Alanis Morissette: 'Underneath'

Alanis Morissette's stock has been in freefall for a while - in fact, every studio album she's released since 1995's Jagged Little Pill has sold less than its predecessor. Now, in a bid to boost her ailing fortunes, she's recruited hip electro producer Guy Sigsworth (Madonna, Britney, Sugababes) to update her sound for new album Flavors of Entanglement.

On this evidence, Sigsworth's nips and tucks have been subtle and well-judged. Though 'Underneath' boasts tougher beats than previous Alanis singles, and the production is smoother than Nicole Kidman's forehead, it's still the ruthlessly effective radio rock we've come to expect from her. Morissette's lyrics are a little trite and wordy, but 'Underneath' has an ace up its sleeve: a chorus that's big and surging enough to distract us.