ALANIS Morissette was the rock goddess of the Gen Zs of the ‘90s.
Before Olivia Rodrigo belted out songs about her broken heart, Alanis’ hits about her failed relationships, her angst, and the lessons she learned about life defined a generation.
During the heyday of grunge music, street hip hop and boy bands, this Grammy award-winning Canadian rocker was responsible for some of the most iconic tunes of the decade.
Rising to fame in the mid ‘90s, she released colossal hit after hit after hit.
Interestingly, her songs are so timeless that even today’s young generation, who are practically now kids of her ‘90s fans, have her in their playlist.
Apart from her distinct alternative rock sound, Alan’s is known for her cleverly written and frank lyrics that resonate with the emotions of her listeners.
Now, Alanis is back in the country for a two-night sold-out concert for her Filipino fans on August 1 and 2.
It will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena for the 25th anniversary of her chart-topping debut album Jagged Little Pill.
As she gives the country major ‘90s nostalgia, let’s take a look at some of the timeless hits from her Grammy award-winning album.
- You Oughta Know
Many would surely agree that You Oughta Know is one of Alanis’ most impassioned songs, where she daringly snarls to the audience about the effect of her breakup on her. It’s the perfect emotion-releasing song for anyone who’s gone through a bitter breakup, with its intense, angry and biting words.
Its fiery chorus perfectly embodies the pain of being left behind: And I’m here, to remind you / Of the mess you left when you went away / It’s not fair to deny me / Of the cross I bear that you gave to me / You, you, you oughta know.
- Hand in my pocket
In contrast to You Oughtta Know’s angry words, Hand in my pocket meanwhile features a more mellow set of lyrics that reminds everyone who’s going through a tough time that everything is going to be alright.
The song has pleasant instrumentals, but everyone seems to agree that the ultimate attraction about this song comes from its lyrics that sees happiness in spite of life’s challenges.
It is a perfect song for Gen Z’s still figuring out life.
“I’m broke, but I’m happy / I’m poor, but I’m kind/ I’m short, but I’m healthy, yeah/ I’m high, but I’m grounded/ I’m sane, but I’m overwhelmed / I’m lost, but I’m hopeful, baby.”
- Ironic
Arguably one of the most recognizable songs of the ‘90s, the track is also one of the most influential songs of all time.
Its lyrics lay down examples of ironies in life.
“It’s like rain on your wedding day / It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid / It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take / And who would’ve thought it, it figures.”
- You learn
The fourth single to be released off the Jagged Little Pill album, it is that song that teaches listeners that every life experience, good or bad, has something to teach them and could help them become a better person.
It is a feel good, cleansing song for anyone who wants to get some healing.
As its words go, “You live, you learn / You love, you learn / You cry, you learn / You lose, you learn / You bleed, you learn / You scream, you learn.”
- Head over feet
Anyone who was Head Over Feet in love with someone in the ‘90s surely fell mad for this song. In contrast to Alanis’ usually angry songs, this one’s very inspiring.
Its lyrics speak about finally finding someone so close to perfect that you cannot believe such a person could exist.
It goes: “You’ve already won me over in spite of me / Don’t be alarmed if I fall head over feet / Don’t be surprised if I love you for all that you are / I couldn’t help it / It’s all your fault.”
