Under Rug Swept
by Alanis Morissette
  • 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. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 4 out of 20
  1. CDNow
    60
    As the disc progresses, her caustic diatribes against men get harder to take.
  2. Mojo
    60
    Astonishingly, her own production makes much of this guff zing along with dirty guitars or big drum beats and improbably insinuating choruses. [Apr 2002, p.100]
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  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    Under Rug Swept just about drowns in psychobabble.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    The album's garbled title is preparation for some of the clumsiest lyrics to be heard on a pop record in years.
  6. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    40
    Morissette seems unwilling to step into unfamiliar territory.
  7. The A.V. Club
    40
    Her personal revelations too often ring false and crass, and nothing undermines a confession like calculation.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
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
  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. 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 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. 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.
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