TORI Amos provokes strong emotions in people. You either love her or hate her - and she likes it that way.

Since coming to our attention with 1992's Little Earthquakes, the quirky singer-songwriter has refused to blaze anything but her own trail. With the seemingly gentle piano as her weapon of choice, she has challenged listeners to confront difficult themes such as religion, betrayal and violence.

While her uncompromising attitude should be applauded, it is also her undoing because once again she falls into the trap of making a high-minded concept album that is too long.

Twenty minutes too long. The Beekeeper weighs in at 79 minutes and 19 tracks, a third of which are twee fillers which dilute the power of Tori when she's in epic full flight.

For every General Joy, there is a Ribbons Undone that screams B-side. The record ends up being background music - entirely missing the point of her intense style.

For those prepared to do some skipping, there is still much to enjoy on this garden-themed album, particularly when Tori incorporates vintage organs, Afro-Cuban drums and Gospel choirs alongside her beloved Bosendorfer piano.

The funky Sweet The Sting and Gospel-tinged Witness stand out, as does Jamaican Inn, inspired by her adopted home, Cornwall.

Fans of Damien Rice should also look out for The Power Of Orange Knickers, a duet hiding a sinister theme behind an innocent sound - classic Tori.

Updated: 08:44 Thursday, March 03, 2005