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MTV Unplugged (Alanis Morissette album)
MTV Unplugged (Alanis Morissette album)
MTV Unplugged (Alanis Morissette album)
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MTV Unplugged
Live album by
Alanis Morissette
ReleasedNovember 9, 1999 (1999-11-09)
RecordedSeptember 18, 1999 (1999-09-18)
MTV Unplugged at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York
GenreAcoustic rock
Length53:42
Label
ProducerAlanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette chronology
Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie
(1998) 		MTV Unplugged
(1999) 		Under Rug Swept
(2002)
Singles from MTV Unplugged
  1. "That I Would Be Good"
    Released: November 1999
  2. "You Learn"
    Released: 1999 (France and Europe)
  3. "King of Pain"
    Released: April 19, 2000
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[1]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[2]
Q(2-star Honorable Mention)(2-star Honorable Mention)[3]
Robert Christgau(1-star Honorable Mention)[4]
Rolling StoneStarStarHalf star[5]
SelectStarStarStarStarStar[6]
The Harvard CrimsonB[7]

MTV Unplugged is the first live album by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, released by Maverick Records in the United States on November 9, 1999 (see 1999 in music). It comprises songs performed by Morissette on the television program MTV Unplugged. Twelve tracks were included on the album, but Morissette also performed "Baba", "Thank U" (both from 1998's Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie) and "Your House" (the hidden track on 1995's Jagged Little Pill) during the live taping. These were later released as B-sides on the "King of Pain" single release. The first single, "That I Would Be Good", was moderately successful, and two other tracks, "King of Pain" (a cover of the song by The Police) and "You Learn" were released as singles outside North America. As of March 2012, the album has sold 673,000 copies in the U.S.[8]

In addition to material from Morissette's first two U.S. albums, MTV Unplugged featured performances of "No Pressure over Cappuccino" and "Princes Familiar", two previously unreleased songs from her tours, and "These R the Thoughts", a previously released b-side. Morissette has stated that "Princes Familiar" in particular is one of her favorite and most vocally challenging songs. She performed it on her 2005 Diamond Wink Tour, where she dedicated it to "all of the dads in the audience." The ballad "No Pressure over Cappuccino", one of the first songs she wrote following the release of Jagged Little Pill, "was inspired by [her] twin brother," Wade.[9]

Featuring cleaner vocals, slower arrangements and a few drastic reinventions (particularly in the case of "You Oughta Know"), MTV Unplugged foreshadowed much of Morissette's later, softer work, particularly 2005's Jagged Little Pill Acoustic and the accompanying Diamond Wink Tour.

Track listing

[edit]

All lyrics are written by Alanis Morissette; all music is composed by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, except where noted.

No.TitleLength
1."You Learn"4:22
2."Joining You"5:09
3."No Pressure Over Cappuccino" (Morissette, Nick Lashley)4:41
4."That I Would Be Good"4:14
5."Head over Feet"4:23
6."Princes Familiar"4:37
7."I Was Hoping"4:54
8."Ironic"4:14
9."These R the Thoughts"3:26
10."King of Pain" (lyrics and music: Sting)4:05
11."You Oughta Know"5:00
12."Uninvited" (Alanis Morissette)4:37
Total length:53:42

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications and sales for MTV Unplugged
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria)[32] Gold 25,000*
Belgium (BRMA)[33] Gold 25,000*
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[34] Platinum 250,000*
France (SNEP)[35] Gold 100,000*
Germany (BVMI)[36] Platinum 300,000^
Italy (FIMI)[37] Gold 50,000*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[38] 13× Platinum 1,300,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[39] Gold 25,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[40] Gold 100,000^
United States (RIAA)[41] Gold 500,000^
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[42] Platinum 1,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

