In the middle of the 1990s, Alanis Morissette successfully entered the music scene with her groundbreaking album, Jagged Little Pill. It paved the way for a new generation of female singer-songwriters. And since then, there has been no looking back.
Morisette is like no other singer before or after her. But there have been female singers who are compared to her in terms of music, songwriting, performances, and genre.
One thing they have in common: they embraced this empowering fusion of feminism in music and left their mark on the industry. Keep reading to explore 13 amazing singers like Alanis Morissette.
1. Sheryl Crow
Chances are, you’ve come across “All I Wanna Do” many times already. Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow co-wrote and released the song in 1994, which became her breakthrough hit. More successful albums and songs followed, contributing to her success for over three decades.
Crow is known for her versatile music style, infectious choruses, and insightful lyrics. She has experimented with various genres and styles, thus appealing to a broader audience and achieving crossover success.
Similar to Morissette, Crow empowers women through her music. Her songs often tackle issues concerning love and relationships while simultaneously encouraging women to be strong and independent. Today, her influence continues to be deeply felt in pop culture.
2. Sarah McLachlan
As a fellow Canadian singer-songwriter, Sarah McLachlan shares many similarities with Alanis Morissette. Rising to prominence in the ’90s, her music often reflects her life experiences without filtering out details.
McLachlan’s songs span across various genres, including pop and rock, which serves as a testament to her versatility as an artist. Like Morissette, she is often known for her introspective writing and emotional depth.
Thanks to her hauntingly beautiful voice and unparalleled vulnerability, this talented icon has earned various awards and accolades throughout her career. And with phenomenal projects like Surfacing, it’s not hard to see why she is as influential as she is.
3. Jewel
Born in Utah, Jewel is a singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the mid-’90s with her debut album, Pieces of You. Today, she is widely recognized for her distinctive voice and impressive versatility.
Simply put, both Jewel and Alanis Morissette share a penchant for authenticity and emotionally charged lyrics. Their music delves into their respective experiences and simultaneously tackles female empowerment.
Thanks to her unique sound and heartfelt storytelling, Jewel enjoyed commercial success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Some of her hit singles include “Who Will Save Your Soul,” “Foolish Games,” and “Hands.” Today, Jewel continues making big waves in the music world and also practices philanthropy.
4. Tori Amos
North Carolina native Tori Amos is a renowned singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is characterized as a unique blend of rock, pop, and classical music. Like Alanis Morissette, Amos has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. She has captivated audiences worldwide since the early 1990s.
One aspect that sets Amos apart from other artists is her emphasis on courageous lyrics in her songs. These address subjects like feminism and feature personal experiences. Like Morissette, she boldly sings about sensitive issues with raw honesty and thus fosters an emotional connection with listeners.
Throughout her multifaceted career as a musician, Amos has released countless classics, including the widely popular “Cornflake Girl.” As a result, she has established herself as an inspirational figure for many aspiring artists.
5. Fiona Apple
The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Fiona Apple rose to fame in the mid-’90s. Music came naturally to her. She was classically trained on piano and composed her very own songs starting when she was eight years old.
Apple officially entered the scene in 1996 with her debut album, Tidal. These contained songs she wrote in her teens, including “Shadowboxer” and “Criminal.” She has won multiple Grammys for her work, including Best Alternative Music Album for Fetch the Bolt Cutters in 2021.
Apple is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her generation. With her powerful voice, versatile sound, and unconventional approach to music, it’s easy to see why. Similar to Morissette, she explores a wide range of themes in her lyrics and authentically speaks what’s on her mind.
6. PJ Harvey
Up next is PJ Harvey, an English singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and stage presence. Her music, like Alanis Morissette’s, is confessional alternative rock and features poetic lyrics.
Aside from her thought-provoking songwriting, Harvey is known for her raw guitar-driven compositions and arrangements. She pushes the boundaries of musical conventions, the essence of which can be found in projects like Let England Shake and To Bring You My Love.
Her ability to convey emotions and explore the human condition has deeply resonated with audiences. She is also admired for her artistic integrity and ability to reinvent herself while maintaining her unique identity.
7. Natalie Imbruglia
The Australian-British singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia rose to fame in the 1990s with her hit song “Torn.” Its infectious melody, simple lyrics, and catchy chorus instantly captivated audiences and propelled her to international stardom.
Imbruglia’s music can be described as a blend of pop, rock, and alternative. Like Morissette, she explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth in her songwriting.
