Reviews (page 4 of 8)
Yeah, is it just the rest of The Smiths that's missing here or is it an older adult turning into a less interesting artist?
Wow it's like The Smiths all over again. I'm starting to get the impression that Robert Dimery (author of the 1001 Albums books) is just a really big fan of British rock – almost disproportionately so. It's not that "Vauxhall and I" is awful, it's just nothing special.
Super meh on this one, learned a lot about this Morrissey guy through a bit of research though. Divisive, interesting fellow it seems. Not much of an opinion on him tbh, but Morrissey's character aside, the album was nothing special. I didn't love his floaty lyric style, and slightly odd & concerning song names... Plus those piercing blue eyes and dark brows on the cover are piercing straight through to my soul, and not in a good way... 5.5/10?
New for me. I liked it but I don't think it's great in any way.
Meh.
I prefer Morrissey with The Smith's but I am a sucker for this nice sounding mopey man. Fine to make fun of him. I'm glad he makes music. Strong three
This is fine, but as we go along I'm learning that I like him more with The Smiths. The production is overall lacking a bit. The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get was a pretty good one.
It’s not really that cool to like Morrissey at the current time but leaving that aside I grew up listening to the Smiths and their music formed a large part of my teenage years. His solo stuff can be a bit hit or miss though. This album is ok I think, it’s not his best but it’s definitely not his worst. The tracks he has released for his new one in 2026 are sounding pretty good so looking forward to hearing that album.
It's not too bad. Easy listening, not too whiny. I enjoy the gothic vibes. I'm pretty sure we've had a morissey album before, and I think I like this one more.
Solid 3. My ear kept picking up on some fabulous guitar, which paired beautifully with his moody vocals. The album was a little inconsistent for me - but I did love the softness/intimacy in songs like "Hold On To Your Friends". I don't think I would revisit this album.
Rush To Danger, Wind Up Nowhere 1001 Albums Generator 240 (3/4/2026) As a fan of The Smiths, I was excited to check out Morrisey's solo work. So much of this album feels like a continuation of what The Smiths were doing. The opener, Now My Heart Is Full, might be my favorite song. We get to see The Smiths' formula expanded on with a britpop flavor. Some of the layered guitars are also very shoegaze. One immediate change I noticed in this album is it's not nearly as jangly as classic Smiths albums, and it leans a lot more into alt rock/britpop at various times. Other styles include the strange psychedelia of Spring-Heeled Jim, the soft dreaminess of Hold On To Your Friends, and the chamber pop of Used To Be A Sweet Boy. My least favorite songs tend to be the slower ones like Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself and I Am Hated For Loving. There also aren't any songs here that approach the genius of the greatest Smiths songs. Every one of their albums has at least one or two songs that are just in that uppermost echelon of music generally, and this one is just a collection of fine songs. 3.5, rounded down to 3. Favs: Now My Heart Is Full The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get Speedway Least Fav: I Am Hated For Loving
I've mostly made peace with the fact that I have to listen to a lot of Morrissey if I'm going to get through this project. Never exactly hate it but it doesn't do too much for me either. This was totes fine.
Enjoyed listening to it but felt quite forgettable once it was over.
Fav: why don’t you find out for yourself 3:5
moody and cool
I suppose the album isn’t quite as edgy as Your Arsenal, but the sound is more (deliciously) Smiths-like. But none of the songs really land with me. Possible exception: “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get.” 3.5?
Much like You Are The Quarry, I liked this. It’s solid throughout, but there’s nothing on here that’s going to live long in the memory. Top Track - Billy Budd
Two Morissey albums in one week. Your Arsenal won me over right away, but this album not so much. I even gave it several listens just because of the way Arsenal had grown on me, but this one just didn't take.
2026.02.28
Morrissey isn't nice, but this is pretty nice.
I accidently listened to a few more versions of these songs, live-recorded in an extended release. They sounded better and had much more energy than the melancholy of the studio version. A grudging third star.
If the goal was to make every song sound the same, then mission accomplished
Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe bad. The More You Ignore Me, and The Lazy Sunbathers were good, the rest a little less so. Didn't mind it, him crooning away about whatever issues have grabbed him that week. Something enticing about the way he goes about things, even if sometimes he's a bit much.
Not heard this before and it was different to what I was expecting. He's still got his self deprecation, but with less of the humour that he often pairs with it. Didn't do it for me I might give it another go, but wasn't convinced upon first listening. The more you ignore me was the highlight. 3 for now
The Smiths började autospela efter denna och fick mig att inse att de verkligen är klart bättre än sologrejerna
Nej jag vet inte alltså jag har väldigt svårt att hoppa på det här Morrissey / Smiths-tåget. Jag tycker det är okej men jag drabbas inte av det.
Was gonna give it a 4 til that whisper song came on and made my skin crawl thru the headphones
Not bad not great just meh.
Its ok. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.
3/11, 27%
I've learned in this albums generator that I'm not a huge Smiths fan, so being confronted with Morrissey this morning had me groaning. I feel I can appreciate this effort a little more, I think toning down the music to focus more on the lyrics works well for him. This isn't to say it's musically dull, maybe a little more commercial than I tend to appreciate, but plenty of talent is involved. If this is considered his best solo work, I'm not impressed. 2.7/5
Sounds like any other album from the 90s that leaned alt/jangle-rock. He definitely doesn't sound as operatic here compared to the Smiths, which fits nicely with the sound. It's not bad, but not much stood out to me either.
Ahhh this pompous ass again. The positive side of this album is there isn’t really much on it that is terrible. It’s the Smiths still, let’s face it. The negative side of this album is that there isn’t much “listen again” music on it. Like maybe none. That’s not a fail. It’s a shoot your shot and go home type of moment. It’s not great, it’s not terrible. I won’t listen to this album again and I’ll never listen to Morrisey again unless I’m forced to. Not because of this album. Just because of him.
