Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Not a fan - boring, feel like i'm in the epitome of the 90's I don't like
Not my favorite. The music was depressing and I felt like I was psychiatric evaluation while listening. 0RS
Madre mía, Morrissey, menudo rollo de disco.
Moz does Bowie, what's not to like?
I could never turn on Morrissey as a musical artist. When a song he’s involved with comes on my stereo hilarity is bound to ensue. Even without the rest of the Smiths. People pretend that’s not the case bc he is such a unlikable person, but his vocal styling and melodic tendencies are so his own that it transcends whoever musician happens to be backing him.
I've sort of dreaded getting a Morrissey album on this list, but besides a few singles, this is my first time listening to him solo. I thought Marr, Rourke, and Joyce were integral to fulfilling Morrissey's artistic direction as much as he was to them, but he's very clearly capable of designing a new style all his own and still find an impeccable band for himself. There's not a song I would skip on this, it's a delight to hear him backed by distorted guitars for a change and the shining track, We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful shows an obvious declaration that he's the same Morrissey ever, but backed by a stadium-glam sound I couldn't have expected. And I usually don't like glam, nor rockabilly.
music is love
Love it
I liked the album. It definitely screamed classic rock and roll to me. I'll listen to this album again someday.
Really good with great vocals, pounding backing music and a uniqueness that is all Morrissey. I just wish he hadn’t become such a bitter, snidey old twat now.
Out of the two Morrissey albums I have reviewed, and I can't remember what the other one was without looking, there is a vast difference. The first one I was bemoaning the fact that the guitars did not play a major part in the songs. Well, that has changed with this album. The guitar is present and upfront in a good way. I couldn't decide whether to give this album four or five stars but the last song convinced me, definitely five. These songs are better written and they rock out ten. times as much as the other album I reviewed
It's not The Smiths, but it's still a 5* for me. Yes, Johnny Marr's genius was important but I really think it was about the interplay between both. Johnny Marr is still making fine music but nothing like with The Smiths. In fact, I'd rate Your Arsenal better than Marr's solo work. This is quite a rocky album but the lyrics still have the quirky touch I love(d?) Morrissey for. Morrissey as a person seems to have changed a lot from the leftist Smiths frontman to the right-winger he is now. This album probably sits in the transition period - a song like The National Front Disco tackles an issue but can still be interpreted from either side of the spectrum (without foresight of Morrissey's later statements). I find it odd that he is a right-wing xenophobe now (as far as I can tell) but at the same time a strong animal rights advocate (kudos to him, even though his style doesn't help). It is rare that people are compassionate towards animals but not to other humans (the opposite is very common though). Anyway, judging the album musically and with my 1992 ears on, I still love it.
I liked it.
It seems heavier than the other albums by Morrissey and The Smiths, with more guitar driven songs. Great album! Honestly one of Morrissey's best!
Here is an in-depth review of Morrissey’s *Your Arsenal* (1992), often considered his strongest solo album and a pivotal bridge between his indie past and his more robust, rockabilly-infused future. --- ## Overview Released at a time when Morrissey’s commercial standing was waning after the uneven *Kill Uncle* (1991), *Your Arsenal* was a decisive comeback. Produced by Mick Ronson (David Bowie’s legendary Spiders from Mars guitarist), the album sharpened Morrissey’s sound into something muscular, theatrical, and deeply rooted in 1970s glam and rockabilly. It reached No. 4 in the UK and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. --- ## Lyrics **Strengths:** The lyrics are among Morrissey’s most confrontational, witty, and emotionally direct. He abandons the sometimes precious wordplay of *Kill Uncle* for a terse, gnomic style. Key themes include: - **National identity and xenophobia:** “The National Front Disco” is a masterstroke of ambiguity—sympathizing with a lost soul drawn to far-right politics without endorsing the ideology. “Glamorous Glue” skewers a Britain obsessed with fame while “coiled and ready to snap.” - **Loneliness and defiance:** “We’ll Let You Know” offers solidarity with outsiders (“We’ll let you know / When we see you”), while “Tomorrow” finds him flatly refusing optimism: “I’m not right / And I know it.” - **Hollywood and decay:** “Seasick, Yet Still Docked” is a stunning ballad of romantic rejection, comparing himself to a “still-docked” ship—restless but immobilized. **Weaknesses:** A few lyrics lean into repetitive sloganeering. “Certain People I Know” has energy but its list of roguish acts (“I steal, I borrow, I do not say no”) feels slight next to the album’s heavier moments. Also, the infamous “Asian riff” in the live favorite “You’re the One for Me, Fatty” (while defended by Morrissey as affectionate pastiche) remains awkwardly dated in its use of stereotype. --- ## Music & Production (Mick Ronson’s signature) **Pros:** Ronson’s influence is transformative. He replaces the jangly, hesitant arrangements of the past with a roaring, glam-stomp sound: - **Guitars:** Thick, trebly, and swaggering—recalling The New York Dolls and T. Rex. Boz Boorer and Alain Whyte lock into a rockabilly-derived attack. - **Rhythm section:** Gary Day’s upright bass and Spencer Cobrin’s drums snap like a greaser’s fingers on “You’re the One for Me, Fatty” and stomp militaristically on “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful.” - **Arrangements:** Ronson knew how to build drama. “Seasick, Yet Still Docked” swells from sparse piano to cinematic strings. “The National Front Disco” uses a marching beat and glam arpeggios to underline its uneasy tension. **Cons:** The production is *very* dry and mid-focused by early-90s standards—no reverb-drenched alternative rock here. Some find the sound boxy or lacking low-end punch compared to, say, *Viva Hate*. Also, the sequencing front-loads the rockers; the second half (from “Certain People I Know” onward) sags slightly before the closing one-two of “Seasick” and the hidden spoken-word piece. --- ## Themes *Your Arsenal* is unified by a sense of **besieged masculinity**—but not toxic masculinity. Instead, it’s about being an aging, awkward, working-class-coded man in a world that demands conformity. Recurring motifs: - **The glamour of failure:** He romanticizes the “tough guy” outsider, from Teddy Boys to disgraced pop stars. - **Anti-optimism:** “Tomorrow” rejects self-help clichés. “We’ll Let You Know” warns that happiness is a trap. - **England as a collapsing dream:** “Glamorous Glue” and “National Front Disco” depict a country of racial tension, boredom, and broken promises. The album’s title ironically doubles as both a weapon (the “arsenal” of wit and sound) and a vulnerability (having one’s arsenal—one’s defenses—exposed). --- ## Influence - **Britpop blueprint:** Bands like Pulp, Blur, and Suede cited *Your Arsenal* for its blend of English social commentary and glam rock swagger. Damon Albarn has called it Morrissey’s “most complete” album. - **The rockabilly revival:** Alongside The Stray Cats, Morrissey reintroduced rockabilly to alternative rock—later heard in bands like The White Stripes (Jack White admired the album’s rawness). - **Mick Ronson’s legacy:** This became Ronson’s final major production (he died in 1993). His template—big guitars, clear vocals, theatrical dynamics—influenced producers like Steve Lillywhite and John Leckie. --- ## Pros & Cons Summary | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Morrissey’s sharpest, most focused lyrics of the 1990s | Occasional lyrical missteps (“Certain People I Know” feels thin) | | Mick Ronson’s muscular, glam-influenced production | Dated, dry mix that lacks low-end depth | | Memorable, anthemic songs (“Glamorous Glue,” “Tomorrow”) | Second-half pacing dips (tracks 6–8 less essential) | | Uncomfortable themes handled with nuance (“The National Front Disco”) | Ambiguity around “Asian riff” and “Fatty” causes modern listeners to wince | | Tight band performances (Boorer/Whyte’s guitar interplay is exceptional) | No major stylistic leaps—it perfects existing sounds rather than innovating | --- ## Verdict **Rating: 9/10** *Your Arsenal* is Morrissey’s *Transformer*—a solo artist finding his definitive voice through a legendary producer. It’s angry, funny, sorrowful, and irresistibly swaggering. While not as wildly adventurous as *Vauxhall and I* (1994) or as iconic as *The Queen Is Dead* (with The Smiths), it stands as his most cohesive statement as a solo act. The cons are minor: a few weaker songs and production that sacrifices warmth for grit. For fans of glam, post-punk, or dark wit, it’s essential. For newcomers, it’s the ideal starting point after the Smiths’ catalog.
