I vividly recall the day I strolled into Target and snagged Alanis Morissette’s iconic album, ‘Jagged Little Pill’. Armed with some babysitting cash and driven by the infectious popularity of “You Oughta Know” on the radio, I decided to give it a shot. Little did I know, I had just acquired a soundtrack that would shape my teenage years.
Once I got that CD home, I played it on repeat. With only a tape player in my car at the time, I made a cassette copy so I could sing along in my ’87 Pontiac Bonneville. For the first time, music truly resonated with me. These weren’t mere songs; they were anthems that spoke to the depths of my experience. Alanis had a remarkable way of articulating a woman’s deepest thoughts, introducing me to words like “duplicity,” which I promptly looked up to fully grasp the scorn she expressed in her lyrics.
If you’ve ever listened to ‘Jagged Little Pill’, you know those 13 tracks are all unique, yet each one packs a punch. Who doesn’t know the words to “Ironic”? That music video, featuring her four personalities in a car singing, “It’s like rain on your wedding day!” etched itself into our hearts. I dare you to throw it on Apple Music or Spotify and try not to sing along—I know I can’t resist.
In 2019, Alanis announced a tour to celebrate 25 years of ‘Jagged Little Pill’. I was ecstatic. The moment I learned she was coming to my city, I rushed to secure tickets. Of course, the concert was initially set for 2020, and we all know how that turned out. Thankfully, unlike many artists, she merely postponed instead of canceling. This past Saturday, I finally got to fulfill my teenage fantasy of seeing her live.
I had no idea what to expect, but my heart raced with anticipation. The moment she stepped onto the stage, I welled up with tears. Was it the 42-year-old me or the 16-year-old me who was weeping? Perhaps it was a blend of both. Even though I’m a mother now and far removed from my flannel shirts and overalls, that 16-year-old girl still resides within me, knowing and feeling every lyric of the album.
As she began, I observed her face—it has aged, just like mine. However, her voice, smile, and passion remain unchanged. She generously treated us to the entire album, singing to thousands of fans, many of whom were also in their 30s and 40s, belting out the songs that defined our youth.
We were transported back to a simpler time, long before we had the world at our fingertips. A time when we counted our AOL minutes and sent instant messages with goofy usernames. We remember crafting collaged notebooks from magazine clippings, eagerly awaiting Thursday night “Must See TV” with dreams of living alongside Rachel and Monica. With just a few notes on the harmonica, Alanis whisked us back to that era—back to when life felt carefree, wearing Dr. Martens and our favorite dElia*s shirts. It was a magical night.
She continues to resonate with us now, just as she did back then. On the screen, images flashed of her performing during what many might consider her prime alongside glimpses of her current life as a mother. We witnessed a pregnant belly and a beautiful family, reflecting our own journeys. She has evolved, but her music remains a defining force for our generation. We could all use a little of that spirit these days.
How are we doing now? Collectively, including Alanis, I believe we’re managing alright. We’ve changed, our lives have transformed, yet the core message remains: stand up for who you are, love fiercely, and embrace your imperfections. Life’s ironic moments can either make us laugh or teach us lessons. Remember, your self-worth is vital.
Her concert left me with a deep sense of nostalgia, wrapping me in warmth that resonated through my soul. The evening culminated with a performance of “Thank U,” which might just be my favorite track. She gifted me a temporary escape from the chaos of life, allowing me to relive the joy of being that girl with endless possibilities and adventures ahead. Thank you, Alanis, for that night and for being the soundtrack of my high school years, inspiring me and countless other angst-ridden women of the ’90s. The lessons still apply, 25 years later.
You grieve, you learn You choke, you learn You laugh, you learn You choose, you learn You pray, you learn You ask, you learn You live, you learn
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In summary, Alanis Morissette’s music serves as a powerful reminder of our collective experiences and growth, transcending time and age. Her recent concert was a beautiful homage to our youth, evoking nostalgia and reaffirming the importance of self-acceptance and resilience.
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