I was a massive smiths fan back in the day up until their last album then I never even bothered listening to any morrissey albums. I did enjoy this but it didn’t have me hanging onto every lyric like the earlier smiths albums. Maybe a few more listens
3.5 stars
Music to fall asleep to. Fine, just very boring
# Album Name: Vauxhall And I # Artist: Morrisey # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Such a mid morrisey album. Couple of good tracks. A lot of filler. wasnt awful but not his best work. # Top Tunes: # Would I listen to it again? No
Differentiating the art from the artist, some good songs but the latter fell short. It’s a good album but lacks variation and the songs kind of sound the same. But he’s perfected the same sound as good as he can I guess.
This one was better than the other Morrissey albums.
It’s a bit of a cliche to complain about disliking his vocals, but like all cliches, there’s a lot of truth in that. It’s a shame as he’s obviously a good lyricist
This dude again! It's fine, all his albums sound the same and I didn't need this many of them.
It's ok, just doesn't do anything for me.
Brit pop
Not bad
I still like his voice despite the music not being the best. This album wasn’t as sad boy as the others.
It was allright, kinda whiny at times.
Still whiny. All sounds the same.
While I am generally hit or miss with Morrissey/Smiths stuff, this was more of a hit. Some fun and interesting tracks with a good closer. It's still a pet peeve of mine that he is so relentless and continuous in his singing (doesn't give the music time to breathe) but still good. 3/5
Day755 - i thought i would hate it but alas the songs are catchy. darn you morrissey
Yeah yeah yeah. Problematic dude, but songs are incredible.
This had its good moments. I feel like I react differently to his voice every time I hear one of his albums. It didn't bother me on this one, his passion comes through in just the right doses. The More You Ignore Me was probably my fave track, albeit mildly creepy. Now My Heart Is Full is a good one too. Some other songs felt a bit too meandering, like he's never getting to the point. Overall, it was certainly enjoyable enough for a 3.
no mi tipo de voz
Yet another background music album. Meh
24/01/2026 This one was a little boring for me, but I've got no issues with it really. Spotify listeners: 2.4 million
This was pretty good. I didn't expect much, but it was quite a pleasant listen. Favourite Track(s): The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get Least Favourite Track(s): Billy Budd
nice music, shitty guy
Enjoyable but nazi
Like the smiths, no songs really jumped out at me but album is a good listen
As all albums its pretty good his voice is soothing bit not his best.
On my way to work in New York’s Finance District every day, I’d see a big red graffiti tag high up over Century 21 that said something along the lines of Morrissey Rules (it’s sadly gone now). But every time I saw that while emerging from the subway, I’d think, ‘they’re absolutely right.’ Morrissey does have some excellent songs under his belt. People hate his politics, which from what I’ve read aren’t bad, he just doesn’t like royals. Blasphemy. He’s said some stupid things in his ongoing quest to spread veganism. That’s annoying, yes, because who doesn’t like a steak, but technically, if we got rid of the meat supply chain, the planet’s pollution problems would greatly decrease. So, go Morrissey. This album, however, does not quite rule. It’s pretty to listen to, as you’d expect from Morrissey. It is luxurious. But he also sounds tired. The lazy sunbathers is the only song which really paints a lyrical image and creates a musical vibe with me. A day after listening, it’s the only takeaway I remember. That, and a feeling of boredom, wishing it would end so I could put on something more exciting. I don’t this this is M’s strongest effort.
Just learned that he's the singer of the band The Smiths. Really nice voice, actually. Not too much out of the ordinary, though, but had a good time listening. Worth checking.
Bättre än förväntan. Det bästa Morrisey jag hört utanför smiths. 3.5
3.5/5
Is that a fucking chainsaw in Speedway? Who thought that would be a good idea? I was actually enjoying the incel music up until that. Fave track: Now my Heart is Full
Weird man, weird views, weird tracks with weird lyrics. 2.5/5
Always a favorite. Have had hits and misses with the re
Like it 3/5
I am very familiar with the work of The Smiths but have never listened to any of Morrissey’s solo work. It was much more melodic and less angst ridden than his group work. Somehow his voice sounded lighter….if that makes any sense.
I bought this CD as a teenager, and whilst it is now difficult to separate the art from the artist, you can't deny that he has a way with words and cranks out some catchy tunes. I'm not really angsty enough to listen regularly but maybe it will roll round into my rotation in a few years.
Decent.
Ben oui, évidemment, il y a rien de mieux que la petite face smug de Morrissey pour me remonter le moral, merci ben le gros
Every time I hear something by Morrisey that I like, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. I feel weirdly embarrassed for liking this as much as I do. I'm not sure why. Heavier than the Smiths' in a lot of places, thematically and guitaristically (I had to invent a word, not sorry). Morrisey's voice is as smooth as ever, but he goes to a few different places with this one, stylistically (lots of -ically words today, lots of parentheses as well!) I think he's being less bombastically campy and untouchable, bitter. More... down to earth? Still lyrically clever, playing with poetic structure in pleasant and surprising ways. I was very pleasantly surprised by the energy and great guitar work on here.
Nice record, lead singer of The Smiths.
I like mellow music, but I prefer it with some more musicality and better vocals..
Pretty safe kinda music here. I didn't mind this compared to some of the obnoxious Smiths stuff I've heard. Probably the best output by Morrissey I've come across so far.
*1994. *Pretty standard Morrissey faire, but nothing stood out here. You can tell it's a later album. RATING - 6/10
Somehow Morrissey always sounds like he is fed up with life and just about to put a gun to his head. I guess that is the appeal? The album is not bad though.
On Vauxhall and I, Morrissey retreats from the jangly melodrama that once defined his solo work into something more muted and inward-looking, favoring soft-focus electronic textures and moody atmospherics over sharp hooks. The shift isn’t without its pleasures—“Now My Heart Is Full” benefits from lusher, more polished production that flatters Morrissey’s croon, while “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get” briefly revives the familiar jangle that longtime fans crave. Still, the album often feels trapped in a narrow emotional register, with Morrissey delivering nearly every song in the same mournful, sighing tone, blurring tracks together. “Spring-Heeled Jim” is weighed down by puzzling spoken-word snippets that distract more than they add, and the revved-up sound effects on “Speedway” verge on kitsch. At its best, Vauxhall and I hints at a mature, atmospheric evolution; at its worst, it drifts by in a gray, overcast haze that never quite lifts.
