Jagged Little Pill

by Alanis Morissette

Overview

It's remarkable that Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill struck a sympathetic chord with millions of listeners, because it's so doggedly, determinedly insular. This, after all, plays like an emotional purging, prompted by a bitter relationship -- and, according to all the lyrical hints, that's likely a record executive who took advantage of a young Alanis. She never disguises her outright rage and disgust, whether it's the vengeful wrath of "You Oughta Know" or asking him "you scan the credits for your name and wonder why it's not there." This is such insider information that it's hard to believe that millions of listeners not just bought it, but embraced it, turning Alanis Morisette into a mid-'90s phenomenon. Perhaps it was the individuality that made it appealing, since its specificity lent it genuineness -- and, even if this is clearly an attempt to embrace the "women in rock" movement in alterna-rock, Morissette's intentions are genuine. Often, it seems like Glen Ballard's pop inclinations fight against Alanis' exorcisms, as her bitter diary entries are given a pop gloss that gives them entry to the pop charts. What's all the more remarkable is that Alanis isn't a particularly good singer, stretching the limits of pitch and credibility with her octave-skipping caterwauling. At its core, this is the work of an ambitious but sophomoric 19-year-old, once burned by love, but still willing to open her heart a second time. All of this adds up to a record that's surprisingly effective, an utterly fascinating exploration of a young woman's psyche. As slick as the music is, the lyrics are unvarnished and Morissette unflinchingly explores emotions so common, most people would be ashamed to articulate them. This doesn't make Jagged Little Pill great, but it does make it a fascinating record, a phenomenon that's intensely personal.

Product Details

Release Date:	06/13/1995
Label:	Maverick
UPC:	0093624590125
catalogNumber:	45901
Rank:	1232

Tracks

1. All I Really Want
2. You Oughta Know
3. Perfect
4. Hand in My Pocket
5. Right Through You
6. Forgiven
7. You Learn
8. Head over Feet
9. Mary Jane
10. Ironic
11. Not The Doctor
12. Wake Up
13. You Oughta Know

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Alanis Morissette   Primary Artist,Harmonica,Vocals
Michael Thompson   Organ
Glen Ballard   Guitar,Keyboards
Benmont Tench   Organ
Flea   Bass
Basil Fung   Guitar
Michael Landau   Guitar
Lance Morrison   Bass
Dave Navarro   Guitar
Gota Yashiki   Rhythm
Rob Ladd   Percussion,Drums
Matt Laug   Drums
Joel Shearer   Guitar

Technical Credits

Glen Ballard   Composer,Programming,Producer,Engineer
Ted Blaisdell   Engineer
David Schiffman   Engineer
Alanis Morissette   Composer
Tom Recchion   Art Direction
Victor McCoy   Engineer
Chris Fogel   Engineer
Rich Weingart   Engineer