The exploration of boundaries, most erected by the idea of sin, is prevalent in Abnormally Attracted to Sin. It’s a religious exploration that beg people to be aware of the sometimes illogical boundaries placed by religion, something that Tori Amos have been doing ever since her first appearance in Little Earthquakes.

Tori Amos was known for her ‘girl on piano’ sound accompanied by sharp, idiosyncratic, and sometimes tough lyrics. Though a complete discography is needed to understand her growth as an artist and the eventual conception of this album, one can do that on their own time if they wish. Abnormally Attracted to Sin is a definite change with a prevalent trip-hop sound that may be better than what Portishead can dish out. It is a culmination of what an artist Tori Amos is so far, but tamed in the lyrics department.

It would seem that that Tori’s ability to compile a tight-knit set of songs have gone out the window. Her last album, American Doll Posse, was crippled by its length: 23 songs that span an hour and 20 minutes. Seeing that Abnormally Attracted to Sin has a smaller number of songs – though still a massive 17 – I was concerned. After 3 spins, I was hooked. Though definitely not classic Tori, this album is quite arresting. It’s a bit quiet but not boring.

Perhaps this quiet is associated with the visualettes that sparked the creation of this album, as background music? In any case, I haven’t watched the visualettes so I can’t really assess it. The album is good by itself anyway: I was playing it for weeks, and I have a short attention span for music. I recommend this to anyone, though I know Tori’s not to get a mass of new listeners anytime soon.

Listen to: Strong Black Vine, Fire to Your Plain, Abnormally Attracted to Sin, Lady in Blue