Alanis Morissette is synonymous with female empowerment, but her music reaches far beyond the “female rage” prescription. Her confessional songwriting, alongside her unique vocals, creates incredibly moving pieces of art, filled with as much hope as there is anger.
Quintessential Alanis Morissette: Jagged Little Pill
In 1993, after releasing two dance-pop albums to great critical reception but limited commercial success, Alanis Morissette found herself moving from Canada to Los Angeles. There, she began working with the esteemed rock and pop producer, Glen Ballard. Ballard worked to Morissette’s strengths, highlighting her powerful vocals and bold lyricism through equally intense instrumentation. This method of collaboration allowed Morissette to create more freely, leading to one of the most commercially successful albums in music history, Jagged Little Pill.
Released in 1996, Jagged Little Pill quickly became a smashing success. The album sold over 16 million units in the U.S. and 33 million copies worldwide. It is the third best selling album by a female artist, and one of the best selling albums of all time. Morissette went on to win seven Grammy awards throughout her career, including Jagged Little Pill’s Best Rock Album, Album of the Year, Best Rock Song (“You Oughta Know”), and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance (“You Oughta Know”).
You Oughta Know
“You Oughta Know,” perhaps the most famous song from the album, explores themes of female rage and sexuality. Where women in entertainment are often expected to fall victim to misogynistic narratives, Morissette reclaims her power. Ranking among songs like Stevie Nicks’ “Silver Springs,” “You Oughta Know” is meant to haunt. Similar to the album’s grunge influences, Morissette leaves no room to question her intentions or her emotions. The song is scorching.
Beyond the rage, though, lies a more delicate story. Throughout the album, Morissette details naiveté and wisdom; strength and frailty. Ultimately, Jagged Little Pill illustrates Morissette’s affair with balance – of yin and yang – that leaves a profound, lasting impression on everyone who listens. Jagged Little Pill is an album that finds people when they need it most, and while its impact evolves, it never fades.
Sympathetic Characters
Morissette’s fascination with humanity’s multitudinous nature works its way into her entire discography. From Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998) to Such Pretty Forks in the Road (2020), she explores the balancing act of carrying anger and hope. Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie‘s “That I Would Be Good” is a powerful anthem to finding self worth. Morissette further explores this theme throughout her catalogue, especially with her meditation album, The Storm Before the Calm (2022). The Storm Before the Calm really drives the point of self-discovery home. Where many meditative albums solely invite love and light, Morissette’s allows the listener to sit with every emotion. From rage and sadness to hope and elation. She invites listeners to tune into gratitude for their whole being and for the large spectrum of emotion they deeply feel. It is for this reason that Morissette remains a figure of empowerment.
Thank U
Alanis Morissette created a space for women to explore every inch of their psyche. Morissette’s commitment to advocacy for oneself and one’s community is as rebellious as it is beautiful. Her ability to speak truth to power continues to inspire people across generations, regardless of gender. The magnitude of her impact cannot be overstated, but perhaps the reciprocal profound gratitude between the artist and the audience will suffice.