Alanis Morissette Alanis Unplugged CD

Though Morissette is known for songs driven by big, hard-hitting production, her larger-than-life sound translates surprisingly well to a stripped-down, acoustic-based approach. Backed by acoustic guitar, piano, and strings (and a tasteful rhythm section), Alanis scales down the grand scale of her arrangements for a more intimate, directly communicative effect. Listening to the almost gentle version of the formerly piledriving "You Oughta Know" will provide something of a revelation for Morissette's fans. The scathing lyrics achieve an even more cathartic effect with the contrasting feel of the music, and the singer/songwriter is revealed as a folk-rocker at heart.

Her previously noted preference for the confessional mode is further underlined here by an earnest version of the Police's soul-searching plaint "King of Pain." Thankfully, Morissette has enough common sense to avoid changing it to "Queen of Pain." The unfettered swoops and glides of her vocal style have more room to flow here as well, and Morissette sounds a bird in full flight throughout.

Personnel: Alanis Morissette (vocals, guitar, flute, harmonica); Joel Shearer, Nick Lashley (guitar); Joel Derouin, Laura Seaton (violin); David Campbell (viola); Erik Friedlander, Suzie Katayama (cello); Deron Johnson (keyboards, background vocals); Gary Novak (drums, percussion); Brad Dutz (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Chris Fogel.

Editor: Oscar Gaona.

Photographers: Frank Micelotta; Steven Sebring.

Arranger: David Campbell .

Personnel: Alanis Morissette (vocals, guitar, flute, harmonica); Nick Lashley, Joel Shearer (guitar); Joel Derouin, Laura Seaton (violin); Suzie Katayama, Erik Friedlander (cello); Deron Johnson (keyboards, background vocals); Chris Chaney (bass); Gary Novak (drums); Brad Dutz (percussion).

Engineers: Mark Hutchins, Renato Petruzziello.

Spin (2/00, pp.114-5) - 7 out of 10 - "...With a dollop of new stuff and a tic-laden reading of some classics, she makes the best of her ever-syrupy catalog..."
Entertainment Weekly (11/26/99, p.96) - "...a compelling live performer - exuding intelligence, warmth, and a quirky combo of passion and Zen calm. She draws on these, and the gentler acoustic setting, for a powerful finish..." - Rating: B-
CMJ (12/13/99, p.27) - "...M{her] powerful and expressive voice and songs stand up to the bare-bones treatment....each twisted [lyric] sounds more raw and painful..."