Alanis Morissette

MTV Unplugged

Breathtaking

Review Score:

(10/10)
At first I heard Alanis' music only on the radio, and although I found some of her songs quite interesting, they didn't really appeal to me, since they simply were too loud for me. Then `That I would be good' was released on single over here (The Netherlands). Boy, this is a song that captured me at once, and a few weeks later I sat in my listening room enjoying what I call one of the best purchases of the last twelve months! MTV Unplugged is full of beautiful subdued songs, performed by an artist who does them with ease. I doubt she needs any good reviews to have her albums sold, but after I read the above review of Jaan Uhelszki (Amazon.com), I immediately thought: what has he been listening to? A shrill, thin delivery? My God, how can you be that far off! I found all the songs on this album very warm and smooth, with care of detail and creating the right environment. Subdued I call her singing, leaving room for percussion and strings. Very nice warm bass as well on there, and the cello's and violins on `Uninvited' could go on for ever, If you ask me. I even found `You oughta know' very nicely done - one reviewer missed the anger that originally made the song, and although he or she is probably right, it sounds as if Alanis god rid of the anger and was left with resignation: something that gives a neutral rendering. In a nutshell: beautiful singing, done with unbelievable ease (I also saw the video), surrounded by serene guitar play, soft drums and warm, full bass. Highly recommended.

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