I thought I didn't like Morrissey. It turns out I was wrong.
MY BABY BOY MOZ 🥺
I do t know if what I expected but I didn’t expect the first track to open like this. I’m digging the first track so far. On track two. I dig this so far. I think I was just expecting depressing dark melancholy type stuff. This is heavy and has a groove. On track three. I’m shocked how much I like this. Ok does Morissey have a fascination with Elvis? Track 5 “Certain People I Know”. This is a great track with a throw back rockabilly feel. Some albums drag on forever. This one makes time pass quickly. That’s a great album. On track seven and I love it. Every track is great. I’m nearing the end of the album and disappointed by it.
I have said before and will say again - I find Moz intolerable as a human. And excellent as a musician. This is one of his best solo releases. Really good. And Moz can eat a dick.
Great bass (very loud) and a lot of morrissey warbling. Every song had something good about it
This is a brilliant record that I hadn’t heard before. I have some Smiths records and have heard some solo stuff, but not this album. It’s amazing how many shitty people can make such great music.
Holy shit, morrissey slaps. 5 stars
Nice shhht
god morrissey you suck but this album is so fucking good
Morrissey is a ghoul but his music also touches my soul like no one else.
Thank god for Manchester
I wish I had known about this back in 1992.
Actually really good album I haven't heard before, I could use alternate cover art Will I listen to again: 100%
purtroppo spacca sempre
Loved this!!
I thought this was pretty great. It doesn't have the low key great guitar work that appears on The Smiths albums, but there was a lot I liked here. My favorite was We'll Let You Know, but the ending trio is particularly strong too. Some great Morrisey cynicism here too, with We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful, which I always found funny in his song writing. Probably not as good as a Smiths album, but still awesome regardless.
Prise my Morrissey records from my cold dead hands
Just an amazing album from beginning to end.
I'm giving this a 5. None of it is boring and great opening track and it doesn't stop from there
Classic
Morrissey as a person aside, this is a great album!
One of the best Smiths albums every produced. such a diva.
4 or 5/5 was great
Viva Hate - Morrissey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another great album about Morrissey's favorite topic on earth, himself, his wonderful self, bitch! Awash in glam and rockabilly (did I hear some surf guitars just now?) our charming man sounds as good as he ever did in The Smiths. The most English, snippy, dry, brilliant, delusional, joyful, sad work of art about one's love affair with oneself since Noel Coward's 'Private Lives' with its evasion of moral judgement, and the blur of paradox and witticism. Morrissey's third solo album includes Johnny Marr's favorite Moz song, 'We Hate it When Our Ex-Band Mates Become Successful' seasick, yet still docked, indeed!
Ну хорошо Морриси, правда, его соло карьера - отличный пример, как можно развиться вне бенда. Кайф
Great album. Banger after banger.
A really good album, i like it, and i don't care what happens with Morrissey as person.
To misquote Godard, it turns out "All you need to make an album is a quiff and a quill" - and now realizing I enjoy Moz's music much more without the accompaniment of Marr's jingle jangles...
A new world of Mozza solo work has opened up before my eyes. Absolutely loved this.
This album is really good as it combines Morrissey's brooding grandeur with surprisingly driving guitars, bass and drums. It's a great combination and definitely something else than the jangly territory of The Smiths.
4.5 - love morrissey. definitely expanded beyond the smiths and has a much stronger beat with the normal morrissey lyrics.
I don’t know if it was this here project shoving him down my throat or the election, but this hit me in the feels today. I’m gonna go take a shower and see if I can wash off this ick.
Mehr als ok! Klingt handgemacht, frisch und für mich unverbraucht!
Fabulous. Big Morrissey fan so loved every song. He can do no wrong
Solid album. I like this one better than the last Morrissey album I got. I have yet to get a Smiths album, I'm sure that will change soon.
Morrissey is not a great person but damn he makes great music. I loved this whole album, my fave song is Tomorrow.
Perfect.
Probably my favorite album from this project by an artist that I had zero awareness of prior to it coming up here. Mostly a 90's alt vibe but there was even a bit of a country twang to some of it. A fun listen!
Perfect.
MASTERPIECE
Finally I get a solo Morrissey album! I’ve been looking forward to this since I’ve liked The Smiths, although I haven’t gone back to any of their albums yet. I ended up really liking this. I appreciated the more upbeat energy of the songs. Keeping this one on my phone!
It’s really laughable ah ha haha haha
#moz4lyfe
The best Morrissey album. I gave his weaker albums a 5, this one should get a 6.
There’s a lot of Morrissey on this list, but this one feels like a fair inclusion. Good production, distinct from the Smiths, and lyrics that don’t make me hate everything.
i’m just so biased here because of nostalgia, but i really love this album. basically always have. this was never going to be less than a 5 for me
Great Morrissey album. Probably only behind Vauxhall & I.
This is pretty good shit. I'd definitely listen to it again.
I am a poor freezingly cold soul
I don't get what people's problem with Morrissey is. For some reason the British press decided to crucify this guy from the beginning, and he has a long standing practical joke of doing things to get headlines and attention. Good for him. As for the album? It's brilliant. Cutting political savagery but not in the tired old 'fight the power' way. It's a slice of the UK in the early 90s. It's a mirror held up to an entire nation. It's disenfranchisement. Unplug your ears for a minute and you'll hear character stories from the working class of Britain. Welfare slobs, football hooligans, locals down the pub, the youth taking up with the National Front. I'm not British but this paints a picture better than any article in the Guardian. This is real. This is a love letter to a country that Morrissey saw spiraling out of control.
Por fin un album bueno tú
Suspeita por adorar as músicas do Morrissey. Esse álbum é uma delícia, a maioria tem um ritmo animado mesmo que as letras continuem o mesmo dramalhão de sempre. Não acho que nenhuma música se destaca muito, o álbum acaba sendo "morno" por isso para mim mas não muda nada o tanto que eu gosto dele.
2/2 simply divine
wanted to hate it because morrissey but it's a decent continuation from the smiths - also great song titles. glamorous glue the national front disco certain people i know we hate it when our friends become successful you're the one for me, fatty i know it's gonna happen someday tomorrow
Brilliant
Morrissey is great. The Smiths were great. Really enjoyed this album. Couple of catchier poppy songs which sounded great with Morrisseys voice.
Hard to hate. Immensely good stuff.
Good album. Not something I would have chosen to listen to on my own. Also learned he’s the lead singer of The Smith’s
One of his three top solo albums (Your Arsenal, Vauxhall and the best, but unappreciated Southpaw Grammar). Some nice rock songs, lyrics original as always, but also the beautiful "Seasick, Yet Still Docked" and We'll Let You Know and the brilliant last song Tomorrow. Tomorrow, will it really come. And if it does come, will I still be human. Loneliness at its peak. A shame the later albums became more of a parody of what he made in his best years.
To paraphrase Morrissey, some songs are bigger than others, some songs mothers are bigger than others.
I’ve already reviewed a few albums by The Smiths, but this will be my first review of Morrissey by himself. My thoughts so far have been that it has been decent music but with annoying lyrics and vocals. Let’s see if this is more of the same. Songs I already knew: We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful Favourites: We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful, You’re The One For Me Fatty I hate the fact that I’m writing this because Morrissey seems to be a horrible, racist, mess of a human, but this album was really good. So much better that I expected it to be. I didn’t find his lyrics quite as annoying here as I did with The Smiths albums, but maybe I’m just in a good mood. The overall music just felt it had more going on, and had a bit more attitude. If you can separate the art from the artist, and if you haven’t heard this album before, definitely give it a listen.
Great album, really good lyrics….
grande presença
What a great project! What a blend of sounds, the guitar sounds so awesome, and he sings so elegantly on every song. The production is on point as well.
