Reviews (page 4 of 8)
4.0 Hard album for me - Morrissey (including The Smiths, has 11 albums on this project - that's a full 1% of all albums of 'all time' which is insane. One was 'redacted' (removed in a later edition but still 10 is crazy.) I absolutely love Morrissey but I don't find this his best album so how do you rate it. Struggled as I think if this was his first album (or even first solo) it would have been revolutionary (a 5) but by 1994 most of the songs sound in the same vein as other work he has done. If I ranked all the albums this isn't on the bottom quartile but probably middle - that would be a 3 but no way. I'm going 4, reserving 5's for some of the better work but. . . it would be a 5 if this was his only album and died young.
Just a bit slow, boring and repetitive. Can’t hold a candle to his work with the Smiths
It's good, but not too goo Low 4.
Yeah was fine I guess
Fuck yeah! I had been waiting for a Morrissey album for a long, long time. — On October 18, 2023, a friend of mine said, “You should check out The Smiths. I think they will be to your liking.” I have been attempting to listen to more music than just classic rock. I had no idea that his advice would permanently alter the way I saw music. I never, ever looked back after I listened to 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘴 𝘔𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳. Tracks like "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" and "Well I Wonder" feel almost holographic to certain periods of my life. After exhausting The Smiths' entire discography, I began to explore to Morrissey's catalogue of music to cater for my insatiable thirst. At first, I was suspicious after hearing that "[he] is nothing more than a pretentious twat" and "[his] solo work is dreadfully woeful." These claims are as far removed from reality as possible. Beyond being infamous for his controversial statements, Morrissey is an extraordinary songwriter. Let's not forget he wrote 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘴 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘥. Even sans Johnny Marr's jangly guitar, Morrissey's tracks remain quite remarkable. While I prefer𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 and 𝘙𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴,𝘝𝘢𝘶𝘹𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 is unequivocally respectable. It is a lot more quiet and reflective. Standout tracks include "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get" and "Why Don't You Find Out for Yourself" although the entire album is wholly enjoyable in my opinion. Another win for Moz.
Dreary bollocks
I see Morrissey, and I see no reason to waste my time on TRASH. 0 / 5
Dragged throughout. Not REALLY sure why he continues to show up on this list.
2.7 2x in Club SFO
Hans bästa och rentav i klass med the Smiths bästa stunder
This isn't worthy. There are much better moz albums
Et par ok numre imellem og generelt meget Morrissey. Men alligevel lidt skuffende, at der ikke var noget, der mindede om en banger på.
Didn’t know much about Morrissey or The Smiths. I’m happy to not find out anymore.
this is a new artist for me has some 90's pink floyd feel to it with the english style
get fucked
YAWN
Lyrically very good, not a bad album and that’s ignoring Morrissey, for whom I have no time for at all
Album 968 of 1089 Morrissey - Vauxhall And I (1994) Rating : 3.5 / 5 As I’ve said before, I usually enjoy most everything I hear from Morrissey and The Smiths - he has a way of delivering lyrics and mood that’s unmistakably his. But this one just didn’t land for me the way some of his others have. The vocals are classic Morrissey, the production is clean and intentional, and nothing on the album is bad by any stretch. It just comes down to the songs themselves - they didn’t grab me or pull me in the way his stronger material tends to do. Instead of those sharp emotional punches or memorable melodic hooks I’ve come to expect, the album mostly stayed in a middle gear for me. Still, I can easily understand why this album is beloved by many fans. There’s a maturity and stillness to it that probably resonates deeply with listeners who connect to his more reflective side. For me, though, it’s a respectable but mid-tier Morrissey entry - one I’m glad to check off the list, but not one I see myself coming back to often.
Less depressing than anticipated but still not for me
I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a Morrisey solo album in full. Obviously we all know the man is an idiot but separating the man from the music I really liked this.
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.
Was originally going to write “I don’t know who I want to kill more, myself or Morrissey (the answer is always Morrissey),” but this wasn’t as awful as I was anticipating. Still don’t like the man or his music though.
Interesting.
This album wasn’t life changing for me. He sang good, the band was good, the flow was good. But every song sounded similar.
Good mix of upbeat and melancholy.
2.5 Uninspiring album, definitely not as good as his work with The Smiths, but I can bear it. The guitars and vocals flow well enough and can be easy and infectious to listen to. But I’m generally not a fan of an album full of this much depressing and pretentious music.
Edgy?? I paused at one point, and came back to it, and thought that I was listening to Radiohead.
Still no
Surprisingly more upbeat than his other albums. Still not totally into it. Not bad, just not for me. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again
I appreciate it, but not entirely my thing
Started off well but by the end became very depressing.
Meh.
