Canadian singer-songwriter, Alanis Morissette began writing her own songs at the age of nine. Her early days of songwriting established a style of dance pop, which transitioned after her move to Los Angeles and collaboration with music legends, drawing out a more alternative-indie sound that the world will forever associate her with.
It was in 1995 that she hooked up with industry veteran Glen Ballard to produce her most successful album, Jagged Little Pill. This collection spawned so many hits, it helped Morissette become a leading alt-rock artist of the 90s. Morissette has said that the release of the album “was the beginning of a new way to approach songwriting altogether.”
The I Like: Alanis Morissette playlist is a rollercoaster ride of emotion, heartache, life lessons, angst and frustration.
Here are some highlights from the Queen of Alt-Rock Angst!
Ironic
Featured track, “Ironic”, was released on Morissette’s most famous album, Jagged Little Pill. We’re not surprised that sings about rain on your wedding day, dropping dead after winning the lottery, and finding out that the man of your dreams is already taken! Sounds pretty sad – but that didn't stop the world from playing her song on repeat.
Upon its release, the track topped the Canadian Top Singles chart and remained there for six long weeks! “Ironic” also reached the top five in Australia and New Zealand, in addition to climbing to number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. There’s been a huge debate on whether or not the scenarios Morissette sings about are ironic, or more so a few strokes of bad luck. Ironic or not – this song is a hit and everyone knows it.
You Oughta Know
You oughta know this one! Also released on Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, the edgy track received heavy airplay, and helped mark the artist’s transition from pop to alternative rock.
She might have had a little bit of help making this transition. We should give a shout out to co-writer Glen Ballard, and our favorite funk rockers the Red Hot Chili peppers, who played bass and guitar on the track. A collaboration of musical talent at its finest, “You Oughta Know” received a great deal of commercial success, reaching the top ten in both Australia and the US.
You Learn
It’s clear that Jagged Little Pill was huge, considering Morissette’s global success, “You Learn” is also featured on the long list of hits. The track touches on poor decision making and how you learn from your mistakes. The music video for “You Learn” features Morissette walking down the street making mistakes that she should fix, and ultimately learn from!
Thank U
“Thank U” appears on the 1998 album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, and was in the top ten in several countries around the world. Following a trip to India, Morissette teamed up with Glen Ballard once again to write it. The track is a beautiful reflection on growth and gratification. It seems that during her trip to India, Morissette realizes bad habits she needs to kick in order to move forward in life…
“How 'bout getting off these antibiotics, how 'bout stopping eating when I'm full up, how 'bout them transparent dangling carrots, How 'bout that ever elusive kudos.”
