“My favorite thing I did this summer was…”
That’s probably not a great way to start off this article, but alas I am here to talk about one of the best and most memorable parts of my summer. Typically, I’m not a huge concert person. Unless it’s an artist I really idolize, I would rather save my money for spontaneous trips to Broadway to see Moulin Rouge for the umpteenth time. That coupled with the fact that many of my favorite artists are either dead or disbanded is the reason that I’ve only seen The Killers and Dave Matthews Band on my own volition. That was until recently, when my music taste expanded in an unexpected direction.
I’ve been a fan of ‘90s music since I first listened to Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” in 10th grade. Since then, artists like Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and Dave Matthews Band have all worked their way into my regular rotation. I tended to stick to groups with a more rock-oriented sound, but eventually I began to feel boxed in by the music I had so carefully curated. I needed to shake things up, and who better to do that than the Spotify DJ. During one of my first listening sessions with this AI-generated marvel, Tori Amos popped up in rotation. As an artist I had only ever heard about in passing, I assumed her sound was similar to that of Fiona Apple, however I quickly discovered Tori’s unique voice and quirky (and sometimes downright weird) lyricism. Something about it touched me deeply. The honesty in her voice, the messages about the internal struggles we all face in life beautifully packaged in a way that just inspires catharsis.
Side note, I’ve found that something I look for most in music is an aspect of catharsis, something that relates to what I’m feeling at any given moment and validates it, allowing me to express and process my emotions.
I was quick to listen through much of Tori’s early discography, when I stumbled upon another “off the beaten path” artist of the 90’s: Natalie Merchant. Originally in the band 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie became a solo artist in the mid-’90s with the philosophy of making music how and when she wanted. With a folksy writing style and an iconic, powerhouse voice she too quickly permeated my listening rotation.
Sometime in mid-May, while browsing Spotify, I came to find out that Alanis Morissette, Natalie Merchant, and Tori Amos all had concerts scheduled within a week of each other. Two shows in Newark and another in New York City. Needless to say I booked tickets to all three shows, bringing my parents with me since they are also big fans. Three nights I didn’t get home until the wee hours. Three unforgettable experiences. Tears when Alanis came onstage, chills with every word Natalie sang, and absolute mesmerization with Tori. Each performance was an out of body experience. To me it was almost unthinkable that I would see any of my idols, the people I turn to when I’m having a hard day, or when I’m feeling bad about myself, mere feet from my own eyes. Hearing their voices ringing out within the same walls I was. By the end of my “week of concerts” I was exhausted, but left with memories and with music. Which is why I wanted to share my favorite album from each of the artists I saw this summer. Some of you might not know who these artists are or maybe have never taken the time to listen to them, but I strongly urge you to try them out. You might just find something you like!
Alanis Morissette – Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie
As crazy as it might sound, Jagged Little Pill actually isn’t my favorite of Alanis’ albums. While it is a masterclass in songwriting and self-expression, Jagged Little Pill’s successor, 1998’s Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie just hits different to me. With brutally honest lyrics that turn introspective as opposed to JLP’s societal themes, this album deals with issues including religious cults, abusive relationships, therapy, past relationships, and the general theme of what it means to be good in the world. The songs on this album just sound like they were written from a place of deeper self-understanding and acceptance. Alanis’ sound doesn’t change a whole lot. While some electric guitars were traded in for more acoustic and orchestral alternatives, there are still plenty of places on the 17-track album to headbang a little bit.
Natalie Merchant – Ophelia
Natalie’s second solo album takes on a significantly more jazzy style than Tigerlily, her solo debut, and anything she did with 10,000 Maniacs. With this album it was her mission to write songs that could be universally relatable, without so much of an emphasis on the individual. This makes songs like Life Is Sweet, Kind and Generous, and Break Your Heart stand out as testaments to gratitude, heartbreak, and the nature of life. Something about the dark and nuanced sound of this album just allows me to hang onto Natalie’s every word, leaving me pondering the lyrics while deeply enjoying the melodies of songs about appreciating life for what it is at any given moment.
Tori Amos – Little Earthquakes
Is it cliche to call Little Earthquakes, Tori’s first solo and breakout album, my favorite? Maybe. Am I listening to it while writing this? Yes. It’s so good! And it provides the perfect jumping off point to the weirder parts of her discography. Honestly this is where I’d recommend anyone start listening to Tori. The songs all slap and there is a lot of variety. There’s upbeat songs, sad songs, loud, quiet, a cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit. The album itself is hard to categorize because it’s so simplistic. Many of the songs are just Tori and her piano. Others could be considered pop-rock, while a few might even fall into the category of “classical”. A truly beautiful album that’s a tribute to human emotion on every level.
I truly hope that some of you give these powerhouse artists of the 90’s a listen, if not out of genuine care, then out of curiosity. I love their music with all my heart and I just want to spread that love to anyone else who feels like their music taste doesn’t match their age.
