Alanis Morissette - Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

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Such Pretty Forks in the Road

Havoc and Bright Lights

Flavors of Entanglement

So-Called Chaos

Under Rug Swept

Alanis Morissette Biography

Alanis Nadine Morissette is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and actress. She started her career in Canada in the 1990s with two popular dance-pop albums. She has a unique voice and writes honest lyrics. Later, she moved to Los Angeles for a recording contract. Her 1995 album, Jagged Little Pill, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and received critical acclaim. She won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1996. The album was also made into a rock musical that got 15 Tony Award nominations. It was even included in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time Guides. Her next album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, came out in 1998 and was highly anticipated.

Morissette was born in Ottawa, Canada. She recorded her first demo, “Fate Stay with Me,” in Toronto. It was produced by Lindsay Thomas Morgan and engineered by Rich Dodson. In August 1989, a second demo tape was made and sent to Geffen Albums. Unfortunately, it was stolen during a break-in at the label’s headquarters in October 1989.

Alanis Morissette’s first album, Alanis, was released in Canada in 1991 by MCA Records Canada. She co-wrote every song on the album with producer Leslie Howe. It was a dance-pop album that went platinum. The first single, “Too Hot,” made it to the top 20 on RPM singles chart. “Walk Away” and “Feel Your Love” were also released as singles and reached the top 40. Because of her fame, music style, and looks, especially her hair, she was called the “Debbie Gibson of Canada” and often compared to Tiffany. At the time, she even opened concerts for rapper Vanilla Ice. In 1992, she was nominated for three Juno Awards and won all three: Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year, and Best Dance Recording, all for “Too Hot.”

For her subsequent studio albums, including Under Rug Swept (2002), So-Called Chaos (2004), Flavors of Entanglement (2008), and Havoc and Bright Lights (2010), Morissette gained creative control and producing duties (2012). Such Pretty Forks in the Road, her most recent album, was published in 2020. “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket,” “Ironic,” “You Learn,” “Head Over Feet,” “Uninvited,” “Thank U,” and “Hands Clean” all charted in the top 40 in major markets around the world, with 10 top-40 hits in the United Kingdom, three top-10 hits in the United States and Australia, and 12 top-10 hits in her native Canada. She is also the female soloist, group leader, or duet member with the most No. 1s on the weekly Billboard Alternative Songs list. Morissette has received seven Grammy Awards, fourteen Juno Awards, and one Brit Award, and has sold over 75 million records worldwide. Rolling Stone has dubbed her the “Queen of Alt-Rock Angst.

Morissette took control of her subsequent studio albums, including Under Rug Swept (2002), So-Called Chaos (2004), Flavors of Entanglement (2008), and Havoc and Bright Lights (2010), and also produced them in 2012. Her latest album, Such Pretty Forks in the Road, came out in 2020. Songs like “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket,” “Ironic,” “You Learn,” “Head Over Feet,” “Uninvited,” “Thank U,” and “Hands Clean” were all successful, charting in the top 40 in major markets worldwide. She had 10 top-40 hits in the UK, three in the US and Australia, and 12 in Canada. Morissette holds the record for the most No. 1s on the Billboard Alternative Songs list as a soloist, group leader, or duet member. She has won seven Grammy Awards, fourteen Juno Awards, and one Brit Award, and has sold over 75 million records globally. Rolling Stone has given her the title of “Queen of Alt-Rock Angst.”

Alanis Morissette Discography

Such Pretty Forks in the Road
Havoc and Bright Lights
Flavors of Entanglement
So-Called Chaos
Under Rug Swept
Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie
Jagged Little Pill

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Was Alanis Morissette So Successful?

Alanis Morissette’s first album, Jagged Little Pill, was a huge hit in 1995. It sold over 33 million copies worldwide and won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

What’s the most famous album by Alanis Morissette?

A lot of people think Alanis Morissette’s most famous album is Jagged Little Pill. It sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is considered one of the most influential albums of the 1990s. It even won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

What’s Alanis Morissette’s most famous song?

Alanis Morissette’s most famous song is “Ironic.” It came out in 1996 on her album Jagged Little Pill and became a big hit. “Ironic” showcases Morissette’s unique style: catchy tunes with clever, self-reflective lyrics.

How many songs does Alanis Morissette have?

Alanis Morissette’s album, Jagged Little Pill, has twelve songs. But wait, there’s more! There’s actually a hidden track called “Your House” that comes after the last listed track, “You Oughta Know.” So, if you count that, there are actually thirteen songs on the album.

What was Alanis Morissette’s first song?

Alanis Morissette’s first song is “You Oughta Know.” It came out in 1995 and was a huge hit worldwide. People think of it as one of the most iconic songs from the 90s.