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Native Invader
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Native Invader Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 139 Ratings

  • Summary: The 15th full-length studio release for the singer-songwriter features themes of nature and its death and re-birth cycles.
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  • Record Label: Decca
  • Genre(s): Adult Contemporary, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter
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Top Track

Reindeer King
Crystal core Your mind has been divided from your soul Now you say you are that stranger on your shore Grief it, brings the need, the naked... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 7, 2017
    90
    What makes Native Invader a work of genius--a kind of Great American novel, perhaps--is that it seamlessly blends the personal, political, natural and cosmic into the same story.
  2. Consequence
    Sep 7, 2017
    83
    The strength of this album, and the 14 that precede it, is the immense healing and soothing found in the sheer beauty of Amos’ vocal delivery.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Sep 8, 2017
    80
    It adds up to one of the most purposeful full-length statements in her quarter-century career.
  4. Paste Magazine
    Sep 8, 2017
    71
    Native Invader is not one of Tori’s sexier albums, nor is it as playful as she’s demonstrated herself capable of being. But it’s strong and unwavering in its commitment to being muse-driven and unafraid.
  5. Exclaim
    Sep 7, 2017
    70
    Yes, Native Invader is an effectual statement by an artist who has built her career on making them, but at times it feels a little restrained in its tone compared to some of her most memorable work.
  6. The Guardian
    Sep 7, 2017
    60
    Across its 15 tracks, there are moments of greatness: Reindeer King is a swelling piano ballad about grief that boasts an ambient underside, while the aforementioned Up the Creek fuses a countryfied guitar loop with ominous strings, electro beats and backing vocals from Amos’s teenage daughter, Tash, to create a multifaceted soundscape. ... However, much of this album is forgettable.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 7, 2017
    40
    Having spent so long exploring the intensely personal, she struggles here to find the right tone for more public matters.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. joseRVR
    Sep 20, 2017
    10
    This is a pretty impressive album. Hands down her best recording since Scarlet's Walk. The songs are diverse, but overall the music soundsThis is a pretty impressive album. Hands down her best recording since Scarlet's Walk. The songs are diverse, but overall the music sounds cohesive and inspired. Both the instruments and Amos's voice benefit from a remarkable production, certainly inspired by the 70s, from Fleetwood Mac to James Taylor to Elton John. This is particularly noticeable in songs like "Broken Arrow", "Cloud Riders", "Wildwood", "Bats" or "Benjamin". However, other songs show a more current sound: this is the case of "Wings" and "Up the Creek", the former being a warm trip hop number, the latter an urgent shot of synth pop. Amos's trademark piano ballads also find their place in the tracklist, with "Reindeer King" being the most brilliant song in the album. Give it a try, it's really a great collection of songs.… Expand
  2. PHILSHARP
    Sep 13, 2017
    10
    Incredible album and certainly the best since Starlets Walk or even Choirgirl. The album in so focused and combines the political and personalIncredible album and certainly the best since Starlets Walk or even Choirgirl. The album in so focused and combines the political and personal effortlessly. I can relate to so much of what she says on this album which has not been the case with most of Tori Amos recent output. Their really is not a dud song on the album but highlights are Reindeer King, Cloud Riders, Up the Creek, Breakaway, Wildwood, Bang, Climb and the album closes perfectly with Mary's Eyes.… Expand
  4. jaaaa
    Dec 8, 2017
    10
    finalmente um album bom! depois de albuns falhos e pessimos como abnormally atracted to sin e night of hunters esse album soa como um presentefinalmente um album bom! depois de albuns falhos e pessimos como abnormally atracted to sin e night of hunters esse album soa como um presente
    amem tori amos    … Expand
  5. weareborn
    Dec 7, 2017
    10
    her best album since scarlet's walk
    reindeer king 5/5
    wings 5/5 broken arrow 4/5 cloud riders 4/5 up the creek 5/5 breakaway 4/5    her best album since scarlet's walk
    reindeer king 5/5
    wings 5/5
    broken arrow 4/5
    cloud riders 4/5
    up the creek 5/5
    breakaway 4/5
    wildwoood 5/5
    chocolate song 5/5
    bang 5/5
    climb 5/5
    bats 5/5
    benjamin 5/5
    marys eyes 5/5    … Expand
  6. JadaLush
    Aug 15, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Probably her best album since “American Doll Posse” and cohesive enough to make me pay attention… Expand
  7. Music_Observer
    Oct 12, 2017
    8
    What began as simply a veteran gem going through her motions and relying on effortless songwriting habits to share more music turned out to beWhat began as simply a veteran gem going through her motions and relying on effortless songwriting habits to share more music turned out to be a rather strong, powerful, and delightful listen due to the more thoughtful and successful tactics in harmony and overall delivery used by the end, making this inconsistent yet wonderfully organized work worth the listener’s while. My Score: 136/180 (Solid) = 7.6/10… Expand
  8. ultipop19
    Sep 8, 2017
    7
    Its a good album overall . "Reindeer King" is a great opener , "Cloud Rivers" , "Wings" , "Wildwood" are fine tracks , too . "Russia"Its a good album overall . "Reindeer King" is a great opener , "Cloud Rivers" , "Wings" , "Wildwood" are fine tracks , too . "Russia" should've been on the standard edition of the album. It would be more interesting if it was a shorter album with 11 or 12 songs. Good to have you back Tori… Expand

See all 21 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2017
89
#89 Most Shared Album of 2017

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