SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TORI AMOS – IN TIMES OF DRAGONS

TORI AMOS
IN TIMES OF DRAGONS
FONTANA

In Times of Dragons is Tori Amos’s 18th studio album and her first since 2021’s powerful Ocean to Ocean (although she did release the streaming only soundtrack for her children’s book in 2025, titled The Music of Tori and the Muses). As with all of Amos’s work, In Times of Dragons is deeply personal but not overtly so. Amos writes intriguing lyrics that say a great deal, however, one must be willing to work at the majority of her lyrics. She uses mythology, spirituality, and politics to express herself and the meaning behind the song. The title of this album, like Ocean to Ocean (which was about the isolation of COVID) is obvious. In Times of Dragons is similar. She is writing about the inherent dangers present today. But she does it in a story.

Amos writes incredible melodies, and this is evident throughout this album. The songs flow beautifully from one track to the next, holding the listener’s attention and never letting go. Songs like “Provincetown” and the title track demonstrate her ability to match the potency of the lyrics with a very catchy melody. Elsewhere, a song like “Song of Sorrow” which is achingly beautiful and harkens to some of the greatest pop-rock songs of all time.

There are some more experimental sounds throughout, especially the opening of “Strawberry Moon.” She takes her time settling into the song, which makes it all the more interesting. But the focus of the album is the story, a story that space does not allow for me to get into but it is a concept album, with a theme and story. Amos is smart enough to create characters that are not her but not too distant at the same time. Her duet with her daughter, “Stronger Together,” is a prime example. It fits the story, and yet it is a deeply personal song from a mother to a daughter. This is not the first time Tash Amos has joined her mom, but it is, perhaps, the best song they have recorded together. The album ends with the powerful and exquisite “Peaks” that will leave the listener breathless.

As with all of her music, the album is beautifully produced and arranged. She knows when to bring in the dramatic strings and/or orchestra. But like everything else, it becomes a giant instrument for her to use and add to the song. Every song on this album could be played, unaccompanied, on a piano. But Amos has a sound in her head and this is what the listener gets. She also creates mood and emotion throughout the entire album.

In short, In Times of Dragons is a masterpiece. It is a stunning album that has a great deal to say, and it is said with such intense style and music. It is hard to find fault with the album. Amos’s voice has never sounded better, and every breath on the album has a reason to be there. She does not waste a second. Like the great concept albums since 1967, she has created characters (10 to be exact) whose lives intertwine and relate her views and passions. In Times of Dragons is Amos at the top of her game.

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