Scarlet’s Walk by Tori Amos (Review)

Scarlet’s Walk marks a cautious stability between Tori Amos’ early Joni Mitchell-influenced work on Little Earthquakes and Under the Pink and the more contemporary, ambient dance slant that graced From the Choirgirl Hotel and To Venus and Back. As such, both old and new fans will welcome this album with open arms.

A perfect example of where the newer, vibrant Tori meets her more traditional side is on “A Sorta Fairytale,” which consists of an impressive vocal performance cushioned by a subtle guitar. This is not the only time where a guitar comes to the forefront; a substantial application of guitars forms the integral backbone of Scarlet’s Walk, from the dobro that characterises “Virginia” to “Carbon“ ‘s acoustic foundations. “Crazy” is a predominantly guitar-based song where the piano is demoted to the background and a crisp funk guitar takes the controls of the chorus on “Wednesday.”

Amos’ charm always used to lie in the mood she could create sitting in a studio alone with her piano. However, such a forthright approach has gradually been replaced over the last 4 years with a measured acceptance of a tastefully manufactured sound. This steady evolution has continued on Scarlet’s Walk with the backing vocals that thaw “Amber Waves“ ‘s chorus and layer on “Sweet Sangria.” However, this line of attack occasionally weakens the album, particularly on “Don’t Make Me Come to Vegas,” where the backing vocals line the song with a synthetic edge.

Amos’ albums have always tried to explore new boundaries in her music, directed by a creative and tentative edge. By comparison, Scarlet’s Walk is a much safer album, rarely venturing outside these boundaries, a calm outing which offers no real surprises. Whilst on the surface this may not sound like the most interesting album Amos has scribed, it has enough of the right things in the right places to grab the listener’s attention.

Although Amos seems to have established a cosseted style, smart money would bet that she won’t settle into this mould. Scarlet’s Walk is an important album that will make the prospect of the next one even more intriguing. If this album’s emphasis on guitars is any indication, perhaps nu-metal is in the cards!

Written by Paul Newbold.