Customer Reviews

Jagged Little Pill

5 star:		(362)
4 star:		(70)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(36)

 

 

When you talk about the biggest albums of the 90s, you certainly have to talk about 1995's Jagged Little Pill. Alanis Morissette, to my mind, came to represent a version of the new woman of the 90s, leaving no questions as to her feelings and, some might say, demands. Decades ago, Aretha wanted R-E-S-P-E-C-T, but Alanis wants much more than that, and as far as I'm concerned, she deserves it. Apparently, at least one guy did Alanis wrong at some point; some women get mad, some get even - Alanis has the strength to do both. I for one love a strong woman.

To many, Alanis burst on the scene from out of nowhere with this mega-smash CD. I have one of her first two albums, so I know better. As a teenager, Alanis actually found stardom in Canada singing, of all things, bubble gum pop. I know - it's hard to believe. I don't think any artist has ever undergone such a radical transformation as Alanis did from her teen albums to Jagged Little Pill.

Do I even need to talk about the songs? Were any of these tracks not smash hit singles? It all started with You Oughta Know, which was a revelation of sorts to many radio listeners. Harsh, angry, a little perverted, cursed with a couple of those silly bleeps radio stations just have to use - this was something different, and it just so happened to rock, as well. Alanis says everything all the good girls wronged by bad guys want to say but cannot to the heels in their lives. Right Through You comes in from the other direction to hit the target; Alanis, as a new woman of the 90s, is far too smart to fall for all the shuck and jive guys try to sell the ladies. She knows what guys want, but she is not about to let herself become nothing more than a conquest some jerk can brag to his friends about. Experience has been one of her teachers, as described in the song You Learn. I think the song Forgiven plays into this theme, as well, although it's a little too complex a song for me to claim I fully understand it - it's got some of the edgiest, most passionate lyrics on the album, though. Of course, nobody's Perfect (clever segue, eh?), and life truly has a painful tendency to be Ironic at just the wrong times, but don't dismiss Alanis as some angry psycho-beast. She knows and likes herself, she knows what she wants (Not the Doctor vividly describes what she does not want), and Hand in My Pocket proves she is perfectly all right out there on her own. Wake Up, she urges the rest of us, and go get what you want rather than pining away waiting for it to find you. That very love that sends a person completely Head Over Feet is still possible - although you might have to go through a long line of jerks to find it. You don't have to become like Mary Jane, letting yourself waste away without hope.

In the end, Jagged Little Pill is not as angry an album as it might first appear. This music is all about self-empowerment, standing up and believing in yourself, living life with both eyes open and a never-dying sense of hope. I think a spirit of optimism runs through this music, negating the angry sentiment that lies on the surface. I've barely talked about the music itself from this album, and part of the reason why, I believe, is the fact that Jagged Little Pill is one of those rarest of albums, a collection of songs that transcends the music and speaks to the listener's mind and soul. Let it also be known, lest there be any doubt, that - to quote many a reviewer of music in this little online community of ours - this album totally rocks.

Well, it seems like it's been a very long time since we've heard from Alanis Morissette, doesn't it? With her newest CD "Under Rug Swept" out now for not quite an entire month, I feel I should review "Jagged Little Pill" once more.

Coming out of the wave of late 80's "cutting edge" rap, Mariah Carey reaching her peak with albums like "Butterfly" and "Rainbow," and of course the Spice Girls/Hanson pop explosion, there were lots of different types of music floating around. When we turned on our televisions and saw a seemingly ordinary Canadian woman with a guitar, I think 98% of the world stopped to watch.

Alanis Morissette shocked (and pleased) everyone with her emotional world-debut single "You Oughta Know." It's just so easy to love every song on this CD, especially "You Oughtta Know" (Who can resist lyrics like "Does she know how you told me until you die-but you're still alive?")

The album has such amazing works on it.

3. Perfect is one of my favorites. The pressure people put on you, what they expect from you- it's just to exhausting sometimes. "We love you, if you're perfect" is often the feeling you get from parents or siblings. Anyone could relate to this song.

5. Right Through You is simply irresistible. "You scan the credits for your name and wonder why it's not there." "Narcissus" (On Under Rug Swept) sort of sounds like a follow-up to this.

7. You Learn is possibly my favorite of the album. You live, you learn, you lose, you learn. This is so universal and always sounds fresh. I love listening to it!