Decent. Morrisey definitely misses Johnny Marr but he still has some nice backing instruments and sound
Not nearly as good as his music with the Smiths, but there is just something about his music I can't get enough of Best Song: Now My Heart is Full Rating: 6/10 Stars: 3
It's just Morrissey, doing his thing. No particular standouts on this one like "You're the One for Me ,Fatty." Would be very interested the justifications for multiple solo albums from this guy.
I had heard of Morrisey but had never listened to any of his music. I liked his voice and the album was a nice listening experience.
A generic jangle pop / britpop album with the only remarkable aspects being the incredibly clean production, some nice guitar melodies and the very smooth singing. The only songs that I can say I really liked are 'Spring-Heeled Jim' and 'Speedway'. The chord progressions and melodies in the first one are very appealing, and the last one ends the album in a very high note. The rest is incredibly forgettable, specially almost everything in the second half. They are all slows tunes with nothing much going on. Another thing I must mention is that the lyrics, while being sad, are not even comparable to the top writing when he was in The Smiths. I'll admit that I have only listened to 'Meat is Murder' from the band and this record from Morrisey's solo career, so my comparison is only based between these two projects. There is nothing more to say. If this album didn't sound as clean as it does, I would give it a bad rating.
No
Very ok
I haven't listened to many solo albums by Morrissey, so this one was also new to me. I quite liked it at first listen, I think it's a good album. The start and last few songs were the best, probably, some songs in the middle fell a bit flat. Perhaps I need more listens, at first it's a strong 3 star album.
It's extremely fucking Morrissey.
This is a tough one because I really like the music of the 90s and early 2000s that was influenced by The Smiths / Morrissey. But this album didn't really hold my interest. I'll probably go back to it, and other Morrissey albums. Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself is my favorite.
good stuff. i don't know that i'd call it exceptional but it made me get why morrissey is well-regarded as a solo artist. just good ol' tunes to throw on. love Now My Heart Is Full
Rating: 7/10
Decent listen, I always wonder if the meaning of morrissey's music is way more shallow than I assume or way more deep 6.8/10
6 Not Brown Eyed Girls out of 10 Lizard Wizards
not as annoying as i thought it would be
I thought I wasn’t supposed to like this, but I kinda do. Now that I think about it, like the man, it started out in a more interesting fashion than it ended up.
It's fine. A couple memorable tracks, and a lot of pleasant background music.
Standard Morrisey fayre. Lost count now of how many Morrisey albums I’ve reviewed now but overall there is very little to set them apart from each other. I now have come conclusion that you really only need one Morrisey album in your collection to know what he’s about. 3/5 12/12/25
I mean, Morrissey is classic, also a huge prick.
The album is ok, the sound is nice, Morrissey's voice is great as always, but I miss the creative style of The Smiths songs. 2,75/5.
It's a Morrissey album. Palatable but not my thing.
foolish
Man, it was good not great. I like The Smiths better
Ok. Morrissey er fínn og allt það. Ég skil að hann sé vinsæll. Hann hefur samt ekki náð til mín og mér finnst þetta allt saman vera eins. Kannski þarf ég að kafa meira ofan í lögin hans til að skilja betur snilldina en það er samt svo mikið annað sem mér finnst skemmtilegra.
Yeah was fine I guess
2.7 2x in Club SFO
This isn't worthy. There are much better moz albums
this is a new artist for me has some 90's pink floyd feel to it with the english style
Lyrically very good, not a bad album and that’s ignoring Morrissey, for whom I have no time for at all
Less depressing than anticipated but still not for me
Morrissey without the jingle jangle of the Smiths doesn’t quite hit the same. I liked the fast paced songs but the slow songs were pretty bad. I know we have more of his stuff to come so it may grow on me.
As Morrisey albums go, it’s ok.
Good mix of upbeat and melancholy.
Started off well but by the end became very depressing.
I can't tell the difference between 'good' solo Morrissey and 'bad' solo Morrissey.
I started off liking this album, and I was prepared to be nice but then it was a full album of morrissey, he couldn’t help it
Not really my type of music to listen to. It was alright to have playing in the background, but it didn't stand out in any particular way.
I like the Smiths a lot but Morrissey by himself is like if you just took the vocal parts out of the Smiths and played them over generic backing music. It's not terrible but it's not the same. And he seems like such a pretentious dude it's kind of hard to take much more than a few songs. He seems like the kind of guy that looks down on you and writes you off as a simpleton if you had any opinion that was even a little different than his. And I think that comes through in his music. Great voice though. I don't think I really feel any need to come back to this album, but it was good enough for one listen I suppose. 3/5
Cant imagine Morrissey is a good hang, but some of his lyrics are beautiful.
7.6
This is #day451 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… now that I'm done with all The Smiths albums, it's time for some Moz, right? Well, I don't mind. Besides, I haven't really heard most of his solo discography. As I've said about other artists in this challenge with the same kind of "problem," though, do you really need to hear four of his records before you die? Viva Hate alone would've been just fine. But then... aren't three Smiths albums already enough? Still, this is better than an average album on this list. I'm giving it a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day452.
Is this great? This feels pretty even, with good melodies and some strong poetry. I guess that makes it better than most. Still, Morrissey.
I like it but he’s a racisst
126/1001 Morrissey - Vauxhall and I Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ❓ This is a pleasant, if a bit unremarkable of an entry for me. I just find the nature of this far too polished and obviously you're going to draw comparisons to the previous work in the Smiths, which on this listen I prefer. P.S Morrissey is a twat - pass it on.
he's the worst. But this album is good Morrissey.
