And nobody gives a shit. It's a shame because we need the Canadian superstar now more than ever. Her razor-sharp lyrics and unwavering honesty are the perfect antidote to the mindless club-bangers polluting the airwaves and she's finally tapping into the pop-friendly sound that made Jagged Little Pill one of the highest-selling albums of all time. That classic captured the hopes and fears of a generation but it also set Alanis up for constant failure. Almost a decade has passed since she last graced the US or Australian singles chart ("Everything" was a very minor hit in 2004) but her new single is a radio-ready smash. That will most likely never get a spin on the airwaves. At least in this country.
"Guardian" (below) reunites the formerly angst-ridden diva with Guy Sigsworth, who previously worked with her on 2008's underrated Flavors Of Entanglement. He has a knack for showcasing the lighter side of the now 38-year-old, who sings what is basically a love letter to her recently-born son. I've missed the way Alanis plays with words like Scrabble master and Guy's light and breezy production makes the song a lot less soppy than it has any right to be. The first taste of Havoc and Bright Lights is an unexpected return to form. I really hope the poster girl of the '90s promotes the fuck out of her 8th studio album. There's no reason why she can't still have hits with music this good.
