Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
1995
Album Summary
Jagged Little Pill is the third studio album by Canadian singer Alanis Morissette, released on June 13, 1995, through Maverick. It was her first album to be released worldwide. It marked a stylistic departure from the dance-pop sound of her first two albums, Alanis (1991) and Now Is the Time (1992). Morissette began work on the album after moving from her hometown Ottawa to Toronto, making little progress until she traveled to Los Angeles, where she met producer Glen Ballard. Morissette and Ballard had an instant connection and began co-writing and experimenting with sounds. The experimentation resulted in an alternative rock album that takes influence from post-grunge and pop rock, and features guitars, keyboards, drum machines, and harmonica. The lyrics touch upon themes of aggression and unsuccessful relationships, while Ballard introduced a pop sensibility to Morissette's angst. The title of the album is taken from a line in the first verse of the song "You Learn". Jagged Little Pill was a worldwide commercial success, topping the charts in thirteen countries. With sales of over 33 million copies worldwide, it is one of the best-selling albums of all time and made Morissette the first Canadian to achieve double diamond sales. Jagged Little Pill was nominated for nine Grammy Awards, winning five, including Album of the Year, making the then 21-year-old Morissette the youngest artist to win the top honor up to that point. Rolling Stone ranked Jagged Little Pill at number 69 on its 2020 list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time".The album has been re-released twice: on October 30, 2015, in a 2-disc deluxe edition and a 4-disc collector's edition commemorating its 20th anniversary; and on June 26, 2020, in a 25th anniversary deluxe edition. An acoustic re-recording of the album was released on June 13, 2005, to mark its 10th anniversary. A musical stage production based on the album premiered at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge on May 5, 2018; it transferred to Broadway the following year, and was nominated for 15 Tony Awards including Best Musical. A world tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of Jagged Little Pill began in early 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WikipediaLet's get one thing out of the way: this album is DATED. The mixing, the songwriting, the instrumentation ... everything about this album firmly plants it in a specific time frame. Usually, that's a bad thing when the time frame is mid-90s. Somehow (and I'm not sure how, honestly), "Jagged Little Pill" manages to be both a perfect example of an album from '95 AND a great album. There are things that I don't like ... but not enough for me to give it anything less than 5 stars. There are too many great tracks. It demands a 5-star review.
Men on this list when they're broken up with: "The clouds in my heart shed cumulus tears / the pain won't mend for a matter of years" Women on this list when they're broken up with: "Does your new bitch even let you bust in her mouth?" Fuckin' A, Alanis. It's definitely one of the more dated sounding records the generator's handed out so far, but that didn't stop me from digging Neneh Cherry, and it doesn't stop me here. Nix some of the softer filler tracks and you have a real banger on your hands. Key tracks: All I Really Want, You Oughta Know, Right Through You
I didn't grow up in the 90s but this is what I imagine it sounded like.
It's a noteworthy accomplishment for Alanis to represent such emotional and dark themes through an up-beat, mainstream pop driven instrumentation. The album is a collective statement and fierce representation of her artistry within the rock genre. There is no doubt that Alanis is one of the most unique and distinctive singer-songwriters in modern music history, which this album solidified. Stand-Outs: All I Really Want, Perfect (understated song), Head Over Feet, Ironic, You Oughta Know
Gen X's "Blue", which means that "Exile In Guyville" is Gen X's "Tapestry". I had those albums reversed at first until I remembered that, like Joni Mitchell, Alanis is from Canada. Besides, I prefer Guyville-Tapestry over Jagged-Blue, and I'm an actual Gen Xer, so I'm allowed to make my own silly rules. Your mileage may vary, but apparently Liz Phair and Alanis have become good friends. I guess it depends on whether you prefer blow jobs in a theater or getting fucked until your dick turns blue. They both sound like fun to me. A song as great as You Oughta Know deserves to be about someone other than Dave Coulier. I prefer the deep cuts over the hits here, and that's surely because everything released as a single after You Oughta Know was overplayed to the point of exhaustion. Alanis may not appreciate that. She doesn't seem to fully understand irony. But we shouldn't begrudge Alanis Morissette for that. She made a kick-ass album.
