Acoustic shows often ooze simplicity, but there was nothing elementary about the performances of Alanis Morissette [ tickets ] and Jason Mraz [ tickets ] on Saturday (7/16) at Phoenix's Dodge Theatre.

With both artists providing humor and touching lyrics, Morissette and Mraz demonstrated why theirs is proving to be one of this summer's most talked-about tours.

Morissette's lyrics--which, over her career, have evolved from angst-ridden and vitriolic ("You Oughta Know") to playful ("So Pure")--were enhanced by her five-piece band as she marked the 10-year anniversary of her multi-million selling "Jagged Little Pill" album. The unplugged format allowed her storytelling to come front and center, her lyrics living and breathing in a fresh manner.

Backed only by a plain black curtain and a table--on which sat a lamp and a slew of framed photographs--Morissette kicked off her show with a striking a cappella version of "Your House," a hidden track from "Jagged Little Pill."

After a standing ovation, the curtain dropped to reveal her band and a complex set, which mimicked a living room, with furniture and knick-knacks, peppering the stage.
Sitting on a chair in the middle of her "living room," Morissette tackled "Not the Doctor" and "Perfect" before playing crowd favorite "Head Over Feet," which drew roars of approval.

Marking a U-turn from her early-career man-hating tendencies, Morissette dedicated "A Man" to all the men in the audience for their "support and all the support and empowerment of the women in the house." She called the song a male "response to some of the songs I've written over the last 10 years."

The show's acoustic arrangements didn't lack the energy of the originals. "So Pure" maintained its spunky, playful beat. "You Oughta Know" was slowed down, but still gripping.

Backed by a percussionist and guitarist, opener Mraz kicked off his 45-minute set with a simple, "What's up friends?"

"I've got some friends that like to call me Mr. Arizona," he said, referring to the giant "Mr. A-Z" backdrop behind him which referred to the title of his forthcoming album. "As you can see behind me, I've made a big name for myself."

Mraz used the opportunity to showcase songs from the new album, including the opening track and first single "Word Play." The crowd seemed familiar with the song, showing their enthusiasm for the line "Are you listening to a single word I've said?"

Included in his set was a heartbreaking cover of Elton John's "Rocket Man," into which he interjected his trademark humor: the line "Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids" became "Mraz ain't the kind of guy to raise your kids."

Besides the "Mr. A-Z" sign, a running storyline throughout the show was his mock romantic interest in Morissette. In his hit "You and I," he added impromptu lyrics about his tourmate. "Alanis, will you remove that ring," he sang referring to her engagement ring from actor Ryan Reynolds. "Why else did I come on this thing?"