Some of the best songs on Under Rug Swept, Alanis Morissette's latest album, are about the difficulties and frustrations associated with being in or out of love.
You would think that an entire album dedicated to this theme would be a real winner; something to pop into the stereo and sing along with until you are out of breath; an album that you would listen to on repeat until you forget exactly why you were so upset about your former loved one. To be honest, I hoped for an album that is worth all of the time spent listening to it.
Expectations aside, Under Rug Swept is the exact antithesis of everything great about an album dedicated to the hardships of love. The album is not worth the discounted price it may carry. In fact, it will almost make you want to go out and comfort all of Alanis' ex-lovers for simply dealing with her. Can an album really be this terrible? With one hand in my pocket, I will have to say that, sadly, it can be done.
Morissette has yet to acquire the ability to write a decent tune. You might ask how it is feasible to construct lyrics that are worse than those in her little ditty "Ironic." It is a shocker, but Alanis has managed to outdo even herself with the 11 songs that appear on Under Rug Swept.
Here is a taste from "Narcissus:" "Dear momma's boy/I know you've had your butt licked by your mother/I know you've enjoyed all that attention from her/and every woman graced with your presence after."
As an example of the high caliber of content that resides in her lyrics. This song, in particular, refers to licking butt on three occasions. If Morrisitte had meant the mom's butt-licking to be kitschy, then she would have succeeded. But unfortunately, it appears that she is attempting to be simultaneously profound and raunchy.
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The only thing that Under Rug Swept gets any kudos for is the music itself. The first two tracks, "21 things I want in a lover" and "Narcissus" would be just above adequate if the lyrics were ignored. I almost thought that my opinion of Morrisette was about to change, but then she began to wail, and I knew that my eardrums would have to be comforted afterward.
The one promising talent Morrisette possesses is the ability to write a catchy tune that is both creative and easy to get stuck in your head. If only she could pay someone to write lyrics that exceeded the maturity of a lovesick teenager.
If you have always been a fan of Morrisette, then you have probably already bought this album and will continue to adore her work. But if every time you hear her voice, you experience wooziness and feel ready to swoon, then don't even think about giving Under Rug Swept a listen. I already wish I had the part of my life back I spent under the rug.
