Alanis Morissette Songs Ranked
Pitched halfway between glossy mainstream pop and angst-ridden alternative rock, Alanis Morissette’s American debut, Jagged Little Pill, caught the zeitgeist of the mid-’90s, splitting the difference between Gen-X cynicism and self-help actualization. Spinning off a series of Top Ten singles, including “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket,” and “Ironic,” and winning the 1996 Grammy for Album of the Year, Jagged Little Pill became an international blockbuster so squarely tied to its time, it threatened to leave Morissette behind in the ’90s. Instead, the album gave her a lasting career, one she cultivated through emotional candor and music she gently modulated as she matured. The Top 40 hits slowed after “Hands Clean,” the single pulled from 2002’s self-produced Under Rug Swept, but Morissette worked steadily, her albums reflecting an earned serenity while retaining the wit and insight that made her a cultural phenomenon in the ’90s. Morissette never shunned Jagged Little Pill–she launched anniversary celebrations and adapted the album for a Broadway musical–but such latter-day albums as Such Pretty Forks in the Road illustrated her musical and emotional growth. Here are all of Alanis Morissette songs ranked.
Don’t miss out on the TIMELESS Alanis Morissette music below! Click to experience the energy of her music!
10. You Learn (Jagged Little Pill, 1995)
“You Learn” is probably one of the easiest Alanis songs to get into. I think a lot of people could enjoy the song. Her vocals aren’t as stretched and it overall is just enjoyable to listen to. The live version of “You Oughta Know” is a slower, piano version of the song and Alanis sounds really fine here … it’s quite interesting.”
9. Head Over Feet (Jagged Little Pill, 1995)
”Head Over Feet” is a statement of love to a lover. Perhaps to show Alanis’ tender side, it was choosen as a single release. I still think there are better songs on the album than ”Head Over Feet”, however the need for diversity, in terms of subjects, are understandable.”
8. Hand in My Pocket (Jagged Little Pill, 1995)
”Hand In My Pocket” showcases Alanis fondness for cheeky lyrics. The contradicting lyrics are rather strange at times, however it works extremely well with the melody. It still remains one of my favorite Alanis Morissette songs ever.”
7. Uninvited ( City of Angels: Music from the Motion Picture, 1998)
“Personally, I see the song as romantic interest that’s crossed the line and she’s now saying she wants to take it slow. She’s intrigued by the idea that he likes her, so invites him over, but then things get frisky, someone is disrespected, someone gets angry, and then it changes to “okay, stop right there, I’m kicking you out.” Not that it’s over, but she just needs time to think about it and take things slower.”
6. So Pure (Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, 1998)
“This is one of the few positive songs that Alanis does and stands out really well. It’s about the honeymoon phase of a relationship, with everything you like about the person and what you hope you will be. I like her delivery and her speaking rather than singing tone works well. The instruments are okay, combining her Eastern influenced sound and mainstream rock. You still get the endless list and personal references found in most Alanis songs, for those of you keeping score. I think it has a good place on Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, as a lighthearted song on a dark and introspective album.”
5. Baba (Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, 1998)
“This song is hardly ideal for an atheist. It doesn’t criticize religion in general, but it does criticize the perversion of religious cults. Alanis is a spiritual person, so she wouldn’t sarcastically insult any religion or religious person. Fathers abandoning their families in order to achieve nirvana, blindly worshiping and forking over money. This song pays no tribute to Christianity or any other religion besides Hinduism and Buddhism.”
4. Joining You (Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, 1998)
“My favorite lines in this song are “we need reflection/ we need a really good memory/ feel free to call me a little more often”. To me, this song is about best friends who went through a tremendous deal of stuff together. As the years went by, they drifted apart, as friends all too often do. This song is her remembering all the crazy times she had with this person, and the last lines are so beautifully chilling.”
3. Forgiven (Jagged Little Pill, 1995)
“Forgiven” is a great song with a very Tori Amos-like subject matter. In fact, this song is very Tori Amos-y. It is the longest song on the album, and one of my favorites. I really seem to enjoy this song with Alanis’ vocal strength. At first I did not enjoy it but it has grown on me.”
2. Ironic (Jagged Little Pill, 1995)
“Another highlight would most certainly included the superb ”Ironic”. It managed to put Alanis on the map everywhere and sales of ”Jagged Little Pill” rose though the roof. The song deals witall the ironic elements in life such as ”It’s Like Meeting The Man Of My Dreams And Then Meeting His beautiful Wife”. Need I Say More? The verses are used to point out the ironic situations of life, whereas the chorus is packed with anger and frustration.”
1. You Oughta Know (Jagged Little Pill, 1995)
”You Oughta Know” gathered the attention of listeners around the world with its confronting lyrics and heavy rock sound. It has become an anthem for all the ”wronged” female and males as well. The video sees Alanis Morissette in a defect with bare feet, raving and displaying the world her anger.”
