• Record Label: Maverick
  • Release Date: Feb 26, 2002
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Negative: 4 out of 20
  1. This record moves way beyond armchair psychology - in fact, there are armchairs that have a cannier grasp of the mind.
  2. I'm just not sure that pop music should come out of a thesaurus.
  3. 30
    Time and again she comes across as the glum, joyless, self-centered sophomore with the dog-eared copy of "The Bell Jar" in her Hello Kitty backpack.
  4. Uncut
    30
    Chiefly consists of lumpen and joyless AOR rock, with a few rhythm loops to give an illusion of modernity. [Apr 2002, p.104]
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 63
  2. Negative: 6 out of 63
  1. ixat
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    upon first listen, most listeners may thnk that this album.. well.. kinda sucks... honestly, i did thnk of it that way.. i almost felt upon first listen, most listeners may thnk that this album.. well.. kinda sucks... honestly, i did thnk of it that way.. i almost felt regretful of buyin this album and wanted to omit Alanis from my 'top 5 favorite artist list'.. but i listened to it the 2nd time, with an headphone with great sound system(:p), laying on my bed.... it's brilliant. the opening track, 21 Things I Want In A Lover, isa catchy tune that really gives you what the whole album is about... this is followed by Narcissus, a kinda odd number for Alanis, very pop, but still good. then comes the 3rd track, Hands Clean, the hit. Hands Clean doesn't sound very rock-ish, but very enjoyable and catchy, and when you go down beneath the surface, you'll find that this song is more than just a catchy tune. Another recommended track, Surrendering, is quite dancy. great! While the last song, Utopia, is a very sensitive, moody yet catchy tune.. A Man may sound trashy at first listen, but is actually one of the best tracks. Very dark, yet powerful. A highly recommended album. Full Review »
  2. Mar 1, 2023
    7
    Alanis makes some striking and observant declarations about men on this album. She calls out narcissists and their flighty ways in a coupleAlanis makes some striking and observant declarations about men on this album. She calls out narcissists and their flighty ways in a couple songs that sound almost like list-form essays. This album feels almost like a cathartic release for Alanis as if there was an emotional burden that she carried around and built on through her past experiences with men. The themes are relatable and done justice in my opinion. There's also a very feminine and warrior-goddess like energy to Alanis here that is beautiful and powerful. She sounds strong, clear and forthright. As we move toward the back half the album the songs take on a different sound and approach. They sound more universal, almost anthemic and life affirming. I preferred the front half of the album as the sound is more accessible; the back half is chaotic by contrast but is not without its charms. To the untrained ear it could sound brash or clanky. Full Review »
  3. Aug 16, 2022
    8
    Overproduced but the songs are well crafted and very beautiful. Would love a full acoustic version of this album with the original vocal cuts.