Native Invader
by Tori Amos
  • Record Label: Decca
  • Release Date: Sep 8, 2017
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 139 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 128 out of 139
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 139
  3. Negative: 5 out of 139
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  1. matiasgbxcx
    Feb 16, 2020
    10
    it's a very good album i love it, tori put all her soul in this album it's the best album of her career
  2. Aguileroine
    Oct 1, 2018
    8
    This album is absolute masterpiece comparing to what Tori has done in recent years. It contains more of "good old Tori" from 90s than we've seen in last 15 years. One thing is remarkable - her vocals are finally back.
  3. 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
  4. Kimpetras
    Jul 11, 2018
    9
    great album and her best since 2007 American Doll Posse. Good to see her sparkle shining again
  5. MariellyDewa
    Dec 12, 2017
    10
    minha tori amos esta mais viva do que nunca. native invader é provavelmente o melhor trabalho dela desde o aclamado scarlet's walk e sem sombra de duvidas é um trabalho maravilhoso
  6. toriamosfan
    Dec 11, 2017
    10
    it's incredible the way she can rebirth and make great albums. i love her
    native invader got an amazing concept (rebirth and cycles... in a nature way) and sounds like a continuation of scarlet's walk. Breakaway it's probally the best song in this collection but bang, bats and mary's eyes are amazing too!
  7. catiamatos
    Dec 11, 2017
    10
    her best album in a long time. tori give us a great collection of songs about ambiental disaster (up the creek) and political opinion (see bang).
    one of the best albums of this year
  8. Jesseneuro
    Dec 11, 2017
    10
    Arguably Tori’s third, or perhaps fourth, “masterpiece”, the album’s scope, from musical composition to lyrics, production, and theme requires multiple listens to sink-in as a fully realized work of art that will, unfortunately, go down the proverbial creek of our modern day play-list world as another “nice try, Tori, but give us another Cornflake, Girl!”, as few will recall how difficultArguably Tori’s third, or perhaps fourth, “masterpiece”, the album’s scope, from musical composition to lyrics, production, and theme requires multiple listens to sink-in as a fully realized work of art that will, unfortunately, go down the proverbial creek of our modern day play-list world as another “nice try, Tori, but give us another Cornflake, Girl!”, as few will recall how difficult and “experimental” her best-selling album-to-date was as a whole, given the 3 to 4 “hits” (more-so in a “Tori Amos” context, meaning she never has “achieved” a mammoth blockbuster record such as Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill”, but there is some irony in comparing the musical trajectory of each “kooky” artist in hindsight, e.g. which one is more likely to be asked to reinterpret classical music master-works by Deutsche Gramophone for an album that could only meet modest commercial success, but would alternatively be groundbreaking as a tremendous triumph by virtue of its virtuosity of having multiple cross-genre appeal?). Tori Amos was considered to be a “child prodigy”, but her talent has grown via the ups and downs of her prolific output, “Native Invaders” is a grower, authentically cultivated, rendered in subtle, yet over-the-top perfection. It won’t sell much, though. Nothing this rich and organic does. One song, or word: Bang.… Expand
  9. 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 presente
    amem tori amos
  10. colour
    Dec 7, 2017
    10
    album do ano junto com o masseduction da st vincent, é tão bom ver que a tori de sempre não esta morta.................................................................
  11. 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
    wildwoood 5/5
    chocolate song 5/5
    bang 5/5
    climb 5/5
    bats 5/5
    benjamin 5/5
    marys eyes 5/5
  12. Gastropoda
    Dec 3, 2017
    8
    Half of the album is crazy good and has classic Tori touch. This album is lyrically outstanding. Sometimes it seems that only Tori can paint so vividly with her music and offer a deep spiritual rebirth in this time of fear and crisis. A lot of layers are hiding deep beneath this record, but still other half of the album feels unfinished to me. Unfinished in terms of production andHalf of the album is crazy good and has classic Tori touch. This album is lyrically outstanding. Sometimes it seems that only Tori can paint so vividly with her music and offer a deep spiritual rebirth in this time of fear and crisis. A lot of layers are hiding deep beneath this record, but still other half of the album feels unfinished to me. Unfinished in terms of production and instrumentation. Not sure why musicans like Matt Chamberlain are put on hibernate, when every album Tori did with him benefited with outstanding and memorable drumming. Unrepentant Geraldines also lacked involvement of a real band. Tori and piano are the best, really, but it hurts to hear a lack of musicanship from other ppl beside her hubby which guitar playing is decent at best. Favorite songs: Raindeer King / Bang / Climb / Wings / Up The Creek / Bats . Least favorite: Broken Arrow, Benjamin, Wildwood.… Expand
  13. velton_777
    Nov 8, 2017
    10
    One of the most impressives and touchable Amos' albums. The songs are very good and refined! I love it! I can't define the feeling a I feel at the firs time I heard this materpiece.