9. Mary Jane is a really odd song, but very soft compared the rest. It's a nice change in tempo.

10. Ironic is absolutely outstanding. She tells several stories with the lyrics and it too is a little bit softer than the other tracks.

An unfortunate axiom in music history is that rock music has been and perhaps always will be a male-dominated scene. That's not to say there haven't been any notable females in the history of rock music, but few of them were ever fully embraced. Then of course, there was Alanis Morissette. Her international debut "Jagged Little Pill" was released in 1995 to monumental success, earning the distinction of becoming one of the ten best-selling albums of all-time with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. Since then however, the album hasn't aged well due to public dissatisfaction with Morissette's follow-up albums, leading many to label "Pill" a fluke. Other detractors have condemned Morissette's lyrics and vocals and questioned whether or not she could ever be considered a legitimate rock musician. Though "Pill" does indeed have its flaws, it is still unquestionably one of the best rock albums to have ever been released. "The Dark Side of the Moon," "Hotel California," "Led Zeppelin IV," "Nevermind," "Back in Black," "The Wall," "Ten," "Exile on Main Street," and "Appetite for Destruction" are not immaculate by any standards but are still among some of history's most beloved rock albums. Each of them are considered pioneers in establishing rock music as groundbreaking, emotionally engaging music that told epic stories and appealed to millions upon millions of people over several generations. Though "Jagged Little Pill" may never earn the accolades it deserves, it belongs among the list of aforementioned albums as a true masterpiece. What makes it so remarkable is that it manages to run the gamut of emotions through the course of only twelve songs. Despite being pegged as an angry, bitter break-up album, it in fact, is overwhelmingly optimistic. Morissette's vocals are delivered with brazen conviction and her novel approach to songwriting astounded so many people upon first impression that Morissette established herself as a genuine one-of-a-kind talent. Glen Ballard's emphasis on melody over production helped "Pill" make an impact, but Alanis's emphasis on honesty over all else helped break down barriers for women in rock music, providing a voice to a demographic that was (and unfortunately still is) too often ignored. "You Oughta Know" and "Right Through You" are downright ferocious, "Ironic," "Hand in My Pocket", and "You Learn" are uplifting, "Perfect" and `Mary Jane" are tender, "All I Really Want," "Not The Doctor," and "Wake Up" are persevering. Both men and women alike connected with the themes in all of these anthems. Morissette provides a voice for every "underestimated, impatient little girl" and "trembling little boy with his head in his hands" who have had to overcome some form of overwhelming adversity in their life. "Jagged Little Pill" displays the work of a woman who had more wisdom at the age of 20 than most people gather in their entire life. People of all genders, races, ages, and orientations can find something endearing in this album and it is inarguably one of the most definitive classics in music history.

I never really liked Alanis until i heard "Ironic"..i then listened to her album and...wow, i jus completely changed my view on her. My personal favourite is "You Oughta Know", its just...rage and emotion, some think she's crazy, but..i think thats good music. Same goes to "Right Through U" and "Unforgiven". All the songs on this album are different from each other. They have different meanings and topics,no wonder why she won album of the year at the Grammys. I also love "Hand In My Pocket" and "You Learn". I love the harmonica in "Head Over Feet", u jus cant match it. "Mary Jane" really shows her vocal ability and her hittin the high notes, i guess u can call it the "ballad" on the album.Overall, whoever doesnt have this album..its a must, ur missin out.

1995 belonged to an angst-ridden woman by the name of Alanis Morissette. Perhaps you have heard of her? ''Jagged Little Pill was released without much attention atteched to it, which resulted in landing Alanis Morissette's Jagged album the No. 117 spot on the album chart in the US. Howevever as ''You Oughta Know'' raced up the airplay charts and MTV played the video non-stop, it was a given that ''Jagged Little Pill'' would turn out to become a hot seller in the end. The album displayed with each single releases that it was filled with massive hit potential and everyone seemed to have a favourite among the various releases. Suprisenly the single releases weren't the only good offerings on ''Jagged Little Pill, the non-release tracks were top-notch material as well.

When the success-train ended, Jagged Little Pill had sold a massive 28 millions and became the biggest selling female album of all time. Now second to Shania Twain's ''Come On Over'' though it was still an impressive feist and still remains so.

