Alanis Morissette

1974-

Voice of 1990s confessional rock

Have you ever heard a song that felt like someone was reading your diary? That's what Alanis Morissette did for millions. Her music is raw, honest, and sometimes a little angry — but that helped people understand big feelings.

Alanis Morissette is a Canadian singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s. The single most important thing about her is the 1995 album Jagged Little Pill, which made her a worldwide star. She mixed rock and pop with brave, storytelling lyrics.

Jagged Little Pill sold millions worldwide and won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Songs like 'You Oughta Know' and 'Ironic' were huge hits on the radio and TV. Her songs gave teens and adults words for strong emotions.

Because of Alanis, more singers felt free to be honest and loud on big stages. Her music changed how people saw women in rock and helped a lot of listeners feel seen and understood.

Born in 1974 in Ottawa, Canada, Alanis has kept writing and performing for decades. Her songs inspired a stage musical and new generations of artists. If you want to feel brave with your feelings, ask an adult to play a song and listen — music can help you find the words.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Alanis doing before Jagged Little Pill?

As a teenager she released two pop albums in Canada and built a local music career before changing style and finding worldwide fame with Jagged Little Pill.

Does Alanis write her own songs?

Yes. She is primarily a songwriter who writes solo and with collaborators (notably Glen Ballard on Jagged Little Pill), often drawing on personal experience for her lyrics.

What instruments does she play?

She performs on guitar and piano and is known for using her voice expressively; in concerts she often accompanies herself on guitar.

Is Jagged Little Pill a Broadway musical?

Yes. A stage musical featuring her songs premiered on Broadway in 2019, reworking her music into a new story about family, identity and healing.

Did she keep making albums after the 1990s?

Yes. She has released several albums since, including Under Rug Swept (2002), Flavors of Entanglement (2008) and Such Pretty Forks in the Road (2020).