Alanis Morissette: Ironically Defying Convention as she Reaches her Fiftith Level

Known for her controversial lyrics and mezzo soprano vocals, Alanis Morissette became one of the most memorable and unique Canadian American singer songwriters and musicians of the 90s, but her journey was far from straightforward.

Despite her undeniable success, her story is one of resilience and self-discovery.

Early Rise To Stardom

Growing up in a nomadic household, Alanis had a natural talent for music, composing her first song at just 10.

Alongside her passion for music, she explored acting, appearing on children’s television sketch comedy ‘You Can’t Do That’ for five episodes when she was in junior high school.

Due to her early successes, she plunged into stardom in the early 90s, despite being a teenager living at home with her parents.

It was in 1991 when her debut album ‘Alanis’ was released by MCA Records. The dance-pop album went platinum, with its first single, ‘Too Hot,’ reaching the top 20 on the RPM singles chart. It marked just the beginning of her complex path to success.

Challenges On The Road To Fame

After dropping her second album 'Now Is The Time' in Canada in 1992, Morissette craved more exposure. She headed to Toronto, hoping for a breakthrough, where she found songwriter and producer Glen Ballard, who saw promise in her unique sound.

Despite the album producing three top 40 singles – ‘An Emotion Away’ , ‘No Apologies’ and ‘Never a Waste of Time’, the industry considered it a commercial failure since it sold around half the copies of her first album. After parting ways with MCA Records, Morissette found herself navigating the competitive music industry on her own.

Jagged Little Pill: A Breakthrough Moment

In 1995, Morissette struck gold with her album ‘Jagged Little Pill’ which catapulted her into international fame. Despite early setbacks, her perseverance paid off, and she was credited for opening doors for other unique and talented female artists like Meredith Brooks, Tracy Bonham and Patti Rothberg, and later Avril Lavigne and P!nk.

Jagged Little Pill produced some of Morissette's biggest hits, including ‘You Oughta Know,’ ‘All I Really Want,’ ‘Hand in My Pocket,’ and the signature single ‘Ironic’, which earned two Grammy nominations in 1997. It remained on the Billboard 200 Album Chart for over a year and earned Morissette six Juno Awards in 1996, including Album of the Year and Best Rock Album. It became the second best-selling album by a female artist, behind Shania Twain's ‘Come On Over.’

This album marked the peak of Morissette’s career, and struck a chord with listeners thanks to its raw, emotional lyrics and relatable themes. Alanis's honest portrayal of female experience, drawing from her personal struggles with relationships, depression, and eating disorders, connected with people of all ages who have experienced similar challenges.

A Shift in Sound

The 2000’s were seen as her years of artistic evolution, but also of personal growth.

She shifted away from her earlier alternative rock style to experiment with electronic and experimental music. Albums like ‘So-Called Chaos’ in 2004 showcased a more mature and introspective side of her songwriting, and while it would have been easy to stick to the same sound and bask in the glory of ‘Jagged Little Pill’, she explored new themes of spirituality and motherhood.

This was clear in albums ‘Havoc and Bright Lights’ from 2012 and ‘Such Pretty Forks in the Road’ from 2020, where she pursued music that truly resonated with her, rather than catering to others – a testament to her unapologetic nature.

Alanis and her family photographed for a GAP campaign

Return To The Spotlight

With the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic and juggling family life as a wife and mother of three, Alanis had phases where music took a back seat. She ventured into new territories, offering advice as an ‘agony aunt’ for The Guardian and launched her own podcast called 'Conversations with Alanis Morissette.' Additionally, she released her latest album, 'The Storm Before The Calm,' in 2022 – her latest to date.

Now 50, she’s back on the music scene, with her eagerly anticipated Triple Moon tour. With the 30th anniversary of her iconic album 'Jagged Little Pill' just around the corner, her music remains a hit with both longtime fans and a new generation.

“I highly recommend getting older! There's less tendency to people-please.”

Alanis is owning her age, feeling happier and less stressed as the years go by. We wonder what she's got up her sleeve for the next decade…