Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie

Ninety 90’s Songs: Whatever Happens When Alanis Is In The Street…

There’s always that one person at a party who says, “Oh, no. Don’t let me have tequila. I go crazy on tequila.” Someone else says, “Rum makes me violent!” or , “After having whiskey I can’t remember a thing.” Those people are usually expressing a healthy level of caution towards potential substance abuse problems. But if you ever heard someone say, “Put me in the street and I will throw pies, kiss random boys, and get all naked and sing!” you’d probably consider having her committed.

#62 “Thank U” by Alanis Morissette. In the mid-90’s Alanis Morissette emerged with vivid lyrics and raucous energy. The be-dreaded Canadian prescribed us jagged-little pills and educated us on how to use irony.  She was an inspiration to awkward young women who didn’t fit in and the music charts alike, lighting up both and ushering in a wave of female singer-songwriters in a way that Tracy Chapman could only dream about.

“Thank U” from 1998’s “Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie” doesn’t one-up Alanis’ previous efforts from “Jagged Little Pill” but it does stand up quite well to them. This single is her most successful in her post-Pill career, and her highest highlight (Besides dating Ryan Reynolds, but who hasn’t done that?). Once again, almost a sequel to her video for “You Learn”, Alanis takes to the streets bearing her soul, and her soles, by stripping completely naked like the Eve of LA.

Her antics are tame despite her nudity. Instead of flailing around in dreads (Please don’t flail, since your hair hanging so precariously this time around) performing random acts of chaos, she instead stands rather solemnly and in slow motion at various locations. Occasionally creepers will reach out from the hyperspeed world to touch Alanis’ bare flesh. As usual, Morissette’s stunts goose you, and then her meaningful lyrics and Siren-esque voice lull you into emotional transcendence.