Does anybody think you could describe his voice as spooky? I think that's a good descriptor. I liked the album a lot! Cool sound, Def a vibe
I fucking love that
The third solo album The Smiths vocalist Morrrissey. Perfect rockabilly / glam rock. One of the best albums in England of 1992. I liked it very much. Will definitely listen it again and again.
I actually really enjoyed this
Great album!❤️
Que discazo del bien. Es atemporal. 1000/1000 ludomatics
Excellent
Great album
YES YES YES morrissey is everythingggg!
I'm digging this right away
Your Gooner
Back when National Front Disco was ironic
4.0/5 - Good, but somewhat forgettable. From what I've heard from other reviews, the forgettable British music is only going to get more frequent as time goes on, so this is probably good practice to mentally prepare myself for what is to come.
I can't help myself
I really liked it. The guitarist pushed sharper riffs, glam feel, and driving momentum. The bass and drums are more assertive and make the songs. Sure there were songs that were meh, but several were good.
whenever i listen to morrissey's solo work, i always feel that there's something lacking. i'm sure the guitarist, the bassist, the drummer he recruited for this album are all great, but they don't pack the same punch that johnny, andy, and mike did when working with morrissey. this album is great regardless, has a good first 4 track run.
Å Morrisey, jag har haft svårt för dig sen The Smiths splittrade. Men nu när massa vatten under broarna lyssnar jag och inser hur eklektiskt och bra detta är. Med små blinkningar till populärmusikhistorien utspritt i ackordvändningar, melodislingor och textsnuttar. Mycket mycket bra. En stark fyra.
I never really appreciated The Smiths, or Morrissey, but they’ve influenced a lot of bands I like so maybe I should
I always thought I didn't like Morrissey but I really enjoyed this album. The songs were fun and all sounded unique.
Morrissey's music gets a little heavier and darker here, and it makes for an interesting complement to his other solo work. This feels like a fresh direction to me, I was a little tired of his style after the last couple of albums by him but this is an interesting enough direction that I rather enjoyed it (even though some of that came out after this, but in my personal chronology of encountering music this is more recent). There's something strangely charming to me about Morrissey's weaselly voice, there's nothing quite like it and I think the distinctive baritone adds a lot to these songs. Favorite track: "Tomorrow"
Honestly, I could give this album a 5 just for the fact alone that this is the final Morrissey album on this list. Despite his person, I actually ended up coming out liking more of his music than not — and I still think that he does not need to have FOUR SOLO ALBUMS on this list. Hell, if you include the Smiths records, he's on seven total. That is just flatly ridiculous. But as for this album, it's good. Honestly, it's the kind of "good but doesn't excite me" that I should be giving it a 3, but, honestly, there's still a fair bit of goodwill left over from how much I liked 'The Queen Is Dead.' So I'm willing to look at the rockabilly elements on here and sue that as an excuse to nudge this thing up to a 4. 'Coz of course, my favorite thing about any Morrissey album has been the music itself, here written mostly by Alain Whyte, with Mark E. Nevin taking two. They'll get most of the credit. So, yeah, fuck Morrissey; 'You Are The Quarry' still sucks; and I am SO GLAD to be finally DONE with his ass.
Morrissey is a knob. It's a shame his music is good. 3.5 bumped up to 4.
I’m at a 4. If you take the first “R” & the “nal” out of the title of this album, you’d get what I would shout at Morrissey if I ever saw him. He’s a dickhead. We all know it. Thank goodness this is the last time I get to hear his voice on the list. I’m glad the music has been better than expected, and begrudgingly, it’s pretty good here. It’s all in the grunge-inspired soundscapes, really; this thing is drenched in overdriven guitar & heavy drums to fit in with Morrissey’s vocals, and by some miracle, it does happen to work. The guitar work is energetic, the bass glides with it, the drums have a good kick, & Morrissey paces well against them with a solid variety, including some James Bond-esque ‘60s throwbacks & a lot of R.E.M.-esque tracks. It does seem like the throughline for this album is a search for companionship; one that turns more implicitly into a search for love by the back half, but still. It’s a search to find people who will accept you & stand by your side, including ones who will take over the world with you, sniff glue with you, watch some footie with you, & seemingly join a far-right group with you (I think this is done with disdain for said group). It does stray from that theme a little bit with “Certain People I Know” (my only ‘meh’ track) & “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” (I’m fairly sure this is sarcastic). It brings it back in full force for the final 4 tracks, all of which are just pleas for love in varying ways; it’s with keeping a love he’s certain of, disdain for a love that’s steadily moving nowhere, love that will eventually come to someone else, & a reaffirmation of love before a possible death. It’s a consistent throughline, and one that works well for most of the 40 minutes. There are times where I heavily sideeye the lyrics here, most heavily on “We’ll Let You Know” with the line “We are the last truly British people you will ever know”, especially with his abhorrent & racist thoughts on UK immigration. Every time he shows his arse a bit, I’m reminded that this is who Morrissey is, for worse. It’s annoying. It’s most of the reason I can't go up any higher, in addition to the ambiguity of “The National Front Disco”, the ‘eh’ of “Certain People I Know” (which already sounds suspect as a song title), & the lack of an extra verse on “You're the One for Me, Fatty” (just an awkward name for a crush, really). However, I just can’t really find any other bigger flaws about this album other than loose disdain about Morrissey’s ego sticking out a few times. One ambiguous track & one average track plus a few loose personal nitpicks on some tracks just isn’t really gonna hurt it that much for me. I think it’s an enjoyable album to listen to, & and I think it caps off at a 4. It's got issues, but those are mostly issues I have with Morrissey's savior complex than with the actual music. Realistically, it might even be more of a 4.5 bumped down to a 4, if I'm being fair. I liked it. It’s got a place on the list. In closing out all of the Smiths albums & solo albums, I’ve come to the conclusion that I love to hate this guy. Yeah, he’s a dickhead. Yeah, he’s definitely racist. Fuck him for all of that, & fuck him for making good music that I mostly objectively enjoyed. I think that’s the Morrissey experience in a nutshell. I’m simultaneously sad & very glad I will never have to hear this guy’s voice again on this list. Fuck you, Morrissey. Thanks for the tracks, you pretentious dickhead.
Better than expected
I really didn't think that I'd like a Morrissey album without Johnny Marr, but alas I do
Inte the Smiths-bra men väldigt bra. Kan lyssna igen. Synd att karljäveln är dum i huvudet. Bortsett från det då är det ett bra album, högt och lågt och inte för enformigt.
That was unexpectedly good. Great guitar slinging on here -- and his voice isn't as gratingly whiny as I usually find it. Worth a listen.
Rounding up
Unfortunately Morrisey is consistently great.
I think I rolled my eyes when this popped up randomly - but a couple minutes into the first song I surprised myself. I actually enjoyed the whole album - great mix of song types and paces. One of those albums it was nice to discover as part of this project - especially when I had little to no expectations
As much as Morrissey has gone a bit wrong, he did know how to write a cracking chune.
Це мені має зайти!
Jeg er endnu en gang glad for Morrissey, det fungere. Lyttede 3 gange fordi albummet er kort, og godt.
Noget af det har en lidt tungere og tykkere rocklyd end hvad jeg ellers kender fra Morrissey (og The Smiths), dog uden at blive larmende. Det klæ’r ham faktisk.
I liked it! I haven't listened to much Morrissey or the Smiths but I'm into this vibe
Did like this. I found my last solo Morrissey joint in the list to be some pretty boring navel-gazey stuff but this was pretty great. Unfortunately I don't have much more to say about it - it's not exactly a particularly memorable album in any regard. Fav tracks: You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side, Glamorous Glue, Tomorrow
Listens: 2.5 Standout Tracks: Glamorous Glue, I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday I think I liked this better than Vauxhall And I and Viva Hate, but god some many of these songs are so depressing. They all sound like the musical equivalent of backhanded compliments and miserable songs masquerading as happy and cheerful songs. Songs about jealousy and deceit and insult. The album also sounded a lot more like the Smiths than the other two aforementioned albums. Edit: Oh, I forgot to add two things: 1. The country-style song, Certain People I Know sucks. 2. I know It's Gonna Happen Some Day samples David Bowie's Rock 'n' Roll Suicide on Ziggy Stardust. Neat. 3.5 rounded up.
