Night of Hunters
by Tori Amos
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 123 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 113 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 123
  3. Negative: 4 out of 123
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  1. JadaLush
    Aug 15, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Goddamn this album should be shorter. the longest songs are unnecessary here… Expand
  2. RobbieCope
    Apr 19, 2014
    8
    This is a nice record. It feels both different and like old-Tori striding back through the underworlds with her piano. Thank the gods! Fearlessness, Star Whisperer, The Chase, great songs!
  3. Tvpfreek
    May 31, 2013
    5
    I love the cover art. That being said, the songs on this album are just as glossy and polished, devoid of any real heart, soul or life. While there are a few standout tracks Shattering Sea, Carry, Seven Sisters most of the album is overripe dreck that completely lacks the Tori essence.
  4. SpeedRacerYea
    Oct 28, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have to admit that when I first bought the album I was a little worried when I skimmed through the songs, but after actually listening to them I have quickly come to regard this album as one of my favorites. Shattering Sea is just a beautiful song that is the perfect intro to the modern song cycle; the listener knows that something has happened and we are just beginning to get a glimpse of the sonic story. As usual, Tori takes the mystical legends of Europe and weaves them into a beautiful tapestry of sound and genius. I love the inclusion of her daughter as Annabelle (who has a wonderfully trained voice for someone at 11, you can feel the passion in it) and her niece as the fire muse (who kinda sounds like Tori at times). As you go through the story (ie, listen to the songs) you are introduced to not just a woman, but a person going through a change that transforms their soul. With the mix of classical variations and beautiful orchestrations this is an album to buy.… Expand
  5. baroquepopfan
    Sep 28, 2011
    9
    The usual Tori Amos output doesn't do much for me, particularly since the first few albums. However, when I discovered the background to this recording I was eager to check it out - songs based on classic works, recorded with a string quartet and a small group of horns and woodwind, and released by Deutche Grammophon! 70 minutes of stuffy classical style songs might not suit all her fans,The usual Tori Amos output doesn't do much for me, particularly since the first few albums. However, when I discovered the background to this recording I was eager to check it out - songs based on classic works, recorded with a string quartet and a small group of horns and woodwind, and released by Deutche Grammophon! 70 minutes of stuffy classical style songs might not suit all her fans, but as a previous non-fan I'd say this is pretty good stuff. Well produced, played and sung. I had a quick look flick through the lyric book and although there is a story to this 'song cycle' it's not of much relevance to me. In summary, if you like classical music and pop, this is crossover as it should be done.… Expand
  6. kings7
    Sep 23, 2011
    10
    Everyone (both critics and consumers alike) have been extraordinarily harsh on this album all around the internet.

    This is not an album that deserves mediocre reviews. You know, I can always tell who the people that like real music are because they all realize that this is Tori's best album since Scarlet's Walk. All those neanderthals comparing her to Kate Bush need more things to fill    Everyone (both critics and consumers alike) have been extraordinarily harsh on this album all around the internet.

    This is not an album that deserves mediocre reviews. You know, I can always tell who the people that like real music are because they all realize that this is Tori's best album since Scarlet's Walk. All those neanderthals comparing her to Kate Bush need more things to fill our their day. I'm glad that everyone can have his or her own opinion in today's world, but it's too bad that most of them are extremely uninformed.

    If you're a Tori fan, this album will satisfy you. If you're not, start with Little Earthquakes and go through all of her albums before getting to this one. Maybe then your opinion will make sense. 10 for content, 10 for lyrics, 10 for concept, 9 for production.    … Collapse
  7. lee10uki
    Sep 23, 2011
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As a fan who's followed Tori since Little Earthquakes, I'm sad to say this is by far the worst I've heard from her (in my opinion of course, others are more then welcome to disagree). To it's credit the music itself is brilliant and her voice is as lovely as ever but where this album falls flat is it's bad (and often corny) lyrics. Add to that a second singer on certain songs who I can only describe as trying to channel Peppermint Patty (from the Peanuts comics) and what you get is a product that sounds like someone is reciting poetry written by a fifth grader while playing Beethoven-quality symphonies in the background. That being said, I'll still be first in line to buy her next album.… Expand
  8. silver0730
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    Night of Hunters is easily Tori's best album since Scarlet's Walk. It's intricate, genuine and beautifully arranged. Definitely worth picking up if you're the type of fan disappointed with her output since SW.
  9. LionInFLL
    Sep 21, 2011
    8
    If you are a fan of Tori's early work, then you will most likely enjoy this album. The piano and string arrangements as interpretations or varations of classical works are extremely well done (particularly with the instrumental Seven Sisters), and the recording quality is excellent. Tori's voice is in fine form, as always, and her intonation is sharp. For an eleven-year-old girl, theIf you are a fan of Tori's early work, then you will most likely enjoy this album. The piano and string arrangements as interpretations or varations of classical works are extremely well done (particularly with the instrumental Seven Sisters), and the recording quality is excellent. Tori's voice is in fine form, as always, and her intonation is sharp. For an eleven-year-old girl, the maturity, timbre, and flexibility of Tash's voice is also stunning. Consider this album to be sonically equivalent to portions of Under the Pink and Boys for Pele.

    Where the album disappoints is in two areas. Tori's best lyrical work has always been obtuse but simultaneously mindbendingly intelligent; frankly the lyrics are here, in spots, simply flat and banal. The poetry is not her best work. Secondly, the album drags on (particularly the title track) in melachnoly drama and really expects a commitment from the listener to trudge through it in a single sitting.

    Toriphiles, buy the album but also know what you are getting. A beautiful work with amazing piano and string virtuosity, but you will be left longing for a few edgier moments.

    Highlights: Shattering Sea, Fearlessness, Edge of the Moon, Seven Sisters, Carry    … Expand
  10. paultoes
    Sep 20, 2011
    10
    Tori's voice has never sounded so gorgeous and her piano playing is amazing. If you are not a Tori fan already, I don't know what you might think of this album. But this is definitely her strongest album in a long time.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Discussed Album of 2011
65
#65 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Mojo
    Dec 22, 2011
    60
    It's not an ideal entry point into Amos;s unique world. [Nov 2011, p.98]
  2. Magnet
    Nov 21, 2011
    70
    Despite certain songs dragging on longer than need be, Night combines classical and flighty pop quite masterfully. [#82, p.53]
  3. Q Magazine
    Nov 8, 2011
    60
    Recalling Kate Bush and the enigmatic chamber music of Penguin Cafe and North Sea Radio Orchestras, the way is full of mystic visions, and the deathly conclusion is bittersweet. [Nov. 2011, p. 127]
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