Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 9, 2026

Cloud Riders

"Cloud Riders" is a song by American singer-songwriter and pianist Tori Amos. It was released on July 27, 2017 as the lead single from her fifteenth studio album Native Invader. Like the rest of the album, the song was self-produced and recorded at Martian Engineering in Cornwall, England, with mixing being done by Amos' husband Mark Hawley and Marcel van Limbeek.

Last revised
Jul 9, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
296 w
Citations
8
Source
Wikipedia ↗
"Cloud Riders"
Single by Tori Amos
from the album Native Invader
ReleasedJuly 27, 2017
StudioMartian Engineering (Cornwall)
GenreAlternative rock1
Length5:23
LabelDecca
SongwriterTori Amos
ProducerTori Amos
Tori Amos singles chronology
"Trouble's Lament"
(2014) 		"Cloud Riders"
(2017) 		"Speaking with Trees"
(2021)

"Cloud Riders" is a song by American singer-songwriter and pianist Tori Amos. It was released on July 27, 2017 as the lead single from her fifteenth studio album Native Invader.2 Like the rest of the album, the song was self-produced and recorded at Martian Engineering in Cornwall, England, with mixing being done by Amos' husband Mark Hawley and Marcel van Limbeek.3

Overview

Amos stated the inspiration for the song came from the experience of watching a shooting star at 4:22 A.M.4 That morning, she completed the lyrics for the vast majority of the song, which she has stated took inspiration from Nordic mythology and imagery.5

"Cloud Riders" was positively received by critics. NPR stated the song "smolders and shimmers" and "never stops moving and slowly changing shape".2 Albumism called the song "fantastic" and "melodious".6

Personnel

Adapted from the liner notes of Native Invader:3

  • Tori Amos – vocals, keyboards, Hammond organ, programming, additional instrumentation
  • Mac Aladdin – guitar
  • Mark Hawley – programming, additional instrumentation
References

References

  1. Harrison, Quentin (12 September 2017). "Tori Amos: 'Native Invader' is the Sharpest Song Suite in Her Oeuvre to Date". Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  2. Hilton, Robin (27 July 2017). "Tori Amos Shares 'Cloud Riders' From Upcoming Album". NPR. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  3. Amos, Tori (8 September 2017). Native Invader (liner notes).
  4. Peacock, Tim (28 July 2017). "Tori Amos Shares New Song 'Cloud Riders' From Forthcoming Album 'Native Invader'". Udiscover Music. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  5. Amos, Tori (September 13, 2017). "Invader of Our Heart". Boyz.
  6. Albumism Staff (28 July 2017). "Tori Amos Teases Forthcoming Album with Dazzling 'Cloud Riders'". Albumism. Retrieved 29 April 2023.