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Havoc and Bright Lights
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Havoc and Bright Lights Image
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

  • Summary: The first album in four years for the Canadian singer-songwriter was produced by Guy Sigsworth and Joe Chiccarelli .
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. Paste Magazine
    Aug 29, 2012
    80
    Havoc embodies relief, release and refuge.
  2. Boston Globe
    Aug 29, 2012
    70
    There are a couple of clunkers, including the finger-wagger "Celebrity," directed at those who seek fame as its own reward, and the droning "Win Win." But for the most part Morissette and producers Guy Sigsworth and Joe Chiccarelli keep the proceedings crisp, tuneful, warm, and sincere.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Aug 28, 2012
    67
    Like Morissette, Havoc And Bright Lights remains fearless and vibrant despite its shortcomings.
  4. AllMusic
    Aug 24, 2012
    60
    Havoc and Bright Lights is as soothing as a Sunday afternoon nap or a warm bath: it's music for when you know you're right where you want to be.
  5. PopMatters
    Aug 30, 2012
    50
    While it may be a difficult task to get through all 12 psycho-babble-filled tune on havoc, it's not entirely a wash or without merit. Ultimately, if you're not into hearing someone use their artistic expression to vent their frustrations and contemplate fairly uneducated meanderings on the current social state, or you're not struggling with your own identity lacking the mental capacity to understand your surroundings, you need not apply.
  6. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2012
    40
    Mostly, though, Morrisette succumbs to her dual predilections for quasi-spirituality and stultifying sappiness. [Oct 2012, p.84]
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  7. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Aug 27, 2012
    20
    Morissette is the sort of woman who does yoga to ensure she can still gaze at her navel... Self-obsessed.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. RoxanneKimberly
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Alanis Morissette goes for more traditional songs here and the results are great as usual
  2. brubruzinha
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Alanis Morissette goes more soft here, this album reminds me a little bit of SFIJ and is almost as good
  4. nick4bty
    Aug 28, 2012
    10
    This album couldn't better paint Alanis' life at the moment. There are so many fantastic moments in this album that it almost takes the knifeThis album couldn't better paint Alanis' life at the moment. There are so many fantastic moments in this album that it almost takes the knife out of the four-year-wait-cake. We are served a full album filled with sonically-brilliant moments and true pieces of pop art. As an artist, Alanis never fails to express herself in beautiful ways. Listening to the music offers music ingenuity, but reading the lyrics and truly understanding each song and what it stands for is how you can get the most out of this album. Everything about it clicks. 17 years since Jagged Little Pill, and still on top of her game. Havoc and Bright Lights is easily one of her best works to date.… Expand
  5. doc2be
    Aug 31, 2012
    8
    Excellent album. Such introspective and thoughtful lyrics and music. Such an underrated artist which is disappointing given the wonderfulExcellent album. Such introspective and thoughtful lyrics and music. Such an underrated artist which is disappointing given the wonderful music. Definitely not mainstream pop music which makes it unpalatable to the Pitbull lovers and radio I suppose. Recommended if you love music.… Expand
  6. MissEighties
    Dec 16, 2012
    7
    My expectations for this album were quite low because I'm a fan of "Jagged Little Pill" and that's about it. Turns out that "Havoc and BrightMy expectations for this album were quite low because I'm a fan of "Jagged Little Pill" and that's about it. Turns out that "Havoc and Bright Lights" is one of the best she did. Not a fan of her smooth songs but loving the Alternative-Angry-Rock-like-Alanis-can-do "Numb" and "Celebrity". An album I played more often then I would've thought since it's been released, it has to be good otherwise I wouldn't listen to it. One of her best!… Collapse
  7. someonewhocares
    Jul 8, 2022
    5
    Havoc and Bright Lights might truly be the perfect name for this 2012 album by Morrissette. Why? Most songs can be havoc in their songwritingHavoc and Bright Lights might truly be the perfect name for this 2012 album by Morrissette. Why? Most songs can be havoc in their songwriting and their production. However, we just can't not wonder whether she was on crack while recording this album, as this album cover and the songs scream meth high throughout.… Expand
  8. vladsch
    Apr 27, 2013
    2
    Alanis proved through the years to be as talented as a musician as she is a good partner in love something we can conclude embarrassinglyAlanis proved through the years to be as talented as a musician as she is a good partner in love something we can conclude embarrassingly through her excessive private life exposure in her songwritting where everybody else is always the problem, never her. Though her first solely self produced album Under Rug Swept had quite good hooks for her then assumed radio-lite-pop rock orientation, so far in the last 10 years she just released rubish and lazy work. Havoc and Bright Lights I love how the titles of her songs and albums are so pseudo intellectualized is however the worst of all. Some may think she just succeeded during her lifetime career thanks to her producers who polished her talents specially Glen Ballard however she already proved to do fine by herself and Mrs. Morissette problem here is actually lazyness to cope with her own work. If the title for her works are pompous and promising, you always happen to find out is just a fancy wrap for a cotton candy tasting like water. She should just embrace her now motherhood and save us from the baby lullabies. Better follow Kate Bush example and stay home baking cakes and taking care of your son. Your husband can pay the bills, you don't need to embarrass yourself anymore Alanis.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed Album of 2012