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21 Things displays a sort of sensual passion that works attractively with Alanis. The loud guitar and bluntly said prerequisites and check-list orientated requirements are both tongue-and-cheek and revealing, as the listener sees a bit more of Alanis's moral composition.

Narcissus is a critical track that is a musical masterpiece. It's written in the format of carping little notes to various "boys," such as "egotist boy" and "narcissus boy." The lyrical quality is amazing and complements the stunning arrangement perfectly. A perfect balance between rock and easy listening.

Hands Clean is the first and current single and an intriguing one that everyone has been trying to interpret. Some say it's a recollection of Alanis's life in the recording business; while most simply deem it as an interesting synopsis of a relationship plucked out of the plethora of alluring associations Alanis has had over her mere 27 years. Hands Clean is a remarkably strong piece that shows that Alanis can produce a hit without having it backed with loud drums and a roaring guitar. The bridge: "what part of our history's reinvented and under rug swept? / what part of your memory is selective and tends to forget?" will sweep your breath away.

Flinch, the longest track on the album at just over six minutes, is a breathtakingly simple song that affects the listener as only previous songs like "Front Row" could. Although Alanis choose a more country theme for the song, I found myself really enjoying it. Describing a relationship and its effects, Flinch is an amazing song backed with stunning lyrics. Self-disbelief and the effects of rejection are somewhat new topics for Alanis, but she discusses them remarkably well and doesn't sound querulous or too melancholy while she does.

So Unsexy is definitely geared to be a single, yet is a very good song that almost makes you feel sorry of Alanis's seemingly lack of self-belief and confidence during the certain incidence she describes, but I think we've all felt it at some time.

Track 6, Precious Illusions, is yet another song geared to be a single, but happens to be the best song "Under Rug Swept" offers. Alanis looks back, describing the illusions she keeps about life and accomplishment, and it's a highly authentic, relatable, and applicable song that many of us can relate to.

Track 7, That Particular Time, is an absolutely amazing, low key piece that demands eventual notice with its stunning, gentle piano and Alanis's heart wrenching vocals, comparative to "Your Congratulations." Alanis describes a "time" where the relationship she was in presented her with quite a desperate emotional quandary and she comments on the partner who acted as a catalyst to this quandary.

A Man is the only other rock track on the album, but occupies its position will a soaring melody and powerful delivery. Its lyrics exhibit Alanis's ability to play different roles in her music. (Other rock tracks are featured on the Hands Clean import singles.)

You Owe Me Nothing in Return describes what Alanis expects in reciprocation from her partner and is accompanied with magnificent instrumentation that couples with the lyrics to create an unbelievable song. The content of the song is that of almost of a dismissive, selfless Alanis that may contradict some of her earlier ideals showcased in such songs as "Pollyanna Flower," but then Alanis could always be infusing the song with a little esoteric deciphering as well.

Surrendering is a brilliant track that once again talks about human interactions on a personal level but does so with attention paid to the other person and the role that Alanis plays in his life. With Alanis breathy vocals, it makes for an exciting track.

Utopia describes Alanis's "ideal" situation and is beautiful, peaceful, and has stunning multi-layering of voices, which really highlights the simplistic beauty of Alanis's voice.

At eleven tracks, this cd isn't particularly long and is rather isolated in its focus. The constant references to relationships and their affects may be a bit of an adjustment from the passion and earnest questioning/gradual affirmation of "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie," but the songs have grand melodies and easily learned lyrics. Alanis shows that she's still sensual, even if she wore the hat of sage beautifully and grandly. Her voice is different on the various tracks, sometimes more "Supposed" and sometimes more "Jagged," and excitingly enough, something new. She also produced the entire album and wrote it (with lyrics that tend to demand decryption and feature a stellar use of the English language). For Alanis's continued progression as an artist and constant creativity, Under Rug Swept easily merits 5 stars in my book.

