Artist: Alanis Morissette Album: Under Rug Swept

Year: 2001
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album: Under Rug Swept by Alanis Morissette

The early 2000s marked the return of Canadian singer-songwriter, Alanis Morissette, with her fifth studio album “Under Rug Swept”. This album displays a sound that is both raw and introspective, exploring themes such as love, relationships, and self-discovery. As a music enthusiast, I found myself drawn to the captivating voice of Alanis, who was known for her ability to infuse heart-wrenching lyrics into her music. In this post, I will be taking a critical look at the album “Under Rug Swept”, including its sound, best tracks, innovative parts, and an overall evaluation of its musicality.
Alanis Morissette burst onto the music scene in the early 1990s with her album “Jagged Little Pill”, which became a commercial success and a cultural phenomenon. With “Under Rug Swept”, Alanis continued to explore the themes of self-discovery and relationships that were present in her previous work. The album was released on February 26, 2002, under the Maverick label, and was produced by Alanis herself and longtime collaborator, Rob Cavallo.
The music on “Under Rug Swept” can be described as a fusion of alternative and confessional pop rock. It features Alanis’ trademark blend of confessional lyrics delivered with a unique vocal style that is at once haunting and raw. The opening track “21 Things I Want in a Lover” sets the tone for the album with its bold and frank assertions about love and romance. From there, the album follows a pattern of exploring the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic.
The standout tracks on “Under Rug Swept” include “Hands Clean”, a candid exploration of a past relationship, and “Surrendering”, a deeply vulnerable ballad about letting go. The skillful songwriting on these tracks is testament to Alanis’ prowess as a poet. Other notable tracks on the album include “Precious Illusions” and “Flinch”, which showcase Alanis’ ability to blend rock and pop in a way that is both unique and infectious.
One of the most innovative parts of “Under Rug Swept” is the use of layered vocals. On tracks such as “You Owe Me Nothing in Return” and “That Particular Time”, Alanis employs a technique of singing harmony with herself that is both complex and entrancing. This layering adds depth and richness to the already nuanced tracks, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the musicality of the album.
However, while “Under Rug Swept” displays moments of creativity and musical excellence, it falls short in some areas. There are moments where the album feels repetitive and formulaic, with some tracks feeling like weaker versions of others. Additionally, the album’s sound can be overly polished at times, lacking the rawness that made Alanis’ previous work so compelling.
Overall, “Under Rug Swept” is a respectable addition to Alanis Morissette’s discography, featuring standout tracks that showcase her talent as a songwriter and vocalist. While it may not reach the same heights as her previous album “Jagged Little Pill”, it still has its moments of literary and emotional brilliance. The use of layered vocals is particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the already complex tracks. While some may see it as a weaker version of her earlier work, “Under Rug Swept” displays a maturity and introspection that sets it apart from her previous albums. As a music enthusiast, I enjoyed the album and appreciated the evocative exploration of love and relationships that it presents.
Overall, “Under Rug Swept” is a respectable addition to Alanis Morissette’s discography, featuring standout tracks that showcase her talent as a songwriter and vocalist. While it may not reach the same heights as her previous album “Jagged Little Pill”, it still has its moments of literary and emotional brilliance. The use of layered vocals is particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the already complex tracks. While some may see it as a weaker version of her earlier work, “Under Rug Swept” displays a maturity and introspection that sets it apart from her previous albums. As a music enthusiast, I enjoyed the album and appreciated the evocative exploration of love and relationships that it presents.