"Crucify" is probably the most recognizable song on the album. Its message is one of freedom; too often people restrict themselves out of the fear of being laughed at or judged unfavorably; and Tori preaches that you don't have to wallow in your self-guilt and suffering in order to achieve happiness. "Silent All These Years" suggests a life spent with an abusive or insensitive partner and the self-imposed exile and voicelessness such a relationship can lead to. "Winter" deals with standing on one's own two feet, believing in oneself, and bravely striking out in a world without your father's constant protection. "Mother" strikes a similar theme, evoking images of a caring mother pushing her child out of the nest and helping it begin a new life of its own. "Tear In Your Hand" is an anthem of self-discovery in which Tori tells the man who is leaving her for another woman that she is more fascinating and powerful than he has ever taken the time to realize. In "Little Earthquakes," Tori cries out for both life and pain, realizing that a full life by necessity includes both the good and the bad. "Girl" carries the message that you must be true to yourself, that if you live your whole life trying to please others and ignoring your own desires, you will go crazy. "China" explains how two people can gradually grow apart over time. "Happy Phantom" is a fun little jaunt in which Tori looks forward to forgetting her earthly troubles and becoming a ghost, but it ends on a more serious note about the limited lifespan of memory. The real prize of this CD is "Precious Things," an intensely emotional song hearkening back to days of unrequited crushes, cruel individuals, and adolescent pain; the message is that you must forget the painful memories of your past in order to become your true and ultimate self.

These songs may mean different things to other people, and it is almost impossible not to discover new hidden insights each time you listen to them. Tori Amos truly bears her soul for all to see on this CD, and we can all benefit ourselves as a result of her efforts. Tori Amos is a unique musician, and her music will not appeal to everyone, but this album is much more accessible, particularly lyrics-wise, than her later releases. As far as I am concerned, this is the greatest CD ever produced by any musician.


Beautiful in so many ways.   April 20, 2001
Lord Chimp (Monkey World)
40 out of 42 found this review helpful

Perhaps it's redundant to add yet another flattering review to what is already a chorus of praise. Still, I'm suddenly inspired to write as I listen to this CD and yet again marvel at how truly excellent it is. The emotional layers of her songs are not as furtive as later releases, which is one distinctive merit relative to its peers in her catalogue. There has been no other CD I've ever owned with such unadulterated emotional clarity, although other Tori albums come close. She is an artist of remarkable honesty and beauty.

Here, Tori rocks with her piano, and she also writes gorgeous ballads the likes of which are unattainable to lesser artists. She is complemented by lovely orchestrations and lyrics that tantalize with their complex imagery. Certainly one of the best artists of the nineties, and her brilliance puts today's pop puppets to shame. There's something magical about this album. It's too difficult to describe. Just listen to it yourself. If you aren't moved, you'd better check for a pulse.

Some would say that Little Earthquakes is insuperable compared to Tori's other work. I don't feel this way; I think each of her albums offers something different but no less wonderful. And wow, she has a sweet voice, doesn't she?


Sex, lies and . . . erm . . . ghosts in nunneries . . .   April 11, 2001
Nick Whittaker (Farnham, Surrey, England.)
23 out of 26 found this review helpful

The best album of 1992? Quite possibly. Whatever, 'Little Earthquakes' remains a timeless piece of work, the success of which a generation of 'kooky' female artistes would attempt to emulate - read Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morrisette, Meredith Brooks etc. They succeeded generally to only a minimal extent in recreating the intensely personal style of Amos' lyrical themes, but what makes her so fascinating and so unique is how interesting her musical palate is. Albums that are good just for their lyrics in many cases cannot sustain repeated plays. Listen on 'Little Earthquakes' to the jangling guitar in 'Happy Phantom', the 'Irish war drum' in 'Winter' and the exquisite use of male voice in the epic title track. But of course a good melody is essential and there are few better than Tori at writing these. Indeed despite four excellent albums following this she has recorded few, if any, more beautiful songs than 'China' and 'Tear In Your Hand'. Another reason for 'Little Earthquakes'' continuing popularity is that any fillers are conspicuous by their absence - the great songs just keep on comin'. After a fine opening trio of songs, the fourth track is a prime opportunity to unleash a potato peeling, but then comes the breathtaking 'Prescious Things' which, again, remains one of Amos' greatest moments. After many listens the sudden drum beat still startles as it erupts from the breathy piano introduction. Of course 'Me And A Gun' is also worthy of a mention - an uncomfortably stark account of when Amos herself was raped leaves the listener no place to hide because this accapella track is bereft of musical accompaniment. Sexuality and relationships are themes that run throughout this remarkable record and as such it is a bruising experience, but also a strangely pleasurable one as it leaves the listener utterly purged.


Absolutely Amazing!   March 24, 2000
Music fan (Philadelphia, PA)
29 out of 35 found this review helpful

There's is not a word in the dictionary that would do this album justice,it's that good!

This emotionally gripping,thought provoking and completely original piece of work absolutely blew me away,far away.

Tori takes you on a journey of self discovery that will touch you at your deepest most hidden core and never lets go.

As far as trying to pick a favorite track,it's almost impossible, because EVERY SONG IS GREAT in their own unique way.

WINTER,MOTHER, and SILENT ALL THESE YEARS are 3 of the most touching ballads ever written, ethereal and gut wrenching, all tied together by amazing piano playing.

CRUCIFY and ME AND A GUN are introspective and thought provoking.

TEAR IN YOUR HAND is a quirky, yet very beautiful song.

Suffice to say, if you like music, any music.....then you MUST OWN THIS CD,it's a must buy for anyone who has a human feeling or emotion of any kind.

The best way I could summarize is just this;

IF YOU LAY DOWN AND LISTEN TO THIS CD FROM START TO FINISH, I MEAN REALLY LISTEN, YOU WILL BE A DIFFERENT PERSON WHEN IT'S OVER THAN WHEN IT BEGAN.


Utterly Brilliant and Moving...   January 23, 2001
13 out of 15 found this review helpful

It's hard for me to believe now, but I was 18 years old before I listened to an artist that really touched me, moved me...an artist who spoke to me and I responded. Who was I listening to all those years? I can't even recall now. It doesn't matter. I was working at a music store and a friend asked if I'd ever heard Tori. I hadn't. She ran to the CD player and put her in while we cleaned up after closing. The first song, Crucify, drew me in and really intrigued me. Then I heard Silent All These Years and started to think "I really like this woman." Then came Precious Things. To this day, it is still my favorite song of all time. I've never been so moved by a song...ever. It still brings me to tears if I'm in the right mood. Then, when I heard the wonderfully beautiful ballad, Winter, I was swept away. The graceful piano, beautiful orchestrations, and haunting lyrics was the last validation I needed in order to buy this album. I bought it without even listening to the rest of the songs, and it didn't disappoint. I still haven't stopped listening to this album in the 4 years I've had it. No artist has ever spoke to me in a way that Tori does on this cd. I feel that this cd, in comparison with her succeeding works, appeals the most to the mainstream public. If you are a Tori fan, then it goes without saying that you own this album. If you are even remotely interested in her, buy this album. I promise that unless you are so desensitized by today's "bubble gum" pop music that saturates the radio and TV, you will like, if not fall in love with this album. She is a truly remarkable artist who bares her soul for us (and, I think, for herself). Take the time to listen and enjoy, and I think that you'll find without much effort, she will touch you too, in some way or another.