MTV Unplugged (Alanis Morissette album)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
MTV Unplugged is the first live album by Canadian , released on November 9, 1999, by Maverick Records. Recorded on September 18, 1999, at the in for MTV's Unplugged series, it features acoustic renditions of tracks from her breakthrough album (1995) and follow-up (1998), including hits like "," "Ironic," and "Uninvited," alongside a cover of The Police's "" and two previously unreleased songs: "No Pressure over Cappuccino" and "Princes Familiar." The album was self-produced by Morissette and emphasizes intimate, stripped-down arrangements with contributions from a core band—guitarists Nick Lashley and Joel Shearer, bassist , drummer , and keyboardist —augmented by string players arranged by David Campbell for select tracks like "." Running 53 minutes across 12 tracks, it highlights Morissette's raw vocal delivery and focuses more on deeper cuts from rather than a greatest-hits retrospective, offering fans fresh perspectives on her post- evolution. Commercially, MTV Unplugged debuted at number 63 on the US Billboard 200 chart and has sold over 673,000 copies in the as of 2012, earning gold certification from the RIAA in January 2000 for 500,000 units shipped. Internationally, it received platinum certification from the IFPI in for one million units sold. Critically, the album was praised for its emotional depth and acoustic intimacy, with noting that Morissette used the format to explore non-hit material and introduce new compositions, rather than relying on familiar singles.

Background

Conception

Following the phenomenal success of her 1995 breakthrough album , which sold over 33 million copies worldwide and established Morissette as a global superstar, she shifted toward more introspective and spiritually influenced songwriting on her 1998 follow-up, . This evolution reflected her desire for deeper emotional exploration beyond the raw angst of her debut, setting the stage for an acoustic project that would allow for a stripped-down, vulnerable presentation of her catalog. In early 1999, MTV invited Morissette to participate in its renowned Unplugged series, an opportunity that aligned with her interest in reinterpreting her hits in an intimate, acoustic format while introducing fresh material. The performance, recorded on September 18, 1999, at the , enabled her to revisit staples from both albums alongside new compositions, emphasizing emotional rawness over production polish. Among the new songs debuted was the "No Pressure over Cappuccino," co-written with guitarist Nick Lashley and dedicated to her twin brother, , capturing themes of familial connection and gentle support. This track, along with others like "," highlighted her motivation to blend personal revelations with acoustic simplicity, fostering a closer bond with audiences through unadorned storytelling.

Song selection

The song selection for MTV Unplugged centered on acoustic rearrangements of songs from Alanis Morissette's prior releases, including tracks from (1995) and (1998), with a focus on material that lent itself to the intimate, emotionally resonant unplugged format. These included staples like "," "Ironic," "," "," and "Uninvited" from her earlier work, alongside deeper cuts such as "Joining You," "," "I Was Hoping," and "These R the Thoughts" from , emphasizing personal vulnerability over bombast. The choices prioritized material that could thrive in a stripped-down setting, highlighting lyrical introspection and raw vocal delivery. Complementing these were two original unreleased songs debuted during the performance: "No Pressure over Cappuccino," a gentle serving as a personal tribute to Morissette's twin brother Wade and , capturing themes of isolation and belonging, and "Princes Familiar," an introspective piece exploring father-daughter dynamics. The setlist also incorporated a cover of Sting's from The Police's 1983 album , selected for its thematic alignment with Morissette's confessional style—evoking chronic emotional turmoil—and as a homage to her influences in . This rendition underscored the album's blend of originals and reinterpretations, bridging her catalog with broader musical nods. Certain high-energy tracks, such as "All I Really Want" from , were omitted to preserve the acoustic intimacy of the unplugged experience, favoring a more subdued, reflective tone. Additionally, performances of "Baba" and "" from , along with "Your House" (a -era B-side), were recorded during the session but excluded from the main album, later released as B-sides on the "King of Pain" single to extend the project's reach without overcrowding the core set.

Recording and production

Sessions

The MTV Unplugged session for was recorded live on September 18, 1999, at the in , before a live . Consistent with the format, the performance was captured in a largely one-take style with minimal retakes to maintain the raw energy of the live setting. The technical setup emphasized acoustic instruments, including guitars, strings, and percussion adapted for the unplugged aesthetic, with the band making adjustments to slower tempos on several tracks to enhance the intimate atmosphere. The session proceeded smoothly overall, though it carried notable emotional intensity, particularly during the performance of "You Oughta Know," where Morissette's delivery conveyed deep personal rawness. The main set lasted approximately 53 minutes.

