The Beekeeper
by Tori Amos
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Feb 22, 2005
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 163 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 163
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 163
  3. Negative: 10 out of 163

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  1. JasonW
    Feb 22, 2005
    9
    Yes, it could be a little shorter. Yes, she could have rearranged it to make it less messy. However, this album is going to be hours and hours of entertainment. And like all Tori albums requires patience to cozy up to her multi-dimensional approach to songwriting.
  2. [Anonymous]
    Aug 2, 2006
    0
    tori amos has broken my heart. a once brilliant artist has now reduced herself to that of singing waitress on your birthday.
  3. BrandonV
    Feb 22, 2005
    7
    While this is one of Tori's best offerings in recent years, this album is still far from the masterpieces of her earlier days. There are some real gems on this disc, but with the gems come many sinkers. At 19 tracks, and a running time of nearly 80 minutes, this album runs for what seems like an eternity. Had 6 or 7 tracks been removed from the tracklisting and delegated to b-sides, While this is one of Tori's best offerings in recent years, this album is still far from the masterpieces of her earlier days. There are some real gems on this disc, but with the gems come many sinkers. At 19 tracks, and a running time of nearly 80 minutes, this album runs for what seems like an eternity. Had 6 or 7 tracks been removed from the tracklisting and delegated to b-sides, this would be worthy of a higher rating. However, the way it is, this is just a mediocre album, marred by several of its weaker tracks.… Expand
  4. LeonardoF
    Mar 7, 2005
    7
    The only problem with The Beekeeper is its duration - too long. If you skip "Jamaica Inn", "Sleeps with Butterflies", "General Joy", "Martha's Foolish Ginger" and "Marys of the Sea", it becomes a GREAT album.
  5. PJ
    Oct 30, 2005
    9
    I was really very impressed by The Beekeeper. In light of some of the reviews in the press, it's true that some songs could perhaps have been dropped from the final cut to make an all round tighter set of songs, but that isn't to say that what's here isn't worthwhile. In fact, contrary to a lot of reviewers I think that despite running to 19 trakcs and nearly 80 I was really very impressed by The Beekeeper. In light of some of the reviews in the press, it's true that some songs could perhaps have been dropped from the final cut to make an all round tighter set of songs, but that isn't to say that what's here isn't worthwhile. In fact, contrary to a lot of reviewers I think that despite running to 19 trakcs and nearly 80 minutes of music, this album of striking, intellegent songs holds together extremely well. Musically, it's probably Amos' most immediately accessible album, with great melodies and choruses, intriguing but not impenetrable lyrics and a light, relaxed, jazzy mood maintained throughout. Her musicianship is, as ever, superb. All in all, I think this is one of her best albums to date.… Expand
  6. Dirk
    Feb 22, 2005
    3
    Where are the pianos? Where is the ferocity and the sublime harmonies? This is a flat out BAD Tori Amos record and that's a real shame because as much as I love Tori I've lost all anticipation and excitement that comes with a new album. Call this one the Kate Bush Red Shoes slump I guess.
  7. jimmyjimonejim
    Feb 22, 2005
    10
    Don't listen to some critics who obviously haven't really listened to this record! Easy listenening and yet artistically very ambicious, the beekeeper proves that Ms. Amos is still at her best. The songs are very diverse from the groovy sweet the sting to the powerful barons of suburbia, very melodic (as usual) and the lyrics prove again the poetical talents of the artist.