The album teaser ''All I Really Want'' sets the album off to a perfect start. The demanding offering was a minor hit though by the time, it had been released everyone pratically own the album. Even to this day, I still enjoy putting this song on when I have had a day where I simply can't be bored anymore. As Alanis Morissette stats ''And All I Really Want Is Some Patience'' and I couldn't agree more. There jump-starter off the album ''You Oughta Know'' gathered the attention of listeners around the world with its confronting lyrics and heavy rock sound. It has become an athem for all the ''wronged'' female and males as well. The video sees Alanis Morissette in a desect with bare feet, raving and displaying the world her anger.

Another highlight would most certainly included the superb ''Ironic''. It managed to put Alanis on the map everywhere and sales of ''Jagged Little Pill'' rose though the roof. The song deals witall the ironic elements in life such as ''It's Like Meeting The Man Of My Dreams And Then Meeting His beautiful Wife''. Need I Say More? The verses are used to point out the ironic situations of life, whereas the chorus is packed with anger and frustation. ''Hand In My Pocket'' showcases Alanis fondness for checky lyrics. The contradinting lyrics are rather strange at times, however it works extremely well with the melody. It still remains one of my favourite Alanis Morissette songs ever.

''You Learn'' and ''Head Over Feet'' gave the public a different perspect of the now branded angst-ridden woman. ''You Learn'' had a less agressive sound to it and the message of essential feeling we all deal with thoughout life. We laugh, we cry, yet we continue to learn and devople. ''Head Over Feet'' is a statement of love to a lover. Perhaps to show Alanis' tender side, it was choosen as a single release. I still think there are better songs on the album than ''Head Over Feet'', however the need for diversity, in terms of subjects, are understandable.

In terms of non-single releases ''Right Through You'' is among my favourites on ''Jagged Little Pill''. It could easily have been a single and enjoyed success as well. It's quite an underrated gem, I believe Alanis played it on tour as well and it was an instant crowd pleaser. Alanis also displays other subjects on ''Jagged Little Pill''. From ''Perfect'' to ''Mary Jane'', the album contains more ''bashing'' the male species. ''Perfect'' is a mid-tempo rock ballad of being ''Perfect''. It's sung to a boy/girl by a parent. Sure the subject is interesting though I think it's one of the weaker offerings as I don't really care for the melody and Alanis' vocals.

People tend to complain of the Alanis' weak voice, however the hidden bonus track ''Your House'' (?) displays the need for a powerful voice isn't always needed to make a statement. Simplicity is the key factor. It just consits of Alanis and her voice. ''Forgiven'', ''Mary Jane'', ''Not The Doctor'' and ''Wake Up'' are good offerings as well, however the ones, mention above, are undenialable my choices of the best songs on ''Jagged Little Pill''. An ''alternative version'' of ''You Oughta Know'' is also found on the album, however it doesn't differ much for the original version. The point of adding it to the album still hasn't dawned upon me, so I will leave it as that.

So what is it about ''Jagged Little Pill'' that had/has an entire generation of teenagers captivate? Alanis Morissette was able to tap into the minds of teenagers around the globe with an album, consisitong of enjoyable ''rock'' songs. The subjects are universal and perhaps that explains one of the main reasons why the album is still relevant. Melody-wise and lyrically you will surely be able to find albums that are stronger, however ''Jagged Little Pill'' will always remain a favourite of mine. It basically defined the mid 90's of my life and perhaps that is the reason why I keep going back and listening to it.

Since the release of ''Jagged Little Pill'', Alanis Morissette has released two studio album ''Supposed Former Infaution Junkie'' and ''Under Rug Swept. Yet ''Jagged Little Pill'' is still her most talked about and it's still my favourite Alanis Morissette album as well though with her third ablum release on the way, perhaps Alanis Morissette might surprise me. ''Jagged Little Pill'' is a must-have in every record collection, so go get it.