Dreamy, very similar to The Smiths. I wasn’t aware he was the frontman of that band, which makes total sense after hearing this. Really nice instrumentation, very melancholic, wistful, and mopey without any bitterness. It give out that misunderstood energy so many people can feel and relate to. Overall it feels introspective, like an album of reflection and acceptance. My favourite tracks are: Now my Heart is Full, Spring-Heeled Jim, Hold on to your Friends, Used to be a Sweet Boy
ok this is like the 7th album of his I've gotten (smiths included). I keep thinking I really like his sound, but every song on every album sounds so similar, it kinda gets old after hours of having heard it. it's good, but imburnt out. I'd prefer just a greatest hits album
None of the Morrissey albums stand out from the other Morrissey albums.
Not for me.
Some lovely ballads in the first half.
Maybe the most accessible Morrissey record I’ve encountered. He’s still a prick.
Bro thinks he’s hated for loving
Musical equivalent to a super dry red wine
Okay.
It was fine.
Morrisey without Marr is like McCartney without Lennon - still good but something is missing. Only heard 1 track on here previously (ignore me) and it’s the best one here. The chainsaw (?) noise on Speedway is totally unnecessary.
I really like some of the songs, the other half are passable, I feel a low 4 high 3. It really surprised me, a good amount of the music I didn’t expect to like, but it feels like a modern Sinatra in certain ways
nice mature morrissey
"You only call me when you're feeling depressed" - yup, exactly what I expected from 90's era Mozza! Of course I am trying to make the mental shift from the Smiths, but compared to say Headmaster Ritual or There Is a Light, I'm finding the music a little too muted and the singing less adventurous Billy Bud was the surprise stand-out track for me, but overall it feels there is less emotional comittment in this collection
horrible news....i think i enjoy this man's music....
it was fine - just not the best day for the album
An incredibly divisive character, probably even to himself. However I love The Smiths and parts of his solo discography although I think he has better material than this record personally. Morrissey is a good exercise in separating the art and the artist I guess.
The 90s English bands influence is clear in this one. Sounds so unlike the smiths Not as good as Viva hate But pretty good
Meh
Decent album but didn't feel any highlights
Typical Morrisey. Depressed crooning over moody rock.
Strong opening with quality lyrics but the album for me does lose momentum at the halfway point. I quite like Morrissey's voice and lyricism, just not a hugely consistent album. Fave Tune: The More You Ignore Me the Closer I Get.
Morrissey has been somebody that I've ignored my whole life (including Smiths), but I always suspected that I'd really enjoy his music if I paid attention to it. With this list, I've made such a step and I was not disappointed. The 2/3 albums that I've heard from him are really good. What I like the most (and I think I already wrote these), is the haunting atmosphere, which really captivates me.
6 great tracks (then opening 5 tracks and the final track, Speedway). Never listened to a Morrissey album all the way through since Viva Hate in 1988. I probably will not listen to this again, but i will revisit some of the tracks.
Eh it’s fine. Nothing nearing the Smiths, it went fast enough and wasn’t unpleasant.
Decent enough - not surprisingly not dissimilar to the Smiths, but lacking a bit of something
This was the least bad Morrisey. I did not hate it and may have even enjoyed a few songs.
Not too bad.
Очень уж нежно и воздушно.
Oh, Morrissey. Iconic voice and swing in all of the music he's associated with. I enjoyed this one and will revisit it again.
Easy listening. Not really my style.
Music for college kids that go to poetry slams.
Morrissey's a dick - although not quite on the Kanye scale so I will at least listen to the album. Despite the fact I don't really like his vocals I really enjoyed this album musically and with a different singer it would be a 5. Fav tracks Speedway / More you Ignore me.
I enjoyed the instrumentals a lot, the singer himself is just isn't my kind of sound
I love Morrissey. Although, I'm not as into this particular album.
Morrissey is and always has been a tool … but I like it 👍
Oikeastaan aika hyvä levy, 3/5
Day 12 Some very strong tracks here, Morrissey undoubtedly has a knack for catchy songs with witty lyrics. Blokes still a Grade A prick though. 6/10 Highlights Now my heart is full Billy Budd Why don’t you find out for yourself
This is fine. I like it musically. He’s a tool but the songs are good. Nothing amazing, not bad. I think it’s fair to say I like it more than I dislike it.
He keeps popping up and I know a lot don’t like him but musically he’s fine
A good album, I liked Billy Budd, I Am Hated For Loving and Speedway.
3/5
Det hørtes ut som forventa, men det e jo ikke akkurat nokka æ høre på med glede nu til dags. Æ kan til nød finne nokka positivt i låter av The Smiths æ har et visst forhold til fra før av, men æ har ingen planer om nærmere dypdykk i Morrissey med det første eller egentlig noensinne.
1994 I'm a massive Smith's fan, despite Morissey becoming a twat in recent times, but I struggled a bit with his solo work. I basically miss the Marr influences. Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ Just OK ★★★☆☆ (6/10)
Meh.
Not sure how I feel about Morrissey. Kinda weird. Kinda whiny. Kinda nice. I just don't know
again, this morrissey guy is unfortunately very good at making music
Plays it safe, bit middle of the road. Can't deny that voice though. Plenty of cliche lyrics. Easy to listen to though and inoffensive, steadily worsens the further your go. Final song is a highlight
Now my heart is full!? Like the Smiths but without the angst. Turns out I may have enjoyed that part the most.
Throughout this project I've enjoyed Morrissey more than I thought I would. This was another surprisingly enjoyable album from him. Considered a 4 star, but dropped one because the song titles are often stupid and his voice is a bit too affected for my ultimately preferences.
terrible person, decent album.
