Under Rug Swept
by Alanis Morissette
  • Record Label: Maverick
  • Release Date: Feb 26, 2002
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 63
  3. Negative: 6 out of 63

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  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 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 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.… Expand
  2. slobodan
    Sep 10, 2005
    9
    better than the next she made.
  3. RandyB
    Jul 7, 2006
    10
    A couple of her phrasings could have been better handled, but overall, UNDER RUG SWEPT is a gorgeous exploration of the woman's psyche. It's a wonderfully melodic blend of some of JAGGED's angst and SUPPOSED FORMER's clam introspection, but at the same time something all it's own, and without any of the screeching that may have put people off about those first two A couple of her phrasings could have been better handled, but overall, UNDER RUG SWEPT is a gorgeous exploration of the woman's psyche. It's a wonderfully melodic blend of some of JAGGED's angst and SUPPOSED FORMER's clam introspection, but at the same time something all it's own, and without any of the screeching that may have put people off about those first two outings. It's not the one people are going to remember first, because she'll never top JAGGED LITTLE PILL's enormity, but it's her best.… Expand
  4. JoeyA.
    Mar 5, 2002
    10
    This album is amazing. Fun to listen to over and over again.
  5. darrenz
    Apr 14, 2002
    10
    this album really shows alanis' writing abilities at their best. she takes all creative credits for this album and it becomes pretty obvious after a first listen that she can do it! i'm in awe again and again, listening to the album repeatedly. such a variety of songs. i truly love and recommend it.
  6. Janie
    Apr 14, 2002
    10
    SFIJ was better, but this one's still awesome.
  7. ScottL.
    Apr 14, 2002
    10
    Her best work yet!
  8. diegor
    Jan 9, 2004
    9
    good
  9. StacyA
    Apr 14, 2002
    10
    Alanis is the most open artist ever who is not afraid of the public and their comments. Anyone who knows her talent, would realize that.
  10. KatieP
    Feb 16, 2004
    7
    I love the first 4 tracks. But I can't get passed them. I wish someone could tell me it's as good as Supposed Former (which I think is better than Jagged Little Pill). The first four songs prove that she is an amazing singer/songwriter still. I just hope she can improve for the new one, due out this spring. She's still number one to me though!
  11. JorgeM
    Apr 11, 2004
    10
    enlightening.
  12. raVen
    Apr 17, 2004
    7
    I like Alanis, even though I get the distinct impression she doesn't want me to like her. This disc is alternately great and not so great.
  13. LuisG
    Dec 17, 2005
    10
    ....Alanis fell right though the cracks after JLP and has evolved gracefully into full singer/songwriter realm with honest,moving and extremely poetic lyrics that might not fit well playing in a club but are little rooms of wisdom and self improving...so what if shes sad, insecure or angry we all fall under that category and alanis embraces that full range with guitar riffs and electic ....Alanis fell right though the cracks after JLP and has evolved gracefully into full singer/songwriter realm with honest,moving and extremely poetic lyrics that might not fit well playing in a club but are little rooms of wisdom and self improving...so what if shes sad, insecure or angry we all fall under that category and alanis embraces that full range with guitar riffs and electic production UNDER RUG SWPEt gave me wings after a failed realtionship it felt nice to know i was not alone in feeling UNSEXY, and it was ok if i FLINCHed when i saw my ex love, and truth was told in HANDS CLEAN and THAT PARTICULAR TIME i was willing to sacrifice it all and SURRENDERING was all but necessary and iam A MAN and i too wish for an UTOPIA… Expand
  14. VeronicaV
    Nov 17, 2006
    9
    To Chris L: Alanis Morissette is the epitome of those "other artists out there." the fast that you think you can compare her to the typical overated musicians who all sound the same [avril, michelle branch, vanessa carlton--all of whom can be quite good at times] is ridiculous. love alanis, great albulm
  15. gagaforever
    Sep 21, 2010
    10
    An amazing album. At first I didn't like it but with a third listen...I was taken by the lyrics and the songs. "Hands Clean" is the best track ont he album
  16. miss_unafraid
    Apr 7, 2011
    9
    I've always felt that Alanis Morissette took herself too serious, like she wanted to prove something to the audience, to be more than she actually was. I was never a fan before, although I liked and appreciated some of her songs. But I love this album, it's less rigid and it gives me a positive energy. I love the singles, the song that opens the album ("21 Things...") is amazing andI've always felt that Alanis Morissette took herself too serious, like she wanted to prove something to the audience, to be more than she actually was. I was never a fan before, although I liked and appreciated some of her songs. But I love this album, it's less rigid and it gives me a positive energy. I love the singles, the song that opens the album ("21 Things...") is amazing and contagious, "Flinch" is brilliant. The more I listen to Under Rug Swept, the more I like it. Every song is a grower!… Expand
  17. jeremy9
    May 20, 2021
    10
    Very good album from the very good singer. No clogs or debts. Her voice i brilliant.
  18. MiguelR
    Aug 23, 2013
    8
    The shocking sound of her follow up "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" and the rise of the Pop genre made Alanis lose popularity in the late 90's and early 2000's, so it's understandable she chooses to go back to a more relatable sound. I see "Under Rug Swept" as a mix between "Pill" and "Junkie", with the return to feminist lyrics and a more pop oriented beat but keeping the self-awareThe shocking sound of her follow up "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" and the rise of the Pop genre made Alanis lose popularity in the late 90's and early 2000's, so it's understandable she chooses to go back to a more relatable sound. I see "Under Rug Swept" as a mix between "Pill" and "Junkie", with the return to feminist lyrics and a more pop oriented beat but keeping the self-aware and slightly awkward songwriting. Some songs may click, some take time to, but in general is a worth hearing album.… Expand
  19. ruanmetacritic
    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.
  20. jefersonhaas
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    I already knew her previous songs a little, but after listening to Hands Clean I became a fan. And it has been like that since 2002. What an artist!
  21. hchow
    Aug 15, 2020
    10
    Under Rug Swept is perhaps Alanis Morissette's best album.