What is worse than something that is just bad? Something that almost is good sometimes, and then spoils it with more badness. Almost a 1, but "forgiven" and the really fantastic bass part on the otherwise blegh "you oughta know" saved it
Alanis Morissette gives the post-break-up singer-songwriter confessional album a new and decisively 90's overhaul in a post-grunge, post-riot grrrl world. It's bitter, jaded and cynical pop-rock, meaning that her best lyrics are the most conversational and cutting, the lines which drip with sarcasm. The first moment of genius comes in the second verse of "All I Really Want", when she asks "why are you so petrified of silence- can you handle this?" And then everything cuts to a few seconds of dead silence... before the voice comes back in- "Did you think about your bills, your ex, your deadlines, or when you think you're gonna die, or did you long for the next distraction?" It's glorious. She sells her anger perfectly and convincingly throughout: "You Oughta Know", "You Learn" and of course "Ironic" glow with a perfect combination of visceral rage, lyrical insight and radio-friendly rock. On the other side of the spectrum are the more optimistic, plaintive "Hand in My Pocket" and "Head Over Feet", sticking out like sore and lovesick thumbs. They might be lyrically trite in comparison, but they still shine with their sweeter, more pop-friendly melodies. My problem lies with the songs that don't quite seem to hit either side well, either sitting awkwardly in the middle or just becoming unpleasant on the ears. "Forgiven" shoots for a "You Oughta Know" style catharsis, but just feels grating and repetitive when the previous tracks have already got there, and "Not the Doctor" suffers coming off the back of "Ironic", dipping the pace to a lolloping growl. "Wake Up" is a weak ending as Morissette mumbles and shrieks her way through, in search of both a strong hook and a definitive sign-off. I didn't really feel either arrived. I find Morissette's vocals very overbearing at times, but Glen Ballard's production is also part of the problem: his de-facto method for going "angry" or "confessional" is by upping the distorted guitars and bringing more searing, wailing vocals up front. Even though Morissette's lyrics and subject matter allows for it, there's not a lot of dynamic range in the sound, or different means of expression. It frustrates me that we don't get more dialled back material on the level of "Perfect" or "Mary Jane", both showcasing Morissette's versatility as a songwriter and a vocalist. I'm intrigued to hear there's an acoustic version of the album recorded ten years later- and will definitely check this out to see if the songs are served any better. Despite all this, I'm feeling generous and can't argue against the strength of a lot of the songwriting. Bearing in mind a lot of the records I have given 3* and like a lot less, it's scraping 4* here. Definitely worth a listen for any songwriters getting in touch with their angry side!
worst album i’ve ever heard I would rather get a blowjob from a piranha than listen to this again the whole thing it just some canadian hoe bitching about her ex boyfriend while making donkey moans and terrible harmonica solos
5/28 Raw, emotional, mature. Standout Tracks: All I Really Want, Perfect, Forgiven, You Learn, Head Over Feet, Not the Doctor, Wake Up, You Oughta Know (Jimmy the Saint) / Your House
Ridiculously good alt rock album even though it is definitely something that could have only come out in the 90s. Experimental enough to make me question how this album became so popular in the first place
One of, if not THE first CDs I ever owned. I remember my dad being pissed that my mom let me listen to it. Def would’ve been a Lilith fair attendee
I've been meaning to listen to this for a while, and it turns out that about half of it are some of the most played radio hits of my childhood. All those songs are fantastic, and the deep cuts are good too.
+ Hand in My Pocket + You Oughta Know + You Learn + Head Over Feet + Ironic
Yes, she's angsty. But it's great writing, passionate songs. Really diverse and a great listen. I have to let my OCD relax listening to Ironic given that nearly all of her examples aren't really irony. Oi vey.
Oh 1995. That was 25 years ago and Alanis Morissette still sounds as original, as witty and as endearing as ever. The writing is frustrated without being angry, full of the gorgeous Gen X slacker irony (get it?) that has lost its way in the post internet days. While some may balk at Alanis' voice, the lyrics beneath it are so intricate and cutting that you can't help but sing along. There's pain, but there's triumph. Like "Hand in my Pocket" there's contradictions, there's a feeling of being stuck in the middle. Of feeling out of place. But then there's these moments of sweetness like on "Head over feet" full of the confused feeling that new love brings. Emotions are complicated, we're complicated and yet this album evokes that sentiment perfectly. Isn't that Ironic?
This middle finger to the patriarchy is just perfect. It's fun to give this a good listen as an adult with adult feelings. I felt the emotions of the album as a 12 year old but I understand the lyrics better as an adult.
