"Raspberry Swirl" is a song written and performed by

Tori Amos Tori Amos (born Myra Ellen Amos; August 22, 1963) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. She is a classically trained musician with a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Having already begun composing instrumental pieces on piano, Amos won a full ...

. It was released as the second single from her 1998 album ''

From the Choirgirl Hotel ''From the Choirgirl Hotel'' (stylised in all lowercase) is the fourth studio album by American musician Tori Amos. It was released on May 5, 1998, on Atlantic Records. The album was Amos's first to be recorded at her own Martian Engineering St ...

'' in Germany and Australia, and as the third and final single in North America and the UK. In the United States it was released as a double A-side single with "Cruel", off the same album. In Germany, Australia and the UK it was released as its own single. Two variations of an identical 12" vinyl promotional release were issued in the U.K. "Raspberry Swirl" was Amos's first single to be nominated for a Grammy Award, being nominated for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1999.

About

"Raspberry Swirl" is about Amos' past relationship with a female friend and was written in response to the men in her relationships.

Music video

The video for Raspberry Swirl was directed by Barnaby & Scott and filmed in August 1998.

Review

"The fourth track, Raspberry Swirl (as in, unsurprisingly, 'Boy, you better make her raspberry swirl"), is the key," enthused John Aizlewood in Q's review of ''From the Choirgirl Hotel''. "Seemingly throwaway, its programming doffs a cap to dance ndAmos' treated vocals recall Van Helden mixmastery. Before 30 seconds have passed, she's declared 'Let's go' and in one cathartic moment becomes her own woman again, via the remainder of a song that doesn't need twists to shine." Q, June 1998

Track listings

"Raspberry Swirl" was released in the United States and Canada as a double A-side with "Cruel".

August 1998 German single

CD single – Atlantic AT0045CD #"Raspberry Swirl" (Lip Gloss version) – 3:38 #"Raspberry Swirl" (Sticky Extended Vocal version)¹ – 7:50 #"Raspberry Swirl" (Scarlet Spectrum Feels)¹ – 8:10

August 1998 U.K. single (cancelled release)

12-inch promo – Atlantic 3331000032 #"Raspberry Swirl" (Sticky Extended Instrumental)¹ – 9:34 #"Raspberry Swirl" (Sticky Extended Vocal version)¹ – 7:50 CD promo – Atlantic 3333000092 #"Raspberry Swirl" (Lip Gloss version) – 3:38 #"Raspberry Swirl" (Naked) – 3:44

November 1998 U.S. single

7-inch single – Atlantic 7-84412 #"Cruel" (Shady Feline Mix) – 3:49 #"Raspberry Swirl" (Lip Gloss version) – 3:38 CD single – Atlantic 2-84412 / Cassette single – Atlantic 4-84412 #"Cruel" (Shady Feline Mix) – 3:49 #"Raspberry Swirl" (Lip Gloss version) – 3:38 #"Ambient Raspberry Swirl" (Scarlet Spectrum Feels)¹ – 8:10 #"Mainline Cherry" (Ambient Spark)² – 5:12 ;Notes ¹ Remixed by Andy Gray.
² Remixed by Albert Cabrera.

Charts

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Raspberry Swirl (Song) Tori Amos songs Songs written by Tori Amos Atlantic Records singles 1998 singles 1998 songs Electronic dance music songs