Selling over 33 million records is special in itself, but when it comes from a 21 year old artist no-one outside Canada had previously heard of, then it is even more remarkable. Glan Ballard was the co-writer and producer, and he added an accessible sheen to Morisette's angsty, alternative edge. You Oughta Know was the lead single, and it was the airplay of this track by an LA radio station that started the ball rolling for this unlikely phenomenon. An 18 month world tour followed, giving a focal point to teenage girls across the globe.
The guitar/harmonica lick that kicks things off is fantastically 90s, but in all the good ways. The riff that continues pretty much throughout could be straight off the Stone Roses debut, and there are some clever double-tracking vocals too, as well as that gutsy 'silence' moment. You Oughta Know is a proper anthem, with a singalong to the bridge almost resistable. It is musically very simple but effective, and lyrically exceptionally well observed with a healthy dollop of caustic sarcasm "It was a slap in the face/how quickly I was replaced/and are you thinking of me/when you fuck her?" Perfect slows things right down, with a passive aggressive capture of a fragmented relationship between daughter and parents, though it is a bit too whiney for me. Hand in my Pocket creates a series of contradictions and vignettes, and Morisette's voice works as the glue binding it all together. Right Through You is edgier, with a venomous insistence apparent throughout, although a couple of the guitar effects haven't dated too well. Forgiven is one of the more forgettable songs here, with a classic quiet-loud-quiet structure unable to hide the slightly stretched religious analogies. You Learn was one of the big singles off an album full of them, with a chorus that wouldn't be out of place on many contemporary records. Head Over Feet is an absolute belter, which will always have a special place for us after a cover of it was performed at a friend's wedding, complete with the bride nailing the harmonica solo. Mary Jane does classic quiet-loud-quiet rock very well, at a slightly superficial yet undeniably catchy level. Ironic is not only a brilliant song, but has singlehandedly led to a better understanding of the term irony through it's ironic non-irony. Not the Doctor is one of the more forgettable songs on the album, but that doesn't mean it is without substantial merit, slightly bizarre lyrics aside.
I knew this album a bit, and certainly the singles off it, but was really impressed by the consistency of it. When you have high expectations, and they are still surpassed, that is a sign of something a bit special. It is one of those timeless records that manages to capture the time it was recorded whilst not sounding too dated, surely testament to the quality of the songs, both musically and lyrically. It is an album I'd be more than happy for my daughter to grow up listening to (a couple of explicit moments aside) as it explains more about the emotional challenges of teenage years than most authors would manage in a lifetime. It is big-hearted, clever, and very, very good.
Chloe's album rating: 9
Chloe's favourite track: 8. Head Over Feet
Olly's album rating: 9
Olly's favourite track: 2. You Oughta Know
Next week is our second Sly and the Family Stone album - There's a Riot Goin' On.
No comments:
Post a Comment