Really great album all around. Strong and well known albums all throughout. 10/10.
crazy to go from Green Eyes on Mama's Gun to All I Really Want. I'm hooked immediately. Her rage just drips from every single note and vocal stab. Loads of different layers. It feels beat up and triumphant at the same time. Head Over Feet, You Outta Know, Ironic? All on the same album?
100/100 1 million / 5 God I fucking love this album so much lol. I can sing along to pretty much every song. No skips. Nostalgia. Feelings. Telling men theyre garbage. It’s all so. perfect.
Amazing album. Should devolve into meaningless trite but as good as it was 25 years ago.
maybe 4.5 but instantly re-listened , mix of rocky, angry and poppy tunes. loved it.
I will always love this album, it will always take me back to emotional high school days. I'd blast this album and take long drives and sing at the top of my lungs
It's honestly a crime how long it's been since I listened to You Oughta Know. That song is incredible and the beginning of the album matches it. With songs that are an emotional TRIP, rocking instrumentation, and powerful lyrics, this is certainly one of my favorite albums I've heard so far. Overall, I think the harmonica solos are a negative (especially on Head over Feet) but at least they're unique. This album also sounds a lot like Dear Evan Hansen (or I guess more correctly DEH was probably inspired by Alanis Morissette). That's to say that it's really dramatic and I love it. Morissette also sounds like Idina Menzel at times which is also pretty cool and I see why this was turned into a musical. Favorite Songs: All I Really Want, You Oughta Know, Hand in My Pocket, Forgiven, Ironic, Not the Doctor Least Favorite Song: Head over Feet Decent 9/10
Honestly this shit fucking bangs. Lot of sneaky hits in this one that I liked more and more as I listened multiple times. A surprising 5 but a 5 nonetheless Saved: All I Really Want, You Oughta Know, Ironic*
The pedantic complaining about “Ironic” is *literally* the most annoying thing in the universe. You know what she meant. Everyone talks about this album being really bitter, but it’s actually the upbeat songs that are standout for me. Favourite track: “Head over Feet” is kinda the perfect love song.
No wasted tracks on this album. I knew most of the singles (6!) as a teen but never listened to the full album. Great stuff - catchy, edgy, angsty, varied.
I was worried going into this album that this was just gonna be another album that has a strong female vocalist with a piano. Within the first minute, my expectations were subverted. Alanis' voice matches the chaos of 90's alternative rock and the angst that comes with it. Highlights: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10.
Such a great album. When this album came out I was obsessed with Alanis Morissette. The mid-to-late 90s belonged to her. Every song on this album may not be perfect (only one is actually) but it is SO good and it just brings back so many memories...it is a solid 5/5 for me. Standouts: You Oughtta Know, Perfect, Hand in My Pocket, You Learn, Ironic, Right Through You, Head Over Feet. And in case you are wondering the one perfect song, is "Perfect". But You Oughtta Know that right?
Didn't even have to listen to know this is a 5 for me (but I listened anyway.)
The universe is fucking with me at this point. A whole album about losing someone you love to another woman. Cheers.
Consider how unlikely it was that this album ever existed: After recording a couple of successful Canadian teen dance/pop records Alanis Morissette gets dropped from her label. Then at age 21 comes back to deliver 12 powerful, unflinching, passionate, honest, deep, dramatic personal songs with a range and depth most people couldn’t express in a lifetime. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime creations that sits at the top of the pile of my favorite albums. I don’t have a favorite song. Instead, how about some favorite moments… “Why are you so petrified of silence? Here, can you handle this?” - All I Really Want. “Every time I scratch my nails down someone else’s back I hope you feel it” - You Oughta Know (toxic males: please note how angry one can be without resorting to firearms). “We’ll love you just the way you are, if you’re perfect” - Perfect. “And what it all comes down to is that everything’s gonna be quite alright” - Hand in My Pocket. “You took me out to wine-dine-sixty-nine me, But didn’t hear a damn word I said” - Right Through You. “My brothers they never went blind for what they did but I may as well have” - Forgiven. “I recommend getting your heart trampled on to anyone” - You Learn. “You treat me like I’m a Princess, I’m not used to liking that, You ask how my day was” - Head Over Feet. “‘Cause all that matters, Mary Jane, is your freedom, So keep warm my dear, keep dry, Tell me what’s the matter Mary Jane?” - Mary Jane. “Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out” - Ironic. “I don’t want to be the sweeper of the eggshells that you walk upon and I don’t wanna be your other half, I believe that one and one make two” - Not The Doctor. “We’ll there’s an apprehensive naked little trembling boy with his head in his hands, and there’s an underestimated and impatient little girl raising her hand” - Wake Up. “So forgive me, love, If I cry in your shower, So forgive me love, For the salt in your bed” - Your House
What were you doing when you were 21? This woman was recording a masterpiece. Incredible.
