Under Rug Swept

( 23 )

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Dave Gil de Rubio
Jettisoning producer/creative partner Glen Ballard, Alanis Morissette takes charge of her own creative vision on Under Rug Swept, building upon the cathartic pop rock of her award-winning breakthrough, Jagged Little Pill. Conjuring up an alt-folk sound peppered with loops, sporadic heavy guitar riffs, and hip-hop beats, Morissette proves she's learned plenty from mentors such as Ballard. Maybe a little too much, if you consider the underage sex with an older industry type recounted in the single "Hands Clean." But despite the titillating promise of that track, Alanis's taboo-smashing lyrics are fewer and farther between on Under Rug Swept. Older, she's also more in...
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Dave Gil de Rubio
Jettisoning producer/creative partner Glen Ballard, Alanis Morissette takes charge of her own creative vision on Under Rug Swept, building upon the cathartic pop rock of her award-winning breakthrough, Jagged Little Pill. Conjuring up an alt-folk sound peppered with loops, sporadic heavy guitar riffs, and hip-hop beats, Morissette proves she's learned plenty from mentors such as Ballard. Maybe a little too much, if you consider the underage sex with an older industry type recounted in the single "Hands Clean." But despite the titillating promise of that track, Alanis's taboo-smashing lyrics are fewer and farther between on Under Rug Swept. Older, she's also more in control. Morissette explores the vagaries of love -- affairs with older men, run-ins with ex-boyfriends a delicately ruminative "Flinch", and commitment-phobes the bubbly "Surrendering". The seething child with the confessional wallop has been soothed and has grown into a wise woman who delivers more distant anthems of self-empowerment, such as "21 Things I Want in a Lover," which could have been swiped from Ani DiFranco. The album even climaxes with the airy bliss of "Utopia" -- if you can actually imagine this former avenging angel being happy. Without leaving behind the wordy self-analysis or hectoring righteousness that endeared her to fans, Morissette has managed to mature. But underneath the dispassionate talk of loving herself and healing, there's that thrilling edge to Alanis Morissette's voice, hinting at imminent explosion. That alone is enough for fans to stay tuned.
All Music Guide - Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Although it wasn't immediately apparent, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie found Alanis Morissette floundering in her success, albeit ever so slightly. Like most arty collegiate types, she reacted to massive success with an instinct to experiment, and since she had sold so many records, she and producer/collaborator Glen Ballard were given free range to do pretty much whatever they wanted, resulting in a muted, fitfully intriguing album that had the feel of a sophomore slump even if it was her fourth record but who counts those first two records as part of her discography, anyway?. It was pretty good, it sold pretty well, but nobody liked it all that much, so it was time for a cool change on her next record, Under Rug Swept funny how the three years separating Jagged Little Pill and Supposed seemed longer than the three between Supposed and this. The biggest move Alanis made was ditching Ballard, which has the unexpected result of bringing back the sound of Jagged Little Pill, a lush, dense layering of loops, guitars, keyboards, and vocals that makes her songs seem catchier than they are. But that's not all -- she's returned to the impassioned, awkwardly written, syllable-heavy confessional verse that marked Jagged Little Pill. Not only that, she's returned to the very relationship that inspired her breakthrough hit "You Oughta Know," most clearly on the album's lead single, "Hands Clean," this time written from the perspective of the older man who laid prey to the young Canadian star. This would all seem calculated, an attempt to regain her chart status, if Morissette wasn't so unabashedly earnest, seemingly unembarrassed by her confessions. And perhaps she shouldn't be, since her lyrics are so elaborately overwritten it's hard to discern what's going on in her songs. Repeated listens may reveal that her tortured verse derives from something very personal indeed perhaps it's something so personal, she chooses to hide it by ignoring the rules of syntax and logic, but given her interviews, her unwieldy words are likely just a personal artistic statement, but it's never clear what the songs are about, unless she makes it clear in the title "21 Things I Want in a Lover," "Narcissus," to name but two. It was easier to call this trait charming on the diary confessions of Jagged, but by this point, the elaborate phrasing and rush of consonants is becoming a bit of a distraction, but the saving grace of Under Rug Swept is that it sounds good. The music flows, the production doesn't overplay its hand, it's pleasingly melodic, tempering the extremities of Jagged Little Pill while retaining the character, and as such, it's easy to groove on the sound without listening to the words. A downside is that the songs, apart from the first three, don't stand out as individual songs, but they do cohere as a whole better than Supposed, and that's no small accomplishment. Alanis is still held back by her own idiosyncrasies -- her determination to be different, to write every word she could possibly ever want to say in as difficult a way as possible -- but that's also her defining characteristic. It's better heard on Jagged, but if you want more of that, take this: it's what Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie should have been.
Blender - Clark Collis
That Morissette would continue to delve into the darker recesses of her psyche is impressive, given the commercial consequences of doing so.

