Tigerlily

As the vocalist and guiding light of 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant sold millions of records worldwide and became one of the most enchanting and beloved figures in pop music. Elektra is proud to present Tigerlily. Natalie's solo debut, a passionate, shimmering, softly soulful collection of songs that is destined to a classic.

Certified Multi-Platinum (5 times) by the RIAA. (11/01)

Though the minor hits "Wonder" and "Jealousy" bore a reasonable resemblance to Merchant's work with 10,000 Maniacs, most of Tigerlily clearly established her as a solo artist apart from her former band. The record's first single, "Carnival," drove that point home, with a hook based more on rhythm than melody and the haunting voice of Katell Keineg adding an intriguing dimension to the chorus. Elsewhere, much of Tigerlily is remarkably solemn and subtle, from the low-key opener "San Andreas Fault" to the widower's lament "My Beloved Wife" to the eight-minute opus "I May Know the Word." Also of note is "River," an emotional ode to friend and fallen star River Phoenix. --Peter Blackstock