Track listing: 1. 21 Things I want in a Lover (3:28) 2. Narcissus (3:38) 3. Hands Clean (4:31) 4. Flinch (6:03) 5. So Unsexy (5:08) 6. Precious Illusions (4:11) 7. That Particular Time (4:21) 8. A Man (4:33) 9. You Owe Me Nothing in Return (4:57) 10. Surrendering (4:35) 11. Utopia (5:00) Total Time- 50:25 ~Includes link to website containing a letter from Alanis and bonus materials


A strong compliment to "Jagged Little Pill"- Alanis   February 26, 2002
 39 out of 50 found this review helpful

Alanis Morissette's second major release ("Supposed Former Infatuation Junky") after her incredible "Jagged Little Pill" album was so overwhelmingly disappointing that it is barely remembered for its music -- but its bad reception. But wise enough, Alanis ditched her previous producer and took on her new album, "Under Rug Swept", herself. She succeeded in creating a rock album that is enjoyable and purely Alanis.

"Hands Clean", the album's first single release, is almost "You Oughta Know" in nature: discussing the outcome a "few years later" after a harsh relationship break-up. One of the album's more musically and lyrically strong points, the single is the perfect companiion to the album itself: it is poignant, darkly amusing and very emotional.

Alanis' incredible talent with combining such odd lyrics to incredible music is once again shown beautifully. "so Unsexy" remains a gorgeously written song with a vocabulary that one would've second guessed on at first. "Narcissus" is also a great cut, combining Alanis' love for psychology with a ranting rave that reminds one of her "All I Really Want" cut from "Jagged Little Pill".

"Flinch" is one of the album's ballads -- and one of its strongpoints as well. Beautifully orchestrated with acoustic plucks and soft electric backgrounds, it sooths the listener and shows the talent of Alanis' vocals. One line, "Are you my blood? / You touch me like you are my blood", echoes eerily. "That Particular Time" is also a ballad, and remains much in essence of vocals and simple piano coordinating. A wonderful track.

Overall, Alanis has come back with an album that is what her older fans feel is "real Alanis": rock out, brutal lyrics, and that voice that is so recognizable and unheard anywhere else. "Under Rug Swept", I feel, will not be swept under at all -- we can leave "Fatuation Junky" under that rug.


Whatever avarage means   February 26, 2002
 26 out of 38 found this review helpful

"Under Rug Swept", Alanis Morissetteys 3rd release, does not quite live up to the singer/songwriter's past efforts (not including the candy-pop of her early Canadian stardom, of course) while still being an above average listen. Those who tell you it's very close to her smash '95 debut, "Jagged Little Pill", mean mainly that it deals with same themes (boyfriends, boyfriends, boyfriends) and that it lacks all the eastern sound layers and context that were ample in her 2nd album, 98's "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie". Other than that, URS is an entity all in its own right, for good or bad (mainly the latter).

Don't get me wrong, Alanis knows a thing or two about making music, but still, to me, the only truly wonderful song in URS is Flinch, both lyrically and musically. It has a beautiful chorus, very emotional, the kind of emotion that's lacking muchly in this release. Even in the songwriting absent are the things that made Alanis so wonderful: the earnest confessions, the day-to-day imagery and original metaphors and semi-poetry. She used to write in a special stream of consciousness, one which amazingly enough flew and transmitted completely to the listener. Now the lyrics seem very clinical, very self-explained. Ordinary enough not to make you wonder what she really means. A big big loss. Also, Alanis' trademark disregard for structure rules is a bit too much here. Forced is the word that comes to mind.

Musically, this is also a disappointment. The album is full of generic drums, glossy guitars, and expected synths. Nowhere to be found are the lovely harmonica segments, piano work (except for "That Particular Time", an out of place "Candle In The Wind" sound-alike that would've been more suitable as a b-side) or even her amateur flute from "That I Would Be Good". I didn't mind that it wasn't the most professional flute playing, but her daring to try won me over. Unfortunately, there are nearly no worth mentioning arrangements in this release whatsoever. Overly, it feels overproduced and too-pop-oriented, a result of Alanis' first try at producing. It's ironic that her former producer Glen Ballard, a mainstream pop guru who many hold to blame for ruining several rock bands, has actually stirred her in a rockier direction. Without him by her side, Alanis tends to go pop and the result is URS.

