Unsent


"Unsent" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette from her fourth studio album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie. 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.

Background

While introducing the song on VH1's Storytellers special in 1999, Alanis Morissette said:
A demo version of the song included lyrics about Morissette's former touring drummer, Taylor Hawkins.

Critical reception

Chuck Taylor of Billboard wrote positively of "Unsent", naming it the most affecting single out of all the Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie singles. He called Morissette's vocals "lovely" and that it would bring the singer back to "a dominant place on the playlists of modern rock, adult, and mainstream top 40."

Music video

Morissette herself directed the song's music video. Its format reminds of a movie, with subtitles portraying everything that the characters are saying. It opens with "Matthew" playing the guitar to Morissette, who feels she's bothering him and says she should leave. He says she should, but in a kind way. Alanis looks happy, but uncomfortable and leaves. The second act shows Morissette, with curly hair, sitting with "Jonathan" at a bar, asking if she could come to wherever he is going the next day. She's concerned girls are coming on the trip too. He says she can, but doesn't look too interested.
The third act shows Alanis and "Terrance" by the lake, having a conversation about whether he is coming to visit her, to which he jokingly responds that he's "too busy". They laugh and look happy. "Marcus" is the fourth to be shown. They kiss on a sofa, and he says he is very proud of Alanis. "What for?" she replies, and he says " open to testing different waters at the same time". Morissette looks confused, awkward, and sad. The last scene shows Morissette entering a car driven by "Lou". They say "hi" to one another, but the only other dialogue is when Lou says "What are you thinking?" at the very end of the video.
A 10-minute movie of the video is available with no music and no subtitles, but the actors speak this time. It shows extended footage of all five stories.

Usage in media

In the American television show Cougar Town, Season 4 Episode 10 'You Tell Me', the video is referenced due to character Grayson Ellis',, appearance as Terrance, which he wants to keep a secret. The secret gets out and another character Andy Torres,, shares his secret that he appeared in the Alanis Morissette Video 'Hands Clean' as the Music Executive.

Track listing

Canadian and Australian CD single
  1. "Unsent" – 4:08
  2. "Are You Still Mad" – 3:59
  3. "London" – 4:46