The Beekeeper
by Tori Amos
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Feb 22, 2005
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 163 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 163
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 163
  3. Negative: 10 out of 163

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  1. JadaLush
    Aug 15, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Underrated as Hell. It’s so soft and relaxing... I like this vibe and don’t understand the hate on this record… Expand
  2. longjetty7
    Jan 28, 2015
    8
    The Beekeeper is about as close to mainstream as Tori ever gets, but even so, her talent as a singer-songwriter really shines through with her obscure lyrics, impressive piano chops, and unique voice. Even if this album doesn't appeal to most of her fans, I honestly think these are some of her most mature and melodic songs yet. And not to mention that very few artists I know of can pullThe Beekeeper is about as close to mainstream as Tori ever gets, but even so, her talent as a singer-songwriter really shines through with her obscure lyrics, impressive piano chops, and unique voice. Even if this album doesn't appeal to most of her fans, I honestly think these are some of her most mature and melodic songs yet. And not to mention that very few artists I know of can pull off an album with 19 songs that, for the most part, is actually quite enjoyable throughout.… Expand
  3. Rullings
    Dec 2, 2013
    8
    If Little Earthquakes is a perfect 10 album, than this is about an 8. It is a good record, and i am glad i bought it. Toris voice is so nice,and her singing is playful. She makes me compare here with Kate Bush, and i must say she dont stand back from Kate.
  4. HenryG.
    Nov 15, 2007
    7
    I don't own all of her albums yet, but I love all the ones I have (Still need Under The Pink, Venus and Back, Strange Little Girls), and this is no exception. It's different to her other stuff, which people can't seem to get. She is obviously contented, whole and happy. It feels like theres little struggle in this album, which in some ways makes it bad, but in another makes I don't own all of her albums yet, but I love all the ones I have (Still need Under The Pink, Venus and Back, Strange Little Girls), and this is no exception. It's different to her other stuff, which people can't seem to get. She is obviously contented, whole and happy. It feels like theres little struggle in this album, which in some ways makes it bad, but in another makes for a pleasant wholesome experience. Has some some really nice songs on it. It's a change for tori. As was ADP.… Expand
  5. TonyW.
    Aug 5, 2007
    10
    At it's worst, on this album Tori's voice is beautiful and the songs have attractive melodies. At its best it makes my hair stand on end. If she has 'sold out' here then i for one am grateful, cos i didn't get a lot of the obscure other stuff; but i don't think we've seen everything yet.
  6. gavs
    Jul 2, 2006
    10
    fabulous, one of the best albums ever for lyrics, it touches on british cornish legends, and as extreme as legendary tales of down and outs, while singing about a painting in the midst!!, and everything in between, this album is now in my car as it effects me in a nice way everytime i listen,
  7. yiyayo
    May 24, 2006
    9
    this album is great. Martha' s foolish ginger maybe one of the best songs she has done.Ribbons undone is sweet. 15 tracks on this album so far great.
  8. Taylor
    May 17, 2006
    10
    I'm a Tori fan and from listening to almost all of her songs I think that this is one of her better albums. I like all of her music, but I think this album has exceptional melodies and if you're a huge fan its easy to read into the lyrics (which is what listening to Tori is all about!). There will always be the lovers and the haters, but this album is definitley worth taking a I'm a Tori fan and from listening to almost all of her songs I think that this is one of her better albums. I like all of her music, but I think this album has exceptional melodies and if you're a huge fan its easy to read into the lyrics (which is what listening to Tori is all about!). There will always be the lovers and the haters, but this album is definitley worth taking a listen to!… Expand
  9. jyotirmayad
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Thhis is a wonderful effort by Tori Amos who has been at it for over a decade. A rare feat for any band/artist. It is a very enjoyable listen.
  10. JakeP
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    Tori Amos is a living goddess. Only those who have a very high understanding of art can comprehend or accept her new album. It's not as bad as you think! Just because Tori has mellowed-out doesn't mean she has lost her edge! Read between the lines of her songs!
