An equally worn and tolerant pop album by the equally beloved and maligned American singer / songwriter Tori Amos. Not everyone is charmed by Amos's oeuvre, which is carried wide-legged in Amazonian sitting at the piano, and which is pervaded with personal esotericism and feminine sensuality. At Native Invader she leaves behind her recent forays into classical music. In 13 supported and melodic pop
… songs she sings about the natural cycle of death and rebirth, politics and personal issues. That sounds heavy in theory, but Amos opted for light arrangements, dominated by electronics. Songs like Wings and Chocolate Song even have slightly Caribbean influences. Her singing sounds longing and dramatic but never becomes pathetic. The result is a pleasant and entertaining listening album by this idiosyncratic artist. (MR)more