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The glue to the collection might be Tori's consistent call for female empowerment, something we've become accustomed to. But because of the wealth of material, stylistically Tori paints her stories with broad strokes. There are brooding, darker numbers like "Give" and "Strong Black Vine", lighter moments like the album's first single "Welcome To England" and "500 Miles", as well as the prototypical Tori ballads like "Maybe California", that are sure to have longtime fans picking favorites.
What is always captivating (and challenging) with a Tori Amos record is dissecting her songwriting. And perhaps that's her goal – empowering her audience to take from her songs something specific to each individual. A song like "Flavor" asks for the audience to choose between fear or love, but in such an abstract cosmic presentation that it's not easily digested.
Abnormally Attracted To Sin witnesses an inspired Tori Amos, both as a songwriter and producer. Tori, again, self-produces her latest effort and has undoubtedly gained confidence behind the board. If Abnormally Attracted To Sin has any faults, it's in the sheer size of the album – which I don't think will be much of a problem for any fans.
Written by Mike Vasilikos, WXPN's Assistant Music Director and New Music Show Host.
