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Turns out that Morissette’s pain is extremely enjoyable to listen to.

Is it 2008 or 1995?  If you look on the store shelves these days, they’re filled with the bands that were popular then, R.E.M., Weezer , Jewel and The Cure are all fighting for shelf space.  Nineties phenom, Alanis Morissette returns with her first album in four years and her best album in ten.  Flavors of Engagement is filled with unique lyrics and creative compositions mixed with Morissette’s singular voice. 

Eastern percussion blends with rocking guitars to dramatic effect on the opening track “Citizen of the Planet”.  It’s a stirring opening of New Age mysticism and aggressive rock.  It catches the listener off guard and sets expectations for some exciting music.  What plays out over the next hour is a mix of techno, ballads and rock.  Morissette varies greatly from song to song.  One moment there is an Enya-esque track, then it’s on to Depeche Mode before hitting something that sounds vaguely like Kyle Minogue before ending on a song that can only be described as pure Alanis.

Like her debut album, Alanis returns to songs about heartbreak and the anger, sadness and regret it can cause.  This time around, it’s the loss of Ryan Reynolds to Scarlett Johansson.  If you’re looking for another “You Oughta Know”, you’re not going to find it here.  Alanis is no longer the hurt 19 year-old lashing out at the man that hurt her.  Instead, Morissette gets introspective and devious.  “Straightjacket” is an unsettling mix of tweeks, heavy beats and anger as Alanis yells “this shit making me crazy”.  Things don’t lighten up as she follows it up with “Versions of Violence”.  Former Bjork producer, Guy Sigsworth pushes Alanis’ style and brings a new level of maturity to the singer.  “Not As We” is probably the most painful song about rebuilding your life after a breakup from day one. 

Flavors of Engagement continues on with songs of heartbreak and dealing with the mess that is left after a relationship ends.  “Moratorium” is a light dance track about taking a break from dating and commitment.  You can’t help but want to dance to it as Alanis croons about how relationships are dead to her.  The song most directly relatable to the Reynolds is “Torch”.  The opening line is “I miss your smell/and your style/and your pure abiding way”.  It’s like we get to see a side of Ryan Reynolds that isn’t available in the tabloids or his movies.  Alanis has a long list of what made Reynolds special to her and ways she’ll miss him.

It’s a shame that Alanis Morissette has to go through a traumatic breakup to create a solid album. Flavors of Engagement is a great album and will please fans and add a few new followers.  The songs aren’t as depressing as I’ve described them.  Turns out that Morissette’s pain is extremely enjoyable to listen to.  Unlike Weezer, Morissette’s return is a welcome event. 

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