Jagged Little Pill

Let'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.

God has spoken.

I didn't grow up in the 90s but this is what I imagine it sounded like.

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

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.

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

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

Alanis Morisette looks like John Travolta. This album really does nothing for me. It occupies the mid-90’s cultural slough whose festering miasma spread well into the 2000’s. It is an anthem for being too hot in pyjama pants on a summer day at 12:45 pm and wanting to kill yourself; that feeling of having completely wasted your day and that, consequently, you’ll do the same for your entire life. It makes me feel like my head is under a heat lamp, like I’ve been sitting on a hot sidewalk all day. The vibe is just not good at all. The lyrics and vocal technique feel like an Adam Sandler number. It’s very cheesy, the kind of thing women like Tony Soprano’s sister listen to. It’s what your very sweaty, overweight, bead obsessed aunt and her boyfriend listen to in their 1995 Honda accord with no air conditioning while they smoke with the windows up and sway their heads back and forth like they’re waving candles at some boomer concert, then consistently, loudly, and obnoxiously shushing whenever you ask them to turn it down or crack a window. It’s fine, just not really my thing.

Absolutely legend. 90s in the best way possible.

Like an angry version of Friends. Anthemic, feminist themed. Vocals start to jar after a while but some interesting lyrics in parts.

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

Dripping in 90s cheese, when it hits is very good, but when it misses its downright awful. It hits more than misses but I cannot shake the feeling that computers are working overtime to give it that sound. It's a 3

The influence of Jagged Little Pill on post-pop progressive death metal cannot be overstated. 4

Another day, another dose of nostalgia from the 1001 Albums Generator. These early-mid 90’s records really end up putting me in an odd headspace sometimes. This isn’t a record I ever listened to intentionally, but I know a lot of it…how could I not? I was a teenager in 1995, consuming as much MTV as I possible could and I knew plenty of people who were Alanis Morrisette fans. So when a record like this gets assigned, it’s inevitable that I end up thinking about those people, the fun times…about the 90’s. …and you know what, it’s comforting. It feels good, most of the time. Occasionally, that comfort becomes uncomfortable: you think about something stupid you said to someone or how you haven’t really kept in touch with some of the people you are thinking about and you’re not really sure why that happened other than it’s just what happens as you get older. An odd feeling, without a doubt and I’m not sure I’m conveying it well through these written words. Funny how that happens, you have this feeling going on and, try as you might, you can’t really convey it properly. I don’t know…it’s…I guess if I had to really pinpoint it, narrow it down for a stranger, I would probably tell them… IT’S LIKE RAAAAAAAAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY IT’S A FREE RIDE WHEN YOU’VE ALREADY PAID IT’S THE GOOD ADVICE THAT YOU JUST DIDNT TAKE AND WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? IT FIGURES.

Alannis seems to have had some bad relationship experiences, and I'm not 100% surprised - it sounds like she would be a bloody nightmare 🤣. Overall an OK listen and some good tracks but a bit angry & shrill so won't be rushing back to it!!

i was originally disappointed seeing this album pop up because i *LOATHE* "ironic," but it wasn't as bad as i thought. largely fine, though her voice really irritates me. i know that's not an original critique, but i don't care!

Alanis Morissette rocks!

Isn't it iconic, er, ironic don't ya think?

So 90's that it borders on distracting. There are a ton of iconic jams on this album. Alanis' trademark strained vocals fit right into the alt rock / grunge that the 90s were seeing. This is one of those albums that made it out of that decade not looking completely ridiculous in the process. Enough here that anyone could enjoy.

Catchy, annoying, bad and good. A snapshot of the 90’s worth a listen but I still have trouble liking this

Absolutely miserable experience. Lyrics and vocals are annoying, over-the-top making this album a chore to listen to. If you never liked listening to 'Ironic' then skip this one. Best song: Right Through You (the least irritating song, very radio-friendly) Worst song: You Oughta Know (someone was very salty about their ex)

my favourite album ever

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

Five stars isn't enough.

amazing album. played on repeat for a few months during college

Still so good. Nothing but cuts.

+ 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.

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.

meh

If you’ve ever listened to an adult contemporary station you know the highlights. Great singles boring deep tracks

Pretty good album overall

A 90s classic but not really my bag, and I find Alanis’ voice a bit grating at times. Important record for WOMEN in ROCK though, and I am an ALLY.

Nr. 161/1001 All I Really Want 3/5 You Oughta Know 3/5 Perfect 3/5 Hand In My Pocket 3/5 Right Through You 3/5 Forgiven 2/5 You Learn 3/5 Head Over Feet 3/5 Mary Jane 2/5 Ironic 4/5 Not The Doctor 3/5 Wake Up 3/5 Average: 2,92 Okay-ish pop record, just a bit too whiny at times for me.

You read, you learn. You hear, you learn. You rate, you learn.

Las dos canciones conocidas no están mal. El resto bastante flojo.

Not for me whatsoever, the only song I enjoyed on the record was 'perfect'

kinda meh,

It’s very 90s: Seattle-ish angst with a bit of a Britpop dressing. Her vocals get really tiring after a bit though.

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.

Flea and dave Navarro on “you oughta know”

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?

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

Easy 5 for me.

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*

Muy bien Alanis!

That album with the one song.

Very good

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.

Nostalgia maybe but love this album

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.

One of my favorite albums ever

Quintessential 90's - enjoyed all songs except for last track.

muito bom, melhor do que eu esperava

Love this album

Another best! Quirky cool Alinis never disappoints

Classic

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?

Buen disco con muchos éxitos.

Didn't even have to listen to know this is a 5 for me (but I listened anyway.)

Holds up like yesterday. Forgot how many singles were on this album.

5/5 - Iconic release

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.

I have been a fan of this album since its release and I still am!

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.

Love!

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.

The very first one. Duh!

: )

This one goes up on my list 😘

Isn't it iconic

A la, a la Alaniss!

I loved this album in high school and still have the CD. Love it even more now.

Classic

Hit after hit after hit. I even loved the lesser known tracks.

Bom

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.

Apenas a voz da minha adolescência. Perfeito.

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.