When someone as respected and beloved as Tori Amos comes to your defense, while you are attempting to reclaim yourself against a tsunami of criticism, then that’s something to be happy about.  So is the case for the recently rehabbed pop sensation Britney Spears.  Tori recently spoke up about Britney’s troubles and points to Britney’s label as being a part of the problem:

“Whether they’re selling perfume or a song, people have decided they’re a brand. Hollywood did a good job of creating icons in the 30s and 40s, they understood a story. Now, give ‘em a haircut and some clothes and they think they can pull off Aphrodite. Then you have situations like Britney shaving her head. I don’t think her sweet, saccharine image was close to who she really was, and she rebelled.”

Obviously, Britney’s image isn’t the only element in her fall from grace; Britney’s crumbling marriage, dealing with parenthood and substance abuse issues were a bigger part of the problem.  But maybe, Britney’s has been trying to tell us something about herself all these years.

From her public kiss with fellow pop-rebel Madonna, to her shredding her pop-tart image for songs like “Toxic” and “I’m A Slave For U,” it’s clear that Britney’s much “darker” than her peers, and quite possibly, has felt trapped in a persona that didn’t closely match who she really was.

Tori Amos’ observations, though simplistic, may in truth be really insightful.  More importantly, her experiences make her a credible witness to testify on Britney’s “troubled” behalf.  Tori Amos has had her share of hard times too.

Despite their disparate musical stylings, Tori and Britney have a couple things in common and if Tori’s right, both performers began their careers as something different than who they were inside.

Amos began her career in an ill-conceived band in the mid-80’s called “Y Tori Can’t Read.”  She recorded one album and was tossed aside for being silly and derivitive of the whole 80’s synth sound - sort of like if Kate Bush sang for Duran Duran. This initial failure was likely her saving grace, as Tori  was forced to find her own voice and sound.  Which she did with great gusto, paving the way for many of the alternative female singer-songwriters who would come after her (Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Fiona Apple and Alanis Morissette to name a few.) 

Tori had great success in the early 90’s from her first solo album Little Earthquakes, the single “Silent All These Years” and later with “Cornflake Girl” and “Crucify” sealed her status as cult icon.  Despite writing quirky, off-kilter songs — on a piano no less — Tori has a rabidly loyal fanbase, has recorded over 10 albums, sold over 15 million records and her new and eagerly anticipated record, American Doll Posse is set to be released on May 1. 

Tori, like Britney, knows personal heartache.  During her early years in LA, Tori was raped by an acquaintence and wrote about her experience in her song “My And A Gun.”  She’s done benefits for RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) a charity designed to help those who are struggling with sexual assault and abuse and has openly spoken out about her abuse in an effort to raise awareness.

Tori, having had her career sidetracked due to an ill-conceived image and having suffered personal trauma, gives her unique perspective to see through the b.s. in Britney’s life and maybe even offer a light at the end of the tunnel for Spears.  If Britney can stay focused, and discover who she really is inside, maybe she can reach even greater success with a whole new image - one she can finally be true to.

It might be a stretch to imagine Britney becoming an indie icon like the outrageously talented Tori Amos - but stranger things have happened to lesser people.