csberry

It is hard to argue with the pop hooks on Jagged Little Pill. This is an interesting creation of a pop producer and an emotionally confessional 19 year old that sings with a confidence that helps mask the vocal quality. When you pay a lot of attention to the lyrics, the words certainly come across as slightly less than skilled (I'll skip the diatribe on the lyrical problems of "Ironic" this time). But the emotions and situations she sings about are genuine and not some teen fantasy of being broken-hearted. Alanis had her heart broken and these are the best words she could come up with to express that.

Then there is the singing of those words. When she's pissed, there's no doubting it. Where American Idol contestants flourish with vocal gymnastics as if the listener is on a roller coaster, Alanis's vocals ricochet like bumper cars - there is a lack of precision, but there is no avoiding being hit by her emotions.

Alanis was a good combination of pop and "grunge" (attitude, not music) when this was released. While Jagged Little Pill lacks the introspection of Tori Amos or the emotional rawness of PJ Harvey, Alanis connected with the mainstream in a way neither of those other female artists could. Whether you consider that a good or bad thing will likely color how you perceive this album.

Songs I knew I liked: "Hand in My Pocket" and "Head Over Feet" (I hesitate putting "You Oughta Know" because it is a song I kinda don't like but have been caught off-guard singing along to it.)

Songs I didn't know but now like: "All I Really Want"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: "Ironic," "Perfect," "Right Through You," and "Forgiven" (although I think Evanescence could actually do something with "Forgiven")