Phenominal

With Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, Alanis Morissette knew she was throwing all of her fame from her debut away. She couldn't handle all of this "angry superstar" idea the media has put on her, all of the screaming fans stalking her 24/7 and of course, the hectic promotions, touring, and interviewing. I wouldn't say throwing your fame away is a sign of a real artist because it has its merits and consequences but it is a sign of an singer/songwriter who didn't want any fame to begin with; just the freedom to explore who she is artistically and musically and sharing it with the world, successful or not. Alanis doesn't regret creating the perfection that is Jagged Little Pill but nonetheless, she doesn't want to be known as the woman who sung "You Oughta Know" with the most rage a person has ever seen a woman sing before. Sadly, nobody really knows her other than that, at least the mainstream audience. And if you ever doubt Jagged Little Pill and its greatness, think again. This critically acclaimed, commercially successful Juggernaut has not been repeated still, and this feat will probably never will be.

An album of this caliber deserves to be remembered forever. While other Alanis' songs like "Thank U" and "Uninvited" rank high among Jagged Little Pill's tracks, none of them ever reached the height of what this album has brought to the table and chances are they never will, from now and forever. It's easy to say "You Oughta Know" is the best track off the album, and that's true, but that's not all the album has to offer. While "You Oughta Know" is an angry grunge to teen angst with adult language, the album is anything but. "You Oughta Know" is the only angry song in the entire album, while the rest of the album is chock full of confusion ("All I Really Want"), anguish ("Wake Up"), sadness ("Mary Jane"), bittersweet happiness ("Head Over Feet") and of course, magnificent pop ("Ironic"). There's even life lessons learned on "You Learn," a weird yet creative tale of life lessons, day in and day out, over a hip-hop loop and echoing guitars.

It's incredible Alanis reached 30 million worldwide with Jagged Little Pill, because, well, let's face it, nobody was really successful doing this kind of music, especially females. At the same time, Alanis is a unique performer, one who was and still is one of a kind. A woman with an incredible range, vocal power, and the talent to actually write every single lyric with wise antics and sing every word with the emotion she's trying to portray. Not only does Alanis Morissette deserve respect for her success but also for actually paving the way for artists such as Avril Lavigne, P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, the woman who sung "I'm A B*tch" and of course, proving a male dominated industry the reason to move over on the charts.
This fact is the main point of Jagged Little Pill. It's to prove the revolution the 90s used to know as Alanis Morissette. She is a force to be reckoned with. A force TO BE reckoned with. Though her music now is suffering dramatically by declining sales (the economy isn't helping either), her music should live on by all fans and non-fans alike.

Songs like the slow burning ballad "Perfect" ("Sometimes it's never quite enough...," Alanis sings in such depression) and the irritated sound of "Right Through You" should make Jagged Little Pill a bit more evident of its proof for songwriting domination. The melodies are strong in not only these two songs but all of the songs deliver each unique quality to the table, especially the intro "All I Really Want," with a hip-hop feel to it echoing with guitars and harmonicas that leave Alanis just confused of the world, screeching as if there was no tomorrow. Songs such as these and especially "You Oughta Know" fit Alanis best, as her voice is able to roam wherever the untamed tool decides to turn. Softer and more vulnerable songs like "Head Over Feet" have a sense of niceness to it, somewhat lacking the creativeness of other songs on the album but that's not to say the song isn't good. It makes for a challenging song that nonetheless passes with at least a B.

Jagged Little Pill has already made its mark and it's possibly forgotten by 75% of the mainstream audience that liked her back then. But buying this album and listening to it all over again will make every second worth while because when it comes down it, you are listening to a genius. A creative and distinctive artist. A goddess in the musical landscape. Most of all, though, you are listening to a force. A force who's evidence of being a force to be reckoned with is in the music. If you don't know by now, it's already been proven.

Bold Tracks Are Best 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 / Your House

RATING: 5/5

"You Oughta Know," "Ironic" - 2 of The Best 200 Pop Songs Of All Time.