Wait, she was 20 when she co-wrote and recorded this? Whoa. It's a nearly perfect album, and yet another one I've never listened to as such. This is why I'm here. I don't need to go on about the perfection of the six singles that came from this album. They speak for themselves. But in the context of an hour of listening it's all the more amazing how they go together with each other and the rest of the songs. "Perfect" will make you gulp (at the least!) if you're the parent of a teenager. I like that there's a raw edge to the singing in this one. "Right Through You" is so timely. Why didn't we talk about this more in 1995? You could make a two line poem from "You took a long, hard look at my ass/And then played golf for a while." That says all you need to know. "Your shake is like a fish/You pat me on the head" Ew. Ew. Ew. So happy she gets revenge. "Forgiven" is a powerful, emotional real song that goes so well with "Perfect." That anguished adolescent struggle to figure out how to reconcile who you feel you are, who you want to be, with who you are told you are supposed to be. Which is all the more terrifying for those who are threatened with eternal damnation for getting it wrong. "Mary Jane" was the one non-single that most grabbed my attention the most while listening through the album the first time. I've known a number of Mary Janes in my life and this brought them to mind vividly. "Not the Doctor" seems to be a good sequel and prescription to Mary Jane. "Wake Up" is a lovely end to the original album. Special bonus for the special bonus a cappella track "Your House." Scoring these albums has been tricky. I think about balancing the quality of singing, the backing music (interesting instrumentation played well), the songwriting and lyrics, the collection and progression of songs as an album, whether it's got a good beat and I can dance to it, and so on. Rating this album is easy, 'cause yes.
Catchy, emotionally charged, sonically fun and somewhat experimental for its time. While this isn't a frequented genre for me, I think this is peak 90s pop/rock that has aged pretty well.
Raw. An incredibly performed record. No notes. Favorite tracks: "Mary Jane", "Ironic", "All I Really Want", "Hand In My Pocket"
It seems to me this was a much more influential and groundbreaking album then it gets credit for. I remember see her the first time on SNL and being taken aback. I think this is a great album.
i have always loved this album. you oughta know is just BOMB. new appreciation for forgiven.
Oh yes, a quintessential 90s classic. A fantastic listen from start to finish, with good songs throughout and massive hits inbetween.
Fantastic bit of nostalgia. There is not a bad track on this - excellent lyrics and great music (albeit dated firmly in the 90s) Five stars well earned. Oooh, but does she actually understand the meaning of "ironic"? Who cares!
I think this still holds up well. A few lines are a bit clunky but that was probably always part of the appeal anyway - Alanis laying her individuality and attitude out there, no effs given. And there are some cracking 90s alt-rock tunes to boot. 4.5, but I'll round up. It's what my sister would want. Also, I've just found out Flea features on this record. Every day's a school day.
Me and Kate joke that this is the greatest album ever written.....but it's not entirely a joke, this angsty album is full of tunes that feel very nostalgic now, sound of 90s. Alanis has an interesting voice and the production on this album puts the vocals right in your face. There's also some interesting guitar parts and vocal melodies throughout
Amazing album. Her vocals are incredible on this and the emotions are palpable.
I loved this album in high school and still have the CD. Love it even more now.
Totally surprised that I enjoyed all the songs I wasn't familiar with!
One of my favourite albums ever. Every song is amazing, her vocals are so raw and emotional. Phenomenal.
This is a taste-defining album for me - one of the first CDs I owned. Still love it. The anger and rage filtered through grungy 90s pop hooks land perfectly.
A one of a kind talent! Love this album. Favorite tracks: You Learn, One Hand in my Pocket, You Oughta Know
Love this album; it has some great energy and fun lyrics. The music doesn't stand out too much, but it is also are on point.
I love this album, and I love Alanis Morissette, so this is going to be a biased review. There is something distinct about her sound and vocals that makes her stand out. Even if I'd never heard some tracks before, I'd know it's her because she's just that unique. Apart from the classic Ironic, all the other tracks are worth listening to too.
