Alanis Morissette: havoc and bright lights

Alanis Morissette is kind of weird. But I like her, for the most part. She feels like a white, female Michael Jackson (which I realize is a smidge redundant) who has great rock songs, but pushes the envelope just a little bit stylistically and thematically (“Smooth Criminal,” anyone?). She’s brave and daring, and I appreciate that.

Her newest project, havoc and bright lights is a tapestry of self perusal and potent statements, classic rock and some edgy sounding stuff. To be fair, “Hand in My Pocket” was the only Morissette song I was familiar with before this album, but I saw her on NBC’s the Voice last season, and have read her interviews in Redbook, and the girl has presence. So I wasn’t really surprised by the wide range of music represented in her new album. 

Let’s start with the shocking, shall we? I must say that I love songs that are willing to make a statement. Taking up precious room on an album for a four minute platform to say something is a brave move, and one I can totally get behind. “celebrity” is just that – not quite politically correct, but totally truthful. “I’m on my twentieth round of vitamin v/And I’ll cut my weight until you’ll have me/Give me celebrity, my kingdom to be famous.” It’s jarringly real, and it doesn’t paint a pretty picture of what the bright lights do to a person. The music is even unsettling, full of hard edges and what sounds like an almost-scream.

“havoc” is also uncomfortably truthful. A cry of desperation from a person ruined by their own bad choices, “havoc” verbalizes the inner workings of a mind in pain. “I am beaten by my impulsiveness/By this uncanny foreshadowing of regret/Cause I’m repulsed by restriction…” People don’t say things like that… for fear they might be committed. But maybe a song can be the best form of expression, the best way to find relief through solidarity.

One of my favorites, though, and the song that will most likely make the charts, is “guardian.” It’s been a long time since I heard a song that expresses such a commitment. A song that expresses the idea that when life is at its very worst, I will step in and be your back up. I will watch over you and care for you. And – this may be the best part – this isn’t a romantic song, but an expression of utter friendship and loyalty. There is nothing (like sexual attraction) to tie the singer to their friend, just a strong sense of dedication. The music on this track feels angel like (I’m thinking Celtic Women… which always feels celestial to me), which is a nice addition to the lyric.

This album isn’t necessarily an easy listen. Morissette says a lot things you don’t normally say out loud, but somehow, set to music, it’s palatable. I could go on for days, but you’d get tired and stop reading, which really wouldn’t serve either of us. So, I’ll just say that you need to give this album some time. Listen closely, look up the lyrics, think about them. And share them with someone. I have the feeling these were meant to be conversation pieces, not just background music.

Grab havoc and bright lights on Spotify, and enjoy!