Overall Rate: 9.8/10

This is by far Alanis' best work and always will be. There really is no question why this record sold 14 to 20 million copies, being that from start to finish you get the ultimate music experience. It's a perfect fresh start the public needed after Kurt Cobain's death. Each of the songs are fresh, raw, and catchy, and the lyrics are honest and empathetic. Being a teenage girl, I can relate to and understand each and every lyric much better than I would have been able to five years ago when I received this as Christmas gift in 1996 at 11 and one half years. Oops! I just revealed my age and probally repelled the reader from finishing this. I liked the music, but could only understand some of the words which makes listening to this today two times the charm. Alanis was 21 when she wrote and recorded this, and though she was speaking of her own angst and pains, I'm sure she intended to reach out to other people in her age group including me. The music alone is great and the entire album is one large highlight. Here's a brief summary list of the songs and I how I interpereted and connected to the lyrics:
1) "All I Really Want" A request for an escape from stress and to take happiness in the things that really matter.
2) "You Oughta Know" Well, this is her first single, and I'm pretty sure we all know what this song is about. I'm avoiding dating but I can relate to similar situations with any jerk.
3) "Perfect" This song is basically about being pressured to satisfy everyone around you and not being accepted. Alanis specifically wrote it about parental pressure and her anorexia.
4) "Hand In My Pocket" This is a great catchy song, and I'm pretty sure it's about not having to be all or nothing: you can be satisfied in the middle and enjoy a variety, you get what I'm saying?
5) "Right Through You" Yeah! Couldn't have said it better myself! Listen to the song and you'll know what I mean.
6) "Forgiven" I'm not quite sure, but this song might be about religious pressure?
7) "You Learn" This song is about learning from your experiences and don't be afraid to experiment with life.
8) "Head Over Feet" This is basically just a love/friendship song. The music is better than the words.
9) "Mary Jane" This is an ode to a lost and confused grieving friend.
10)"Ironic" This many peoples' favorites and hence the title it's about irony in life.
11)"Not The Doctor" This is one of those songs I can relate to more than anything, it's about being fed up with having to be responsible for someone 24/7.
12)"Wake Up" This song is a message to people who are so dissatisfied with life, but don't do anything to improve.
13) "You Oughta Know" (reprise)
14) "Your House" An accapella. Boring.
I know a lot of people who own this album, and I don't hear any complaints.

I bought this cd on a whim during a trip where I really didn't have a whole lot to do. It's the best cd in my collection now. This cd is not girl power, it's woman power. It kills you again and again and then resurrects you just when you think you've gotten into a rut. The vocals are fantastic, not everyobdy's thing, but I love how it only adds to the honesty. The song's literally come back to you later. I would be interrupted after one verse and be dying to see what came after. It's true artistic genius and truth. It can easily be compared to Nirvana's music, it's that raw. And if you really want thrills, listen to the hidden track's second song. Amazing. A must for any CD collection especially since it was rated the best rock CD in the last 22 years by Vh1. They really know their stuff. I was very impressed and I know you'll love it too.

If there is one CD I really believe everyone should own, this is it. I've had it since the fourth grade, and (unlike a lot of my other music selections from back then) I actually still listen to it. I do know that not everyone will fall in love with Alanis' 'Jagged Little Pill' the way I have, but I really believe that no matter what genre people prefer, everyone has to respect the fact that Morissette is a true talent. This is the album that skyrocketed the singer-songwriter into worldwide fame and fortune. And, although she's yet to outdo her sales for 'Jagged Little Pill' (and probably never will), that success plays a large part in continuing to keep Morissette's follow-up albums on the charts.

The album starts with 'All I Really Want', it's filled with emotion as Alanis lets us all know (surprise!) what she really wants. The song seems to be directed at a lover who doesn't quite understand why his girlfriend seems to be so crazy ("I'm like Estella/I like to reel it in and then spit it out/I'm frustrated by your apathy"). The second song on 'Jagged Little Pill', and the first single to drop from it, is 'You Oughta Know'. This track is about an ex who's now with another woman. Keeping within the theme of the album, this is another angry, emotionally-charged number putting Alanis at the top of a lot of people's "Wow, is this chick pissed off, or what?" lists. 'Perfect' is the first slow song on the album and it's sung from the point of view of demanding parents. With lyrics like "If you're flawless, then you'll win my love" and "That simply wasn't good enough/To make us proud", it's hard to tell whether Alanis possibly wrote the song about her own family life, or if it's merely a critique pointing a finger at other critical parents.

'Hand In My Pocket' is one of the only songs off of 'Jagged Little Pill' in which Alanis doesn't seem upset at anyone. True, she doesn't sound overly excited about life in it either, but the lyrics are among the more positive and optimistic ones on the album. She basically states that no one has life "all figured out just yet" but in the end, everything will "be quite alright". The fifth track, 'Right Through You', is among my favourites from this CD. It starts out quite slowly before gradually slipping into another anger-filled song where Alanis croons out her angst-y lyrics in her unique not-quite-but-almost-yelling voice. 'Forgiven' is, oddly enough, actually about going to church. Morissette reminisces about all the times she went to church when she was younger. Reflecting on her choir days, confession, and (of course) famous Catholic guilt. The seventh track, 'You Learn' basically goes through the fact that, no matter what you do, you'll end up learning a lesson at the end of the day. It has very simple music and very simple lyrics to match. It's also the track which contains the album's title ("Swallow it down (what a jagged little pill)/It feels so good (swimming in your stomach)/Wait until the dust settles").

