Alanis Morissette first came to our attention in 1995 with the phenominal 3rd 'Jagged Little Pill' which became one of the best selling album's by a woman of all time. The general public interest in her declined after that album, a huge contributing factor would possibly be down to the follow-up album 'Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie' which is a dark and non-commericial record, which I believe put a lot of people off her. I know I was certainly dissapointed when that album came out, but in time I learned to love it. Anyway, enough of that, this is about the follow-up to THAT album, 2002's 'Under Rug Swept'.

'Under Rug Swept' was released after a 4 year break by Alanis. Alanis is quite well known for taking long breaks between albums, putting about 10 songs on each album and only releasing two singles from each album so us fans have to make the most of her whilst she is in the public eye.

This album is again, a lot different to 'Jagged' and 'Supposed' but more commercian that the previous album. Consisting of 11 songs, it showcases Alanis' vocal ability to make use of the most unusual dialogue and turn it into a song.

'21 Things I Want In A Lover' is the opening song on the album, it's quite a stormer. Rocky and edgy. And indeed the song does list the fill 21 things that she wants in a lover. 10/10.

'Narcissus' - Another man-bashing track. I like to call this song a bit 'quirky', it's obviously about some guy who she's not very impressed with and is listing his flaws. Each sentance starts with "Dear Momma's Boy...." which makes it repetetive and the song doesn't have a chorus but it fits perfectly on the album. 9/10.

'Hands Clean' - This was the first single from the album and I remember hearing for the first time on the radio (Yay! Radio were playing Alanis back in 2002!). It's a song that has a bit of warmth to it, unlike many of her previous songs. I remember reading that it's about how she was in a relationship with a much older man when she was about 16 or something. One of the highlights on the album 10/10.

'Flinch' - Alanis has been hurt again and here she is pouring out her heartache on the album. This song is so beautifully done. There is real emotion in the lyrics and just the whole sound of the song is done perfectly 10/10.

'So Unsexy' - I remember this song being touted as a potential single during the album campaign (but as per usual, Alanis can only manage to release 2 singles and go into hibernation for another 4 years!). For me though, this song doesn't really appeal. I feel it lacks something, and that something is definatly needed for it to stick out on the album. The lyrics, as always are killer, but the song itself is pretty weak compared to what has been heard previously 6/10.

'Precious Illusions' - The albums second and final single. Great song, fits in with the whole sound of the album. About facing up to harsh realities instead of living in denial. Has that edge to it that 'So Unsexy' misses and therefore why I think it was a good choice for a single 9/10.

'That Particular Time' - Another slower song, it is kind of a 'whiney' song. I can't say it's one of my personal favourites on the album but I can definitley see the appeal to it. 7/10.

'A Man' - Now, this is a weird one. I want to like it but I just can't. This sounds like it would have fitted better on her previous album 'Infatuation Junkie' as it has the 'darker' tones which filled that album. I know alot of the hardcore fans thought this was the best song on the album when it came out but I have to disagree. I prefer more commercial Alanis 5/10.

'You Owe Me Nothing In Return' - I think this is about a non-commited relationship, Alanis saying that i'll provide you with your needs and you don't owe me anything for doing it. Apparently, she has never performed this song live for some strange reason as it is one of the most oustanding songs she has ever done. Maybe she doesn't like it or something 10/10.

'Surrendering' - Another epic song. One of the more 'upbeat' songs on the album and definitley a stand out track. 10/10.

'Utopia' - Written just after the 9/11 tracks when the world was in a state of shock and disbelief over what happened. Very 'hippy' sounding is this one. Very dreamy and light. Good song to close the album with. 9/10.

So, after the non-commerical album 'Infatuation Junkie', Alanis returned to a more commercial sounding record this time around. There's a bit of rock, pop, ballads on here that people will like. For me, this one of my faviourite Alanis albums. It's just what she needed to make at this point in her career.