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(More customer reviews)Alanis Morissette's latest effort "Under Rug Swept" brings her progression as an artist full circle. Starting with the feminine angst driven and post-teen disenchantment of Jagged Little Pill; continuing with the sagacious, inspiring, alluring, and authenticity of Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie; and progressing with "Under Rug Swept," an album where Alanis puts on a sensual and human interaction hat.
21 Things displays a sort of sensual passion that works attractively with Alanis. The loud guitar and bluntly said prerequisites and check-list orientated requirements are both tongue-and-cheek and revealing, as the listener sees a bit more of Alanis's moral composition.
Narcissus is a critical track that is a musical masterpiece. It's written in the format of carping little notes to various "boys," such as "egotist boy" and "narcissus boy." The lyrical quality is amazing and complements the stunning arrangement perfectly. A perfect balance between rock and easy listening.
Hands Clean is the first and current single and an intriguing one that everyone has been trying to interpret. Some say it's a recollection of Alanis's life in the recording business; while most simply deem it as an interesting synopsis of a relationship plucked out of the plethora of alluring associations Alanis has had over her mere 27 years. Hands Clean is a remarkably strong piece that shows that Alanis can produce a hit without having it backed with loud drums and a roaring guitar. The bridge: "what part of our history's reinvented and under rug swept? / what part of your memory is selective and tends to forget?" will sweep your breath away.
Flinch, the longest track on the album at just over six minutes, is a breathtakingly simple song that affects the listener as only previous songs like "Front Row" could. Although Alanis choose a more country theme for the song, I found myself really enjoying it. Describing a relationship and its effects, Flinch is an amazing song backed with stunning lyrics. Self-disbelief and the effects of rejection are somewhat new topics for Alanis, but she discusses them remarkably well and doesn't sound querulous or too melancholy while she does.
So Unsexy is definitely geared to be a single, yet is a very good song that almost makes you feel sorry of Alanis's seemingly lack of self-belief and confidence during the certain incidence she describes, but I think we've all felt it at some time.
Track 6, Precious Illusions, is yet another song geared to be a single, but happens to be the best song "Under Rug Swept" offers. Alanis looks back, describing the illusions she keeps about life and accomplishment, and it's a highly authentic, relatable, and applicable song that many of us can relate to.
Track 7, That Particular Time, is an absolutely amazing, low key piece that demands eventual notice with its stunning, gentle piano and Alanis's heart wrenching vocals, comparative to "Your Congratulations." Alanis describes a "time" where the relationship she was in presented her with quite a desperate emotional quandary and she comments on the partner who acted as a catalyst to this quandary.
A Man is the only other rock track on the album, but occupies its position will a soaring melody and powerful delivery. Its lyrics exhibit Alanis's ability to play different roles in her music. (Other rock tracks are featured on the Hands Clean import singles.)
You Owe Me Nothing in Return describes what Alanis expects in reciprocation from her partner and is accompanied with magnificent instrumentation that couples with the lyrics to create an unbelievable song. The content of the song is that of almost of a dismissive, selfless Alanis that may contradict some of her earlier ideals showcased in such songs as "Pollyanna Flower," but then Alanis could always be infusing the song with a little esoteric deciphering as well.
Surrendering is a brilliant track that once again talks about human interactions on a personal level but does so with attention paid to the other person and the role that Alanis plays in his life. With Alanis breathy vocals, it makes for an exciting track.
Utopia describes Alanis's "ideal" situation and is beautiful, peaceful, and has stunning multi-layering of voices, which really highlights the simplistic beauty of Alanis's voice.
At eleven tracks, this cd isn't particularly long and is rather isolated in its focus. The constant references to relationships and their affects may be a bit of an adjustment from the passion and earnest questioning/gradual affirmation of "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie," but the songs have grand melodies and easily learned lyrics. Alanis shows that she's still sensual, even if she wore the hat of sage beautifully and grandly. Her voice is different on the various tracks, sometimes more "Supposed" and sometimes more "Jagged," and excitingly enough, something new. She also produced the entire album and wrote it (with lyrics that tend to demand decryption and feature a stellar use of the English language). For Alanis's continued progression as an artist and constant creativity, Under Rug Swept easily merits 5 stars in my book.
Track listing: 1. 21 Things I want in a Lover (3:28) 2. Narcissus (3:38) 3. Hands Clean (4:31) 4. Flinch (6:03) 5. So Unsexy (5:08) 6. Precious Illusions (4:11) 7. That Particular Time (4:21) 8. A Man (4:33) 9. You Owe Me Nothing in Return (4:57) 10. Surrendering (4:35) 11. Utopia (5:00) Total Time- 50:25 ~Includes link to website containing a letter from Alanis and bonus materials
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Her first studio album in four years, the much-anticipatedUnder Rug Swept reveals a phenomenal success story of awoman who has become a truly major force in rock. Guestsincludes Flea & Meshell Ndegeocello. Maverick Records. Features enhanced material including videos. 2002.