I know I'm supposed to hate Morrissey, but I liked this album.
There’s a lot of tongue-in-cheek punk and rockabilly running through this one, and it gives the album more bite than I expected. Morrissey still sounds like Morrissey, but the music underneath him is louder, sharper, and a lot more aggressive than the Smiths ever were. “You’re Gonna Need Someone on Your Side” is a punk banger. Those minor-key surf rock riffs reminded me of the Dead Kennedys, especially once the song gets moving. “Seasick, Yet Still Docked” goes in the opposite direction and sounds more like a ballad from his Smiths days, which broke up the louder stuff nicely. The lyrics are sarcastic, dramatic, and ridiculous in the usual Morrissey way, but the guitars keep the album from getting too buried in his personality. This is a very strong four, possibly a light 5. Favorite song: "You're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side"
This is the first Morrissey album I heard, and I loved the songs about outsiders. Now he hates those who are different. Quite sad
01) You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side - 8,5 02) Glamorous Glue - 8,0 03) We'll Let You Know - 7,5 04) The National Front Disco - 7,5 05) Certain People I Know - 8,0 06) We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful - 8,0 07) You're the One for Me, Fatty - 8,5 08) Seasick, Yet Still Docked - 8,0 09) I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday - 7,5 10) Tomorrow - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,90 (79/100) Current ranking: 302/986
It’s missing the whole formation of the Smiths, but Morrissey still proves his own talents as a solo artist and makes his mark known.
There's nothing revolutionary here, but it's pretty solid throughout. Racists make good music, what can I say.
Classic Morrissey. Good stuff.
Day 344 Not Morrisseys strongest imo, but plenty to enjoy Highlights You’re the one for me fatty I know it’s gonna happen Tomorrow
I like Morrissey. This album makes me like him even more. I'm really enjoying this. I'll be putting this in my library immediately. That said, NOBODY SHOULD BE ON THIS LIST MORE THAN TWICE. And two albums should be a really rare exception. Also, I really don't like commenting on the comments of other reviewers, but who gives a shit if you like this guy personally? We're listening to music, not reviewing the moral character of artists. Shut the fuck up and listen to music. Nobody is ever pure enough for you all. "I heard George Harrison pulled the legs off a grasshopper once. Totally unlistenable."
Morrisey's an old mate. I don't know this stuff as I know the Smiths, but its comfortable listening.
Surprised by how much this rips!!
Сладкий сироп, как часто у Морисси, но и с тяжесть, с панком, сёрфом.
This is actually excellent, the best of his albums I've had for sure. Musically it's really good, and I really love how moody it is. Bonus point for him being way less warbly on this as well. 4.5 rounded down.
I enjoyed my time with this album, although too much time with a voice as distinctive as Morrissey and it starts to feel a bit repetitive for some reason. perhaps the smiths could have benefited from multiple vocalists
👍🏼
I'm really fucking annoyed. I actually liked this album, quite a lot! I'm not all turned around on the racist whinny whinger, but must admit this is a great listen. Loved the sounds in 'We'll let you know', perhaps not the sentiment.
I'm as disappointed as I am surprised.
Not the best Morrissey but still good.
I love all of the Smiths and Morrissey. This is a great album in particular “You’re Gonna Need Someone on Your Side” and “Glamours Glue” probably the rockiest songs with distorted guitar and slide distortion. Really grant. Also love “You’re The One For Me Fatty”
In my opinion this is Morrissey's best solo album. The songs are well written, and there is a wide range of styles. I particularly like the Surf Rock stylings of the opener "You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side" and the far-right(?) courting "The National Front Disco". But the real star is the bittersweet "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful" (by the way, these titles are great, as per usual with Morrissey). David Bowie even covered a song from this album. Such a seal of approval has to mean something, right? Key tracks: You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side Glamorous Glue The National Front Disco We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful You're the One for Me, Fatty
8/10 - This album rocks. Sucks that hes a shitty person tho Fav Tracks: We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful Heard before? ---–- ❌ Saved a Song? ----- ✅ Saved Album? --–-- ✅ Will Listen Again? -- ✅ Album Cover -------meh
I wish I didn’t hate Morrissey because this is a good album.
I liked this
I enjoyed it.
Bringing back strong teenage memories. Nowhere near as good as some The Smiths albums, but still signature Morrissey, disturbing (with a song titled You're the One for Me, Fatty), poetic, and whiny. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Only Morrissey gets away with writing a great love song called "you're the one for me, fatty." Except Freddie Mercury and Prince.
71/100. Morrissey is one of those artists who tends to divide listeners. His voice, lyrical style and personality can be a complete dealbreaker for some people. I fall more on the side that enjoys his vocals. There is something distinctive about the way he delivers a line that makes even his weaker material enjoyable to listen to. And yes, a lot of the album is miserable. That's hardly a surprise with Morrissey. The writing can occasionally lean a little too heavily into self-pity or melodrama, but I still find myself enjoying the record despite those tendencies. Your Arsenal is an interesting blend of glam rock, rockabilly, early rock & roll and British guitar pop. It revolves around a perspective that appears throughout much of his career, the outsider looking in. Morrissey often writes from the position of someone who feels excluded from fashionable circles, while simultaneously questioning whether those circles are worth joining in the first place. He spends the entire record complaining about a party he was never invited to anyway. Fortunately for us, his misery loves excellent guitar hooks.
I wish I didn't know how much Morrissey sucks as a person. Because I do enjoy his music.
Better than anticipated. I do get creepy/crawly vibes from Steven, but ultimately the songs are well-crafted, witty if not a bit conceited, and the music is catchy. I'll be honest, this was better than expected. 4 "begrudging the necessary respect" stars.
moz's best imo
I don’t think there is a more controversial character on this list from a pure quality of music standpoint (looking at you Eric Clapton). I’ve ad all the smiths albums at this point and a handful of Morrissey albums too and I have to say I’m pretty conflicted myself. I love the smiths, I fucking hate Morrissey. I think though, this album is the one to be used by Morrissey defenders in the comments to say, look he’s not that bad. And to be fair, this album isn’t that bad. It’s a lot more like the Smiths than the rest of his solo work. But I’m here to tell you, he is that bad. Fuck Morrissey, I absolutely hate that I like this album. This is a very begrudging 4. One more fuck Morrissey for good measure.
I am a huge Smiths fan, but once they disbanded, I never took up the Morrissey following, just moved on to other sounds. This is the first of his four (!) albums on this list that I've listened to, and I enjoyed it. Favorite song was You’re Going to Need Someone on Your Side.
maybe it's just because i suffered through Nico's vocals yesterday but I am really enjoying this (against my better judgement? i don't like Morrissey as a person but he can, mercifully, sing)
Appreciate the use of “found sounds” in this album - good example of musique concrete being used in a pop album. Favourite song is You’re the One For Me Fatty - mostly just really like the way Morissey sings “fatty”. Fantastic bass playing by Gary Day. Found “Certain People I Know” to be a bit cheesy but then again I like how Morrissey departed from his usual glam stylings here.
5/27/26. Morrissey always surprises me with the depth of his arrangements, songwriting, and production. This could easily be a so-so record, but what elevates it for me is the exploration of different time signatures and slight style variation while keeping its rock base.
PEAKKK
I enjoyed it! the slower songs on here were sooo beautiful to me, and the rest just sounded like the Smiths but slightly less compelling to me. Like a little watered down emotionally to me? They didn’t have the same drama or intrigue or “I feel like I’m in a movie”-ness that other Smiths songs have to me. But I still liked it. Fav tracks: We’ll Let You Know; Seasick, yet Still Docked
Despite Mirrissey's strange, eccentric, and perhaps even very unsettling views, I'm hooked on his voice and his music. I really enjoyed this album as well. 4/5
Julie liked it.
