REVIEW: “The opening track, Your House, created an electric atmosphere – impressive for an intimate, acoustic gig”
BY BEV PATERSON. IMAGES INSTAGRAM/ALANIS MORISSETTE
It was a hard pill to swallow, but it’s been 25 years this June since the release of Alanis Morissette’s first international, extremely relatable album, Jagged Little Pill. The album had us all – of a certain age, at least – singing our hearts out. I remember reading the lyrics from the CD sleeve in awe of this feminist icon-to-be with her simultaneously cutting and heart-melting lyrics.
Earlier this month, on 4 March 2020, I was taken right back to those moments alongside a sold-out crowd at London Shepherd’s Bush Empire: a sold out crowd who remembered every lyric, at that.
If anything, Morissette sounded even better than her studio recordings. The opener, Your House, created an electric atmosphere – impressive for an intimate, acoustic gig. From there, it was straight into the belting Right Through You, then You Learn. Songs we can all identify with, I’m sure.
Newer tune, Reasons I Drink, was an exciting taster of what’s to come from Morissette’s upcoming release, Such Pretty Forks In The Road – the Canadian artist’s first studio album in eight long years. The song explores addiction: empathising with those experiencing it and taking from Alanis’ own relationship with alcohol.
Despite my absolute glee throughout the entire performance, You Ought Know was the ultimate highlight – a raw, angry classic that puts Morissette on the lyrical genius pedestal. The track absolutely stands the test of time and had the whole crowd energised, leaving the venue full of thirst for more from the legendary songstress.
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