One Song Doesn’t Make Morissette a Star

Re: Robert Hilburn’s review of Alanis Morissette’s concert at the Santa Barbara County Bowl (“Morissette Lives Up to Great Expectations,” Calendar, June 14).

I’d like to help Hilburn figure out why some people feel Alanis Morissette needs to prove herself. First of all, “whopping” record sales do not always indicate that the artist is talented (even though the folks at the Grammys believe so). Many truly talented artists are able to write songs on their own, without the help of a big-name pop hit songwriter. They are often gifted at playing a musical instrument or two. More importantly, they are usually good singers. (Was I the only person embarrassed for her during her “Saturday Night Live” set?)

Talented artists are often backed or assisted on albums by musicians capable of playing a range greater than generic pop a la Mariah Carey style. The only exception here is “You Oughta Know.” But one good song does not make an artist exceptional in my book.

TIFFANY SLAGER

Chula Vista