All the Morrissey pulls are gas so far. The opening song here absolutely slaps. I wanna get in my car at midnight and cruise man. This feels so much grittier, punchier and sleazier than the soft and sleepy stuff before this. I haven’t gone into his entire discog yet, but I wonder if this was a turning point. That opener just feels like a statement. So as it turns out, Bowies guitarist from the Ziggy stardust era produced this album. What a fucking awesome pull. I love this record. I can’t believe I never heard it after my binge on “you are the quarry” LOVE that album still btw. I just think this one is just infinitely better writing wise, production wise, and pacing wise.
Starts so rocking, i instantly felt i will love this more than The Smiths. Solid album.
# Album Name: Your Arsenal # Artist: Morrissey # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Probably the best morrissey album ive heard on here. Some genuine good tunes. Doesnt really deviate from the style you expect from him though. It is what it is. # Top Tunes: someone on your side / Glam Glue / People i know / hate it when friends become successful / gona happen someday / tomorrow # Would I listen to it again? yes
Morrissey is probably overrepresented on the list, but relistening to his albums there’s nay a dud amongst them. While 'You Are the Quarry' is, in my opinion, his masterpiece, with Viva Hate close behind, I had forgotten how strong this album is. There’s a big glam-rock thread, largely thanks to Mick Ronson: the T. Rex shuffle of 'Certain People I Know', the 'Jean Genie'-like hook in 'Glamorous Glue', and the doo-wop Bowie melancholy of 'I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday' (which nicks the riff of 'Five Years' and was later covered by Bowie himself). And yes, the question of lyrical intent hangs over the likes of 'The National Front Disco'. Morrissey has a consistent questioning of English identity (Kinks did the same); but his shenanigans in subsequent years, hasn't helped the perception that this is insidious. Anyway brush all that under the carpet, and it's a great album.
Album is really well produced and sounds really good. Arsenal would be at the top of several lists if it came out 5 years before it did
Expected some kind of r&b album. Not quite as good as The Smiths, but solid.
I can see why people like this
Thanks to this project, this was the first morrissey album I've ever (consciously) listened to...not bad at all. Although i liked the music even more than the vocals and lyrics
Lo mismo que dije con You are the quarry aplica aquí tal cual, auqneu es verdad que aquí el sonido es algo más heavy, grungy... Odio al pavo, pero hace la música que me gusta
Morrissey is so much more palatable when he isn't so bitter towards his fans. This is as close as introspective and thoughtful as you'll ever get with ex-Smith's front man, and it is probably the best album since splitting.
8/10
The fourth time I've encountered Morrissey on this list. I remain unconvinced that he deserves this much coverage, though admittedly Your Arsenal does outperform all his other records so far. You're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side is a passable opener, but the album doesn't properly pick up the pace until the swung rock number Glamorous Glue. (Yeah. This guy has a penchant for songs with stupid or unwieldy titles.) A convincing melody and harsh, cutthroat guitar tone go a long way, as it turns out. Excellent ending, too. Great song finales can be hard to come by with Britpop-esque musicians, particularly in the radio era. With the Latin-influenced beat (rumba?) of We'll Let You Know, Morrissey cements his versatility, continuing to demonstrate a pretty clear departure from the Smiths' sound even as the production style and vocal delivery remain the same. Another strange song title with The National Front Disco accompanies a gnarly guitar part and quick, dynamic bassline. This is shaping up to be a pretty strong side 1. And Certain People finishes it with a bright, poppy bang. The chords are very simple here, and that two-note high guitar part can get a little stale, but overall the song is fun as heck. We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful / You're the One for Me, Fatty (rude) make for a positively glowing pair of songs to start off side 2 on an upbeat note. The latter in particular goes all over the place in terms of harmonies, little instrumental fills, and a catchy (if clichéd) chorus. Great guitar solo and energy, including the drops and pick-me-ups throughout. One of the, if not the, strongest on the record. As we approach the end of the record, Seasick yet Still Docked fails to stand out, apart from perhaps its compound, waltzy time signature and slightly eerie atmosphere. After a couple of lower-energy tracks that are just "pretty good", we arrive at the excellent finale Tomorrow. (The piano outro really sells it.) I'm a little surprised this song has as few Spotify streams as it does. It's pure Smiths hearkening, sure, but there's a reason that band is as beloved as it is. 4/5 Key tracks: Glamorous Glue, We'll Let You Know, You're the One for Me, Fatty
He’ll ya, Morristown says meat is murder
there is too much Morrissey on the list and I feel sort of done with him, so it's annoying to me that I found this album to be pretty good (especially the front half)
Fine!! I admit it! I like Morrissey! ... Obviously not as a person, but "we hate it when our friends become successful, and if they're northern, that makes it even worse" is funny. Sorry. Final thought: Perhaps Morrissey should listen to national front disco.
Wasn't familiar with your game, Morrissey
More of a heavy band feel, glam rock, mick ronson produced You're going to need someone We hate it whan our friends become successful
iskreno, jako dobro i ugodno iznenađenje. nisam slušao dosad solo morrisseya, mislio sam da će biti ko neki slabiji smithsi, dok je ovo glazbeno malo drugačije i dobro samo po sebi. nisam očekivao da će biti pomalo (najviše prva stvar) rokabili? sve u svemu dosta dobro. ipak, ako ćemo već uspoređivat sa smithsima, malo mi fali doprinos njihovog najboljeg člana, andyja rourkea
Unfortunately, this was good. Not as good as some of the smiths stuff, but still good. Yet again, the edgy problematic boys make good music 7/10
That's one good album!
Un disco glam, con una portada provocativa, un disco de los buenos de Mozzer. Produce uno de los héroes de lso 70´s: Mick Ronson (que fallecería apenas un año después dejandonos sin poder disfrutar de otra entrega). Incluye a dos buenos guitarristas como Alain Whyte y Boz Boorer, este último le acompañaría unos cuantos años. Abre potente y sigue aún más con You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side y sigue aún mejor con Glamorous Glue, que recuerda brevemente a I Started Something I Couldn't Finish. We'll Let You Know lo hace a I won´t share you (sin esa estupenda coda, pero con un buen final). Es decir los referentes no pueden ser mejores. No iba mal ya entonces, venía de Viva Hate y aunque Kille Uncle no fuera una gran obra, este volvió a ponerle en cabeza. No digamos ya con el siguiente Vauxhall and I. Y obviamente contiene polémicas como The National Front Disco y su letra sobre nacionalismo (que él explicaría como irónico). La producción aquí la veo un poco plana. Certain People I Know con clara influencia de Marc Bolan/T. Rex y su eco a Ride a White Swan, un rockabilly de los que siempre le han le gustado. We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful su primer sencillo, otra letra magistral (al nivel de los Pet Shop Boys) y también You’re the One for my, Fatty (dedicada a Smash el de los Madness). Seasick, Yet Still Docked un temazo en clave acústica que recuerda de algún modo a otra joya como Please, Please, Please, Let me Get What I Want. El cierre es otro de sus mejores temas: I Know It’s Gonna Happen Someday (compuesta por el Fairground attraction Mark E. Nevin que de no ser por la producción de Ronno iría directa al juzgado por tomar demasiado prestado del Rock and Roll Suicide. Aún así es un gran tema. Cierra Tomorrow, sencillo lanzado solo en USA, con un bajo saltarín y melodía agradable que creo hubiera quedado mejor en mitad del disco (apertura de la cara B). UN discazo.
A decent Morrissey record? Do my ears deceive?
As a teenager who loved this album, I assumed songs like National Front Disco were Morrissey exploring different characters and not voicing his own opinions. Unfortunately, it seems I was wrong about that, but I wasn’t entirely wrong about the album - shout out to producer Mick Ronson because I still love the beefed up, glam sound on some of these songs.
I was a fan of the Smiths and a lot of Morrissey’s solo work. Vauxhall and I and You are the Quarry are great albums. However, most of his recent work is pretty weak and his politics are really suspect. This album is possibly the loudest, most muscular work he ever did. Mick Ronson produced it, which might offer some explanation. It’s also very good. We Hate it when our Friends Become Successful, Glamorous Glue, Certain People I Know and Tomorrow are great. The musical power of National Front Disco is also superb (if you can ignore the lyrics). An album that’s definitely worth a listen and was a standout amongst much of the dross which came out in 1992.
