Tori Amos, 'Midwinter Graces'

Release date: November 10, 2009
Record label: Universal Republic
Official Web site: http://www.toriamos.com/

The buzz: Bob Dylan may be called the unlikeliest person to release a holiday album in 2009, but Dylan never speculated that a flaky God needed a woman to look after him, and Dylan (mercifully) never wrote a song about masturbating in bed while his family prayed and sang hymns downstairs. Who wrote those songs? That would be Tori Amos, a troublemaking minister’s daughter who has “said much to mock both her Creator, Jesus Christ, as well as Christianity,” according to one online ministry. Well, guess who’s singing about silent nights and stars of wonder?

The verdict: While portions of “Midwinter Graces” will sound very familiar to Christians, Amos took a typically odd and ambitious approach, blending traditional (albeit edited) carols with original songs, and deriving inspiration not just from the Christmas narrative but various mythologies and solstice celebrations—from which Christianity heavily borrowed, in some cases. She’s backed by her usual band and a full array of 'tis-the-season orchestral arrangements featuring strings, timpani and even sleigh bells, while “Pink and Glitter” swings with a full New Year's Eve-style brass band. The spirit and smarts are in place, but “Midwinter Graces” is mostly a mild pleasure—which still may make it a welcome addition to your family’s holiday playlist.
 
Did you know? Emphasizing that holidays are a family affair, Amos’ daughter and niece each make an appearance on vocals.