That Morissette would continue to delve into the darker recesses of her psyche is impressive, given the commercial consequences of doing so.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 2/26/2002
  • Label: Maverick
  • UPC: 093624798828
  • Catalog Number: 47988
  • Sales rank: 94,798

Tracks

Disc 1
  1. 1 21 Things I Want in a Lover (3:28)
  2. 2 Narcissus (3:38)
  3. 3 Hands Clean (4:32)
  4. 4 Flinch (6:03)
  5. 5 So Unsexy (5:09)
  6. 6 Precious Illusions (4:11)
  7. 7 That Particular Time (4:22)
  8. 8 A Man (4:34)
  9. 9 You Owe Me Nothing in Return (4:58)
  10. 10 Surrendering (4:35)
  11. 11 Utopia (5:00)
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Album Credits

Performance Credits
Alanis Morissette Primary Artist, Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Eric Avery Bass
Chris Bruce Bass
Dean DeLeo Guitar
Flea Bass
MeShell NdegeOcello Bass
Jamie Muhoberac Keyboards
Gary Novak Percussion, Drums
Carmen Rizzo Keyboards
Tim Thorney Bass, Guitar
Joel Shearer Guitar
Nick Lashley Guitar
Johnny Talbot Keyboards
Chris Chaney Bass
Richard Causon Piano
Technical Credits
Rob Jacobs Engineer
Carmen Rizzo Programming, Engineer
Alanis Morissette Composer, Producer
Andrew Scheps Digital Editing
Mike Harlow Engineer
Brad Nelson Engineer
Vince Giannini Guitar Techician
Kevin Guarnieri Engineer
Dave Lee Bass Technician
Frank Maddocks Art Direction
Bruce Nelson Guitar Techician
Rich Mazzetta Guitar Techician
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 23 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(15)

4 Star

(4)

3 Star

(3)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(1)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 23 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Nice and Catchy

    This CD reminds me of JLP, yet is nothing like it. The songs are catchy yet deep, with the cool lyrics we've come to expect from Alanis. It comes across as a calm CD that's pleasant to listen to. I recommend it.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    great album

    I don't know why but it took about a year for me to really listen to this album and I just think that its a brilliant album. Its one of them that you buy and forget about and suddenly you start listening and think WOW why didn't I get into this from the start. I honestly cant fualt any of the tracks another deep album yes but just superb.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Swept?

    Well, there is some good tracks like "So Unsexy", "Hands Clean" but this is too relaxing album. I would have though that Alanis would make more powerful this time but no. The lyrics are still full of humor: "21 thing I want in a lover" and "Narcissus" for example.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Alanis continues to be Amazing

    With her third studio release, and the first one produced on her own, Alanis continues to prove her progession and talent as an artist. After listening to this CD, you may assume she has been involved with metaphysical books, therapy sessions, and prayer circles-and that's a good thing. Alanis has fused her indentification with the universe, and that kind of fusion proves to be a worthy fulfillment in every song. The musical arrangements are tight and instantly hook you in from start to finish. The lyrics are as passionate and profound as ever, and bleed echoes of JLP with an older and wiser Alanis. With "Under Rug Swept," Morissette will take you on a spiritual journey that will turn into your own personal story.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    On the mark

    This woman instinctive lyrical genius which allows so many women who have felt the same emotional torment, elation, rejection, and self sadism, gain wisdom and empowerment by her ability to open herself as an unknowing channel through which we all can relate. Even an objectively sensitive credit to the male emotional perspective is seen. As always, Alanis came through!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Again with the brilliance

    Alanis strikes again! After listening to ''Under Rug Swept'', I was hooked, and listened to it over and over again. Out of the eleven sons, the only ones I find disapointing is ''Flich'' and ''that particular time'', BUT only because the country(ish) music (which is the one type of music I don't like) in ''Flinch'', and ''That Particular Time'' is too slow for my liking. But all the other songs are just too good. My personal favorite is probably ''Preciuos Illusions'' but it's so hard to pick favorites in this album. Unfortunately I can't really compare it to the other two albums as I haven't got them.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    An evolution for Alanis