Not a single song in here isn't radio-friendly (except for "A Man" perhaps). The edgiest stuff here are "A Man" and the opening track, "21 Things", but that also lacks something. Itys too polished basically, and even the catchy power chords can't change that. After that comes the worst song in the album, "Narcissus", in which Alanis' voice goes simply annoying as she analyzes a self-absorbed ex-lover. The first single "Hands Clean" comes later, acoustic based and light, which doesn't quite sooth the subject matter (Alanis' affair with an older record company person as a teen), but overall, listenable. "Flinch" continues, being the standout track of the album (for listeners such a myself, at least), a delicate wonderful song, the kind that reminds me why I like Alanis so much. She uses her voice better than ever before in this one. And than, as if in spite, comes "So Unsexy", another terrible pop number with little actual substance and much fuss. Then follows a likely single, the very catchy "Precious Illusions", who could've been much better. Now comes the oddest of them all, the piano-based ballad "That Particular Time", that feels very much out of place and functions as the touchy-feely track of the album, I suppose. Doesnyt do much for me. Than, the album's 2nd rocker, "A Man", a good concept gone mediocre. While Alanis' did this one very emotionally live, it feels lacking something in the studio version (which can be said about almost the entire album). "You Owe Me Nothing" is a weird, weird, weird track, filled with weird synths and drowning in psychobabble. "Surrendering", one of the more decent songs here, is about Alanis' current relationship, and it seems that if it weren't for the awkward structure of the song, it's could've been great. Once again, the lack of arrangements kills the potential of something much better. Closing the album is the serene "Utopia" which is beautiful in its own right, and was released months before the album as an internet single, in wake of the Sept. 11th events and in honor of its victims.

This is not a bad album really, and in comparison to most [music] out there today, blond pop goddesses and metal/rap hybrids gone bad, this is a nice alternative. But nothing more than nice, Iym afraid. URS cannot hold a candle to SFIJ, and it also seems Alanis' persona has shifted. Never mind angry, I'd settle for any authentic emotion at this point. I don't want healing tips and psychologic talk from Alanis, I want her truth, and that's never found in selfhelp guides. Some comfort can be found in the EP due to be released with all the tracks that didn't make it to URS, most of are better than the actual URS tracks ("Sister Blister" is a great rock song and "Symptoms" is the best new song Alanis has recorded alongside "Flinch"). Playing the songs live will hopefully give them the edge they are missing. Anyway, URS will probably do very well, better than SFIJ, and most people will enjoy it very much, but this just isn't good enough for people like myself, who adored the poetry and musicianship of SFIJ. Perhaps URS's layout, that bright blue background with stars and butterflies, suggests best what kind of audience this is meant for.


this album kicks quite a lot of butt.   March 1, 2002
 17 out of 19 found this review helpful

"under rug swept" is a really amazing disc. morissette has taken production control and created a musical set with complex, sometimes hysterical lyrics and a rhythm focused, guitar-heavy melody. absent is the frenetic musical experimentation that was "supposed former infatuation junkie" and in its place is a more cohesive and structured album.
...the angry girl depiction has become such a media and critic's cliche. on "under rug swept" she doesn't so much rant at men as she describes her own place in these dysfunctional relationships...beautifully written, these songs may sound like stream-of-consciousness poetry, but at least they're thought provoking and delivered with great vocal finesse...it's about style, baby, and morissette's hook is the vocal and linguistic game of tag that she plays throughout her songs.
ripped vocals and sexy melodies wrap themselves nicely around morissette's writing, making this a truly wonderful disc. "21 things i want in a lover","hands clean" and "you owe me nothing in return" are three of her strongest tracks to date and alone make the album worth owning...just check out this album.


"These little rejections; how they disappear quickly"   March 2, 2002
 14 out of 16 found this review helpful

I'm not a huge fan of Alanis (well, at least I wasn't). When I first heard Alanis's new single "hands clean," I decided I'd give this CD a chance. I own her first CD, "Jagged Little Pill" and I love it. I had heard not-so-good things from her sophomore effort "supposed former infatuation junkie," and decided not to buy it (I'm definitely considering it now). "Under Rug Swept" is a *great* album. "Hands clean" is a great song, but some of the other songs are much, much better.
All her songs have great melodies and as usual, eccentric lyrics. When you insert this CD into your computer, you will have access to a "secret" website with some unreleased songs and other tiny benefits.
I can assure you that this is one CD you will not want to stop listening to.

Highlights:
*21 things I want in a lover
*narcissus
*hands clean
*so unsexy
*precious illusions
*utopia