Dear Dimery Death Freaks, I have to be honest and admit I'd completely forgotten about this album. And no it is not my nascent Alzheimer's at work, I've just not been motivated to pull it out and play it in a very long time. For me his solo career peaked early with Viva Hate, which I do play regularly as it is a fine record. It was what he had to do post Smiths and the songs are matched by his performance on that record. By 1994 I'm not sure where he was headed and having two collaborators I think held him back from going onto something else. Or, there was no "something else". Maybe that's the point for both him and Johnny; what they did together was more than enough, it was their time and their records are brilliant and timeless as a result. With Vauxhall, going back has made me realise I prefer the Alain Whyte co-writes over those with Boz. Hold Onto Your Friends, Billy Budd, the delightful I Am Hated For Loving and Used to Be a Sweet Boy are my highlights in an otherwise quite pleasant if not especially exciting listening experience. Worth a listen.
Maybe my least disliked of Morrissey. Easy listening, but this list is way over populated with his music. One album would be sufficient.
Ok this Morrissey album had vibes. I like this better than the other discography I heard. Will certainly be stealing some songs for the playlist and revisiting.
5/10 - I think his songs all sound similar. He sounds kind of whiny also
Felt kinda lacking compared to other morrissey/smiths stuff. Just kinda boring
a-ha vibes
Mozzer. He's a bit of a dick, but his music is okay. This album is okay.
Idk obviously he's a good singer, good vocal range and stuff, but it just doesn't have the same charm as any of the Smiths stuff, because these instrumentals feel quite lacking in any character, which is quite often the case for band leaders gone solo. I image the quality of his albums just degrade over time, so this is probably one of his best considering its quite close to the Smiths breakup. And also he's not a good guy. So overall not as good because there's no Johnny Marr or Andy Rourke. Favourite songs: Now my heart is full, hold on to your friends, why don't you find out for yourself, I am hated for loving. Overall around 6/10
Never have liked his solo work nearly as much, and this no different
Morrissey without the Smiths is just OK. The vocals and clever wordplay are still there but Marr's guitar and the propulsive arrangements are sorely lacking. Still, there is some honesty and raw emotion here that elevates this and a great song in "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get."
Does anyone love Morrissey more than Morrissey? What is with the smolder into the camera on every single one of his solo album covers? And how can the son of working class Irish immigrants in Britain be such a far right, racist wanker? But alas, gotta separate the art from the artist. I like this album. The first half is a solid four, with the musicians really giving the songs the Smiths treatment. Second half to me is two stars, a lot of dreary, precious vocals and forgettable songs, although the last track is pretty good. So even though I give a 1 star to the man behind the tunes, this one is a solid 3
Enjoyed.
Solid even though I usually can’t deal with the moan and drone
Good album, but man - he's mopey. I needed some Prozac just to make it through. I did really like my heart is full though.
Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself, The Lazy Sunbathers First Morrissey album, but I've heard The Smiths Strangeways, Here We Come from the List (maybe 30 albums ago), so I have some familiarity with what I'd be getting into on this album. I quite liked Strangeways, Here We Come, but this hasn't yet clicked for me. There are a few tracks that are okay, but it mostly just passing through my brain. Nothing bad, but nothing particularly standout.
More Morrissey…
I do like The Smiths and Morrissey (as a singer; decidedly not as a person) - but come on, combined between band and solo this is the 7th album. Granted, more than 1000 is a lot. But there's more than enough good, interesting, inspiring music out there. Some more variety definitely wouldn't hurt. For the album itself, Morrissey does his thing. It doesn't sound bad, but it does sound much more and suppressed than most of his other output and seems to be the worst of the bunch. Can definitely be dropped from this list.
Death, taxes and disliking Morrissey. Those were my three certainties in life that I could always cling to. Then comes along this friggin list. First it persuades me that I don't absolutely hate The Smiths. Fine, but Morrissey is still unbearable on his own on the first solo album I got, so I wasn't really wrong. Then this comes along and I...I...I...quite...like...it. Like his voice doesn't make me want to punch him, and some of the lyrics are interesting. Damnit. Don't get me wrong, he's still an absolute twat, but he's now an absolute twat with at least one decent solo album.
Adult contemporary for indie bitches with Republican boyfriends. In all seriousness, I think when this hits (a.k.a. when it’s more upbeat and rock-ish), I’m once again sold on Morrissey as a legitimate solo artist with a strong catalog. But the rest of this album is dour, covered in strings and crooning. I legitimately understand the emotional aspect of this record and *why* it sounds like that, but I feel like that depth isn’t there in the lyrics as much as I expected, which feels ironic for Morrissey of all people. Frankly, the padded production does little to excite me, either, and those softer crooners do feel underwritten from a songwriting perspective. To me, this feels like the moment where Morrissey’s sad sap persona becomes too much of an old man for me. When he returns to rock, I’ll always be back on board, but for the most part, this feels like a ship sailing off the coast into a lonely ocean. I don’t need to get lost at sea with Morrissey.
I must admit that I kind of liked this one! Had elements of what I liked from the Smiths albums I've heard, which is a plus. Bittersweet and even kind of touching occasionally. I can't say the album generally has many surprises (save for Speedway, which is far and above my favourite song on here), but all in all, it's quite pleasant. I just wish it was made by a better human being, y'know?
Not quite the Smiths, but enjoyable to listen to. 3
this was enjoyable! it started over and i didn’t even realize i was already on the second song again so definitely sounding very similar throughout. nothing standout but just averagely good
Musically I think it's quite beautiful, however I have a low tolerance for his cynical view of the world and people around him so often without much light. That said, I felt Lifeguard sleeping, girl drowning was a strong modern folk song with lovely use of wind instruments. And Speedway was a good finish. I'm thinking a 3 for me.
A gorgeously produced record with Morrissey’s vocals acting a centrepiece throughout. It's very consistent with no outliers or energy dips, very listenable. The charm Morrissey brings to The Smiths records, which is missing from some of his solo work, is present here. He seems more self aware, gentler and compassionate, particularly on Hold Onto Your Friends and The More You Ignore Me. I’m not sure this is my favourite Morrissey solo album, though I think it’s the most sonically consistent and the most similar to The Smiths. Speedway is a particularly strong closer - I love the LOUD DRUMS. The Smiths' records are just hit after hit, and this isn’t that but it’s a pleasant way to spend 40 minutes, Morrissey sings beautifully throughout.
