In an almost euphoric way, listening to Alanis Morissette's latest album "Under Rug Swept" is like a journey through a tunnel - from dark to light.
The most disenchanting part of owning an Alanis Morissette album is that she really doesn't care what you think. Although it would be easy to toss the album aside in spite of ignorance, she won me seven years ago with her album "Jagged Little Pill." Like her first album, "Under Rug Swept" is simply impossible to toss aside. In fact, the album will probably receive much wear and tear from heavy rotation in my CD player.
Nearly three years since her last album, "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie," Morissette has proved that she just needed some time to live life and gather her thoughts.
These thoughts, combined together, make for a diverse mix of music ranging from heavy rock to more subtle songs carefully arranged throughout the album.
In many ways, "Under Rug Swept" is similar to "Jagged Little Pill" in that by one listen to the song you are automatically hooked. I remember listening to the first Morissette CD wondering how she ever wrote a song that good. I felt a sense of nostalgia as I listened to the new album, thinking the same things.
While the album has the same addictive, melancholy melodies, it is evident that Morissette's music has grown and matured.
Morissette has the rare talent of mixing lyrics relative to many people's lives with songs that are like a bad drug. It is addictive and you hate to love it.
The album's first single "Hands Clean" is one of the most stimulating songs I've ever heard. Not only is the song written well, but the theme of it is extraordinary.
The song is about a past relationship with the verse and chorus demonstrating alternating voices. The verses are from the viewpoint of an ex-boyfriend and the chorus is Morissette displaying her own feelings. Not only is the song well-crafted, but the lyrics painstakingly hit you in the heart.
"I wish I could tell the world cuz you're such a pretty thing when you're done up properly. I might want to marry you one day. If you'd watch that weight and keep your firm body," Morissette sings in the voice of an ex.
The first track "21 Things I want in a Lover" sets the tone for the whole album as Morissette tells exactly what she wants in a man. The electric guitar automatically gets the song going as Morissette croons the lyrics in her signature voice that sets her apart from other female vocalists.
As the album moves from dark to light, the album ends with "Utopia" using light guitars and percussion. The song describes what a life in utopia would be like - expanding and including, allowing and forgiving.
The ironic aspect of "Utopia" is that the song conveys the feelings that the album as a whole made the listener feel throughout all 11 tracks. In a strange way, you're made to feel that maybe what she is saying is true. For once an album has persuaded me to open my arms and jump in as it takes me away.
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