Night of Hunters
by Tori Amos
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
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  1. The A.V. Club
    Sep 20, 2011
    83
    Just describing the album makes it seem like Amos has completely disappeared down the rabbit hole, but Hunters is actually her most enjoyable album in years.
  2. No Ripcord
    Oct 4, 2011
    80
    For all its faults, give Night of Hunters more than a little patience, and perhaps don't pay too close attention to the plot, and it reveals itself to be Amos' most consistent, interesting album since her mid-90s heyday.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Sep 29, 2011
    80
    At 14 songs and over 70 minutes long, it's certainly not for the faint hearted or easily distracted. Yet for those who are willing to put the effort in, some of Amos' most beautiful work will be found within.
  5. Uncut
    Sep 20, 2011
    80
    If the aim was to out-bonkers Joanna Newsom and Kate Bush while creating a compelling album, Amos has more than succeeded. [Oct 2011, p.81]
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  6. AllMusic
    Sep 19, 2011
    80
    It contains the power and dynamics and splendor of her very best material, but because it is a work of classical crossover, any expectation of pop hooks or singalong choruses will be met with disappointment; consequently, its sophistication, elegance, and poetry will reward anyone who takes the proper time to absorb it.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    Sep 28, 2011
    75
    Is this for highbrow fans only? It depends. How do you feel about Gregorian chants. [30 Sep 2011, p.74]
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  8. Los Angeles Times
    Sep 19, 2011
    75
    Not only is she an artist maturing and growing with her music, but in great Amos fashion, she is making sense of her past in a wholly original, intelligent way. And at this stage of her career, she's earned the right to a few spirit guides.
  9. 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]
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  10. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 12, 2011
    70
    Night of Hunters feels refreshing, unique, and utterly lovely; it's another great success in a career that has quite a few of them.
  11. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 23, 2011
    70
    The album as a whole is amongst the best showcases of her piano work because she allows herself to meander about the keyboard and never lets production to drown it out.
  12. Spin
    Sep 19, 2011
    70
    Amos' classical-label debut is a wildly imaginative ride full of orchestral fireworks and fairy-tale melodrama, though anyone with a Ren Faire aversion should stick to more straight-ahead songs like "Edge of the Moon" and "Job's Coffin."

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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
  1. 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 mightTori'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.… Full Review »
  2. 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    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.    … Full Review »
  3. 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 orIf 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    … Full Review »
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