I have never really ‘got’ Morrissey. I didn’t follow the Smiths and am still not that familiar with them other than a few songs. I do like Johnny Marr and I know I should delve deeper into the Smiths but Morrissey puts me off, even more since he seems to have become a right wing apologist, but perhaps he is misunderstood. So I was fairly surprised to have enjoyed a lot of this. The music is pretty good and Stephen’s whining a lot less annoying than I was expecting. Perhaps I’ll go back and listen to that other Morrissey album I skipped….
Again with this guy? He’s a sub human twat. But dammit he can write a catchy melody.
Reluctently enjoyed more than I wanted to. And subsequently learned a new word: "maudlin" 😁
Classic Morrissey
Was debating whether to give this a 4 because there are a few songs here that I really like, but then I remembered that he's a cunt and I love beef burgers, so it's a 3, fuck you Morrissey.
I don't really enjoy Morrissey because it has this kind of effect that makes you lonely and depressed but I do appreciate it's ability to do that. Also thought extra sounds added were interesting, even if the chainsaw gave me a start.
moz they could never make me hate you but this album kinda sucked (its still good but not really)
Seguramente seré abucheado por los Morrissey fans, que he visto que son intensos, pero no fui tan fan del disco. Por supuesto no está mal, 2 o 3 canciones me parecieron geniales, pero el resto la verdad se me olvidó enseguida. Ni modo, habrá que explorar más de don Morri.
After a couple of listens, the only song that I started getting into is "The More You Ignore Me". I could imagine getting more into it with more listens.
Baroque and maudlin. Good post-Smiths Morrissey... just too bad he's turn into such a white nationalist ass.
A priori, j'avais des préjugés à cause du regard perçant du chanteur sur l'album. Ça me donnait des vibes de Nicolas Ciccone. Après je me suis dit, eille, ça sonne un peu comme The Smiths. Pis là j'ai réalisé que c'est parce que c'est le même chanteur. C'était chill. Mais j'aime mieux The Smiths.
The more you ignore me the Closer I get 😎
Once again didn’t hate it…
Sympa mais j'aime déjà bien le style, pas révolutionnaire though! Pas trop de chansons qui stand out à mes yeux??? C'est plus ou moins des nachos réchauffées mais ça reste un plat que j'aime bien...!!!
decent, not my cup of tea
I preferred the live versions on disc 2 (20th anniversary definitive master). I'll probably never listen to this again, but it was ok. Fav track: Now my heart is full
Ehhhh 2.5/5
Nice.
Never really got into Morrissey or The Smiths. On the basis of a single listen this is solid 3* and no more. Maybe this would improve if I heard it more, but just not enough time at the moment.
Some enjoyable tracks. Better than most the 90s and 00s British alternative soft rock on the list, but definitely a step down from the Smiths’ music. The songwriting isn’t as good, and the guitar definitely isn’t either. Probably an above average 3. My mom loves Morrissey so I can’t dislike it lol
7/10
I’m a fan of miserable Morrissey, so this album is no exception. I had it on in the background for morning music and it worked. Having said that, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it otherwise
Better than anticipated. Interesting person
I was hopeful that I would like this album because I love the Smiths. But I found the melodies to be lacking and I really felt the lack of the guitar players writing. Morrissey didn't hold it down himself.
There was like 2 good tracks on this album, better than the other Morrissey album handed to us. His voice is less bad his other projects
It was alright, just a very British mellow album from a prick. It had guitars.
Morrissey is definitely a prick..but a talented one. This is a good album, maybe not on the level of the Smiths, but good nonetheless.
Before my little review, I just want to point out a coincidence I thought was actually insane. Yesterday, I was reviewing this guys third album. Here I am today back with his fourth album. If that album was a 3.5, this one is like a 3.6. It's not much better, but it's definitely not worse. The same praise and criticisms I had for the last one remain for the album today. This guy has an incredible singing voice, his music is just a little too light and boring for my personal taste. I thought this album as a whole was a little more consistent in tone, and even though it was even lighter than the last one, I found it easier to listen to. Plus, last album has some instant skips, while nothing on this album is really skippable, I also don't really have an easy time remembering most of it, or really caring enough to do so. I guess the one that stuck with me the most was "Hold on to Your Friends", as I can relate to the message it was sending out. As a whole, this is just another solid album that I'm going to forget about in the morning probably. Apparently there's a lot more of this guy to get through. I'm just going to keep giving him a 3. Seems like the right call to me.
When I started the album, I actually quite liked it, and I do think Now My Heart Is Full is the best song on the album -- but the album got a bit repetitive and a bit boring quickly. Not for me, but not bad.
Morrissey. 3 stars
Nice stuff but too slow for me
ja its okay.. lyrics fragwürdig oft.
Not overly my type of music but his voice is spectacular
Fav tracks: Billy Budd, Hold on to your friends , The more you ignore me the closer I get , lazy sunbathers , speedway Morrissey has a super interesting voice but not particularly interesting lyrics, speedway was a fun close to the album with more aggressive playing from the instruments. Vauxhall and I driving way too fast with way too much beer in my brain cigarette in lip A high 3 like a 3.7
I've heard worse things involving Morrissey. Obviously I'm unlikely to listen to it again. But it was acceptable.
I’m a Morrissey fan so I’m never mad about spending 40 minutes with his music. This is a good album! There weren’t many songs that jumped out as being particularly memorable, but the band is great. The production is nice and clean too. It has a polished sound but the rock songs still rock.
Morrissey has a cool sound, but each time I listen I don't really get enough to be pulled in very far. I like emotive vocalists, I like the production here, but it just doesn't grab me. There's just something about the combination of the sound here that doesn't click. I'm rating it a 3 because despite that I can tell that this isn't bad music.
Fín tónlist, sumir textarnir hrikalegir. Nær aldrei nálægð við hæðir Smiths.
