Tori Amos’ “Ocean” Offers Smooth Sailing — With an Edge

Ocean to Ocean, the latest release from singer, songwriter and pianist Tori Amos, has a captivating range of sounds that accentuate her talents and take them to new heights. Considered an alternative/pop rock and chamber pop album, common sounds on most of the tracks resonate closely with that of the calming folk-pop fusion, but also with a hint of Celtic mood. 

Tori Amos / photo by Desmond Murray/ courtesy of Girlie Action Media

This slow celtic mood is highlighted as it introduces the album to listeners in the first track “Addition of Light Divided,” with an instrumental interlude that foreshadows all Amos has to offer within the next 10 tracks on the album. 

“Swim to New York State” pays homage to the big apple, managing to contrast the very busy hustle and bustle the city has to offer with Amos’ voice as she sings through a ballad longing for a lost love. 

The title track, “Ocean to Ocean,” is so gentle that it is almost unexplainable. Lyrics such as “stay with me until we unravel this fishiness” are perfectly written for any conflicting situation, whether it be friendships, relationships or anything in between.

A favorite on the track is “29 Years,” which stands out in rhythm and overall sound from all the other tracks. Where Amos seems to take the route slow and steady with her songs, this track has quite an edge to it, with a multi-instrument base and swaying a little more toward the indie-rock genre. 

Ocean To Ocean /Album Cover Art

The multitalented musicians accompanying Amos on the album have so much to offer to complement Amos’ gifted piano playing skills. John Philip Shenale is in charge of the synthesizer sounds on all tracks, and he does an astonishing sound at that, completing the sounds Amos contributes in full circle motion.

Matt Chamberlain on percussion and Jon Evans on bass on “29 Years” really stand out to the ear, as it is the main reason for the aforementioned edge and gives off quite a mystery sound. Mark Hawley strums through the track “How Glass is Made” on guitar to accompany Chamberlain for quite an easy feel.

The cover art for the album is also astonishing, as Amos poses up high along the mountains lining a coast. As she poses in all black, she completely contrasts the light and bright seascape, allowing one photo to emit all the majestic and mysterious elements that the album has to offer.

If you are in the mood to get lost in soothing sounds, or just to have musical accompaniment as you unwind after a long day, this album is definitely for you.