Quite a fan of the Smiths, but not so impressed with his solo work. This album has a bit more meat and I can see the Bowie and even T.Rex influences. I astonishingly enjoyed it.
Tragically I really like Morrissey's music. Even his more recent stuff. This is more of what I expect from him, with a bit more edge. Unfortunately, the slow ballads don't really work for me on this album.
never listened to his solo stuff and this was very different than expected sound wise. more punk and rock with lyrics from the smiths.
7.0/10
This is probably the best Morrissey solo album that I've heard, but it still doesn't compare to any of The Smiths' records. In order to date this review, the other day Morrissey just canceled a concert for being too sleepy. Mid 4.
Shame he’s such a hateful prick
Morrissey is cringe but he is free
почти зе смитс, зашло
OK, yes, Moz is now a big racist, but HEAR ME OUT, this is a classic and his second best solo album (other than Vauxhall and I, ofc), and is full of bangers, and on its own terms National Front Disco is a really intriguing exploration of the grey area between sympathising with disaffected youth and being appalled by what it leads them to. It's just a shame it, you know, led him to Britain First, and that that's probably just my overgenerous reading of it, perhaps in a bit of denial. The Smiths and Morrisey's music is so deeply rooted in my life that I just have to allow myself to still like this one so GO AHEAD AND CANCEL ME. You're the one for me, Mozzy.
If he wasn’t an a- hole, actually not bad
Morrissey enlisted Mick Ronson as producer for this album, and you can really hear it. ‘Your Arsenal’ is driven by big guitars and a confident glam-rock swagger, and it really works here. Didn’t think a Morrissey solo album could be this enjoyable.
Quite like it. It’s like alt pop. Fun, upbeat, sing along-able, pretty good lyrics. From the early 90s, so seems like my time stuff. After listening to the album a couple times and starting to like it I discovered he’s super racist and a general asshole. So that sucks. But I still quite liked the music. He’s the lead singer of the Smiths, so maybe I’ll like that a lot when it comes up
At first, I rolled my eyes when I saw this album come up because I thought of people I knew who were over-the-top obsessed with Morrissey back in the day. Those obsessive friends were kind of ridiculous, but this album IS good, sometimes beautiful, and definitely better than I remembered. I think when fans get too obsessive,it taints the art.
It’s impressive how Morissey, no matter what music is being played, can immediately pull a song together under his distinct sound. It can be rock, jangle pop, or rockabilly and when he starts singing it’s the Smiths.
The album is fine, what can I say? Fuck Morrissey though (not sexually)
Um bom álbum, bons arranjos e autenticidade da banda são muito legais.
Yes, yes, Morrissey is a royal bitch. My goal with this project is to try and leave context at the door, simply listen and ask myself if I enjoy it, and I enjoy this very much. Arch, histronic, swaggering, dripping with invective, the songs are confident and economical and the production is crisp and punchy. As good as any mid tier 90s indie as you'll hear, I would listen again.
BEST SONGS: - You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side - You're The One for Me, Fatty - We'll Let You Know
I'm not sure whether any of the songs stand out on their own, but the album overall felt fresh and well composed. I would actually say that it's a great listen, and I would recommend it. On the upper border of a three star album for me, might give it a four anyways.
At first I thought this is just an inferior version of the smiths but then it grew on me - obviously not as good as the smiths but I did like it
06/02/2026 As much of a dick Morrissey is, turns out I actually like his music. Spotify listeners: 2.4 million
As good as a Morrissey album would be, which is pretty good! Loved all the different styles on this one.
4.5/5 I don't like Morrissey as a person but dammmm Your the one for me fatty got sent straight to Katie!! Also probs the best song Morrissey needs to work on his lyrics but the vibes r off the chart
Sempre fui um grande fã dos Smiths, mas nunca me aprofundei no trabalho solo do Morrissey. Sua voz é linda e inconfundível, e seu jeito aflito de cantar e compor está tremendamente presente neste disco. Talvez seja um pouco desrespeitoso para o artista ficar comparando o trabalho solo dele com o trabalho do seu antigo grupo, mas é também inevitável, ao menos para mim. Talvez seja algo mais fácil para críticos melhores. De qualquer modo, este disco não possui Johnny Marr e nem Andy Rourke, e suas ausências são certamente sentidas. Acho que Your Arsenal não possui o mesmo ritmo pulsante das composições da banda, e você acaba sentindo falta dela em uma faixa ou outra. As canções dos Smiths chegam a ser dançantes graças ao baixo genial de Rourke e as guitarras suplicantes de Marr. Mas por outro lado, a instrumentalização deste disco é variada, com faixas mais pesadas, baladas, e até um pouco de Rockabilly em certos momentos, o que se encaixa bem com o estilo vocal de Morrissey. Assim, a escuta não fica tão entediante, e acho que Morrissey teve a idéia certa em não tentar replicar o que ele tinha com a banda, e focar nessa direção mais orientada ao Rock clássico. Para mencionar rapidamente o elefante na sala, as controvérsias de Morrissey. Eu já escrevi uma review de um disco do Kanye então só vou espelhar o que eu disse lá, aqui. Acredito em separar a arte do artista, nada que o Morrissey dissesse iria me fazer parar de ouvir Smiths. E eu sempre ouvi fãs da banda dizendo “Eu os amo, mas odeio o Morrissey”, sem nunca ser esclarecido exatamente o porquê. Bem, eu pesquisei, e sinceramente, não achei nada demais. Opiniões conservadores até que típicas, e o cara foi crucificado por elas. Povo exagerado! E que triste deve ser uma vida onde você só consegue curtir o som de pessoas que (aparentemente) concordam com você. Além de mais do mesmo, uma mudança de direção que mantém as letras sardônicas do seu trabalho com o grupo. Seu humor seco e irônico ainda está presente, e faz com que as canções sejam divertidas. Achei toda a atmosfera deste disco bem leve e palatável. Uma escuta fácil e agradável, especialmente pra quem não ouve música com os punhos cerrados. 4.5/5
4 out of 5. Lots of good songs here though Morrissey does have better albums.
I wonder what it says about me that I liked it better when I didn't think I liked Morrissey's music.
When that first song hit, I had to double check that I had queued up the right album because that did not sound like Morrissey. I enjoyed quite a lot of this album, and it covered quite a range, though I did find myself getting impatient at times (but that could just have been my mental state). This one has my favorite Morrissey song, Tomorrow, a song that I loved even back in the day when I was decidedly not a fan. Anyway, I'm not entirely sure I loved this album, but this project has turned me from being a Moz hater to an appreciater. I was between a 3 and a 4 on this but Tomorrow pushes it over the edge.
why does morrissey have to make good music
Back to back Morrissey albums! And no complaining here. Another great album.
I was very surprised by this album. I thought Mr morrisey was sad depressed whining. But this was good Great music. I’m gonna listen again
I like the smiths so it’s just more of the smiths basically
dessverre assosierer jeg navnet morrissey med kvalme og krangling og okking. dette albumcoveret hjelper ikke. // faen da det er skikkelig bra. jeg liker britpop eraen, og å høre en så røffere morrissey låter beholde den følelsentouchen er gøy. søren og.
Album No. 0124 on my list. This is my second Morrissey album already. I gave the last one ("Viva Hate") four stars, because it was pretty good. Not Smiths good, but still pretty good. As with my previous review, I try to be impartial to the fact that Morrissey is an insufferable human being, even if it's hard! "Your Arsenal" shows little musical development to "Viva Hate" (I have never listened to "Kill Uncle", the album between these). Yet, I actually found the album surprisingly good. I like the somewhat more rough, agressive sound, and some of the lyrics were pretty good. Both worked quite well together. The songs are catchy and to the point. Apart from that, you find the classic Morrissey song ingrediences (the drama, frustration with oneself, and sexual undertones). I'll add "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful", "You're The One For Me, Fatty", "Seasick, Yet Still Docked", and "I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday" to my playlist. Good album! Not Smiths good, but still pretty good. Maybe even a little better than "Viva Hate". 4/5 stars!
Yeah, whatever, as cool as it would be to hate this.... God, I love Morrissey's voice. Do I like this even more than The Smiths? Maybe! This is embarrassing!