Great voice, but the songs aren't that exciting for me.
wasn’t listening super closely to lyrics and such but really enjoyed it overall
The songs are good the lyrics are good and the performances are fine. The Smiths/Morrissey just never move the needle for me. Still a listenable record
6.5/10
Heard different Morrissey albums before and was convinced I'm not the biggest fan of his solo stuff. But this album? It surprised me, I actually enjoyed it. The first half is slightly better than the second but still enjoyable 3/5
I enjoy the smiths more personally but ya know
Despite not being a Morrissey fan at all, Vauxhall And I is quite listenable and at times is beautiful and well performed. There is way too much Morrissey/The Smiths representation on this list, but at least this album might deserve a placement. I'll still never be a Morrissey fan though.
74% Best: Now My Heart Is Full; Hold on to Your Friends Must-Hear? Nah
It's Morrissey, you know.
Kanskje biased
Fuckin Morrissey, good god.
An sich ganz nice aber wenn man nicht auf den Text achtet unspektakulär
Not a Morrissey fan but I thought this was pretty good. Not as morose and whiny as I expected. Some of it is even "light" in both sound and lyrics.
I had not heard this album before, but I was still able to predict exactly what it would sound like. This was fine, but it really does not deserve a place on a list like this and just shows that the authors dont really have very broad taste.
Meh. Not quite as good as The Smiths.
The more you ignore me, and now my heart IS full, are both spectacular - the rest fairly forgettable. Trying to judge the music for the music in this exercise so no marks off to ANY individual whose views or behaviours I disagree with.
I just don’t get morrissey it’s nothing special but seems like a lot of folks like this music a lot, go figure.
He has a very distinctive sound. It is not my preferred sound, but it isn't awful. Another album I would never seek out, but also not rush to to switch if it happened to come on.
is morrissey a gigantic prick? well, yes, but you have to forgive him for it because he also made a lot of really average music
His voice has the same timbre for pretty much the entire first track. His voice is smooth but the whole thing is just pretty boring. I wouldn't have picked that to open. It's a bit up and down, Why Don't You Find out for yourself is alright but it felt like another dip That engine noise or whatever it was on Speedway is obnoxiously loud, so is the end as it swells, why is it mixed so much louder than the rest of the album? You can do a swell like that without making it so loud. It's a decent song but that was quite an annoying way to end the album An okay album, a few good standouts but it's just kind of drole and samey. Wasn't keen on how it opened and closed either. There are some good moments, Spring-Heeled Jim was my favourite song Highlights: Spring-Heeled Jim
As always, I love his voice and his whining, so this was definitely enjoyable. It’s not as good as The Smiths - one of my favourite bands, but this record, Viva Hate, Your Arsenal and You are the Quarry are quite good albums. There is just something about Morrissey - even though his politics are shit!
Very average Morrisey album. One memorable song.
I can't listen to Morrissey without thinking of The Smiths. The voice is so distinctive that there's no escape. And whilst the melodies and sound aren't as good as The Smiths, the album is pleasant and obviously bears more than a passing resemblence. Nothing standout. Nothing excrutiating.
This was a really good album! I enjoyed just listening to it while I was opening at work and I just kinda felt the vibe the whole time! Morrissey is such a good singer and I am enjoying a lot of his solo stuff!
Two excellent succulent slices of bread with a mediocre sandwich inside, now my heart is full and speedway go hard tho
Not even that bad
Not bad. I'd rather listen to The Smiths, but that doesn't mean this isn't good. There's a couple of songs I might give 4 stars ("Now My Heart..." and "The More You..."), but as a whole, the album is going to be a 3.5, and I'm rounding down.
I am wearying of Morrissey solo albums; my patience for the whinier, self-pitying numbers in particular is growing thin. But after an underwhelming first play through this album grew on me. There are enough decent tracks in the first half (plus the closer) to give it the benefit of the doubt.
As awful as Morrissey is as a person, this is just a collection of very solid pop songs. I don't think this says much, but this is a very well made and pleasant-sounding pop rock album—inoffensive but not to the point of being uninspired or boring. There's nothing groundbreaking here or anything that appeals to my particular tastes, but every song, by all accounts, is pretty good. 7/10
Nett
Decent, though Morrissey’s lyrics can often feel slapdash.
I was surprised I hadn’t listened to this before but then when I did, I understood why. It’s morrisseys voice but doesn’t have the magic of the smiths.
One his better solo efforts, but he rarely if ever captured the highs of working with Johnny Marr.
I'm a pretty big Morrissey fan (musically anyway) but sort of perplexed at this album being on here. I guess it has his only official hit, but I checked the list and there's already Your Arsenal, Viva Hate, and You Are The Quarry--none of which I would dispute. But, I like Maladjusted and Southpaw Grammar over this album. It's still good and I like it, but a must listen? I would never think to give it to someone above any of the other 5 albums above.
This felt like classic Morrissey and I did like it. Tuneful, warm and slightly dark lyrics. I didn't strongly love it but it was a pleasant enough listen.
What are the odds of me getting three LGBTQ+ artists in a row? I mean, Janelle Monáe is pan and non-binary, John Grant is gay, and Morrissey... well, aside from being a racist prick, he also isn't straight. Anyways, Morrissey, am I right? Why does he have four solo albums on this list? I don't get it! I think, in addition to two or three Smiths albums, he deserves one solo album at most. Which one it should be? Well, Vauxhall and I does seem to be one of his most highly praised solo albums, so the argument could be made. But how do I feel about the album itself? It's good. Not great, but good. Quite good actually. Obviously, it's not as good as any of the Smiths albums I've listened to, but it doesn't have to be. Morrissey's singing is mostly solid. There is one song that I didn't really enjoy his performance on though. I think it was "Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning." His writing is also good. The instrumentation is where the whole "not as good as The Smiths" thing really comes into play. Morrissey's talented, sure. But I think the added presence of people like Johnny Marr in those albums really heighten Morrissey's talents as well. The instrumentation that's here is good, but not excellent. This is a solid album. I'll say that. Some of these songs are pretty good. Songs like "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get" and "Speedway" are particular highlights. However, I just don't think Morrissey's talents (as present as they are) can carry a whole album to greatness. It's a nice album, but not an essential listen in my eyes. Maybe if you like The Smiths it could be, but not everyone likes them. I do though. High 3/5.
