When I received this particular CD I immediately thought, ‘Oh No!’ Why would anyone try to replicate an album that sold millions ten years ago? And especially since several of the songs from JAGGED LITTLE PILL have been previously released in unplugged versions. It seems I was not alone amongst reviewers in thinking this was a brash, young marketing exec’s stupid idea. Well, after listening to the album several times I’ve decided I was wrong to jump to such critical assertions.

First, let’s take a peek at what the original debut album achieved. The album sold over 30 million copies worldwide (3.5 million in the UK). In the USA, it is the biggest-selling debut by a female artist and the 14th highest-selling album of all-time. The album won four Grammy Awards in 1995 (Album Of The Year, Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song, Best Female Rock Vocal performance). The album spent a total of 270 weeks in the UK album charts, 11 of which were at number 1, and a further 70 weeks in the Top 40. The album spawned 5 hit singles. I could go on… So it was a rather special album by a rather special young artist. It also arguably led the way for other young singer/songwriters such as Jewel. But the most important aspect is that the album was no ordinary pop/rock release; it communicated real thoughts and emotions, and involved audiences like few other albums. It is quality, something we don’t see much of in today’s disposable music scene.

This 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE EDITION is a new studio acoustic recording with each song given a vastly different arrangement. It’s a beautifully produced album with stripped-down instrumentals that provide more space for the voice to dominate proceedings. All I Really Want opens with a Far-Eastern Beatles-esque instrumental opening that works tremendously well. Morissette’s voice has matured and improved with age and sounds better than on the original album – gone are the rough edges, with the transitions between high and low notes much smoother. With few exceptions, songs actually sound better including You Oughta Know which is slowed down and moodier. Hand In My Pocket is also slower and more expressive, while Mary Jane, Forgiven and Right Through You become exceptionally beautiful songs. The truth of the matter is that if this was a new album from a new artist, we would all be raving over it and it would sell in the millions (especially in the current singer/songwriter/acoustic market climate).

Put simply, if you’re a fan you should acquire this album. If you’re into singer/songwriters but may now possess a copy of JAGGED LITTLE PILL, you should pop out and buy this version (that also comes with behind-the-scenes enhanced footage). Essential.

5/5