Lush, intelligent and important, Tori Amos is still the leader of female singer/songwriters!

With an impressive back catalogue from 1992's exceptional debut 'Little Earthquakes', 1998's harrowing 'From The Choirgirl Hotel' and 2002's 'Scarlet's Walk', a sonic novel based upon a road trip across the whole of America, one comes to expect alot from Tori Amos.
Gladly she doesn't let us down with her latest offering, The Beekeeper.
With 19 tracks on offer, it may appear a daunting, epic album, but Tori cleverly divides the tracks into several 'gardens', all with different themes , which helps to make the track listing more digestible. Infact the garden theme of the album seems very apt, as every single track florishes and feels nurtured to perfection.
The melodies of the songs seem to be very strong indeed, and the themes adressed are as intelligent and poignant as ever, with issues of religion, betrayal, terrorism and women's role in society all being tackled with sensitivity and competance. All 19 tracks, from the rich, poetic drama of Parasol to the tear inducing Toast are beautifully composed and artistic, yet still accessible.
Tori varies her style alot on this album, from the sexy, Southern swagger of Sweet The Sting and the gospel tinged Witness, to the stark and haunting Original Sinsuality.
Other tracks of note include the atmospheric title track, addressing the looming death of a loved one, backed by soft electronica reminiscent of Suede from 1999's To Venus and Back, Mary's Of The Sea, a theatrical affair dealing with themes of the Magdalene and Christianity at dramatic pace becoming slowed down to an echoey contemplative chorus. Baron's Of Suburbia is another pacey track, climaxing in a chanting and piano score which have the makings of an unbelievable live experience.
The Power Of Orange Knickers features Damien Rice on accompanying vocals, creating a beautifully layered momentum similar to Past The Misson on 1994's Under The Pink. Other stand outs include the political General Joy and Mother Revolution and the beautiful Ribbons Undone.
The lyrics on the album are as poetic and intriguing as ever, and Tori's voice seems to get better with age, posessing beautiful richness on all 19 tracks.
The Beekeeper is a complete and lush album, with each song standing its own in an impressive discography, all with the potential to become classics. This record clearly shows that, 13 years on from her debut, Tori Amos still has plenty to say, and is still leading the way for contemporary alternative pop music. Intelligent, poignant and sexy, this record is a must buy that deserves alot of attention!