Alanis Morissette - Precious Illusions Pt.1

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Music reviews of Precious Illusions Pt.1

Music Review: Another Thought-Provoking, Brilliant Song From Alanis!
Rating: 5 Stars

The second single to be taken from the Under Rug Swept album was the marvellous "Precious Illusions." In the UK this was the final single to be taken from the album, which is a great shame because the album featured so many other brilliant songs such as "21 Things I Want In A Lover" and "So Unsexy" which could all have made it into the charts. Precious Illusions didn't fare too well, however: it didn't manage to reach the UK Top 40 and was released in August 2002. The video received little airplay and not much promotion was done to get the country interested in the song. Still, the song remains as amazing as it did almost two years ago and retains its personal values because mainly Alanis-listeners only will have heard it.

Precious Illusions opens softly with a simple and melodic guitar that introduces Alanis instantly as she sings, "You'll rescue me, right? In the exact same way they never did. I'll be happy, right? When your healing powers kick in. You'll complete me, right? Then my life can finally begin. I'll be worthy, right? Only when you realize the gem I am." The song then picks up speed as more instruments are introduced and Alanis' vocals shift higher at the bridge where she sings, "But this won't work now the way it once did, and I won't keep it up even though I would love to. Once I know who I'm not then I'll know who I am, but I know I won't keep on playing the victim." Alanis then sings the joyous first chorus, "These precious illusions in my head did not let me down when I was defenseless, and parting with them is liking parting with invisible best friends."

Alanis then sings the second verse, "This ring will help me yet as will you knight in shining armor. This pill will help me yet as will these boys gone through like water." Alanis then sings the bridge once more, but I prefer this one because it is altered lyrically and sounds much better, "But this won't work as well as the way it once did, cause I want to decide between survival and bliss. And though I know who I'm not I still don't know who I am, but I know I won't keep on playing the victim." Alanis then sings the second verse once more with more force than previously, before making way for a fabulous bit in the middle where she sings, "I've spent so long firmly looking outside me. I've spent so much time living in survival mode." Alanis then sings the bridge as the beat drops, before falling back into that brilliant chorus once more until the song ends.

Precious Illusions was a good choice as the final single from Under Rug Swept because it actually is one of the strongest tracks on the album. In the song Alanis is afraid to move forward in life as it will no doubt mean letting go of the precious illusions that have been inside her head for years. As the song progresses, she realises she must take this risk, and by the end she is convinced. It's an inspirational song and I admire Alanis even more for it. I admire her further for the spectacle she put on last night on stage in front of Canada at the Juno Awards, by wearing a nude bodysuit in a protest against the pathetic and over-the-top censorship on certain stars. (...)Britney dances provocatively, big deal. Alanis' new song "Everything" has a naughty word in it - better make a fuss about it! Honestly, Middle America needs to live in the 21st Century, not the 19th. Congratulations Alanis, you're never afraid to stand up for what you believe in!

Description of Precious Illusions Pt.1

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