"That I Would Be Good" | ||||
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Single by Alanis Morissette | ||||
from the album Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie and MTV Unplugged | ||||
Released | 1999 | |||
Recorded |
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Studio | Royaltone (Los Angeles; album version) [1] | |||
Length | 4:07 | |||
Label | Maverick | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Alanis Morissette | |||
Alanis Morissette singles chronology | ||||
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"That I Would Be Good" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette that was first included on her fourth studio album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998). An acoustic live version of the song was recorded during a session for MTV Unplugged on September 18, 1999. The live version was released as a single in Europe in 1999 and in Canada on February 8, 2000.
The lyrics relate Morissette's intimate feelings about being judged, insecurity and self-doubt, expressing in theme and variation the desire to be sufficient in the face of changing external circumstances. The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who praised the flute solo by Morissette and its sweetness. Commercially, the single charted on the US Billboard Adult Top 40 and the Netherlands' Single Top 100.
"That I Would Be Good" was one of the songs included on Alanis Morissette's fourth studio album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998). Eventually, the album spawned four singles, with "Thank U" being the most successful single. [2] Later, Alanis wrote the song "Still" for the soundtrack album of the 1999 film, Dogma . [3] On September 18, 1999, Alanis recorded an MTV Unplugged special, singing songs from her previous albums, Jagged Little Pill (1995) and Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998), as well as previously unreleased tracks. [4]
The constant electrical buzz that can be heard throughout the track came unintentionally from Ballard recording too close to an amplifier. He re-recorded the guitar section to correct it, but Morissette immediately noticed the change - "What happened to the original?" - Ballard told her the buzz was bothering him, but she said, "No way. We've lost the magic, and you've gotta put it back." [5]
"That I Would Be Good" was chosen to be the lead single of the album, being released in December 1999. [6] [7] The CD single features the MTV Unplugged version of "That I Would Be Good" and live versions of "Would Not Come", "I Was Hoping" (from Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie) and "Forgiven" (from Jagged Little Pill). [8]
"That I Would Be Good" was written by Morissette and Glen Ballard; both wrote Morissette's biggest hits, "You Oughta Know", "Ironic", "You Learn", "Head over Feet", and "Thank U". Produced by Morissette herself, the song is a "muted" and "crawling" ballad, with a flute solo coda, where Alanis plays her own flute. [9] Written in the key of A major, it has a moderate tempo of 84 beats per minute, while Morissette's vocals span from the low-note of B3 to the high-note of A6. [10]
Lyrically, "That I Would Be Good" claims a self-confidence independent of fluctuations in emotional state or physical appearance. [11] It is filled with wonder over whether one still feels whole in the face of any number of life's ills: losing youth, bankruptcy, insanity, the absence of a chosen lover. [6] According to Morissette on VH1 Storytellers and the documentary Sensitive the Untold Story (2015), [12] the song was written during a time when there were many people in her house and she retreated to her closet to write the lyrics. She also confirmed that she wrote the lyrics and then the music at different times. [13]
The song's studio version received positive reviews from most music critics. Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone was positive, calling it "the boldest, sweetest statement" on the album, realizing that while playing the flute, "she works her ass off to get it right, but she wins you over with her sheer daring; it isn't every day that a megastar comes right out and auditions for you." [9] Chuck Taylor of Billboard noted that the track is "intense and meaningful", praising the addition of the flute, writing that "it's unique and appealing". Taylor also saw it as "a beautiful song" and "it could turn out to be a solid return hit." [6] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine wrote that the song "ends with a painful yet endearing flute solo by Morissette." [14]
The unplugged version also gathered favorable reaction. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic saw that Alanis chose to perform tracks from her latest album Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie on the Unplugged album "as a way to reintroduce it to an audience that largely ignored it the first time around," describing the tracks, including "That I Would Be Good" as "extremely personal songs, which benefit from the stripped-down arrangements and intimate surroundings." [15] Neva Chonin of Rolling Stone commented that during some parts of the acoustic set, Alanis "overpowers her band", sometimes she kills them with neglect - 'Ironic' and 'That I Would Be Good,' for instance, have been whittled down to bare acoustic essentials." [16]
"That I Would Be Good" was a minor hit on Billboard's Adult Top 40 Tracks chart, peaking at number 24. [2] It also charted on the Netherlands's Single Top 100 chart, debuting at number 75 on November 20, 1999, while peaking at number 55 the following week. It remained at the peak position for a further week, while charting for ten weeks in the chart. [17]
Kelly Clarkson covered "That I Would Be Good" during her "All I Ever Wanted Tour", being mashed up with Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody". It was later recorded and included on her third EP The Smoakstack Sessions Vol. 2 released along with her Greatest Hits: Chapter One album. For Jessica Sager of Pop Crush, "it's an unexpected combination, but thematically and sonically, they work together perfectly," also praising Clarkson's vocals on "That I Would Be Good", writing that, "Clarkson replaces the Canadian crooner’s warbling with her own soulful pipes." [18] Alex Nagorsi of MuuMuse wrote that, "Clarkson’s soaring vocal range takes center stage to deliver a powerhouse performance." [19] The song appeared on the popular teen drama Dawson's Creek twice in relation to one of the show's lead characters, Jennifer, played by Michelle Williams. [20] Singaporean singer Stefanie Sun covered the song on her album Start .
