Search - Alanis Morissette :: Flavors Of Entanglement

This pill is not so jagged

Allen Chapman | STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT USA | 06/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Along with everyone else I was a big fan of Alanis's major label debut album, "Jagged Little Pill" back when it was released. However because a co-worker felt the need to play the album non-stop for about three months the album became annoying. I don't think I've listened to it since and haven't paid attention to any of Alanis's follow-up albums. Then last week I heard her perform one of her new songs on Howard Stern's radio show and decided to give the new album a shot. This is a great album from start to finish. She has grown a lot since "Pill" and the combination of her lyrics and Guy Sigsworth's production are a match made in heaven. There isn't a weak track on the disc but the piano ballad "Not As We" is a stand out track for me. "Straitjacket", "Underneath", "Moratorium" they're all great. The album is loaded with hooks and much like "Jagged Little Pill" this is a disc you will play over and over."

The Evolution of Alanis . . .

Magic Poison | California | 06/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After 4 years of absence, Alanis returns with a surprisingly good album. I have been waiting for this album to come out since last September. I have to say that i'm impressed with 'Flavors'. Alanis tackles a new sound with the help of Guy Sigsworth (responsible for Madonna's 'What it feels like for a Girl'). Despite the new sound like in 'Straitjacket', Alanis still retains her classic style such as on 'Not as We'. These songs are filled with raw emotion and personal lyrics that makes it easy to relate to them. There are also some songs that may relate to her breakup from Ryan Reynolds. For example, Moratorium tells of Alanis' desire to take a break from relationships ("I've never known freedom from intertwining"). Songs such as Citizen of the Planet and Versions of Violence show a darkish sound similar to tracks on 'Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie'. There are also tracks that lean a little more towards the pop/dance genre (Giggling). Alanis & Guy really experiment with different 'Flavors' to create this album and the songs really show this. What's also great about this album is that there are bonus tracks which are just as good as the songs that made the final cut. 'Limbo No More' is very emotional while 'On The Tequila' is a fun catchy song. Also check out '20/20', another bonus found on the 'Underneath' cd-single. It has a similar message as 'Moratorium'. Overall, this album is great. I can't stop listening to it. I highly recommend this to fans and new listeners. 'Flavors' has a fresh sound and much different from the last two albums. Her past albums still influence this album which makes it even better. Good job Alanis!



Key Tracks: Citizen of the Planet, Underneath, Straitjacket, Not As We, Moratorium, Giggling, Tapes, Incomplete, Limbo No More, Orchid"

One of the best albums of 2008

Music Fan | USA | 06/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's been 13 years since "Jagged Little Pill" owned the Billboard charts, but this CD explains why Alanis still has a large, dedicated fan base. She still remains one of the most important singer/songwriters in the music business.



The first single off of "Flavors" is "Underneath," an upbeat song that compares personal relationships to large-scale wars. Though it may not be the best song on the album, it highlights Guy Sigsworth's production. The verses also sell the song.



Other highlights are "Not As We," a heartbreaking piano-based ballad. "For now I'm faking it, til I'm pseduo making it, From scratch begin again, but this time I as I, and not as we." This song is lyrically one of the strongest songs on the album, and the simple piano arrangment suits it well.



"Incomplete" is one of the strongest songs on the album. The upbeat, techno-influenced track is about her hopes that she will someday be happy and fulfilled.



As far as the bonus tracks, "Madness" is the best. It's another sad, piano song, though it's not as big of a standout as "Not as We," which explains why it is a Bside. The other bonus tracks are hit-and-miss, but this track is a must listen.



This album was worth the four year wait. Alanis may not put albums out often, but when she does, it is certainly a big event."