I don't think I'm the right audience for this album, but it sure is classic to me. I also mentally tie it a bit to Wildflowers, in the way the singer partnered with a producer to make a mid-90s emotionally resonant classic. Yeah, she oversings, but the rough takes make it even better. Hadn't pulled this out in a very long time. Oh, and that song with Navarro and Flea makes me think of an alternate history of Alanis over Chili Peppers compositions.
Another surprisingly great record. Alanis is a great songwriter, and you can tell by the composition of these songs that the production was also top notch.
My sister bought this record and I acted too cool for it even though I was intrigued. There were so many singles from the record. And Taylor Hawkins was her touring drummer. He slays in a performance of "You Oughta Know" on Letterman. This record is Morrissette's finest moment, by far.
One of the formative albums of my youth. Forgive me for my biased opinion.
Long time ago that I listened to this album as a whole. And it turns out to be even much better than I remembered. Not just the singles but all songs are top class: golden melodies, passionate vocals. It's aggressive and moving, tender and strong. A landmark of the nineties.
Maybe it's just nostalgia but this really worked for me. I forgot how many singles this album had and how much radio airplay it got. I won't say I'm an Alanis fan but it's hard not to give something 5 stars that I had so much fun listening to.
Alanis Morissette was inescapable in the mid to late 90s. I'm 95% sure I never owned this album, but the 5% is there because I know several of these songs by heart anyway. A fresh listen several years later reveals something raw and brutally honest, not to mention replayable. This album was lightning in a bottle. Best track: You Oughta Know
Lots of hits here - way more than I thought. This album holds up well. Her voice is so unique and communicates so much emotion. The band is just classic 90's. You Oughta Know still hits like a sledgehammer.
Este fue de los primeros CDs que tuve y la verdad es que qué buen disco. Me da gusto saber que ha envejecido con gracia y en esta ocasión me gustaron más las letras, supongo que de lo que habla me es más cercano ahora que cuando salió. You Oughta Know y Hand In My Pocket fueron las mejores, pero todas las canciones son buenas.
It's been easily a decade since I've listened to this album from front to back but the summer of '95 is was on perpetual repeat. That year I was a theater projectionist, but also for extra cash I cleaned three of the theaters in that six plex 3 mornings a week. Those audiences were absolute pigs. Endless popcorn spills, sitting on top of endless streams of sticky gross pop spills. SO. MUCH. MOPPING. This album helped me through that time, blasting it through the speakers. I can honestly say this album is as solid as it gets from start to finish with great songs to empower you through a time when for me things were not great. She was going through some shit. I was going through some shit of my own. She was a great shoulder to lean on. Great nostalgia trip going through this one again.
5/5 This album is so classic. I know every song so well. I thought that when it came up on the list I would think it was dated and lost some of its power, but nope, still great. love it.
Split up with boyfriend, throw troll at 14-inch TV with built in VHS recorder, watch Friends, have terrible hair, get shot by your brother's supersoaker, listen to Alanis Morissette. Because it's great. Especially You Oughta Know. And the typewriter font everyone used everywhere.
This is the first album I’ve been generated which I’d say I’m already very familiar with. It has been a few years since listening to it in full, but there will certainly be a somewhat positive leaning bias going into this. Songs I already know: all of them Favourite after listening: You Oughta Know, Hand In My Pocket Overall: 10/10 Now I know that it might seem like a high score, and you might be wondering how this album can rank as one of the best of all time but hear me out. Every ranking is personal to my own enjoyment, rather than how revolutionary the music might be. With that in mind, I can honestly say there is not a single song on here that I would ever skip past. Every song could have been released as a single (and a lot of them were). My partner and I often finding ourselves singing songs from this album when going about the house - “I’ve got one hand in my pocket, and the other one’s washing the dishes!” I know that the song Ironic doesn’t actually contain any Ironic situations, but I’d say that’s pretty ironic in itself. All in all, I’d say this is a must hear for anybody with at least a slight interest in 90’s alt music.
Wat een album. In 1995 was alternatieve rock ongeveer op z’n grootst op de radio (in Nederland KinkFM) en op de (toen nog) muziekzenders MTV en TMF. Een sterke stem, ijzersterke composities van Glen Ballard en de teksten die oprecht, gevoeld, en met humor of een middelvinger gezongen zijn. En dan ook die sterke eerste single You oughta know met Flea en Dave Navarro maakte alles vloeibaarder. Zes sterke singles van één album. Ze heeft het niet meer kunnen evenaren, maar goed, als dít je legacy is dan mag je dik tevreden zijn. Het is rock, stevig genoeg (legit) maar ook poppy en meezingbaar.