I hate how much I liked this album. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5
His albums have been dwelling in the shed since he made patently clear how nuts he has become, but it was not an unpleasant ride to listen to this again. Gone are the illusions that he was being wry and observational about far right elements, and this can't help but taint the experience. Ronson does a great job o creating a new (but old) sound for Moz on guitar and production and there's some beautiful more acoustic numbers like "We'll Let You Know" and "Seasick". Hard to rate this lower.
Very pleasantly surprising album. Lots to enjoy, with a nice pop/rock blend that keeps the songs light but driving. Started out strong but starts to taper once the more rockabilly sound creeps in. Overall very good and very enjoyable. Top tracks: You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side, Glamorous Glue, Tomorrow
The Good: We get to talk about football! The Bad: We aren’t fans of Arsenal… The Ugly: Realizing that we still have 1 Morrissey album to go on the list… A quick moment to reflect on this journey we are one… this album marks number 564 that has been generated for me… this means that for the past 1 year, 6 months, 3 weeks and so many days, I have been conditioned to react to the presentation of an album with either: Excitement Horror Curiosity Hatred I can’t recall exactly, however, there has been a period of almost 9 days when the rating on an album did not exceed 2*… this is enough to make a person ready to kill someone, most of the time the thought goes to strangling Mr Dimery. If I look back to the last 10 albums that have been generated for me, the count of 1* albums is 5, three times I rated albums 3* (2 times upgrading), one album is a 2* upgraded (so that should be 1*) and only one is 5* (and what a beauty of an album that is… which, by the by, I have played daily since it was generated in order to wash away the foul taste in my mouth). When the album cover presented itself, and I realized that I had to sit through another Morrissey album (either solo, or with The Smiths) my heart sank so deep that sonar is still trying to track it… And yet, even if I don’t like Morrissey’s voice—actually, hate it, would be correct—this album is going to get a near top rating, because I found myself tapping my toes, bobbing my head, and wondering why his other albums (barring 1 of the The Smits which I did appreciate) were not able to generate the sense of fun like this album did? Lesson learned? Well, sometimes Mr Dimery can surprise us by having us listen to an album we think we are going to hate, to only find that it isn’t that bad at all… but that doesn’t excuse the other absolute turds that I have been exposed to these past 2 weeks…. 4*
8/10
You can take Morrissey out of The Smiths but you can't take The Smiths out of Morrissey. Obvious parallels aside, its rockier and grittier, dark wit delivered with teeth rather than melancholy. It's a bit emo, but actually a fun listen
This is an excellent Morrissey album. The songwriting is sharp with lots of good hooks and memorable lyrics. And the band is tight — they sound like a band with chemistry, as opposed to sounding like set musicians, which can sometimes happen on singers’ solo albums. “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” is a very funny song. Classic Morrissey. And… what are we supposed to do with the song “You’re the One For Me, Fatty”? 😂 It makes me laugh but I have no idea what he was thinking when he wrote this. And actually, the best tracks are probably the hard rockers. The opening two in particular are great!
Morrisey might be a crap person, but this album is pretty good, despite the cringe-inducing cover. Lots of variety, great melodies, and it's a good length. 3.5/5.0: Very Good
a few really great songs with some mediocre songs mixed in, not a bad way to spend 40 minutes
Surprisingly easy to listen to.
This British grunge grew on me.
minha falha de caráter eh gostar das coisas dele.... achei esse bão e menos tosco que o último dele que passou por aqui. the smiths tem um espaço no meu coração e boa parte disso eh por conta da voz/das letras desse véio filho da puta. fiquei até surpreso, tem umas que escalam pruma barulheira bem bacana!!-
28/12/2025 1. you're gonna need someone on your side - liking the guitar at the start. a lot punkier/straight-forward rock than a lot of the smiths' stuff. bass is really nice. lyrics are still very smiths-y though. alright :) 2. glamorous glue - intro is nice.... really like morrissey's voice :( love the guitars in this album, but i think i prefer the melodic jangles of marr. bass is reallly nice in the bridge. kinda country-ish 3. we'll let you know - liking the quieter vibe of this one so far. bass is great :) lyrics are realllllly nice as well. liking the military drumming starting.... the instrumental is really sweet.... the last few lyrics haven't aged the best :/ i get the self-deprecating satire, but considering the shit he's been spewing the past few years, it doesn't leave the best taste in your mouth.... *4. the national front disco - again, not sure the title has aged very well.... sounds nice though :) liking the build up to the chorus, bass is great again. his voice is reallllly nice on this one. liked this one more than i thought i was going to considering the title and his track record. lyrics were surprisingly great, the satire in it was a lot more effective than the previous track..... 5. certain people i know - immediately very country/blues.... not liking this one as much as the others. proper guitar just started, liking a lot more. stopped again..... alright, not much more to say. 6. we hate it when our friends become successful - always liked the more introspective smiths' songs more than the satirical ones just making fun of whoever morrissey decided to hate whenever he wrote the lyrics. so not sure about this one. the guitar,especially in the chorus, sounds very 2010s indie..... not a fan. too pop-rock, but not in a good way. guitar is still nice though, as well as bass. 7. you're the one for me, fatty - liking the sound immediately. half of the lyrics in this album are really great and the other half are written by a complete twat. morrissey is either up to some jekyll and hyde shit in this album or slowly evolving into the complete twat he is nowadays. bass is really nice in this one. again, alright, nice to listen to, but not much more. *8. seasick, yet still docked - liking the start.... bit eerie. guitar and bass are really great immediately. liking the quieter, more mellow parts of this album. lyrics are fantastic. halfway through, really beautiful. his voice is really lovely in this. liking the quieter, more mellow parts of this album. really nice ending. like the violin-esque guitar towards the end. a lot dreamier :) *9. i know it's gonna happen someday - intro is great!! liking the different recordings and the fuzz.... with that really nice instrumental behind it. very 60s pop.... love it. loving the vocals and the lyrics in this one. wow. so lovely..... reminded of the we hate it.... when morrissey stops being such an arrogant bastard, his music is completely beautiful. liking the brass(?) instrument.... but all the instruments are sooo good. ending is great. phenomenal tune. *10. tomorrow - liking it already.... bass great. guitar great. lyrics are great again! liking the last few songs alot more than the others.... shame it's ending just as it's getting great lol. vocals are reallllllly great again. love how melodramatic literally all of his songs are. real nice ending love the reverb on the guitar and then the really sweet piano at the end :) despite being a massive(!!!!!!!) fan of the smiths, i've never listened to any of morrissey's solo stuff, mainly because of his reputation for being an absolute prick. at first, even though i enjoyed the songs, i just wished i was listening to a smiths album, but the last three songs were reallllly fantastic :) manchester!!!!!!
At first, I was a bit confused about what the album was trying to say. I wasn’t sure if it was serious, sarcastic, or something else. But as I kept listening, it turned out to be a fun listen, and I ended up liking it. It’s a good album that I enjoyed overall.
Es zeigt Morrissey rockiger und bissiger denn je. Mit Glam-Rock-Einflüssen und scharfzüngigen Texten liefert er ein energiegeladenes Album voller Haltung. Ein starker Soloauftritt.
I do like this jackass' music... preferred him with the band though
3.5/5
He sure loves to bitch about stuff... And I love it!
God, Morrissey is SUCH a dick (not the first time one of my reviews for his albums have said this), and this is like the 4th solo Morrissey album on this project, so I wanted to be annoyed by this album. But what I found was that this album is some of his closest solo work to The Smiths...and therefore, I ended up really digging this album. I have found most of his solo work to be very mid, but this album has some really memorable riffs and vocals. Again, reminiscent of The Smiths. But still not as good as The Smiths. But probably his best solo work that I've heard. Anyway, fine. Take your 4 (this was like a 3.5 for me, but I'm rounding up, with gritted teeth) and get out of here.
alltså, jag gillar detta. han må vara extremt problematiskt med horribla åsikter och det drar ner nöjet med att lyssna på detta men jag måste ändå ge det en fyra. 40 minuter lite mer rockig morrisey. ja det går an.