  11. JyonahJ
    Nov 3, 2005
    9
    Tori is my all time favourite artist - I know her work well. I rate this as Tori's best album since Venus and Back in 1999. Though less dramatic to Tori's earlier masterpiece albums, Bee Keeper is equal to all her best albums, except the immortal Boys for Pele. This album reflects her maturity after 12 years as at the top. Great work Tori, we've waited 6 years for this. Jyonah
  12. PJ
    Oct 30, 2005
    9
    I was really very impressed by The Beekeeper. In light of some of the reviews in the press, it's true that some songs could perhaps have been dropped from the final cut to make an all round tighter set of songs, but that isn't to say that what's here isn't worthwhile. In fact, contrary to a lot of reviewers I think that despite running to 19 trakcs and nearly 80 I was really very impressed by The Beekeeper. In light of some of the reviews in the press, it's true that some songs could perhaps have been dropped from the final cut to make an all round tighter set of songs, but that isn't to say that what's here isn't worthwhile. In fact, contrary to a lot of reviewers I think that despite running to 19 trakcs and nearly 80 minutes of music, this album of striking, intellegent songs holds together extremely well. Musically, it's probably Amos' most immediately accessible album, with great melodies and choruses, intriguing but not impenetrable lyrics and a light, relaxed, jazzy mood maintained throughout. Her musicianship is, as ever, superb. All in all, I think this is one of her best albums to date.… Expand
  13. AndreaN
    Oct 14, 2005
    9
    Metacritic's collection of reviews for this album suggests that it received soemwhat lukewarm reviews in the press. All of the press reviews I read seemed to be universally congratulatory, and in fact the only negative reviews I've heard come from her fans. There's no question that this album sounds different from other Amos albums, and I can see that some people might Metacritic's collection of reviews for this album suggests that it received soemwhat lukewarm reviews in the press. All of the press reviews I read seemed to be universally congratulatory, and in fact the only negative reviews I've heard come from her fans. There's no question that this album sounds different from other Amos albums, and I can see that some people might consider her music on this album to be "mellow", but I don't know that there is a "typical" Tori sound. She has been experimenting with her music since her first album, and one of the things I love about her is her ability to challenge herself and experiment with each new album. Her albums can be challenging, and sometimes her experiments don't succeed, but there is no question that overall her songwriting and production improves with each album. Unlike some other singers-songwriters who came out in the 90s (I'm thinkign of people like Sarah McLachlan), you get the sense that Tori Amos isn't afraid of trying new things and perhaps alienating some of her fans in the process. I'm looking forward to see what she produces on her next album.… Expand
  14. LevisO
    Jun 28, 2005
    7
    A good album but when compard to Scarlet's Walk, it's weak. Standouts, though, include: The Power of Orange Knickers, jamaica Inn, Sleeps with Butterflies, Ribbons Undone, Ireland, Martha's Foolish Ginger and Goodbye Pisces
  15. TomT
    Jun 13, 2005
    9
    Of course, she must be a different person now. The ones who slam the new album seem mostly to object to this change and how it's refelcted in the music, but I think it's reasonable. Her new sound is more "accessible" but I don't think that was her goal. Nobody slams Led Zeppelin's last album for being too mellow. She did mix down the bass though (and mixed up the bass Of course, she must be a different person now. The ones who slam the new album seem mostly to object to this change and how it's refelcted in the music, but I think it's reasonable. Her new sound is more "accessible" but I don't think that was her goal. Nobody slams Led Zeppelin's last album for being too mellow. She did mix down the bass though (and mixed up the bass drum). Not sure why she chose this. For a female singer/songwriter, deep full bass like she allowed was a rare luxury. Not sure if it was her idea, but I liked it. Now we have kick drum o-plenty. The bass is there, but much quieter - clearly a conscious desicion that she at least bought off on - I'd ask her why if I could. Anyway, I love it.… Expand
  16. ConnyG
    May 18, 2005
    10
    I think is one of the best albums of Tori, I can notice an evolution without being a "rare experiment", Tori is a godness!
  17. DavidHatfieldTheHallowmoniumGuy
    May 8, 2005
    10
    Tori! Tori! Tori! She's the Bomb.
  18. hcarter
    Apr 29, 2005
    8
    This album shows off a lot of Tori's song-writing ability, which has gotten much better over the years. I do think the album is uneven and several songs suffer from the Sarah McLachlan-like symptom of sounding the same. Her shining moments really are brilliant though and make this album worth owning (Marys of the Sea/Beekeeper/Witness). Out of 19 songs, it's tough to admit that This album shows off a lot of Tori's song-writing ability, which has gotten much better over the years. I do think the album is uneven and several songs suffer from the Sarah McLachlan-like symptom of sounding the same. Her shining moments really are brilliant though and make this album worth owning (Marys of the Sea/Beekeeper/Witness). Out of 19 songs, it's tough to admit that maybe she could've made a tighter album with fewer songs, but that's just me. I still think her stuff is far superior to much of the crap out there.… Expand
  19. AndyS.
    Apr 29, 2005
    9
    Another solid, very pleasant effort from Tori.
