Top Ten Songs by Alanis Morissette: Beyond Jagged Little Pill

Alanis Morissette is probably best known for her album “Jagged Little Pill” which was released back in 1995. “Jagged Little Pill” was a hit with such memorable and angry songs as “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket” and “You Learn.” Morissette became known for somewhat aggressive songs and pointed lyrics. Her following albums began to withdraw from the angry angst-filled “Jagged Little Pill” and included songs about love, loss and self-growth. 

Alanis Morissette’s intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics create a smart collection of beautiful music. Though “Jagged Little Pill” was a major hit with the public, her following albums display some of Morissette’s best work in regards to lyrical and personal growth. Beyond “Jagged Little Pill,” these are the top ten songs by Alanis Morissette.

1. That I Would Be Good (MTV Unplugged, 1999): “That I Would Be Good” explores the true depth of love and feeling. It expresses our collective hope that no matter what happens or what we do in our lives, we can find someone who will see us as something important. That we can always be good in one person’s eyes—regardless of health, looks, money or lack of willpower. “That I Would Be Good” explores the wonder we all feel—if we lost a certain something, would we still matter—would we still be loved?
“That I would be loved
Even when I am not myself.
That I would be good
Even when I am overwhelmed.”

2. So Unsexy (Under Rug Swept, 2002):
“I can feel so unsexy for someone so beautiful
So unloved for someone so fine.
I can feel someone so boring
For someone so interesting
So ignorant for someone of sound mind.”
“So Unsexy” discusses the insecurity we all feel. It’s an exploration of self-doubt, but beyond that feeling useless and unskilled when we know we have skills, we have beauty, we have important things. Still, no matter how self-confident each person is, we can’t help but feel self-doubt.