Alanis Morissette's fifth studio album, Under Rug Swept, marks a significant milestone in her career as it is the first album she has written and produced entirely on her own. Released on 25 February 2002 by Reprise/Maverick, this album debuted at number one on charts in 12 countries, including Canada, and features the hit singles "Hands Clean" and "Precious Illusions".
With a duration of 50 minutes, Under Rug Swept is a masterfully crafted collection of 11 tracks, including "21 Things I Want in a Lover", "Narcissus", "Flinch", and "So Unsexy". The album's sound is characterised by crunchy guitars, dissonant harmonies, and dense lyrics, which are balanced by dreamy choruses. This unique blend of sounds showcases Alanis Morissette's skill as a songwriter and producer.
Under Rug Swept is a testament to Alanis Morissette's growth as an artist, as she takes full creative control of her work. The album's themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery are woven throughout the tracks, creating a cohesive and engaging listening experience. With its release, Alanis Morissette cemented her position as a talented and innovative musician, and Under Rug Swept remains a standout album in her discography.