"Midwinter Graces" is the eleventh studio album by Tori Amos, released on November 10, 2009 (November 16, 2009, in the UK) through Universal Republic Records. It is her first seasonal album and marks a return to a classical, stripped-down, baroque sound, featuring synths, strings, harpsichord, and her signature Bösendorfer piano. The album was released in both standard and deluxe editions, the latter containing three bonus tracks, a 20-page photo book, and a DVD with an interview. The standard edition was not available in the US or Canada.
The album, which blends traditional carols with original compositions, was Amos's lowest-charting album on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 66. The promotional single "A Silent Night with You" was released to promote the album.
Midwinter Graces was conceived after Tori Amos received encouragement from Doug Morris, the CEO of Universal Music Group, who pushed her to create the album in March 2009. Amos spent the summer writing new material and rearranging traditional carols and hymns, while continuing her 2009 world tour. The recording sessions were held in several locations, including her husband's studio, Martian Studios in Cornwall, England, and various studios across the United States in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
In interviews, Amos spoke of the deeply personal nature of the album, revealing that it was inspired by both her father, a Methodist priest, and Morris, who had challenged her to approach a seasonal album from her unique perspective. She also discussed how her background as a minister's daughter and her evolving spirituality played into her approach to creating the album. Despite her past struggles with religion, Amos embraced the opportunity to create a holiday album that would resonate with listeners who sought a spiritual connection beyond traditional dogma.
Midwinter Graces features a mix of original songs and reworked holiday classics, with a focus on themes of spirituality, rebirth, and inner light. Amos spoke of the album as a reflection on the importance of relationships, personal growth, and the essence of "light" as knowledge and consciousness. Songs like "Holly, Ivy and Rose" feature contributions from her daughter, Natashya Hawley, as well as other family members, reinforcing the sense of familial connection in the album.
The final track, "Our New Year," has been widely interpreted as a tribute to Amos's late brother, who died in a car crash in 2005, though she has kept the specific inspiration behind the song private.
Recording of Midwinter Graces was a unique process, as Amos worked on the album while on tour for Abnormally Attracted to Sin. Basic tracks were laid down at Martian Studios, and additional recording took place on her days off in various American cities. The album was mixed in England at Martian Studios before its release. The quick turnaround from concept to completion, driven by Morris's request, meant that the recording process was scattered across multiple locations and incorporated both traditional instrumentation and modern production techniques.
Overall, Midwinter Graces stands as a deeply personal and spiritually reflective album for Tori Amos, blending her classical influences with her distinct voice and musical style.