    In her first record, jagged little pill, Alanis gave us strong and true lyrics and powerfull music that makes us HAVE TO buy her album. In her second record, she showed us her dark side. This was a good record, even if the lyrics wasn´t as good as Jagged Little Pill´s. Now, in her third album she is experimenting a great evolution in her music, showing us superb lyrics and catchy melodies. This is her best record after jagged Little Pill.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    new cd

    better than former infatuation.....but still not as good as jagged little pill

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    yeah baby

    this is a hot ablum and shes hot so thats very good for me

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Proving Her prowess again

    Once again Alanis is proving that she has a great style, and an ability to stir up debate. She comes off and blasts men. That makes her into some form of Pariah. If she were a man blasting women she's not even generate one bad review. Let her take pot shots at men, and suddenly she's committing some sort of crime. Male rap artists are degrading women every day. There's barely a peep in the industry. Let a woman have a critical view towards men, and she's guilty until proven innocent. I am saddened by all the cheap shots that are taken at Alanis. Under Rug Swept is a great Album. I love every song on this album, and am glad that she's not lost her no-nonsence view. She's not one to let people put her down. She's not afraid to vent her frustrations. It's refreshing to hear an artist who's not just singing what some paranoid people think that she should be selling.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Alanis M. is the Best.

    Her lyrics are the best the world has ever heard. Her in-your-face lyrics and cool guitars say it all man! Kedar J. Mantri

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Her newest, her best.

    A top selling artist. Over 40 million records sold worldwide and more to be sold. Why so much success? Alanis Morissette has been able to sinlge handedly take the world by storm every time new material is released. Now, she comes back with a completely new sound that beats every pop star, every rock star and every expectation. From the catchy tunes of Hands Clean, Surrendering & Precious Illusions, the unbelievable melodies of Utopia and That Particular Time, to the all rock out star power of 21 Things along with So Unsexy... this album suits all tastes. Don't resist, millions can't be wrong.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    The Coolest Album of the Year

    Every song is great here - reminds me of fun high school summer days and stormy rainy days all at once. The first top album of the year. A great album to follow the previous wonderfully crafted album.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Alanis returns to her roots

    Alanis's first album, Jagged Little Pill contained lyrics with scratchy vocals, and long notes with cries for a lifestyle that seemed ideal. On Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, Alanis neglected her musical structure for a more in depth spiritual perspective on things. On her new upcoming album, Under Rug Swept, she has powerfully returned with some cool upbeat pop sounding songs such as the sarcastic first single, hands clean. Another song on the album, Precious Illusions is the kind of song that you can listen to over and over, with it's foot tapping beats and melodies. The edgy 21 things I want in a lover adresses all the preferences that the singer has in a boyfriend. The soft and more collected songs, Flinch and That particular time, both remenisc on a relationship that still obviously affect her today, while piano and accoustic guitars play in the background. This album has a combination of all types of great sounds that can almost appeal to anyone. It definately promises to be one of the greatest albums of 2002. GO ALANIS

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A Must Have!

    This album maintains it's integrity and will be played on the radio for years to come. The lyrics are tricky, and the music is perfect. Almost too perfect. I can't wait to get a live version of this album!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    WOW! She's still manufactured!

    I'm sorry. I'm still not buying her swill no matter how hard her management team pushes this ''artist''. She's still the Canadian Tiffany converted to angst ridden singer/ song writer by a clever marketing team. And I use the term ''writer'' loosely, seeing how as someone else is handling the bulk of the composition.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Alanis is back and better than ever!

    This album is awesome. Its pretty much a cross between her edgier Jagged Little Pill and softer Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie. There is something for everyone on this disc. Everyone should own a copy!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A great album

    A solid album, slightly more popish than Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie. I gave it four stars because I prefer the more ''darker'' sounds in SFIJ than the more formulated pop sounds. Regardless - Under Rug Swept is still a great, catchy album. For samples listen to Hands Clean, 21 Things I want in a lover, and Flinch

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Fantasma!

    Under Rug Swept is a great CD, I still cant stop listening to it and I have had it for over 2 months,any Alanis fan would love this cd for their collection!!!!!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Abosolutely Great!

    This album is by far better than Jagged Little Pill, and that one is also excellent! If you like JLP, you'll love this one.

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 23 Customer Reviews