  8. BrandonS
    Feb 23, 2005
    7
    I think Tori Amos fans will generally be satisfied, but I can't see any new folks being won over by this. As far as Amos goes, I'm just always glad when it's not the dreck of Strange Little Girls. I'd love to hear her explore more with the electronic flourishes she started using on Choirgirl and Venus, (and the title track here does so a little), but the main thing for I think Tori Amos fans will generally be satisfied, but I can't see any new folks being won over by this. As far as Amos goes, I'm just always glad when it's not the dreck of Strange Little Girls. I'd love to hear her explore more with the electronic flourishes she started using on Choirgirl and Venus, (and the title track here does so a little), but the main thing for me is this: Any other artist, when they start to settle down, tends to sound like junk - when Tori settles a bit, it's 80 minutes of fine music.… Expand
  9. NickC
    Feb 24, 2005
    5
    If "Little Earthquakes" is the album that helps you connect with Tori Amos, then "The Beekeeper" is the album that, unfortunately, helps you disconnect from her. It is undeniably hard to identify with, even for hardcore 'Toriphiles' like myself. Pieces of her ... now glamorous and happy life fall into place for listeners. It paints a picture of her drinking her tea and eating If "Little Earthquakes" is the album that helps you connect with Tori Amos, then "The Beekeeper" is the album that, unfortunately, helps you disconnect from her. It is undeniably hard to identify with, even for hardcore 'Toriphiles' like myself. Pieces of her ... now glamorous and happy life fall into place for listeners. It paints a picture of her drinking her tea and eating her bisquits, with her long icicle earrings and pink Native American dresses, all while living in Cornwall ... It just isn't the gritty sexy, 90's Kurdt, Trent, and Neil fan, silent all those years girl that we all grew to love and could connect with emotionally. You won't find any works here that compare to anything that can be found on the impressive Scarlet's Walk... or most of her previous works or B-sides. Can Tori be found on "The Beekeeper"? Perhaps. Her voice is there but there's something important missing ... something hard to figure out. It takes a whole lot of digging and listening and re-listening. If you have to do that to an album, there comes a point where you have to ask yourself: "Is it even worth it?" I have tried to figure out what Tori is trying to convey, and honestly it slips away from me every time I try to grab hold. Like an oasis, when the album finally hits the graceful lullabye "Ribbons Undone" midway, you'll find the album's only saving grace: A song about Tori's delightful daughter Tash. This album so often goes far off into unknown deep space, it almost gets frightening trying to follow Amos: You may never make it back home again.… Expand
  10. RockyC
    Feb 25, 2005
    8
    Tori is unfortunately delving into grooves that could be more suited to AC radio rather than an Alt. College station. I am unhppy about this yes, but not entirely dissapointed. Maturity and motherhood have certainly mellowed out our fire-haired "feline queen", but the lyrics are no less scathing and introspective as they were in previous work. Another reviewer noted that this is a Tori is unfortunately delving into grooves that could be more suited to AC radio rather than an Alt. College station. I am unhppy about this yes, but not entirely dissapointed. Maturity and motherhood have certainly mellowed out our fire-haired "feline queen", but the lyrics are no less scathing and introspective as they were in previous work. Another reviewer noted that this is a soul-baring work, but I don't find that to be the case. She did that best in LE and Pele. Her later works have been the result of her so-called chronicling as you can read in her new book "Piece by Piece". She is taking her own experience and the experience of others to weave a stories throughout her sonic landscape. The Tori we see now is a documentor of emotions. She uses a framework of mythology and archetypes to to create her songs and it takes some effort to glean meanings or intent. But thats the fun of being a Tori fan. Her work may lack ferocity, but beauty is abundant.… Expand
  11. JessicaB
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    I purchased this CD last night, and I've already listened to it five times. Usually, each cd that she creates is a separate entity, but in this album, I see glimpses of LE, Pele, etc. etc. There are a couple of songs that actually make me feel stupid for listening to them, Hoochie Woman, for example. But for the most part, I think this is a beautiful album. I enjoy a happy Tori. The I purchased this CD last night, and I've already listened to it five times. Usually, each cd that she creates is a separate entity, but in this album, I see glimpses of LE, Pele, etc. etc. There are a couple of songs that actually make me feel stupid for listening to them, Hoochie Woman, for example. But for the most part, I think this is a beautiful album. I enjoy a happy Tori. The title song, The Beekeeper, in my opinon makes the album worth purchasing in itself. And to all of those who say Tori should give it up... If Ashlee Simpson can have a record and a following, then by God, Motherly Tori can continue to put in her two cents!… Expand
  12. JoyB
    Mar 10, 2005
    8
    I did not like this "happier Tori" at first, but giving this album, as well as Scarlets Walk, a chance was the best thing I've ever done. I love Barons of Suburbia.