Musically, it sounds nice but man, everytime Morrissey's vocals come in, I wish they didn't. Annoying voice and always sings the same 2 notes.
Rating: 6/10 Pretty good, a few very good songs and a few underwhelming ones.
Again, Morrissey is one of these artists that people get all worked up over… to me he’s just ok.
Comme Pierre Bertrand après Beau Dommage, Morrissey offre à ses fans l'honneur de réentendre sa voix sur fond de musique sonore. Le public aime ça et en redemande! Quel public? Celui qui aime ce type de musique. Le Journal donne trois grosses étoiles dorées à Vauxhall And I. À écouter le dimanche matin!
Nice
Tried my very best to separate the art from the artist, as about all I know about Morrissey is that he is an absolutely insufferable human being. So all that aside, the music is...alright.
einmal mehr Morrissey - und auch ohne The Smiths tönt es interessant, vielschichtig, und dann auch wieder schnulzig, eintönig, gefällig. nicht einfach zu fassen ..
Die 90er erscheinen mit im nachhinein nicht die stärkste Dekade in der Musik. So ist auch dieses Album: gut gemacht ohne Schnörkel aber halt auch keine Kanten. Gefällt aber begeistert nicht
I've never really been into Morrissey or The Smith. But I think this album is fun. I think it's ok. Not really my favorite kind of music. But I think this is fine. I'll definitely keep listening, maybe it will grow on me.
Better than I expected
It was OK
Morrissey being Morrissey! Loved it! Although, it defo won’t be for everyone!
Left out an audible groan when I saw this after just having a Smith's album a few days again but was pleasantly surprised.
I just had Viva Hate like 3 weeks ago lol. I liked this one a bit more though, but not by much. It's a little more well rounded
Morrissey the man, whack. Morrissey the solo artist, dece. Morrissey with the Smiths, excellent. This is Morrissey the solo artist, and indeed, it falls in the category of decent. There wasn’t much to excite me, there wasn’t much to disappoint me. A few better tracks, a few duller. A uncouple of moments of inspired beauty, a couple of cool musical passages (some pretty prominent bass), and some things thay just blend together. Morrissey doing his usual literary British sad boy with an air of irony. Results are acceptable.
We see a continuation of the same sunny, airy 80s British pop-rock energy that the Smiths were known for. As a fan of said energy, I approve, although it's so consistent between tracks that the album definitely loses some steam later on. I'm guessing other Morrissey albums have a similar problem, given the other one I've listened to (You Are the Quarry). And I preferred that one. Morrissey records get old real quickly, it seems. Vauxhall And I is still getting a solid three stars, because I continue to have some patience for the genre. But I worry about the upcoming records from Misery Mozzery. Even though it's technically one note repeated at fancy intervals, I like the riff in Now My Heart Is Full. However, the riff in The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get is almost objectively better, both in terms of guitar tone (clearer) or melody (more than one note). Speedway is a surprising burst of octane-fuelled force to end the album on a high note. It does continue the cliché of including engine-revving sound effects in a song about (or inspired by) cars. By the time the 90s rolled around, this wasn't creative anymore. Sorry, Steven. The apparently random choice of which words are capitalised in the song titles is... artistic? 3/5 Key tracks: The More You Ignore Me the Closer I Get, Why Don't You Find out for Yourself, Speedway
It's fine
He's a bit of an ass but enjoyed the album
no Moreissey, you are not hated for loving, you are hated for being a prick. i enjoyed quite a few of the songs, his voice is also so beautiful and dreamy
It's quite solid, safe but unspectacular. Speedway is the best song on the album by far
Was working while listening so a bit distracted but didn't stand out but was nice enough
Good ol' Morrissey...lol. One of rock's biggest assholes, this indie betch loves him anyway. ha. Not as good as some of the stuff he made with the Smiths, but a decent record from beginning to end here with "Vauxhill and I" nonetheless. For me, the big highlights were the single "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get" which by title made me sort of roll my eyes because OF COURSE he has a song called that. ha. The other highlight was "The Lazy Sunbathers" which I think I liked more for the instrumentation than the topic at hand? Anyway, overall a good listen.
Listening to this, I kept thinking droll. Droll music, droll lyrics, droll voice. Essentially, Morrissey is a crooner, cast in the same way as someone like Scott Walker or even David Bowie (in his lower vocal range), The lyrics are a focal point and they are certainly interesting, unusual even. I don't think the ballads stand up as well as the more up tempo tracks. I wasn't blown away but it's a listenable album.
Its not the smiths but quite enjoyed it. Would be useful with Morrisey if someone could plot twatness over time and then plot the albums on that graph, just for refernce.
good instrumentals, i don’t like morrissey's songwriting here as much compared to the stuff with the smiths tho lol
Surprising how much I enjoyed this album. I never really gave Morrissey a shot (because he's such a fucking prick) and I expected to hate it.
Soort Bowie light mixed met een beetje Leonard Cohen? Klinkt heel moody, doet me vooral sterk denken aan het Blackstar album van Bowie. Toch vind ik een hoop ook nogal vergetelijk. Speedway en het hele lange nummer zijn episch en springen er absoluut uit, maar een hoop komt voor mij niet boven 'mwah' uit. Toch halen die nummers het wel boven een slecht uit, dus 3 sterren. Ik vind Morrissey wel echt een goede stem hebben, moet gezegd! FAVO: The more you ignore me, the closer I get, Speedway
He's an absolute fucking wank but his early solo stuff like this was quite good, albeit not as good as The Smiths. Would never listen to his solo stuff voluntarily nowadays, though.