'Head Over Feet' is my very favourite song on 'Jagged Little Pill'. Although it's quite a bit different than the other tracks (definitely not as angry), it fits surprisingly well into the album. It's quite slow, and deals with a lover who (amazingly enough) Alanis doesn't despise. Right after 'Head Over Feet' is another slow song, 'Mary Jane' deals with a girl going through emotional difficulties, and it's actually made me cry a couple times (that's a big feat, considering I have a heart of stone). 'Ironic' is probably one of Alanis' most famous songs ever. It's not slow, but it's not exactly fast either. It's extremely simple, yet I don't think I've ever met anyone who doesn't know at least a portion of the lyrics off by heart. My favourite line? "And life has a funny way of helping you out when/You thing everything's gone wrong and everything blows up in your face". Moving away from the "slow" songs, 'Not The Doctor' is another great track. It's got great lyrics about not wanting to be the person who's relied on for fixing what someone else has screwed up.

Nearing the end of the album, 'Wake Up' is an absolutely fabulous song. I am really not exaggerating when I refer to it as flawless. Take the first verse for example,

"You like snow but only if it's warm
You like rain but only if it's dry
No sentimental value to the rose that fell on your floor
No fundamental excuse for the granted I'm taken for"

No matter how many times I hear it, I know it will never grow old. The alternate take of 'You Oughta Know' is no different than the original other than the secret track that's found at the very end of it. Personally, I completely love the hidden track. It was done with no background music at all, and it really allows Alanis' singing talent to shine through. You thought all she could do was scream? Listen to this track, then try to argue that point. It's about visiting her current beau's house (without permission) and finding a letter from another woman there. It really is a great song, I'm very happy that they decided to include it.

All in all, as previously stated, I definitely recommend Alanis Morissette's 'Jagged Little Pill' to anyone and everyone. It's an absolute masterpiece that no CD collection should be without. It was the second CD I ever bought, and I've never looked back. I know every lyric, every melody, every pitch... it's fantastic.

THE FINAL VERDICT: 100%

All of you, who wish to call yourselves fans of alternative rock should first own Alanis' Jagged Little Pill. It's a Cd with music that's still fresh in 2004 and that has set the example for many new artists like Michelle Branch or Avril Lavigne.

Although both Avril & Michelle move in the same paths as Alanis, what they don't quite get is what Alanis triumphs upon in this album.

And that's making fresh music, that first of all they are gonna enjoy listening to and then their fans.

My songs rating is as follows:

1.ALL I REALLY WANT : 3/5 -a songs that stick to ur head
2.U Oughta Know :5/5-a classic Rock song and one of my favorites
3.Perfect: 4/5 - a mellow and sweet song about pressure upon children by their parents
4.Hand In My Pocket: 5/5- It's amazing how in just one song she can fit a whole life
5.Right Through You: 1/5- Not a good moment of the album
6.Forgiven: 4/5- another great moment
7.You Learn : 5/5 - a valuable rock lesson about life
8.Head Over Feet :5/5- Another great mellow ballad
9.Mary Jane: 5/5- A Great Story, an Awsome Song
10.Ironic : 5/5 - A really great song about life's irony
11.Not The Doctor: 2/5 - Just good, nothing special
12.Wake Up:2/5 - same here, nothing special.

For high school kids today, who were born in the late-80's and early 90's and may have been too young to remember this album, or for anyone looking to hear what the sound of the 90's was all about, they should check out "Jagged Little Pill" as this was the quintessential 90's album: When music was actually original and said something in a different and interesting way (as opposed to record company creations today doing remakes and then having tiresome tabloids trumpet how wonderful they are week after week after boring week).

Perhaps Morissette did sound "angry" but the emotions she expressed here are what everybody has felt at one time or another. Everyone's been angry (dare I say jealous?) at being dumped and the other person seemingly going about life as though nothing were wrong while you're falling apart ("You Oughta Know").

The one song that sticks out for me is "Ironic." Come on, if that doesn't describe life in a nutshell, I don't know what song does!

Alanis Morissette is another in a long line of very talented Canadian imports and kudos to Madonna for discovering her.