Alanis Morisette’s newest album, “Under Rug Swept,” isn’t exactly a return to her “Jagged Little Pill” heyday, but it’s a welcome progression from her uneven last release, “Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie.”
The album opens with hard-rock guitar rifts, and at first it seems that she’s gone back to her jagged roots. But Alanis lost her edgy rawness on “Supposed” and she hasn’t rediscovered it on this album.
“Under Rug Swept” is, as usual, mostly a showcase for Morisette’s rantings and ravings. She’s not quite as angry this time around, but more reflective and dreamy. She rhapsodizes about the men she used to have in her life, as well as the men she wished she did.
The first track, “21 Things I Want In A Lover,” is an extensive personal ad that asks, “Are you funny? Ã la self-deprecating?/Like adventure? And have many formed opinions?” And on and on.
“Hands Clean,” the first single, is the most likable track at first listen, combining a perky, catchy chorus with the story of a former affair, which has been “under rug swept,” explaining the album’s title.
The album has a varied assortment of songs, and the rocking, fast-paced tunes are successfully balanced by a few nicely placed ballads. Amazingly, she still doesn’t seem to have settled comfortably into her own sound. A few of the songs are awfully reminiscent of her fellow women songstresses Sinead O’Connor and Tori Amos.
Morisette’s biggest mistake with the album is her reluctance to use her powerful voice to her advantage. One of the most haunting songs is “That Particular Time,” which coincidentally is also one of the only songs that doesn’t cover up her voice with the guitar or drums.
“Under Rug Swept” isn’t likely to attract a new fan base for Morisette’s music, but those who are already fans will be pleased with the new release.