  20. MikeH
    Apr 22, 2005
    10
    Art is art whether some people approve of it or not. Being able to create music is complicated enough. This album is really beautiful, all of the songs with one exception (hoochie). I suppose though, Tori is an acquired taste. I just don't understand why some people are so violently dissapointed. Even if it doesn't appeal to you, you can't deny that it is real, complex, and Art is art whether some people approve of it or not. Being able to create music is complicated enough. This album is really beautiful, all of the songs with one exception (hoochie). I suppose though, Tori is an acquired taste. I just don't understand why some people are so violently dissapointed. Even if it doesn't appeal to you, you can't deny that it is real, complex, and original.… Expand
  21. siljes
    Apr 17, 2005
    9
    grows at you for every listening
  22. MandyL
    Mar 30, 2005
    9
    Not enough moaning and groaning in my opinion. Not Crazy enough, but a great ablum in and of itself. I just expect Tori to be more passionate. I hope she hits it more on tour. If this was the first Tori album I ever heard I would like it but I expect more from her! I still love her though, and she is forgiven!!
  23. MyrrhaL
    Mar 25, 2005
    7
    This album is long and for the most part, sedating. I am a ######## toriphile, but it's my opinion. I do not think that this album is her imminent demise. Just like any of us, Tori can't be bleeding and furious constantly. There is a cycle we all go through in our lives, and I am willing to accept this album as a portrait of where Tori's energies are directed right now. She This album is long and for the most part, sedating. I am a ######## toriphile, but it's my opinion. I do not think that this album is her imminent demise. Just like any of us, Tori can't be bleeding and furious constantly. There is a cycle we all go through in our lives, and I am willing to accept this album as a portrait of where Tori's energies are directed right now. She is still concerned with societal issues and the environment, obviously. But, personally, this albums tells me one thing. Tori is happy. And I refuse to hold that against her. "Parasol" is a standout for me because of the initial dissonance in the track, and underlying tension throughout. "Barons of Suburbia" is bitchin because of the sweet ending..."she is risen, boys." I understand why some may not enjoy this album, but give her a break. She's earned a little tranquility.… Expand
  24. PaulaK
    Mar 25, 2005
    10
    I have been following Tori for years. This album is fabulous. The only down fall is that it doesn"t have any big new edge to it. But she has done that for years! I like this album because it is lyrically Beautiful. He vocals are sharp, moving, ON KEY and full of life and every emotion she feels. That is what I love about Tori. I am always transcended to a new place when I give her a listen!
  25. JamieH
    Mar 23, 2005
    10
    This could be my favorite Tori album over-all. Song for song, I think this is her strongest outing. She has individual songs on other albums that are stronger, but just slightly. "Jamaica Inn," "Parasol," "Sleeps with Butterfiles"--they are all positively amazing, top-notch songs! I didn't know if she had another album like this in her.... Wow!
  26. CatherineM
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    Some critics are afraid of Tori. I believe this her best album to date! She is the most underrated female musician. I have been a devoted Tori fan since Little Earthquakes. No one writes music like she does. With the, shallow, undeveloped music that has been on the radio and well reviewed albums of artist who couldn
  27. KevinB
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    The best Amos to date! What a wonderful return!
  28. HeidiN
    Mar 14, 2005
    9
    I've been an admirer of Tori Amos since the beginning. This album starts off seeming less gripping than her earlier music - but it grows on you. I particularly like Mother Revolution, Sweet the Sting, Marys of the Sea, and General Joy . I disagree with others here in that I don't think it's a particularly happy album, but it is less dramatic and angst-ridden than her I've been an admirer of Tori Amos since the beginning. This album starts off seeming less gripping than her earlier music - but it grows on you. I particularly like Mother Revolution, Sweet the Sting, Marys of the Sea, and General Joy . I disagree with others here in that I don't think it's a particularly happy album, but it is less dramatic and angst-ridden than her previous work. The only song that's really about her duaghter is bittersweet in its recall of her mother and the idea that she still watches both of them from a distance. In any cae, the conceptual and aesthetic spaces of the music fill in on a second or third listen. There are a couple of songs that I think are intentionally bland enough to be on pop charts, but other than that I have no negative criticism at all. Next time she offers a DVD, though, I hope she gets a better producer and director - it could have been much better than it was. How about a Tori Amos video again someday?… Expand
  29. IanR
    Mar 14, 2005
    10
    The tracks just floated by me for the first three plays. However, the songs grow on you. There is little of the turbulance of earlier material collections, but is that a sin? Not to these ears. You can still feel a searching spirit in her songs and the beautiful melodies and tricky time signatures remain with,perhaps a litle added simplicity. Wonderful.
  30. shawns
    Mar 11, 2005
    10
    I just have to say one thing ...Tori I love this cd
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Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed Album of 2005
78
#78 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. The Guardian
    80
    You can delve as deeply into the lyrics and musical brain-teasers as you like, but there's plenty of surface allure for anyone who just fancies a superficial graze.
    Read full review
  2. Amazon.com
    90
    The Beekeeper returns the quirky singer to the same whimsical terrain of 1992's Little Earthquakes, but with much stronger storylines, and a much more assured and nuanced voice.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    The Beekeeper is the Tori Amos album for those normally freaked out by Tori Amos. [25 Feb 2005, p.99]
See all critic reviews »