Over the course of her career, Imbruglia has released several albums, including White Lilies Island and Counting Down the Days. Her music showcases her evolving sound and resonates with a broad audience to this day.
8. Michelle Branch
Born in Arizona, Michelle Branch grew up to become an influential singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Her pop-rock sound and catchy melodies have played an instrumental role in captivating audiences and pushing the landscape of music.
Branch began her musical journey at an early age. She rose to prominence in the early 2000s with her first project, The Spirit Room. Following the success of her debut, she released her second album, Hotel Paper. This showcased a more mature sound and received profound critical acclaim.
Her music, like Morissette’s, often explores themes of love, relationships, and personal growth. Her heartfelt lyrics and genuine passion for her craft have earned her a dedicated fan base and left a lasting legacy in the pop-rock music realm.
9. Paula Cole
Save a spot on your playlist for singer-songwriter Paula Cole. Her music effortlessly combines elements of pop, rock, folk, and jazz, creating a unique and eclectic sound.
Thanks to her powerful vocals and versatility, she quickly gained critical acclaim and commercial success in the industry. Hit tracks like “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” and “I Don’t Want to Wait” from This Fire testify to her musical genius.
Known for her emotionally charged songwriting style, Cole often explores themes of love, relationships, self-discovery, and social issues. Like Morissette’s music, her songs are characterized by emotional depth and poetic storytelling.
10. Liz Phair
The Connecticut-born singer-songwriter Liz Phair gained popularity in the early ’90s. If you’re a fan of Alanis Morissette, you’ll enjoy Phair’s candid lyrics, exploration of feminist themes, and blending of genres.
Her 1993 debut album, Exile in Guyville, is often regarded as a seminal album in indie rock and lo-fi. Almost instantly, it garnered critical acclaim for its catchy melodies and honest lyrics. Her subsequent albums further showcased her ability to craft memorable hooks.
Phair has solidified her place as an outstanding artist in the alternative rock genre. She will always be celebrated for her distinctive singing style and experimentation with different sounds.
11. Lisa Loeb
Another singer-songwriter and musician who gained fame in the 1990s is Lisa Loeb. Thanks to her hit single, “Stay (I Missed You),” she became a household name. Her music is a blend of folk, pop, and rock and often draws comparisons to Alanis Morissette.
Following her breakthrough single, Loeb released various studio albums, including Catch the Moon and Cake And Pie. These projects serve as a testament to Loeb’s signature style. We’re talking about distinctive vocals, melodic sensibilities, and relatable songwriting.
Like Morissette, Loeb’s songs tackle issues surrounding love, relationships, and life in general. Her intimate and confessional songwriting style mirrors that of Morissette’s. They capture emotions and experiences into timeless songs.
12. Meredith Brooks
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Meredith Brooks rose to fame with her acclaimed album, Blurring the Edges in 1997. The lead single, “Bitch,” became a major hit. It showcased her bold, confident attitude and rebellious spirit, ultimately becoming a cultural anthem of female empowerment.
Brooks’ music is a fusion of rock, pop, and folk. Her songs are characterized by strong guitar-driven melodies and infectious hooks. Similar to Morissette, she explores themes of love and personal empowerment in her songwriting.
Following the success of her debut album, Brooks released additional albums. Deconstruction and Shine showcased her musical versatility as an artist.
13. Tracy Bonham
And finally, we have the alternative rock musician and singer-songwriter Tracy Bonham rose to fame in the 1990s. Thanks to her infectious single, “Mother Mother,” she became known in the alternative rock and post-grunge genres.
Bonham possesses powerful vocals and a musical talent honed through classical training. She creates indie rock music that speaks to fans new and old alike. Fans of Morissette will appreciate Bonham’s expressive songwriting and exploration of similar themes.
In addition, her ability to blend genres has given us songs that infuse electronic elements into guitar-driven alt-rock and prove why she’s one of modern rock’s most underrated artists.
Summing Up Our List Of Artists Like Alanis Morissette
And there you have our list of singers similar to Alanis Morissette. She paved the way for countless singers to express themselves in the world of music. With their great music, it’s a waste not to include them in your playlist.
Have your fill of music that resembles Morisette’s. From Sheryl Crow’s insightful songs to PJ Harvey’s confessional songwriting style, there’s something for everyone here.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your headphones and get ready to be wowed! And if ever there’s a singer that you want to see on this list, let us know!