A fantastic album which should be a surprise to nobody. I have many nostalgic memories of listening to this on cassette. Too many good songs to list!
Did I know all the words, scream sing the very loudly, and listen to the full album twice? 1000p!!
Definitely a product of its time and I suppose a lot of my enjoyment comes from nostalgia but this album really does have a bunch of great songs on it. I “faved” just about every song on the album.
Pretty much a perfect time album. Pra tically half the songs were successful singles back during my youth. Made her an international star. Easy to listen to, alternative but with huge crossover appeal.
Main vocals are nasal and strident and demanding of attention. Many statements are imperatives, even the questions. Guitar sounds like a second voice with lots of power chords and progression. Unlike modern pop, complex melodic ideas that breathe on their own instead of simple ideas with complex harmonic interweaving. Rhythm slots around melody and harmony.
Cracked me up that my first album was one I was already intimately familiar with
i loved the album especially the lyrics i cried with mary jane, the production feels so fresh and balanced i think my favourite songs at first listen are mary jane, you learn and hand in my pocket
This was full of attitude and I loved hearing some familiar songs. Excellent!!!!
Hell yeah, this is a bop. Got all the hot tracks. Hot one after hot one, get at me.
I really like Alsnis Morissette and this is definitely one of her greatest albums. Although she sings off key sometimes I still really love her energy and her lyrics.
Great, fun album. My rating is however biased because I was already familiar with her music.
I've listened to a bunch of songs off of this album over the last year, but I haven't listened to the whole thing in nearly 25 years. The first half of this album is full of great songs. Her voice is powerful, and despite the fact that it hits some sour notes from time to time, it kind of fits with the passion of the album 4/5
I've listened to this album many times over the years, but it was fun to listen to the whole thing as an album. It holds up really well for the most part and brought back memories of first hearing it playing in my college bookstore!
I listened to this one as a kid, lots of memories here, but it has never been a breakup album for me.
you know what? i really fuck with it. it's ironic how straightforward alanis is given her most famous song is called "ironic". ok i'm done. fav track: hand in my pocket
I dig this. Her voice might not be for everyone but I think it does the 90s, young woman angst pretty well. Also more than half of this record is singles that were incredibly successful. The main focus is her lyrics but the playing on this record is nothing to slouch over either (Flea makes an appearance). Overall, solid 90s album. Favorite song: You Oughta Know Least favorite song: Not the Doctor
Listening back I am starting to see how it was turned into a musical, and I’d actually like to see it. Had some great flashbacks to when I was a kid in the 90’s and played this album a lot. Great portrait of the angsty 90’s pop rock and her voice comes through well on songs like “perfect”
That was my first time listening to the entire album. I believe this was enough to finally erase Alanis’ pop songs from memory.
Man I forgot just what a giant this album is, so many hits. Her voice and style opened the doors for so many.
Great album, definitely a classic from the 90s. Not a bad song on the album.
I liked this one quite a lot. I enjoyed the singing, the variety between songs and also the background music which usually sounded pretty simple superficially but still seemed to offer a lot of depth and variety between songs. Good album!
This album is a classic. Alanis manages to pack all of her greatest hits into one project, and even the most icons ones for the wrong reasons. A great blend of pop and alternative, with simple song themes of love and heartbreak. Favorite Song: You Oughta Know
i actually liked the album, it's nice but not as much as i thought it'd be, but it's something more personal, it's not a bad album. This one's pretty good, such a nice production, good letters and that's it good, but not that much. My favorite ones are Forgiven and You Oughta Know. Nice album, liked it.
I never liked female voices, and my 90s were all about grunge stuff mostly. However, I loved this album, hugely! It's fantastic. It's so out of my usual likes it always surprises anyone I confess to. You Oughta Know is one of the all time greatest pop songs, without question. I still love the album now, I haven't heard it in a while, this was a welcome reunion.