Personnel

The album MTV Unplugged features as the lead performer on vocals, , harmonica, and , with production credited to Morissette herself. The core backing band included on bass guitar, on drums, Nick Lashley and Joel Shearer on guitar, and on keyboards and backing vocals. Additional musicians comprised Brad Dutz on percussion, Erik Friedlander and Suzie Katayama on , with string arrangements by David Campbell and strings contracted by Juliet Haffner. Recording engineers were Mark Hutchins and Renato Petruzziello, while monitor engineering was handled by Randy Bryant; mixing was led by Christopher Fogel, with additional mixing by Brent Clark and assistant mixing by Paul Pilsneniks. The album was mixed and mastered at Studios 301 in , . Package design was created by and Kim Biggs. Most tracks' music was co-composed by Morissette and , with the cover of "" solely credited to Sting.

Release and promotion

Album release

MTV Unplugged was released on November 9, 1999, by Maverick Records in the United States and by Warner Music internationally. The album was initially available in CD and cassette formats, with digital downloads following later. The packaging featured a simple black-and-white portrait of Morissette on the cover, designed by Alanis Morissette and Kim Biggs, which underscored the acoustic and intimate nature of the performances. Initial promotion centered on the MTV special, which aired on November 1, 1999, shortly after its recording, generating buzz through performance clips including "That I Would Be Good."

Singles

The lead single from MTV Unplugged was the acoustic rendition of "", released in November 1999 primarily as a promotional release in various formats including and CDr across , the , , and other regions. This version featured a simplified emphasizing Morissette's vocals and minimal instrumentation, and it was accompanied by a promotional video. The single included live B-sides such as "Would Not Come (Reverb Live)", "Forgiven (Reverb Live)", and "I Was Hoping (99X Live)". It achieved moderate airplay success, peaking at number 24 on the Adult Top 40 chart. "" followed as a regional single in 1999, targeted at European markets including , where it was issued on CD in a cardboard sleeve format. The Unplugged version highlighted a gentle introduction that set a contemplative tone for the track's themes of personal growth, paired with a B-side of " (MTV Unplugged)". This release underscored the album's acoustic reinterpretations but saw limited broader promotion outside . The final single, a cover of The Police's "King of Pain", was released on April 19, 2000, in CD maxi-single and promotional formats across , , and other territories. It incorporated B-sides featuring previously unreleased Unplugged performances of "Baba", "", and "Your House", providing fans with additional live material from the sessions. While the track captured Morissette's introspective style in an unaccompanied arrangement, it received no significant radio support amid the album's mixed . Overall, the singles from were distributed mainly via CD singles and promotional vinyl and CDr variants, reflecting a focus on international and radio markets rather than a full US commercial push for subsequent releases.

Video release

The MTV Unplugged performance by aired on on November 1, 1999, presenting an edited version of the full set recorded at the in New York. The episode featured 12 tracks from the accompanying live album and ran for 44 minutes. The complete Unplugged set was later released on as part of the 2005 compilation The Collection by Maverick Records, which included the full performance alongside other video content from Morissette's career such as and interviews. This DVD edition provided over 60 minutes of material, with options to navigate individual songs and additional behind-the-scenes elements highlighting acoustic arrangement choices. Subsequent reissues incorporated the Unplugged footage into broader DVD sets, maintaining its availability through into the 2000s. By the 2010s, clips and full versions of the performance became widely accessible via digital streaming services. As of 2025, the full performance is available on platforms like .

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, MTV Unplugged received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated the album's intimate acoustic presentation but often found it predictable compared to Morissette's earlier work. of awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, praising the set's unassuming intimacy and its effective showcase of material from , while noting that it offered few surprises for longtime fans. gave it a B− grade, commending Morissette's powerful vocals but describing the overall performance as "safe" and lacking the edge of her breakthrough album . Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers included the emotional depth brought to familiar tracks and the inclusion of new material. Rolling Stone rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars, pointing to cleaner vocals and heightened emotional resonance in renditions like "Head Over Feet," which benefited from the stripped-down arrangement. Select magazine was more enthusiastic, granting it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and hailing the album as a "masterclass in reinvention" for its thoughtful reworking of songs and seamless integration of unreleased tracks. Criticisms centered on the album's perceived loss of raw energy, with some observers feeling it lacked the visceral punch of . Q magazine critiqued the arrangements as "polished to a fault," suggesting the production smoothed out the spontaneity expected from an Unplugged session. Aggregate scores reflected this divide; on , the album earned a 59 out of 100 based on a limited number of reviews, indicating generally mixed reception. In retrospective assessments during the , the album gained appreciation for foreshadowing Morissette's later acoustic-focused tours and performances, with critics noting its role in demonstrating her versatility beyond high-energy rock anthems.

