Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie
by Alanis Morissette
Almost Ten Years Later, Still A Masterpiece
When Alanis Morissette visited Mother India in 1997, she gained new
composure and, in a state of numinous bliss, wrote 17 songs for Supposed
Former Infatuation Junkie, each suffused with the search for enlightenment
and self-knowledge. To the likely dismay of many fans, Morissette now
rages at herself. But this long-awaited follow-up to 1995s record-smashing
Jagged Little Pill is far from a disappointment. Imbued with dark, swirling
psychedelic licks borrowed from Jimmy Pages song book, the disc is
paradoxically both more enigmatic and revealing than Pill. And while
Junkie shows that Morissette is no less stingy about revealing herself to
her fans--her staccato stream-of-consciousness style is again employed to
surrender her secrets and foibles a little too easily in these tales of abuse,
lost love, and self-flagellation--Junkie also makes one wonder what this
musical sphinx holds back. In Baba she takes on competitive spirituality,
sneering at the fashionable grasp for enlightenment. Would Not Come
returns to a similar theme--taking us on a tour of her diary. Would Not
Come and Your House offer the only hints of sexual innuendo. The only
revenge she wreaks on an errant lover is in the percussive Are You Still
Mad, this time dishing up a much subtler payback than on You Oughta
Know. The records standouts, meanwhile, are Thank U and the hip-poppy
So Pure. One complaint (and there is only one): Morissettes rapid-fire
wordplay is at times engulfed by ponderous instrumentation. The
worldbeat rhythms and elaborate guitar play add fresh twists to the album,
but they also sometimes bury her message. --Jaan Uhelszki
When i first heard Alanis Morissette, it was in 1995 when You Oughta
Know played on the radio. My first reaction to Morissette and You Oughta
Know was not positive. Most of the bubble gum and synth-pop of the
1980s was beginning to fade, yet Morissettes anger just seemed too raw
for me to absorb at the time. However as the subsequent singles from
Morissettes Jagged Little Pill album were released, I soon began to see
more than an angry young woman. When I listened to Jagged Little Pill in
its entirety, I realized that this album lived up to all of the hype. When
there is a monster album, expectations are usually through the roof for a
follow-up album. Thus there was a great deal of attention for Morissettes
follow-up, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie to continue the formula that
worked so well on Jagged Little Pill. Instead of following the formula,
Morissette would change the rules and go in a whole direction for Junkie.
The result is that Junkie would not sell as well as Jagged Little Pill.
However this is not a reflection of quality as Morissette once again hits the
ball out of the park.
There are two big influences on this album. First is the influence of Indian
music. Prior to the making of Junkie, Morissette made a pilgrimage to
India. This trip to India might be the most significant one in music history
since George Harrisons pilgrimage. While some songs demonstrate an
major Indian influence (such as Baba), I think the Indian influence is felt in
one form or another on almost every track. The other influence is that,
Morrisette turns things down a notch. While Junkie has a darker feel to it
than Jagged Little Pill, we find Morissette less angry and more conciliatory
at times.
Glen Ballard, the co-mastermind with Morissette on Jagged Little Pill once
again returns as producer and collaborator (songwriting and instruments)
on this album. Ballard once again does a very effective job as a producer
and gets the most out of Morissette on each of these tracks.
Here is a track by track synopsis:
Front Row: Great track and an underrated one in the Morissette portfolio.
The Indian influence is felt in the mantra-like feel to the whole song. Listen
to how beautifully the electric guitars blend in.
Baba: The title of this song immediately shows an Indian influence. (I
believe Baba means father). Musically the song does have a Rock edge
with some great electric guitars. The lyrics here probably have more of the
Indian influence than the musical sound - but subtly it still has a Indian
rhythm.
Thank U: Great track that was a hit single from this collection. Here we
see a more concilitory Morissette as she issues many Thank Us. Not only
does Morissette thank India, but the mantra-like beat to this song
showcases the Indian sound.
Are You Still Mad?: On this song, we get to hear Morissette move away
from her trademark raspy vocals with a more softer feel. While Morissette
isnt as angry, on this track she challenges her lover with Are you still mad
while at the same time saying basically what amounts to I told you so.
Great orchestration sounds close the track.
Sympathetic Character: Another great track. Heres another track with a
mantra-like sound that shows some of the Indian music. An innovative
electric guitar solo highlights things at the end.
That I Would Be Good: Showcases the softer Morissette again and gives
Morissette to real demonstrate good vocal ranges. While not angry
Morissette finishes the song I Would Be Good - whether with or without
you
The Couch: The most interesting thing about this track is how there isnt a
true chorus - despite the hooks in the melody. The percussions definitely
show some of the Indian influence.
Cant Not: This song has an edgy alternative Rock feel showcasing some
of Morissettes trademark raspy vocals. This song has a bit of the mantra-
feel, but listen to how the song switches gears with some nice bridge
midway into the song.
UR: This track is a bit of a throwback to Jagged Little Pill with the use of
the harmonica. This track takes a bit, but it does grow on you.
I Was Hoping: Morissette sings this song in the form of a story. Not a
strong Indian influence, but the beat does have a mantra-feel to it.
One: Great song and another overlooked track. It has a mantra-like feel
and I think there is more Indian sound in this track than one might think.
Morissette also shows the conciliatory tone by singing I have abused my
power forgive me.
Would Not Come Almost a cross of alternative rock with some Indian
influences (mantra-like near chanting like lyrics and some percussions).
Some more great electric guitar work on this song.
Unsent: A simple acoustic song, but lyrically genius. No chorus on this
one. On this track, Alanis writes letters to her former lovers. Its softer
stuff, so no anger here. Great stuff.
So Pure: Again a mantra-like feel to it and while it does have some Indian
influence, it almost transforms itself into a near Irish folk sound toward the
end. Another great track.
Joining You: This is another great track. I didnt hear as much as an
Indian influence, but on this track Morissette gets the opportunity to
showcase some great vocals, but this time against a harder guitar sound.
Heart of the House: A softer sound with Indian and Orchestral sounds.
This is a good track, but not a great one.
Your Congratulations: While not the most exciting track, its another
opportunity for Morissette to show some great vocal ranges that arent i n
her raspy voice. Good string arrangements on this one.
The liner notes include all of the lyrics. This album is definitely a worthy
follow-up to Jagged Little Pill. If you overlooked this album, its definitely
worth checking out. Highly recommended.
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