Tori Amos’ Building a Mountain: Children’s Music for Everyone Young at Heart

Tori Amos has had a prolific and expansive music career. From her partially self-funded debut Little Earthquakes that changed alt music forever, to her 90s defining follow up Under the Pink to her feminist themed music over the decades. She has now embarked on children’s music with her companion record to her upcoming children’s book Tori and the Muses. Children’s music has evolved over the years to become a billion dollar industry comprised of talented artists. Gone are the days of simplistic call and response ultra-bright sing-a-longs.

That brings us to the standout track on the record, Building a Mountain. Now, you will not mistake this for her 90s work; however, it is far more complex than any children’s song has a right to be. Backed by strings, harp and warm bass the track has a drama that is reminiscent of her work on Under the Pink. Also, Amos’ impeccable piano work jumps and flies alongside up beat percussion to create a theatrical musical experience with loads of energy. The chymes, drums and some well placed reed instruments gives the track both a sense of mystery and whimsy. The track’s arrangement is quite complex with a plethora of instrument all working in harmony. Moreover, the track builds over time to create an epic scale, which matches its thematic push of building a mountain to touch the moon.

Some may think that Amos’ vocal does not quite fit the stereotypical children’s record…and you would be right. This is not the overly bright vocal of The Polka Dot Door or Peppa Pig, but it reminds me of the Pointer Sisters singing on Sesame Street in the 70s…in that you don’t think it would fit, but it is exactly what the song needs. Her angleic etherial vocal gives the track an otherworldly vibe that brings you into a fantasy world of mountains to the moon. You can picture listening to this track as you and your child explore Tori and her friends scaling a mountain above the clouds and into space. There is a dreamy quality to this track that works really well.

It’s hard to comment fully on how the record works without listening to it alongside the book; however, as a track it works really well. I like the theatrical nature of the song and the ethereal nature of Amos’ vocal. Instead of listening to a track, you feel like you are stepping into another world. I love how millions of children will be exposed to Amos’ work and this may lead to other children’s projects. I am always excited by new work from Amos and this track was a pleasant surprise. Finally, there is some children’s music you can enjoy as well.

Listen to Building a Mountain