Commercial performance

The album enjoyed moderate commercial success in the wake of Alanis Morissette's breakthrough with , which sold 33 million copies worldwide, but it fell short of the sales levels achieved by her studio releases. For instance, her 1998 studio album moved 7 million units globally. Released in November 1999, capitalized on Morissette's established fanbase yet reflected a shift toward a more acoustic and experimental sound that tempered its market impact compared to her earlier pop-rock hits. Globally, the album has sold approximately 1.8 million copies across various markets. In the United States, it reached 651,000 units sold as of November 2010, per Nielsen SoundScan figures. Performance varied regionally, with notable strength in , where the MTV Unplugged series held broad appeal; for example, it sold 300,000 copies in . This European traction helped offset relatively softer results in amid Morissette's evolving artistic direction. In the long term, has sustained steady catalog sales, benefiting from the expansion of digital streaming in the and beyond, which has contributed to equivalent album units exceeding 3 million worldwide when including audio and video streams. Anniversary reissues, such as the 2013 limited-edition vinyl pressing, have further supported its enduring market presence.

Charts

MTV Unplugged achieved moderate success on international album charts, with stronger performance in markets compared to the . The album debuted and peaked at number 63 on the US in December 1999, spending a total of 14 weeks on the chart. In , it reached higher positions, including number 4 in the and , number 5 in and , and number 56 in the . The album demonstrated longevity in several territories, charting for 57 weeks in the and 29 weeks in .
Chart (1999–2000)Peak positionWeeks on chart
US Billboard 2006314
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)529
Germany (Official German Charts)59
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)457
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)425
UK Albums (OCC)566
The album appeared on several year-end charts, reflecting its sustained popularity in , such as number 63 on the Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) in 1999. It did not enter the US rankings due to its modest peak position. Among the singles, "" reached number 24 on the US Adult Top 40 chart in 2000. "" received limited airplay in but did not achieve significant chart placements.

Certifications

The album MTV Unplugged by Alanis Morissette has received several certifications from music industry organizations worldwide, reflecting its commercial success following its 1999 release.
Region/CountryCertificationUnits SoldDate
United States (RIAA)Gold500,000January 14, 2000
United Kingdom (BPI)Gold100,000November 12, 2004
Germany (BVMI)Platinum300,0002004
Europe (IFPI)Platinum1,000,0002000
Canada (Music Canada)Gold50,000March 2002
Australia (ARIA)Gold35,000-
Austria (IFPI Austria)Gold25,000December 14, 1999
Netherlands (NVPI)Platinum80,0002000
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)Gold25,0001999
These certifications indicate strong regional performance, particularly in and , though no additional Platinum awards were issued beyond those listed.

Musical content

Arrangements

The arrangements on emphasize a stripped-down acoustic aesthetic, characterized by slower tempos and a heightened focus on Morissette's vocals supported by strings and minimal percussion, diverging from the electric rock energy of her earlier work like . This shift creates an intimate, reflective atmosphere, with tracks reimagined to prioritize emotional depth over high-energy production. For instance, "" transforms from its original aggressive rock format into a -driven , replacing the chattering intro with a melancholic motif that underscores the song's raw vulnerability. Instrumentation largely eschews electric elements in favor of acoustic guitars played by Nick Lashley and Joel Shearer, keyboards by , and bass by , while strings arranged by David Campbell add lush texture throughout. Cello contributions from Suzie Katayama and Erik Friedlander provide poignant swells, particularly in ballads, enhancing the organic feel without overpowering the core ensemble. Morissette herself incorporates and harmonica, further personalizing the sound and removing the synthesized layers from studio originals. Notable adaptations include a harmonica solo in "," delivered by Morissette, which injects a folksy warmth into the mid-tempo track, contrasting its original pop-rock drive. "Joining You" spotlights layered vocal harmonies, building a choral intimacy that amplifies the song's themes of and connection. Similarly, "" features added passages by Morissette, lending a delicate, ethereal quality to its meditative structure. The cover of The Police's "" exemplifies seamless integration, reinterpreted through acoustic strings and subdued rhythms that infuse Sting's original reggae-inflected pop with Morissette's introspective lens, transforming it into a vehicle for personal while preserving its metaphorical essence.

