Playlist: Moods and Music With Alanis Morissette

It is true that I am quiet a huge fan of Taylor Swift and that most of the songs in my playlist are very recent but when I have some downtime and I get a little, I dunno, sad and dramatic, I reach for something familiar and close to my heart from the 90’s. Two words guys: Alanis Morisette. And as it turns out, she has a song for each of my moods and the perfect lines for expressing things I cannot find the right words for. Let’s press play.

To tell you the truth, I was like in the third grade when she was at the top of her game. Too young to appreciate the stuff that she was singing about: case in point “You Oughta Know” (but more about that later). But I was aware that she was popular because I was always tuned in to MTV. I practically grew up with MTV. I was in college when I learned to appreciate her. It was kinda like hearing her song "An old man turned 98" blaring from a speaker in a gasoline station, at the right place, at the right time.

Ironic

The song I was talking about is Ironic and I love the easy going vibe of the song while she talks about around 20 little ironies in life. This being one of my main anthems when I was in college. College life is hard. Period. College life in the University of the Philippines  is even harder like 'Oh My Effing God' harder every single day. Exclamation point. Especially if you suck in Math. Ha ha. Next to praying 'Hail Mary's' I sang Ironic as a reminder that 'Life has a funny way of helping you out when you think everything's gone wrong and everything (including Algorithms and Algebra) blows up in your face.'  Aha.

Head Over Feet

'A' is a certified rocker chic but in this song she’s like a blushing girl in love. And as it goes, this song inspired me to be hopeful (and stupid) thinking that every boy who looks your way would just sweep you off your feet. We're stupid that way at seventeen. Thank God we're allowed to be stupid at 17 and also naive enough to keep hoping otherwise we're stuck. And I’ll never forget this song’s music video where the camera is focused on her un-madeup face for the duration of the song. Raw and simple.

Hand In My Pocket

I call this a rant song somewhat but there's always a 'but' to counterbalance that rant. Or if it isn't a rant, just a negativity. Because 'What it all comes down to is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine.'

Precious Illusions

The first line from this song immediately hit home when I first heard it and the music just makes me sad. You know, there are those moments when you just want to wallow in misery. It's painful but as she says in the song, "I won't keep on playing the victim."

You Oughta Know

This is the top one song in my 'Bitter Songs List' and is certified to bring out the baddest bitch in anyone. There's always something powerful about wanting to move on but also reminding the guy about how much of a pain in the arse he is or was. Even Britney, Beyonce and Taylor has shown some love for this song as they have performed covers of it in their respective concerts. Read Time's article here about their duet during the L.A. leg of Taylor's 1989 World Tour.

Although music can't totally solve all your problems or your heartbreaks, it always plays a crucial part. Sometimes when you're all alone and just listening to words or melody, you find a revelation. And sometimes, it can put your head back in the game or just put you on your feet. 

XO,

Carissa :)