Chart (1999–2000) | Peak position |
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Canada Top Singles ( RPM ) [21] | 28 |
Canada Adult Contemporary ( RPM ) [22] | 48 |
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) [23] | 3 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [24] | 55 |
US Adult Top 40 ( Billboard ) [2] | 24 |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
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Europe | 1999 | CD | Maverick | [24] |
Japan | January 19, 2000 | [25] | ||
Canada | February 8, 2000 | [1] |
Alanis Nadine Morissette is a Canadian and American singer, songwriter and musician. She is known for her emotive mezzo-soprano voice and confessional songwriting. Morissette began her music career in Canada in the early 1990s with two dance-pop albums. In 1995, she released Jagged Little Pill, an alternative rock-oriented album with elements of post-grunge. This album sold more than 33 million copies globally, propelling her to become a cultural phenomenon. It earned her the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1996 and was adapted into a rock musical of the same name in 2017. The musical earned fifteen Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Additionally, the album was listed in Rolling Stone's 2003 and 2020 editions of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" guide. The lead single, "You Oughta Know", was also included at #103 in their "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Jagged Little Pill is the third studio album by Canadian-American singer Alanis Morissette, released on June 13, 1995, through Maverick and her first album to be released worldwide. It marked a stylistic departure from the dance-pop sound of her first two albums, Alanis (1991) and Now Is the Time (1992). Morissette began work on the album after moving from her hometown Ottawa to Los Angeles, where she met producer Glen Ballard. Morissette and Ballard had an instant connection and began co-writing and experimenting with sounds. The experimentation resulted in an alternative rock album that takes influence from post-grunge and pop rock, and features guitars, keyboards, drum machines, and harmonica. The lyrics touch upon themes of aggression and unsuccessful relationships, while Ballard introduced a pop sensibility to Morissette's angst. The title of the album is taken from a line in the first verse of the song "You Learn".
"Ironic" is a song by Canadian singer Alanis Morissette. It was released in February 1996 as the third single from her third studio album, Jagged Little Pill (1995). It was written by Morissette and Glen Ballard, and was produced by him. The lyrics present several situations that are described as "ironic"; this has led to debate as to whether any of these actually match the accepted meaning of irony.
"Uninvited" is a song by Canadian recording artist and songwriter Alanis Morissette, released as a single from the soundtrack of City of Angels in February 1998, becoming Morissette's first new recording since her international debut album, Jagged Little Pill (1995). Morissette wrote the song and co-produced it with Rob Cavallo. "Uninvited" is driven by four piano notes and builds to an instrumental climax, and haunting atmosphere accompanied by cryptic lyrics.
Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie is the fourth studio album and second internationally released album by singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, released by Maverick Records in the United States on November 3, 1998. The album was positively received by critics and performed well commercially, breaking the record for album sales in its first week by a female artist. The first single from the album, "Thank U", reached the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100. Morissette promoted the album with worldwide touring. The album gets its name from a lyric in the track "So Pure".
Under Rug Swept is the fifth studio album and third internationally released album by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette. Released by Maverick Records in the United States on February 26, 2002, and in the United Kingdom a day earlier, it was the first album Morissette had written and produced all on her own. It debuted at number one on charts in 12 countries, including the United States and Canada, and produced the singles "Hands Clean" and "Precious Illusions". Sales, however, did not match those of Morissette's previous two studio albums.
