Alanis Morissette brings her nostalgic hits to her sold-out concerts in Manila
It was the year 1990s. You just got home from school and open the television to watch MTV Unplugged, and the next thing you know, you're screaming to Alanis Morissette's Oughta Know. How simple life was back then.
Fast forward to almost three decades later, Alanis's 1995 album Jagged Little Pill (JLP) is still as popular today. And so when it was announced that she was returning to Manila, the 90s kids didn't miss this chance to see their idol at her two-day sold-out concerts.
Fans braved the rain and traffic to see the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter perform hits from her iconic album, and then some, at the Mall of Asia Arena—two years after it was postponed.
The audience was mostly a mix of people in their 30s and 40s—most of them in their oversized shirts, rugged jeans, Docs, and Air Force 1s. There were no crop tops or flashy Y2K fashion in sight.
The concert started (and ended) on time, much to the delight of the millennials and Gen Xers. It opened with a montage of Alanis’ most iconic moments—from her early days on TV to her appearances on late-night shows and comedies, and even song covers from fans.
But the crowd erupted when they heard Alanis play the harmonica, before belting out to All I Really Want.
It was followed by an inevitable singalong of Hand in My Pocket, which reached a fever pitch when Alanis did another solo with her harmonica. Her Filipino audience raised their fists and smartphones in the air to capture the moment.
The concert largely featured songs from her JLP era, with classics like You Learn, Head Over Feet, and the past generation’s breakup song, You Oughta Know.
She also seemed to be aware that Manila concertgoers are known for their singing prowess, so she let them lead the singing of the first verse of Ironic.
Alanis also sang newer songs like Reasons I Drink, Ablaze,—which is a tribute to her three kids (who by the way, were at the arena, too!)—and Smiling.
She had no change of fancy outfits, nor did she speak much in-between songs, yet she still connected with the crowd with her emotive voice, distinctive hand gestures, and energetic spinning.
The mother-of-three returned for the encore to sing Your House and Uninvited. Gratitude messages from fans flashed on the screen behind her as she sang the final song, Thank U.
When the angst-ridden JLP was released, the album quickly became a hit for women all over the world who could relate to its honest and empowering lyrics about heartache, trauma, and healing.
28 years later, its impact is still felt today. As for Alanis, she proves that at 49, she can still perform these songs with such passion.