Alanis Morissette, ‘Guardian’ – Song Review

Alanis Morissette was once the queen of angst during the '90s when her breakout single, 'You Oughta Know,' was released in 1995 from her multi-platinum album 'Jagged Little Pill.' Fast forward 17 years and four albums later, and we have a new single from the singer that sounds, well, uplifting.

Morissette gave birth to her first child in 2010 and that seems to have affected her songwriting. After years of breakups and heartaches, the Ottawa, Canada native has found peace with her baby and husband Mario Treadway. The song 'Guardian,' taken from her forthcoming album 'Havoc and Bright Lights,' is a prime example.

"I'll be your keeper for life as your guardian / I'll be your warrior of care, your first warden," promises Morissette. "I'll be your angel on call, I'll be on demand / The greatest honor of all, as your guardian."

We have to admit, the pop-focused arrangements take some getting used to, despite the fact that Morissette's first two albums were dance-pop records. Longtime fans may find the lyrics a little cheesy and her vocals overproduced. While she utilizes a wide range of tones, the familiar rawness in her voice is painfully missing. Hopefully the musician doesn't face the same backlash as Liz Phair did when she went in a more radio-friendly direction with her 2003 self-titled album.

'Havoc and Bright Lights' is Morissette's eighth studio album and will be released on August 28. It's the follow-up to 2008's 'Flavors of Entanglement.'

“This record, as always, is a snapshot of what I currently obsess about, care about, and what strikes me at 4 in the morning in my most introspective moments,” says Morissette. “It is my emotional, psychological, social and philosophical commentary through song. I can't wait to share it with this fun and funny planet, and to tour, and can't wait to have the lively, engaging and challenging conversations that these songs may invite.”

It's good to see Alanis Morissette find happiness in her life. We just wish it wouldn't take the edge away from her music.

Listen to Alanis Morissette, 'Guardian'