    It is without Jagged Little Pill's anger, and without Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie's frustration, it is an album of hopes and positivity, that does not shy away from real issues such as sex abuse ("Hands Clean"), peace ("Utopia"), gender oppression ("A Man"), manipulative behaviour ("Flinch"). There are likewise several    Under Rug Swept is perhaps Alanis Morissette's best album.

    It is without Jagged Little Pill's anger, and without Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie's frustration, it is an album of hopes and positivity, that does not shy away from real issues such as sex abuse ("Hands Clean"), peace ("Utopia"), gender oppression ("A Man"), manipulative behaviour ("Flinch").

    There are likewise several lighthearted tunes, including the self-explanatory "21 Things I Want In a Lover", the self-deprecating "So Unsexy", and the sharp "Narcissist".

    For a sad one, one can go for "That Particular Time".    … Expand
  22. clarinhaaa
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    Alanis Morissette is not for everyone's taste, but I love her voice and her lyrics are so smart!
  23. RoxanneKimberly
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Alanis Morissette is one of my favorite artists, and this album is great with greats songs such as Hands Clean, 21 Things I Want in a Lover and many others
  24. EstellaKimberly
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Alanis Morissette is one of the most clever song writters there is, and she proves it here one more time
  25. brubruzinha
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Alanis Morissette gets closer to her debut in this record after her last album, and the result is amazing
  26. jorsian
    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 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 doneAlanis 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.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2002
48
#48 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 4 out of 20
  1. E! Online
    67
    Her stream-of-conscious lyrics about self-esteem and troubled relationships are just more of the same medicine that went down better with 1995's Jagged Little Pill.
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  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    40
    Morissette seems unwilling to step into unfamiliar territory.
    Read full review
  3. Billboard
    90
    Although 2002 is still young, consider Under Rug Swept one of the year's best.
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