Tracing the musical journey of Alanis Morissette
From “Jagged Little Pill” to “Such Pretty Forks in the Road,” Alanis Morrissette doesn’t let anyone define her but her.
By bfroelich on July 22, 2024
Introduction
Legendary Alanis Morissette has many accolades to her name. Through her experience in both singing and acting, she’s earned seven Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award, and fourteen Juno Awards, to name a few. Her music has earned her more than 75 million record sales, and she was inducted into the Canada Hall of Fame in 2005.
We look back on Morissette’s evolution as an artist and highlight some notable moments.
Enter to win tickets to see Alanis Morissette perform with Joan Jett and Morgan Wade!
Early beginnings
Alanis Morissette was born June 1, 1974, in Ottawa, Ontario. She started showing signs of artistry early, writing her first song at the age of 10 and taking dance classes in elementary school. When she was in junior high, she appeared on “You Can’t Do That on Television,” a children’s sketch comedy TV show, for five episodes.
Though Morissette is primarily known for her first international release, “Jagged Little Pill,” in 1993, her first release was “Alanis” in 1991. The album was distributed in Canada only and features dance-pop singles like “Too Hot” and “Feel Your Love,” which reached the Top 20 and Top 40 on Canada’s RPM chart.
After releasing “Now Is the Time” with MCA Records in 1992, which was less successful than her first album, she completed her two-record deal with the label and was without major representation. Some people would use this pop-star moment in her career to dismiss her efforts later in alt-rock, but she didn’t let that stop her as she evolved artistically.
Jagged Little Pill
After a series of collaborations in Toronto and LA, Morissette eventually paired with producer Glen Ballard, who gave her creative freedom that her prior label had not afforded her. Her fate changed dramatically when she released “Jagged Little Pill” in 1995.
Her first international release started picking up steam from a radio station in LA, KTROQ-FM, which began playing “You Oughta Know” and launched Morissette into fame. The single, featuring Flea and Dave Navarro from Red Hot Chili Peppers, soon earned heavy rotation on subsequent radio stations and MTV with its accompanying music video.
The album earned Morissette six Juno Awards in 1996 (the Canadian version of the Grammys) for Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Best Rock Album. That same year, she also earned Grammys for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, Best Rock Song, Best Rock Album, and Album of the Year.
Morissette was at her peak during this era, with Radiohead opening for her in 1996. The album paved the way for other female rockers to take the spotlight, such as Pink, Avril Lavigne, Meredith Brooks, and Paramore.
Watch her perform “You Oughta Know” on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour:
Early 2000s music
“Under Rug Swept” became Morissette’s next most successful release, which she released in February 2002. This album marked the first time she took the role of sole writer and producer for the album. Flea again joined her in the instrumentals, as well as contributions from Meshell Ndegeocello, Dean DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots, and Eric Avery from Jane’s Addiction.
She released the accompanying DVD “Feast on Scraps” with the album, which earned her Juno for Music DVD of the Year.
The early 2000s also saw Morissette releasing an original song for the Chronicles of Narnia, an acoustic release of “Jagged Little Pill,” and the release of “Collection” with her greatest hits. Along with her tour, she also opened a few dates for the Rolling Stones in the summer of 2005.
Acting roles
Morissette’s acting career is almost as extensive as her musical discography. From making cameos in hit TV shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Sex and the City,” she’s also played extensive roles in movies and shows, such as the television show “Weeds” and even in live plays.
In 2018, “Jagged Little Pill” was released as a jukebox musical that premiered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the American Repertory Theater. The show won fifteen Tony Award nominations and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
2015-Current
Morissette released “Such Pretty Forks in the Road” in 2020, featuring songs “Reasons I Drink” and “Smiling,” which was an original song produced for the musical mentioned above, which was also performed on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre.
She later released “The Storm Before the Calm” in 2022, a meditative album that features ambient tracks co-written and produced with Dave Harrington of Darkside. Though raised Catholic and later in life discovering she has Jewish ancestry, Morissette has been a practicing Buddhist for many years.
Morissette also has dabbled in journalism, producing an advice column in The Guardian and hosting the podcast “Conversation with Alanis Morissette.”
Conclusion
Morissette is an excellent example of a musical artist who does not feel confined by boundaries imposed by music executives or the mainstream media. She paves new paths in her musical and artistic pursuits, choosing to change her style, medium, and messages at will. Her confidence in herself exudes onto other artists and fans searching to find their voice, inspiring countless people across the globe to pursue their destinies.
