Maybe a trip is all Tori really needed. If To Venus and Back refers to what Tori did to prepare for this release, then she definitely needs to travel more. This record is exceptionally good. Disc one includes all new studio releases that sound incredible--reminiscent of her bold, melodic and mystical release Little Earthquakes. She has unleashed her angst in pleasurable piano musings, and well placed coos and warbles. Venus demonstrates Amos' songwriting virtuosity, she holds nothing back, and has produced an extraordinary release.

The second disc is not a bit shabby either. Many fans will tell you that studio recordings of Tori cannot capture the real essence of her music. This point could not be proven more elegantly than this recording. To Venus and Back lets us hear Tori both in studio and live, and recaptures the artistry of her earlier albums. Her live performance on this album could easily stand alone as a single release and definitely shows that her band is not fooling around. The music on this album is stellar and worthy of interplanetary travel.