OVERVIEW
In my opinion this is one of her weaker albums. I was really blown away by FOE and this just doesn't hold up to the great standard that she set for herself last time around. There are some definite stand out tracks (see below) but it doesn't feel like a cohesive album to me - the vibe is all off. Definitely a more 'mellow' album and it's very clear she's in a happier place in her life - which is great for her, but I miss the breakup songs.
1. GUARDIAN
We've all heard this track. I still love it. Moving on.
2. WOMAN DOWN
Slightly faster than the live version. The chorus seriously ROCKS. Comparable to "King of Intimidation," with a bit of "Narcissus" thrown in. In my opinion the strongest track on the album. Wouldn't be surprised if this song came out during the URS era.
3. TIL YOU
Not terribly much to say about this song, which isn't a good thing. As stated before, a love song to SoulEye but this isn't exactly "Head Over Feet" or even "In Praise.." quality. Breathy, airy sound...very ballad-y. Something you might hear in an elevator. "I've been dodging bullets til you."
4. CELEBRITY
Believe the hype on this one. While initially it really wasn't striking a chord with me, it has vastly grown on me in the two days I've been listening to it. The chorus is awesome. I don't really see the comparisons to "The Couch"....like...at all. If anything I'd liken it more to "A Man" with a touch of "Pollyanna Flower" thrown in. Her voice is seriously on point on this song - she sounds amazing. One of the only songs that I think this will end up being a fan-favorite.
5. EMPATHY
One of my favorites. Piano track with a back-beat. Very sweet song with lyrics like "thank you for seeing me I feel so less lonely." Mid-tempo (think "Doth I Protest Too Much). Simple song (doesn't completely fit after "Celebrity.") but as I stated before, a strong one.
6. LENS
Initially wasn't a fan, but it has grown on me. The description that Alanis gave it is perfect. It's a very 'what's yours is mine, what's mine is yours' in a simple sense but also can be interpreted in a much larger sense. Another mid-tempo song, I could see it fitting in well on SCC. Ends too abruptly for my taste. "So now it's your, your religion, it's my, my religion, my humble opinion is yours."
7. SPIRAL
Has a 'Giggling Again..' sort of feel to it. Talks about her 'shame spiral' and asks the 'person' in the song to not leave her there with her 'critical voices.' Almost like a "That I Would be Good" part two, despite the completely different feel. Upbeat song, verses build to the chorus but doesn't ever really get 'there.' Strong song, has grown on me in the past few days (initially I was not a fan). While individually I do like "Empathy," "Lens," and "Spiral," having them one right after another blends the three together a bit as they have similar 'sounds.'
8. NUMB
Think of "Joining You" mixed with "Purgatorying" with a dash of "Versions of Violence" thrown in. The live version never resonated with me, but I'm a fan of the track on the album. REALLY rocks out - the drums sound amazing in the chorus and the guitars are crazy good.
9. HAVOC
For me the verses sound WAY too similar to "Not All Me" and because of this, I can't get a grasp on this song as an individual being. I don't HATE the song but...it's a snooze for sure. Has a 'sweet' sound, very slow tempo, musically the bridge is gorgeous - violins, clarinets, bassoons - instruments that she should use more of. But after the bridge it's back to sounding almost identical to "NAM." I dunno...not a standout in my opinion but I'm sure others will disagree with me.
10. WIN AND WIN
Least favorite song on the album. "We're eye to eye, we are win and win, we are equal to each other." Mid-tempo, nothing new or interesting really. Not a lot to say about it. One of the longer songs on the album (5:01).
11. RECEIVE
Again, has tones of "Not All Me." Song is about giving to someone else but then "learning how to receive." Mid to Up-tempo song. Doesn't really reach any great heights, but she sounds fantastic on the track. Verse and Chorus style is similar to "Excuses," complete with the "woah oh oh's" at the end.
12. EDGE OF REVOLUTION
Not the greatest album-ender we've ever had ("Numb" would have fit much better) but a strong track. "Here we go, out here on the edge of revolution." Verses are mid-tempo, chorus is up-tempo. Bridge is strong, probably my favorite part of the song. Light techno beat in the beginning, but chorus' are rock heavy. Track fades to black, instead of having a clear ending (like the majority of the album). Track also feels a bit out of place compared to the rest of the tracks.
END RESULT:
I think this album is a 'grower' not a 'shower.' A few strong, stand-out tracks, but the majority of them blend together. Album doesn't GRAB me like FOE or URS did. More mellow along the lines of SCC. I think the majority of Alanis fans will enjoy this album, as there are a few songs that will turn out to be Alanis 'classics.'
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