I have sympathy for those special artists that debut with a stunning album and then spend the next ten years trying to match or beat it. Morissette’s JAGGED LITTLE PILL was not only a great record but its sales of many millions worldwide set the lady up for life. To progress from such a popular and great record is proving especially difficult for an artist with a voice so distinctive that her songs tend to sound very familiar. Morissette’s last album showed some progression but failed to light the sort of fires needed to keep her in the forefront as a recording artist. As a live artist she has few peers, as she proved at a recent TV performance. So, can this record take her further up the creative ladder?

The answer is at best a ‘maybe’. Opening with Eight Easy Steps and a rocky vibe I wasn’t inspired. Lyrically, she’s still a winner but I just wonder if trying to compete with the Lavignes of this world will bear fruit. Out Is Through opens more quietly but then descends into a raucous rock cacophony as do too many songs here. It’s when she fronts a stripped down orchestration that she shines as in the beautiful This Grudge, and the final track, Everything which keeps an effective lid on the instruments (although you could swear that this song has been heard before).

Having just reviewed PJ Harvey’s new album and been stunned at its diversity and originality, Morissette’s effort seems pedestrian and tired. She’s a great artist, of that there is no doubt, but she really needs to put her creative hat and heart on and try something very different to stay ahead of the game. It’s not easy but to garner new fans needs new ideas, and they are not here.

3/5