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Although Tori Amos may be one of the least likely candidates to release a seasonal album, “Midwinter Graces” contains enough of her trademark piano and dramatic vocals to please newcomers and longtime fans alike. By combining the stripped-down orchestral arrangements of a few classic carols with five original compositions, Amos avoids producing just another batch of saccharine holiday sentiments.
The CD opens with “What Child, Nowell,” a song that deftly borrows from the traditional “What Child Is This” and “The First Noel.” The well-worn melodies are intertwined with original music allowing the song to stand on its own. Fans will also welcome the return of the harpsichord to Amos’ arsenal of instruments.
“Winter’s Carol” is the most fully developed song on the CD, owning much to the lush string arrangements of John Philip Shenale. The lyrics deliver a unique but perfect winter picture as only Amos could paint them: “Fire and frosted marriage/ Through a midwinter clearing/ A forest greets the snowy evening/ Year after year the holly king passes the torch as it was intended.”
Through the Middle Eastern-tinged “Star of Wonder” and the whimsical “Snow Angel,” the compositions on “Midwinter Graces” are more solstice and seasonal than Christmas and commercial. (And would we expect anything less?). “Pink and Glitter” provides the only misstep, with its noisy big band approach and brash horn section. Talk about a mood breaker. Thankfully, the CD quickly rebounds with a melancholy take on “Emmanuel.”
As a tribute to her recently departed brother, “Our New Year” is a bittersweet tale of closing out the year with a heavy heart. In the final repeated refrain of “You’re not there,” the song completes the CD in Amos’ typically poignant and emotional fashion.
After selling close to 14 million albums in a career that stretches two decades, Amos has successfully melded her signature sound with the wintery melodies of December and she comes up with one of the strongest statements in her unique catalog. If you’re at all tired of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra-style headbashing inflicted on holiday themes, “Midwinter Graces” is like a quiet walk in fresh snow at dusk.
Rating: W W W W