Viva Hate was really good. This one is right up there with it. I enjoyed it, and it was a big depature from Viva Hate in terms of music and sound. But.... there's still a hint of The Smiths in there. Just a hint. Great album though! 4/5
An iconic voice from the 80’s
i have primarily listened to the smiths, haven't explored much of Morrissey solo but we're off to a strong start. the guitar melodies are so gorgeous, very pleasing to my ears. really enjoyed this one, 4 tracks made it to my personal favorites playlist.
I like morrisey, I liked this little venture into 90s hodge podge of sounds.
Deja un tufo a rock duro
Great record bravo darling Your Arsenal is upbeat and fun not one bad track loved him - I think I can be generous w my 5s so let's say 4.5 - 5 : )
This album feels like the women in a red light district talking about the evening the following morning over breakfast. Each song representing the different tones And moods the collective share.
Such a jerk of a human but such a good musician.
Morrissey is great, I think I'm probably as cynical and grumpy as him, so we make a good match. His voice always resonates for me and his social perspectives are always interesting if not always agreed with!
Not convinced by the first three songs but pleased with the rest of the album as I could get the Smiths vibe that I like
I didn't think I would like this because I have always told myself that I don't like Morrissey, but it was actually pretty solid. 4 stars.
Klink firer. For en stemme han har.
Really enjoyed this. Not quite at the level of The Smiths but still really good and something I’ll be coming back to
Fun
really enjoyed this for my sins
Holy shit Morrissey is such a petty bitch lmao like the music is good but "We Hate it When Our Friends are Successful" DAMNN CALM DOWN
Great
Why are there so many Morrissey albums on this list?
4 out of 5. Fun album. Did not know what to expect having not listened to much of his discography.
I can't tell if "You're the One for Me, Fatty" is body positivity or not. Considering what Morrissey is like it's probably not.
I liked it, but I never understand why members of famous bands go off and do solo projects that sound *just like their band*. Why wasn't this just a Smiths album?
Was catchier than expected
Bra känsla!
Morrissey does it again. I can't stand the man but I love the music
Morrissey and the Smiths are a gigantic gap in my pop music knowledge; I never went through a "phase" in high school although this record would have dropped squarely in the middle of my high school career. Mick Ronson is undefeated. Such a big and unexpected sound. I do remember hearing "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful" on Q101 back in the day. This manages to sound exactly like Morrissey and Mick Ronson should sound, just spot-on perfection.
Morrissey is hard to talk about, but hey I'm just reviewing music. 4/5
this one slaps.
4.5/5 a lot better than expected and more rock n roll
Quite well done. Wish he was sane.
Doing my hardest to avoid a joke or make further comment about the seemingly intentional placement of that microphone and instead just enjoy the album.
8,0
Hate to say it, but this is a good record.
I gotta say, Morrissey has a point. Sometimes.
Morrissey is a twat.... Now thats out the way, he was in a fine vein of form here with this and Vauxhall & I, begrudgingly respectful.... but Morrissey is still a twat...
This is really good actually. Heavier guitar and some quality songs.
Excellent rock album
It's hard to consider this album without thinking about the Morrissey then and the Morrissey now. The 90s Morrissey apologist I was wouldn't forgive me for giving this any fewer than five stars. It's his first great solo album - his previous record, Kill Uncle, was dreadful but with this record, Morrissey really bounced back into life. The opening track, You're Gonna Need Someone... sounds like it's straight off the follow up to Strangeways, that never was - as do many of the songs here, but... But... BUT... then there's The National Front Disco, a song about a family losing their boy to the extreme right wing, elsewhere there are lyrics like, "We are the last truly British people you will ever know", "England for the English", etc... "But he's singing from the character in the song's point of view", we whimpered, in his defence... Well, he fooled us all, but there's no denying this is a really good record and I sang my head off (almost) all the way through. In terms of his solo stuff, it was bettered only by Vauxhall and I a couple of years later. He's dead to me now though.
It was a decent listen. Morrissey always challenges and it is hard to get past his perspectives and politics but no doubt he is a great singer.
Fav song: we’ll let you know!!!!! Plus seasick, yet still docked. I honestly think this album sounds different than the smiths - a lot less soft and sad sounding. That being said idk if I like it quite as much. Wish I could give it five starts cause of the album cover 😛
I don't care for him, nor his socio-political stances, but I do dig his voice, and the music on this album.
Iconic voice. I do love Morrissey and The Smiths. This album is great. Certain People I Know is going to end up on a playlist. Will definitely be revisiting the album again as it full of great guitars and songs.
Oof, torn on this one. I really like it. By far his best solo offering with compelling tunes and the usual top notch lyrics. Want to give it 4.5…
Everything from rockabilly to ballads.
4-
Wow, typically hate everything 80’s related but this wasn’t bad. Enjoyed it
Oh shit. I actually liked something by Morrissey? This was actually really good. I think I liked it better than any Smiths record. His voice still doesn't really do it for me but it doesn't actively turn me off the music.
Ah fuck, I like this. It’s not as flat and dreary as Morrissey’s other solo stuff I’ve heard so far. The beefier, heavier rock sound supports his melodies and writing well. There’s even a fun rockabilly moment on here. Damn it all to hell.
He sounds like a frog but its Good Music
pleasant surprise. some lyrics a bit cringey but had a good sound
There’s some solid jams on the album
It's such an incredible album. Love the lyrics! 4.5 ⭐
Great, he has such a distinctive voice is actually always pretty easy to listen to not as political as the last one
Très cool, rien à dire si ce n'est que l'artiste est limite sur le sujet de l'immigration. Mais j'ai séparé l'homme de l'artiste pour être sympa.
7/10 Surprisingly good, although I'm not sure why I'm surprised as I like the Smiths and the handful of Morrissey singles I know. I just never listened to his solo albums.
Decent album. Politics aside, and looking at this only musically, it surprised me as I expected more demure music. The opening couple of tracks were surprisingly upbeat!
Ok Morrissey. Don't suck. I'm impressed with the Smiths dark lyrics with an actual rock sound. This is a really good album. Nothing stands out lyrically, but the sound is alive and not cookie-cutter.
Þetta er hress Morrissey.
I started out with preconceptions, but it is a really good album. Unlike other of his solo works it has a good balance of songs and the music is interesting. I'd agree that of the solo I've listened to this is clearly the best. I don't think it's ever going to be easy to love a Morrisey album outright. It's a terrible cliché that when I listen to Morrissey records, I can't help but think the music is boring and low grade. In the same way, when I listen to Johnny Marr records I think every song would sound better with some decent lyrics and Morrissey singing. It's the curse they both have that they were in one of the best bands of their era and neither has been in any way remarkable as solo artists. I have this shtick that the Government should nationalise some important bands and force them to reform and play for us. That would resolve this.
good morrissey album, some fun tracks across the place, i don’t really care about what he’s been saying and doing i think he is quite the musical genius
I expected the popular sound of The Smiths when I put this album on. The first couple of tracks took me by surprise as they’re much harder rock than I assumed they would be. Morrissey’s voice contrasted with the heavy guitar and drum rhythms is so pleasing. I’ve never listened to a full Morrissey or Smiths album before. After hearing this album, I’ve come to realize that I could listen to Morrissey sing all day long. His voice is such a tender, beautiful instrument (a stark contrast to what I know of his personality). I loved the lyrical content of the album as well, and thoroughly enjoyed the musicianship.
Really enjoyed this album. Morrissey delivered and some great musical accompaniment 7.5
Melodic and catchy, in true Morrissey fashion. Strong lyrics overall. A little repetitive in parts.
the mexican community made some points on this one
I actually really liked this. I know The Smiths but have never listened to Morrissey alone. Based on other reviews I probably will stick to The Smiths but this was good.
Not really a fan of Morrissey's rockabilly diversions on this record, but the last three tracks which are slower and more atmospheric saved this for me. Favourite track Seasick yet Still Docked.
Pretty good
As much as I want to dislike Morrissey as a person, I can’t take anything away from his art, which is mostly pretty great. I can easily separate artist from art. This album is quite enjoyable. Great hooks, great production, and solid singing.