Abnormally Attracted To Sin
by Tori Amos
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. PopMatters
    80
    The songs in between are the exploration of the journey from that dark, quiet beginning to that beautifully indulgent conclusion, and boy are there some twists and turns along the way.
  2. Hot Press
    80
    Further mystical adventures from grunge-era Kate Bush.
  3. Billboard
    80
    Her 12th studio release, Abnormally Attracted to Sin, finds her in full command of her expanded arsenal, creating an overall sound that's as psychedelic as it is classic.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Sometimes her brains get a little too big for her Bible. But when she's banging on her piano over layers of lush electronics, she's got the rapture part down.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    75
    A 17-song steam trunk of an album, the new collection strikes a canny balance between Victorian-inspired decadence, mythical pathos and arch camp.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    70
    Occasionally vague, sometimes incohesive and a little self-indulgent it may be, but ultimately Abnormally Attracted to Sin is an abnormally attractive piece of work, and another fine example of the shining talent that is Tori Amos.
  8. Slant Magazine
    70
    But even with its bloated running time, Sin is more thematically satisfying and sonically adventurous than anything Amos has recorded in years.
  9. The A.V. Club
    67
    The big problem: Abnormally Attracted To Sin is 17 tracks long, and a lot of it could have been left on the cutting-room floor....The remaining 10 or so songs are a reasonably memorable, inspired collection that would have made a pretty great album by themselves.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2009
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 139 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 122 out of 139
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 139
  3. Negative: 4 out of 139
  1. GuyM
    Aug 5, 2009
    3
    Considering the fact that I've been a fan of Tori's for almost 2 decades now, since Y Kant Tori Read, I would say that I consider Considering the fact that I've been a fan of Tori's for almost 2 decades now, since Y Kant Tori Read, I would say that I consider myself a Toriphile. With that being said, I can't believe how unbelievably bored I was while listening to this album, I just couldn't get into it at all... I've been trying to figure it out, but it's just so commercially different than anything she's ever done. What's surprising is that she produced this album herself and unfortunately both she and Bö have been completely lost in most of the tracks of this particular album. Very disappointed.… Full Review »
  2. MuzS
    Jul 27, 2009
    5
    I've been a fan of Tori since I heard "Winter" and Little Earthquakes was released. Sadly I feel this album, as well as her previous, I've been a fan of Tori since I heard "Winter" and Little Earthquakes was released. Sadly I feel this album, as well as her previous, lack the emotion of her previous albums. I agree this album is too long, the material is not strong enough to warrant 17 tracks. Albums of similar length (The Beekeeper, Scarlet's Walk) worked because the songs were much more interesting musically and flowed better as an album. It just doesn't happen here, after a few songs I found my mind wondering to other things, I could hear it, but I wasn't listening. I like the first two tracks, but overall, it's a yawn. It's too safe. Perhaps Tori should employ the services of a good producer, rather than self produce next time round?… Full Review »
  3. SisterJanet1219
    Jul 23, 2009
    3
    I have been a Toriphile for so long now, I can't even count the years. With that said it pains me so greatly to see her come to this. I have been a Toriphile for so long now, I can't even count the years. With that said it pains me so greatly to see her come to this. "Abnormally Attracted to Sin" is, by far, one of the worst pieces of work she has come out with. I never thought I would dislike her work as much as I do on this record. I much prefer "Y Kant Tori Read" to this, at least that album was honest and, shockingly, not as over-produced as this one. I have always loved how she continuously evolves from record to record but with "Abnormally" I feel that she has just thrown together 20 years worth of worthless "B" sides and called it a night. I love you Tori, but even you can't be as proud of this as you were of your work of old.… Full Review »
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