  14. davidpirtle
    Oct 28, 2017
    7
    In my youth I was a Tori fanatic, but, with the exception of the wonderful Scarlet's Walk, every release since Boys For Pele (possibly my favorite album of all time) has struck me as being less impressive than the last. However, I'm happy to say that Native Invader bucks that trend. It's better than TA's last album and probably better than her last five albums. It's a couple tracks tooIn my youth I was a Tori fanatic, but, with the exception of the wonderful Scarlet's Walk, every release since Boys For Pele (possibly my favorite album of all time) has struck me as being less impressive than the last. However, I'm happy to say that Native Invader bucks that trend. It's better than TA's last album and probably better than her last five albums. It's a couple tracks too long, with a couple of bonus songs on the deluxe edition that would have made better additions. But hey, I'll take it.… Expand
  15. 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 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: 136/180What 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
  16. LionInFLL
    Sep 22, 2017
    8
    With a wider sonic palette than the enjoyable but stripped-down Unrepentant Geraldines, this album continues the revitalization that Tori has found in the second decade of this century. By tempering the song choices and sticking to common themes throughout, the album thankfully does not have the incongruities found in the material bloat of Beekeeper, ADP, and AATS. "Reindeer King" isWith a wider sonic palette than the enjoyable but stripped-down Unrepentant Geraldines, this album continues the revitalization that Tori has found in the second decade of this century. By tempering the song choices and sticking to common themes throughout, the album thankfully does not have the incongruities found in the material bloat of Beekeeper, ADP, and AATS. "Reindeer King" is gorgeously produced (put those earbuds in!) and is an extremely promising opener for what is to come. Unfortunately, what follows are some very strange choices in instrumentation with which I can't always get on board. The trip-hop electronica of "Wings" actually works after a few listens, but just when you think that Hawley has learned to reign in his cheesy guitar moves, he overuses the wah-wah pedal in "Broken Arrow" (the verses would have been adequate, thank you). The synthetic strings on "Up the Creek" unfortunately diminish what could have otherwise been a stellar track (not to mention that god-awful metronome drum sequence that is front and center on the bridge). "Chocolate Song" is the only track that simply makes me cringe and should have stayed in the can. However, "Breakaway" and "Climb" are sheer joys, finding Tori in classic songwriting form. "Benjamin" is a fine tongue-in-cheek homage to the Beatles and David Bowie, and the lyricism and intertwined instrumentation of "Bats" are enchanting. Overall this is a very solid effort by a gifted artist, but I can't help but wonder what her albums would be like if she would simply recruit a talented producer for detailed execution of all of the tracks, not just a handful.… Expand
  17. 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 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", "CloudThis 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.… Collapse
  18. marcmyworks
    Sep 13, 2017
    8
    Though probably not as strong as 2014's Unrepentant Geraldines, Tori's delivers a somber and reflective 15th album. The first single "Cloud Riders" is her strongest radio release since 2002's "A Sorta Fairytale" with drums and guitars overtaking the pianos. The themes of caring for nature and nurturing each other really speaks volumes to the political state of America. Download: CloudThough probably not as strong as 2014's Unrepentant Geraldines, Tori's delivers a somber and reflective 15th album. The first single "Cloud Riders" is her strongest radio release since 2002's "A Sorta Fairytale" with drums and guitars overtaking the pianos. The themes of caring for nature and nurturing each other really speaks volumes to the political state of America. Download: Cloud Riders, Up The Creek, Breakaway, Russia (Deluxe Edition).… Expand
  19. 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 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,Incredible 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
  20. CharlieGray
    Sep 8, 2017
    10
    Incredible record, the best Tori Amos' album since Scarlett's Walk, she has made an amazing album that is among the best releases of the year! She still has her spark!
  21. 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" 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

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Q Magazine
    Sep 27, 2017
    80
    Her marriage of musical gentleness and raw despair takes her to a whole new level. [Nov 2017, p.104]
  2. musicOMH.com
    Sep 18, 2017
    70
    As ever with Amos’ more recent albums, it’s a bit overlong and some songs, especially in the album’s mid-section, float by without ever making much of an impression. ... Yet when Tori is on form, she still sounds as vital and exciting as she did 25 years ago.
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  3. The 405
    Sep 14, 2017
    65
    Native Invader is a step back from Unrepentant Geraldines, but still boasts enough quality to suggest that she has another stellar album in her.
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