"You Oughta Know" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, released as the lead single from her third studio album, Jagged Little Pill (1995), on July 6, 1995. After releasing two studio albums, Morissette left MCA Records Canada and was introduced to manager Scott Welch. Morissette began working on new music after moving from her hometown of Ottawa to Toronto, but made little progress. In Los Angeles, she met producer Glen Ballard, with whom she wrote songs including "You Oughta Know".
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. 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" and "Your House" 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" 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.
"Head over Feet" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, taken from her third studio album Jagged Little Pill (1995). Written by Alanis and Glen Ballard, and produced by Ballard, it was released as the album's fifth single in July 1996 and presented a softer sound than the previous singles from the album. "Head over Feet" talks about being best friends and lovers with someone at the same time, with Alanis thanking them for their manners, love and devotion.
"You Learn" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette from her third studio album, Jagged Little Pill (1995). It was written by Morissette and Glen Ballard, the album's producer. Maverick and Warner Bros. Records released the song as the album's fourth single. The lyrics state that valuable lessons are learned from poor decisions. The album title is taken from this song's line "Swallow it down ".
"Thank U" is a song by Canadian-American recording artist and songwriter Alanis Morissette from her fourth studio album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998). The song was written by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, who produced her previous album, Jagged Little Pill (1995). Morissette wrote the song after she came back from a trip to India. Maverick and Reprise Records released the song as a single on October 12, 1998.
"Hands Clean" is a song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, for her fifth studio album, Under Rug Swept (2002). It was written, composed, and produced by Morissette and released as the album's lead single in January 2002. It features a shuffling, largely acoustic-rock framework. Lyrically, "Hands Clean" caused controversy, since it is reportedly the singer's recollection of a forbidden sexual relationship she shared with a much older man when she was approximately 14 years of age.
"Joining You" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette from her fourth studio album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998). It was released as the album's second single on January 3, 1999. The song distinctly is composed of a verse and chorus in two distantly related keys: C minor and E minor, respectively. "Joining You" peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
"Hand in My Pocket" is a song by Canadian recording artist and songwriter Alanis Morissette from her third studio album, Jagged Little Pill (1995). The song was written by Morissette and Glen Ballard and was released as the second single from the album on October 16, 1995 by Maverick and Reprise, five months after the album release. The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who applauded Morissette's songwriting.
"Unsent" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette from her fourth studio album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998). The lyrics were written by Morissette, who also composed the music with Glen Ballard. It was released as the album's third single on March 18, 1999. It was one of the few Junkie tracks on which she played her harmonica. Morissette directed the music video for the song. Without a chorus or hook, "Unsent" has an unconventional song structure. The lyrics consist of letters addressed to Morissette's former boyfriends and friends. The single became a moderate hit, reaching number nine in Canada, number 28 in New Zealand, and number 58 in the United States.
"So Pure" is a song written and produced by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard for Morissette's fourth album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998). It was released in Japan as the album's second single on March 10, 1999, and as the third single worldwide in June 1999. One line in the song, "supposed former infatuation junkie", inspired its album's title. A special "radio friendly remix" was featured on US promotional singles and was only commercially released on the Australian domestic single.
The discography of Canadian-American singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette comprises 10 studio albums, three live albums, six compilation albums, two extended plays, 46 singles, 12 promotional singles, six video albums, and 41 music videos. She has sold more than 85 million albums worldwide.
"King of Pain" is a song by British rock band the Police, released as the second single from their fifth and final studio album Synchronicity (1983). Written by the band's lead singer and bassist Sting as a post-separation song from his wife, "King of Pain" conjures up symbols of pain and relates them to a man's soul. A&M Records released "King of Pain" as the album's fourth single in the UK, while in many other countries it was released as the second single.
Flavors of Entanglement is the seventh studio album, fifth international release and last Maverick Records release by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette. The album, which was originally set for an April release, came out on May 30, 2008, in Germany, Benelux, and Ireland, internationally on June 2, and in the United States on June 10. It was produced by Guy Sigsworth. Flavors won Pop Album of the Year prize at the 2009 Juno Awards. The album gets its name from a lyric in the track "Moratorium".
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