Track listing

All tracks are acoustic live recordings from the MTV Unplugged performance.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1.""Morissette/Ballard4:22
2."Joining You"Morissette/Ballard5:09
3."No Pressure over Cappuccino"Morissette/Lashley4:41
4.""Morissette/Ballard4:14
5.""Morissette/Ballard4:23
6."Princes Familiar"Morissette/Ballard4:37
7."I Was Hoping"Morissette/Ballard4:54
8."Ironic"Morissette/Ballard4:14
9."These R the Thoughts"Morissette/Ballard3:26
10.""Sting4:05
11.""Morissette/Ballard5:02
12."Uninvited"Morissette4:37
The total length is 53:42, and the standard edition includes no bonus tracks.

References

  1. https://genius.com/albums/Alanis-morissette/Mtv-unplugged
  2. https://www.discogs.com/master/28707-Alanis-Morissette-MTV-Unplugged
  3. https://www.amazon.com/Alanis-Morissette-MTV-Unplugged/dp/B00002MZ12
  4. https://genius.com/albums/alanis-morissette/Mtv-unplugged
  5. https://www.davegott.com/music/artist/alanis_morissette/
  6. https://alanis-m.com/alanis-morissette/awards/
  7. https://www.rhino.com/article/the-one-after-the-big-one-alanis-morissette-supposed-former-infatuation-junkie
  8. https://thetvdb.com/series/mtv-unplugged/allseasons/official
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5201666/
  10. https://crypticrock.com/alanis-morissette-shines-in-acoustic-set-westbury-ny-7-26-14/
  11. https://www.elusivedisc.com/alanis-morissette-mtv-unplugged-180g-import-lp/
  12. https://digilander.libero.it/youlearn/english/songbysong_ing.htm
  13. https://genius.com/Alanis-morissette-no-pressure-over-cappuccino-lyrics
  14. https://audiophix.com/posts/five-stunning-mtv-unplugged-albums-sold-over-one-million-01j12qmvbwmx/5
  15. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/alanis-morissette/1999/brooklyn-academy-of-music-brooklyn-ny-bdf41a6.html
  16. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/morissettes-softer-side/
  17. https://www.nme.com/features/best-mtv-unplugged-performances-nirvana-jay-z-mariah-carey-2688255
  18. https://open.spotify.com/album/0LkVxRq8mZbPUaRgEEvxKv
  19. https://musicbrainz.org/release/a4a547a5-b884-4642-b33b-138682278cb1
  20. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/39684-alanis-morissette-mtv-unplugged?language=en-US
  21. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/alanis-morissette/mtv-unplugged/
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/5371528-Alanis-Morissette-MTV-Unplugged
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/3720146-Alanis-Morissette-MTV-Unplugged
  24. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/christopher_fogel/credits/
  25. https://albumism.com/anniversaries/alanis-morissette-mtv-unplugged
  26. https://www.discogs.com/master/210356-Alanis-Morissette-That-I-Would-Be-Good
  27. https://www.discogs.com/master/323327-Alanis-Morissette-You-Learn-MTV-Unplugged
  28. https://www.discogs.com/master/229770-Alanis-Morissette-King-Of-Pain
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/5837171-Alanis-Morissette-The-Collection
  30. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-collection-mw0000348964
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK2jV5XFTW0
  32. https://www.allmusic.com/album/mtv-unplugged-mw0000255055
  33. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/43119-alanis-morissette-mtv-unplugged.php
  34. https://tinnitist.com/2024/12/02/classic-album-review-alanis-morissette-mtv-unplugged/
  35. https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alanis-morissette
  36. https://top40-charts.com/artist.php?aid=1333
  37. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/1669
  38. https://www.billboard.com/pro/ask-billboard-taylor-swift-the-script-alanis-morissette/
  39. https://chartmasters.org/cspc-alanis-morissette-popularity-analysis/
  40. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboard-bits-alanis-talvin-singh-and-more-80712/
  41. https://www.dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Alanis+Morissette&titel=MTV+Unplugged&cat=a
  42. http://www.swisscharts.com/album/Alanis-Morissette/MTV-Unplugged-25723
  43. https://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Alanis+Morissette&titel=MTV+Unplugged&cat=a
  44. https://www.billboard.com/pro/remembering-15-forgotten-adult-pop-songs/
  45. https://alanismorissette.fandom.com/wiki/Alanis_Morissette_discography
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