  13. KevinB
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    The best Amos to date! What a wonderful return!
  14. CatherineM
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    Some critics are afraid of Tori. I believe this her best album to date! She is the most underrated female musician. I have been a devoted Tori fan since Little Earthquakes. No one writes music like she does. With the, shallow, undeveloped music that has been on the radio and well reviewed albums of artist who couldn
  15. PaulaK
    Mar 25, 2005
    10
    I have been following Tori for years. This album is fabulous. The only down fall is that it doesn"t have any big new edge to it. But she has done that for years! I like this album because it is lyrically Beautiful. He vocals are sharp, moving, ON KEY and full of life and every emotion she feels. That is what I love about Tori. I am always transcended to a new place when I give her a listen!
  16. MandyL
    Mar 30, 2005
    9
    Not enough moaning and groaning in my opinion. Not Crazy enough, but a great ablum in and of itself. I just expect Tori to be more passionate. I hope she hits it more on tour. If this was the first Tori album I ever heard I would like it but I expect more from her! I still love her though, and she is forgiven!!
  17. EthanP
    Mar 5, 2005
    2
    It's been more than 10 years since I first heard Tori and was blown away by "The Waitress." I've greatly enjoyed most of her journey, and I've even been one of those people who've bought all her singles just to hear the B-sides. I can dismiss Strange Little Girls as a great experiment that just never resonated with me (but at least I can love "Enjoy the Silence"). It's been more than 10 years since I first heard Tori and was blown away by "The Waitress." I've greatly enjoyed most of her journey, and I've even been one of those people who've bought all her singles just to hear the B-sides. I can dismiss Strange Little Girls as a great experiment that just never resonated with me (but at least I can love "Enjoy the Silence"). She's been bombastic, electric, heartbreaking, delicate, subtle, and a million other things. But are there any good songs on The Beekeeper? I can't find any. Meandering melodies without any hooks. It's like all the cuts that didn't qualify for Scarlet's Walk. The design of the cover image pretty much sums it up: weak. Poorly conceived. Lacking character. Boring. 2 points for being well played and at least not formulaic. Maybe it'll hit me in a couple years. But hopefully she'll have released something new by then and I can just forget this album altogether. I'm glad others have enjoyed it--because at least that means this won't end her career--but I think it's pretty poor.… Expand
  18. RandyB
    Mar 7, 2005
    8
    It may not be as intricate as 'From the Choirgirl Hotel' or 'Little Earthquakes', but most of the album shines with a prettiness that grows on you with repeated listens. Those who would criticize it saying that it's uninspired are gravely mistaken-'Parasol', 'Mother revolution', 'The Beekeeper', 'Original Sinsuality', and It may not be as intricate as 'From the Choirgirl Hotel' or 'Little Earthquakes', but most of the album shines with a prettiness that grows on you with repeated listens. Those who would criticize it saying that it's uninspired are gravely mistaken-'Parasol', 'Mother revolution', 'The Beekeeper', 'Original Sinsuality', and 'Sleeps with Butterflies' especially are beautiful tracks, simple as they may be.… Expand
  19. Mike
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    For the first few days I only would have given this a "4" but then it TOTALLY grew on me and I think it is a masterpiece. The expanded version with the DVD of Tori explaining the influence for many of the songs is a must. Marys of the Sea is really the centerpiece of the whole thing.
  20. AndyS.
    Apr 29, 2005
    9
    Another solid, very pleasant effort from Tori.
  21. DavidHatfieldTheHallowmoniumGuy
    May 8, 2005
    10
    Tori! Tori! Tori! She's the Bomb.
  22. LevisO
    Jun 28, 2005
    7
    A good album but when compard to Scarlet's Walk, it's weak. Standouts, though, include: The Power of Orange Knickers, jamaica Inn, Sleeps with Butterflies, Ribbons Undone, Ireland, Martha's Foolish Ginger and Goodbye Pisces
  23. jyotirmayad
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Thhis is a wonderful effort by Tori Amos who has been at it for over a decade. A rare feat for any band/artist. It is a very enjoyable listen.