All I Really Want - Very good You Oughta Know - Amazing Perfect - excellent Hand In My Pocket - good Right Through You - very good Forgiven - amazing You Learn - very good Head Over Feet - excellent Mary Jane - excellent Ironic - amazing Not the Doctor - very good Wake Up - very good 9/10
loved "you oughta know" (Ofc), "hand in my pocket" OMFGGG this is such a good female empowerment album
Many songs recognizable from 90’s radio. Aged fairly well, background rock. 8.5/10
Damn, for some reason I wanted to not like this album. In spite of that I really enjoyed the hell of it. It really rocks in so many ways.
Had heard some of the songs previously but ended up really enjoying the whole album. Love the angst and capture of the mid-90s
I've heard a few Alanis Morissette songs in my life, and they're all on this album. It had like five hit singles apparently? That's kind of insane.
A total classic, an enjoyable angsty album! Never listened to the whole thing through before.
My sisters listened to this album on repeat for about 2 years during my teens. At the time I hated it, probably because of the amount I’d heard it at home but also on the radio. The fact that my sisters liked it probably added to it. As I’ve aged, I’ve mellowed to it and it’s now just nostalgia from my youth and I can appreciate the album more. Lots of catchy tunes, lots of angst lyrics
Great to finally hear the whole album. The singles still hold up, I wasn’t as into all of the songs but it is still an iconic album
Her best album and still one I can listen to every week and not get bored of.
Loved Ironic, You Oughta Know, Forgiven, All I Really Want rest of album was still decent but other songs don't stand out as much.
Wow the first CD I bought as a 10 year old. Happy to report my musical tastes have evolved significantly in the past 25 years, but this album still left a mark. I'll always remember trying to understand the lyrics and not knowing what to make of (that hasn't changed). On this listen, I was still impressed by Flea's bass on You Oughta Know and all those jangly guitar effects and 90s production tricks. Not all has aged well, but still something I'll come back to in 25 more years.
This is such a great album. What more can be said, this is one of those albums that stands the test of time.
Reminds me of the cranberries discography. Some hits, a pretty easy listen.
I really wanted to hate this album and tell Alanis to get over herself, you’ve been dumped. It happens. Coupled with the incessant, whiny vocal style I was pre disposed to hating it. BUT... There are some good rock anthems here and she has a good set of pipes on her. Coupled with a good quantity of radio tracks, this album turned out to be really rather excellent.
Played it to bits when it came out … But don’t really go back to it … 🤔 Some great songs and not even 20 from the heart lyrics and very immediate vocal performances … takes me back to a time and place in the soundtrack of my life
One from my teens. Enjoyed listening to it again after 25 years. Some weak songs but the good ones are still good
It's so fucking emotional and rich. Man, I fucking love her on the low. You oughta know man, She is just talking that fucking shit and I love it. Add in hands in my pocket and Ironic. Super solid album. Just emotions on full display with no covering it. AAAAHHHH fucking love it.
the album as a whole is pretty good pop music but "You Oughta Know" carries it hard
Raw and powerful vocals overlaying catchy alt rock melodies. Production value is among one of the best of the era. Morissette would play a pivotal role in female representation in pop music to come, inspiring dozens of female musicians such as Katy Perry, Pink, and Shakira. I absolutely love the raw emotion and mood shifts that Morissette uses to reach the audience beyond the lyrics. Favorite tracks are You Oughtta Know, Hand in My Pocket, and Forgiven.
Oke een album met gewoon keiveel wijvenschijven, dat kan niet anders dan goed zijn.
Took me back in time and I forgot just how many catchy hooks were on there. Also some irritating vocalization, but definitely a good bit of nostalgia and good to hear a strong female voice!
Mid 90's production abound but you can't fault the strength of these songs or the influence this album had on other female singer songwriters mining that angst. Best Tracks: All I Really Want; You Oughta Know; Ironic
I’m not too sure why I hadn’t heard this whole album before. It’s probably because I’ve heard about half the songs a million times over 25 years so I figured I’d heard the best of it. All the songs on here are jams though.
Actually genuinely good. Never heard any of the not hits on this and I like them.
Everyone knows this album, and has a favorite song off of it. Radio airplay was much better than I thought, and there are so many slappers packed in to this one album. Good job Alanis
Great album. I listened to this a lot when it first came out. 4 stars.
I feel like Thursdays are turning into the emotionally devastated days, this is a superb album
“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."
actually can't say I've listened to any part of the album other than the hits. I'm shocked how much I like the balance of the album. deserves it's credit.
So many classics. Amazing how many iconic singles are packed into a single album. You Learn is likely my favorite. 4/5