Boys for Pele

Boys for Pele could be described as a musical exorcism via harpsichord and slap bass.

Tori Amos’s third studio album Boys for Pele caused a big stir upon its arrival in 1996: critics thought it was either complete genius or unintelligible drivel. Amos’s previous albums had sometimes confusing imagery, but Boys for Pele took it to the next level; a dark, compelling current runs through the strange and sometimes shocking lyrics. The vocals feature Amos’s trademark breathiness, oddball pronunciation, and almost-scarily-intense expressiveness. Meanwhile, the instrumentals feature rich, atmospheric, and creative combinations of piano, harpsichord, brass band, strings, slap bass, a rock band, and ambient sounds. An intense album that demands the listener’s full attention, listening to Boys for Pele feels like an embracing then purging of dark forces. Boys for Pele may leave listeners inspired, heartbroken, exhilarated, or disgusted — but one thing it won’t do is leave a listener bored.