Alanis Morissette - Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie

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 1995's record-smashing Jagged Little Pill is far from a disappointment. Imbued with dark, swirling psychedelic licks borrowed from Jimmy Page's 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 record's standouts, meanwhile, are "Thank U" and the hip-poppy "So Pure." One complaint (and there is only one): Morissette's 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 Amazon.com

I have never been mad

The infatuation comes from the semi-melodies located here, and within this album. Nothing is supposed, perhaps a single junk, or junkie as Alanis would have it. This pill is not only jagged, it is bitter and has far more serious side effects. It is like the proverbial apple, tempting and alluring. Go ahead, bite it, when you awake in a deathly grave you're happier for it. May 21, 2008

Almost ten years later, still a masterpiece

I bought this CD when it first came out in late 1998, and it was one of those discs that immediately made me shake my head in disbelief at how good it was. Nearly ten years later, it still blows me away every time I listen to it. There are no filler tracks here; I listen to it from start to finish every single time. Tracks like "Joining You" and "Can't Not" recall the sound of Jagged Little Pill, but there's also a level of maturity not present on that first disc. The songwriting and lyrics are excellent, and Morissette's vocals are heartfelt and sincere. Ask me to name the five CD's I'd take with me to a deserted island and this might be the first one I name. April 20, 2008

A Worthy Follow-Up to "Jagged Little Pill"

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 Morissette's anger just seemed too raw for me to absorb at the time. However as the subsequent singles from Morissette's "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 Morissette's 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 Harrison's 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 U"s. 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 isn't 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. Here's 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 isn't a true chorus - despite the hooks in the melody. The percussions definitely show some of the Indian influence.

"Can't Not": This song has an edgy alternative Rock feel showcasing some of Morissette's 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. It's 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 didn't 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, it's another opportunity for Morissette to show some great vocal ranges that aren't in 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, it's definitely worth checking out. Highly recommended. April 18, 2008

I should've got a "Best Of" album.

I love Alanis, but she's one of those people that has a lot of good hit songs, but has many fillers on her full length albums. Also, she has one of those voices (like The Cranberries) that's only good in doses. Her newer albums have been improving though. March 19, 2008

a favorite

One of my favorite CD's!

Alanis, you never disappoint :)

Andrea
January 26, 2008

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