  24. gavs
    Jul 2, 2006
    10
    fabulous, one of the best albums ever for lyrics, it touches on british cornish legends, and as extreme as legendary tales of down and outs, while singing about a painting in the midst!!, and everything in between, this album is now in my car as it effects me in a nice way everytime i listen,
  25. GabbyW
    Sep 16, 2006
    1
    I really find it hard to see how anyone could like this. As was nastily said about Katharine Hepburn, Tori's passion runs the gamut from A to B. She is flat, boring, and devoid of life. Anemic is the word for this CD. Parasol is a weak version of Crucify; the Beekeeper and Toast, while meant to be moving, are zzz-inducing because Tori sings them in a tuneless drone. there's no I really find it hard to see how anyone could like this. As was nastily said about Katharine Hepburn, Tori's passion runs the gamut from A to B. She is flat, boring, and devoid of life. Anemic is the word for this CD. Parasol is a weak version of Crucify; the Beekeeper and Toast, while meant to be moving, are zzz-inducing because Tori sings them in a tuneless drone. there's no life here, no melody, and these songs are boring as hell. she's beyond coasting; she's melodically absent. Not even good muzak. The tuneless ramblings of someone who, it seems, can't sing on key anymore.… Expand
  26. johns
    Jan 27, 2007
    6
    use to be a massive fan not so sure lately. loved the controversial lyrics and complex music but now tori is just plain boring. although there are 2 gems on the album . witness and orange knickers. its a pity.
  27. TonyW.
    Aug 5, 2007
    10
    At it's worst, on this album Tori's voice is beautiful and the songs have attractive melodies. At its best it makes my hair stand on end. If she has 'sold out' here then i for one am grateful, cos i didn't get a lot of the obscure other stuff; but i don't think we've seen everything yet.
  28. JyonahJ
    Nov 3, 2005
    9
    Tori is my all time favourite artist - I know her work well. I rate this as Tori's best album since Venus and Back in 1999. Though less dramatic to Tori's earlier masterpiece albums, Bee Keeper is equal to all her best albums, except the immortal Boys for Pele. This album reflects her maturity after 12 years as at the top. Great work Tori, we've waited 6 years for this. Jyonah
  29. AndreaN
    Oct 14, 2005
    9
    Metacritic's collection of reviews for this album suggests that it received soemwhat lukewarm reviews in the press. All of the press reviews I read seemed to be universally congratulatory, and in fact the only negative reviews I've heard come from her fans. There's no question that this album sounds different from other Amos albums, and I can see that some people might Metacritic's collection of reviews for this album suggests that it received soemwhat lukewarm reviews in the press. All of the press reviews I read seemed to be universally congratulatory, and in fact the only negative reviews I've heard come from her fans. There's no question that this album sounds different from other Amos albums, and I can see that some people might consider her music on this album to be "mellow", but I don't know that there is a "typical" Tori sound. She has been experimenting with her music since her first album, and one of the things I love about her is her ability to challenge herself and experiment with each new album. Her albums can be challenging, and sometimes her experiments don't succeed, but there is no question that overall her songwriting and production improves with each album. Unlike some other singers-songwriters who came out in the 90s (I'm thinkign of people like Sarah McLachlan), you get the sense that Tori Amos isn't afraid of trying new things and perhaps alienating some of her fans in the process. I'm looking forward to see what she produces on her next album.… Expand
  30. AndrewC
    Feb 21, 2005
    8
    A very fine album, making up for what it lacks in inventiveness with sincerity and heart. For those despairing about the low score, don't worry: it is well worth your time, no matter what Stylus says.
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Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed Album of 2005
78
#78 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. The Guardian
    80
    You can delve as deeply into the lyrics and musical brain-teasers as you like, but there's plenty of surface allure for anyone who just fancies a superficial graze.
    Read full review
  2. Amazon.com
    90
    The Beekeeper returns the quirky singer to the same whimsical terrain of 1992's Little Earthquakes, but with much stronger storylines, and a much more assured and nuanced voice.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    The Beekeeper is the Tori Amos album for those normally freaked out by Tori Amos. [25 Feb 2005, p.99]
See all critic reviews »