"Raspberry Swirl" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter and pianist Tori Amos. It was released as the second single from her fourth studio album From the Choirgirl Hotel (1998) 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 [and] Amos' 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 U.K. single (cancelled release) 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
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 Chart (1998) Position Australian Singles Chart57 Canada Singles Chart20 UK Club Chart (Music Week)89 US Billboard Hot 100 Single Saleshttps://thedent.com/choirchart.html – thedent.com38
Release history +Release dates and formats for "Raspberry Swirl"RegionDateLabel(s)Format(s)Cat. No. United Kingdom (cancelled) 10 August 1998Atlantic Germany 30 August 1998 CD AT 0045CD
References