Released: Jun 13, 1995
Genre: Rock
Tones: Brooding, Cynical/Sarcastic, Ironic, Confrontational, Earnest, Intimate, Theatrical, Provocative, Intense, Reflective
Styles: Alternative Pop/Rock, Post-Grunge
Number Of Tracks: 13
Featured review by:
rds_1979ca, on august 07, 2003 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: // 10
Lyrics and Singing: // 10
Impression: When I first listened to Jagged Little Pill CD, I was going through a painful breakup with a boyfriend. This album seemed to capture much of the rage, hurt, and confusion that can go through a woman’s heart and mind when it seems that the world has turned upside down.
All I Really Want
Although much of her lyrics do not always make sense to me, they can relate to me on other levels that I cannot quite explain. Her thoughts are fragmented and seem to skip around at times; however, by the end of the song, absolution is there. This song is like that. It depicts an angry, confused woman struggling to find her way through confusion and disillusionment of life.
You Oughta Know
You Oughta Know is a little on the blunt side, but it is still a favorite of mine. A friend of mine said this should have been my theme when the guy I was referring to at the beginning of this review had broken up with me for a girl her had been chatting with on IRC. Alanis became an icon for the heartbroken, angry spurned women of the world.
Perfect
This song I believe was directed toward Alanis’ parents that apparently placed much pressure on her to be the very best at everything. I think Alanis is crying out to say “Hey, I’m okay the way I am” and that she may not have turned out the way her parents would have wanted, but she is determined to be an individual.
Hand In My Pocket
Alanis tries to convey her thoughts about hope for her future and trying to figure how to survive in life.
Right Through You
I believe the man that hurt Alanis terribly is mentioned in this piece. She tells of the abuse she suffered and how she was used and discarded. But the story has a good ending. She picks herself up and not only survives, she becomes a success with any help from the one that never really loved her. This is an encouraging tune to those that have been in a similar position and is trying to get back on their feet.
Forgiven
These lyrics are cloudy to me, but I think they have a lot to do with her religion and how she was raised. She appears to be trying to understand how the puzzle of life fits together.
You Learn
This is another one of my favorites of this album. It has a catchy theme and is very unique. Alanis has a special way with the lyrics and sound of this tune. It is all about learning. Learning can be a very difficult process when one cannot meet their goals.
Head Over Feet
This is a wonderful love song within a sector of venom. This is refreshing! The listener can become worn after listening to all the emotionally griping tunes thus far. This song is light in nature and portrays a woman that has fallen in love because of one that never gave up on her.
Mary Jane
Alanis sings about “Mary Jane”, a good friend that is doomed in her apparent new lifestyle.
Ironic
Ironic is another interesting song among all the other great hits of this album. The song points out different examples of life circumstances that turn out differently than expected (or as one would have hoped).
Not The Doctor
This tune is a great cut-the-umbilical-cord from the dead beat that is dragging you down song. Alanis sings about taking responsibility for her own self but that she did not want to be responsible for the one that is using her as a crutch.
Wake Up
The final tune is about someone that takes the least path of resistance through life. Alanis is singing about trying to wake that person from their spell.
Overall this is a very interesting album with a variety of musical styles and a new type of message to many women out there. Alanis related to millions of women in the audience with her heart-wrenching lyrics and down-to-earth presentation. // 10
Reviewed by:
starbomb13, on july 28, 2004 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: The sound of the music in this album is perfect for the mood intended in each song. In the more aggressive songs, you can feel the guitars, the drums, and the voice get more aggressive as well. In the softer songs you can hear the beautiful harmonica, nice organ,light guitars,and the soothing drum beats creating beautiful music. The most agressive song has gotta be "You Oughta Know", with the help of Dave Navarro and Flea - the music is really catchy and to-the-point. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics have got to be my favourite part of the album. They're Clever, In-Your-Face, and At Times, it catches you off guard. Such as in "You Oughta Know", where there's a line that goes:" are you thinking about me when you fuck her?" my favourite songs-lyrically, is "Hand In My Pocket" and "Ironic", where she often compares two extremes in such a clever way. // 10
Impression: I love the fact that this album is very relatable and is probably somewhat of a "girl power" thing, and I'm not talking about the Spice Girls' kind of girl power". There's a sense of empowerement listening to this album. If you were one of the guys Alanis was singing about - you'd probably try to get the farthest away from her. (In one song, she sings: "everytime my nails go down someone's back, I hope you're feeling it. Can you feel it?") If you were just someone like me listening to the album, you'd be like "whoa, this girl has attitude. She don't take shit. She will get you if you fuck with her." That's probably not the message intended of the album, but you get the idea of that when you listen to it. // 10
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