapped in Tori Amos's ethereal vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Reindeer King Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its poetic imagery and rich orchestration, reflecting themes of nostalgia and growth.
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Cloud Riders — This song combines vivid storytelling with dynamic instrumentation, illustrating Amos's ability to weave personal narratives into broader social commentaries.
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Wildwood — With its delicate arrangement and poignant lyrics, this track captures a sense of longing and connection to nature that resonates throughout the album.
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Mary’s Eyes — Concluding the album, this track offers a reflective meditation on loss and memory, showcasing Amos's lyrical depth and emotional vulnerability.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with distinct vocal delivery and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds in intensity, setting a reflective tone for the following songs.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, while others strip back to solo piano and voice.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like emotional peaks
- poignant storytelling through music
- immersive journey of reflection
- thoughtful exploration of themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Amos's continued relevance and artistic exploration in a later stage of her career.
- Themes
- environmental awakening· self-discovery journey· metaphorical escape
- Moods
- Introspective· Dreamy
- Career context
- By the time 'Native Invader' was released in 2017, Tori Amos was an established artist with a career spanning over two decades. This album marked her fourteenth studio release, following the critically acclaimed 'Unrepentant Geraldines' from 2014, continuing her exploration of personal and political themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kate Bush· Fiona Apple· Sarah McLachlan
Tracklist
- 1 Reindeer King Start here 7:06
- 2 Wings 4:09
- 3 Broken Arrow 5:20
- 4 Cloud Riders 5:23
- 5 Up the Creek 3:22
- 6 Breakaway 4:36
- 7 Wildwood 4:41
- 8 Chocolate Song 4:41
- 9 Bang 6:11
- 10 Climb 4:02
- 11 Bats 4:18
- 12 Benjamin 2:43
- 13 Mary’s Eyes 5:16
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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