 Finally I have
gotten my hands on the new Alanis album. The local shops weren't
very helpful, either they order only 2 copies of each new release or
this was simply one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the
year. Although the latter is probably the case, I'm not quite
convinced yet.
I'm getting flashbacks to the time I was holding "Former
Infatuation Junkie" in my hands, thinking "was this really
worth it?" The second album wasn't as poppy and grindingly
angry as the first one, and I'd only bought it because of
"Thank You". A few weeks later, I finally got used to its
diverse style and unique mix of sounds/emotions. "Front
Row" and "Unsent" have become firm favourites from
that album, and I guess that still has to happen with this new
release.
"Hands Clean" has been rammed down our throats by the
radio and TV stations, to the point of everyone being sick of it (or
getting there fast...), and just for good measure they played it
again. Sadly, the rest of the CD is nothing like it. It's calmer, at
times angrier in tone, but never as poppy.
But perhaps that's a good thing, so I'll take the 'sadly' back.
Most of the songs are ballad-like and smooth, but undoubtedly Alanis
when it comes to refrain and lyrics. "So Unsexy" could be
the next single, telling a story in true Alanis style. "You Owe
me Nothing" also grabbed my attention, again for being
'different' and confusing the overall blend of the album. Perhaps my
square little mind was confused and not used to the diversity of an
Alanis Morissette CD anymore. Thus I won't go into any more detail
about songs and what my opinion of them is, as this could change
within a few days...
As was the case with the previous release, I think it takes a
while to grasp the avalanche of emotions the artist wants to convey,
and how all this syncs (or doesn't!) with the music. In my opinion,
Alanis Morissette is one of the best story-tellers of our time, and
she makes great music too! As for the music itself, the recording is
of good quality and shows a nice sound stage with clear instrument
definition.
The album doesn't disappoint, but I still have to get used to it.
I've listened to the whole CD twice and now skip around songs in my
car. Fans shouldn't be disappointed, but newcomers to her music best
listen to it a few times before purchasing. If you love "Hands
Clean", buy the single!
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