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 enjoyed! Would listen to his other albums and more Smiths.
This record oozes sad-boy charm from start to finish. I was a grunge kid back then, but this whole vibe taps into a different kind of misunderstood energy. It's a full emotional world that feels very '90s but also completely timeless. This is the posh, poetic cousin of alt-rock. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions Hold on to Your Friends The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get Why Don’t You Find out for Yourself Speedway
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.
I like Morrissey even more de-Smithed. The Vauxhall arrangements are quite varied in tempo, but that molasses voice goes with everything. ✅✅ Hold on to Your Friends ✅✅ The Lazy Sunbathers ✅✅✅ Speedway
I never really got Morrissey when all the alt kids in high school were into it. And I still don't. It's okay. Not anything life-changing.
Liked more than expected
i guess I really hate Morrissey
More melodic than I would've thought but his monotonous tone grates.
a little slower than I like
Enjoyed. My era of sound
7.6
I tend to reach my fill of Moz after about 20 minutes, but I liked this more than I expected, particularly the first third. I only really know "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get" from this album, though "Billy Budd" and "Speedway" (love the drums toward the end) stood out most on this listen. This sags for me around "I am Hated for Loving" and "Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning," but this is solid.
Meh... somewhat forgettable. Just didn't do it for me.
A pesar de las opiniones públicas que ha declarado Morrissey en diversas oportunidades donde da a entender posicionamientos sociopolíticos con los cuales no estoy de acuerdo, la música de este álbum me pareció excelente. Por momentos empezaba a escuchar un tema y sentía que no me estaba atrapando, pero a medida que avanzaba me gustaba más y más. Esta fue una experiencia global con el álbum, siempre hay algo en su música que me interpela, sea la sonoridad, el beat, la instrumentación, la letra... Terminé el día habiendo escuchado el álbum 4 veces, enganchado por completo a la atmósfera melancólica y reflexiva que propone. La voz de Morrissey tiene un carácter muy particular, un timbre y una manera de articular melodías especial. No termino de entender la raíz de su atractivo, pero a pesar de la calidad de persona que públicamente demuestra ser, su música me resuena.
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.
Not particularly my jam. I'd have to be in a very specific headspace. But there are a couple of tracks I'd listen to.
I approached this album without much familiarity with Morrissey's work besides a passing familiarity with the sound of the Smiths. Having not had the right combination of melancholy and moderate angst in my teenage years, they never quite clicked with me. But if there's any piece of the Smiths that stands out to me, it is Morrissey's vocals, so I was still ready to give this a shot. On my first listen through this album, most tracks struck me as unremarkable but well-polished, with the lush rhythm guitar standing out to me. About half of the songs wouldn’t draw any eyes as slightly offbeat material for an AOR radio station. With the instrumentation coming across as solid but relatively safe, the focus here is clearly Morrissey's lyrics. Of the album's singles, the standout on this front is Now My Heart Is Full, which opens the album on a touching note about finding belongingness among a group of what I take to be outcasts with fun Dickensian names. Other high points are Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning and The Lazy Sunbathers, which pair caustic lyrical criticism with Morrissey's most convincing vocals on the record. But some songs missed the mark lyrically. I Am Hated for Loving lacks self-awareness, and points on The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get are overwritten and self-absorbed at best, and moreso come across as creepy. To my ears, though, what started to drag the album down was a disconnect between the lyrical content of the songs and Morrissey's vocal delivery. Speedway serves as the best example of this from the album. It’s supposed to be an angry, defiant song. The lyrics are clearly personal, argumentative. The backing instrumentation is as driving as anything on this record. It even has a chainsaw! And yet, Morrissey’s vocals sound the same as any other song on the album - no bite, no anger, just the same soft, floating delivery. And as I listened through the album again, what ultimately hit me is that Morrissey comes off as a very one dimensional singer. He does very well with ballads, and sometimes these can be beautiful. But he doesn't bring much to anything upbeat or with an emotion other than a moderate depression, and can sometimes detract in those situations. He's the vocal equivalent of a wet blanket, and that's not always what is needed. Ultimately, the lack of emotional range, coupled with the relatively benign instrumentation and production on most of the tracks hinders the album. Gone are the more forward-driving jangle-pop rhythms of the Smiths, which can create a strange dynamic with Morrissey's vocals on some songs, but also helps to balance the emotional palette. Here, the tracks seem to fall into a bit of a rut; many of the songs are melancholy but not outright depressing, a little frustrated but not angry. I imagine it's like walking outside for 15 minutes on a misty, overcast spring day; it's a bit of a bummer, but not very notable. It's just not going to stick with me at all, unfortunately, and even the better songs on the album aren't enough to keep me coming back.
I didn't think that much of "Your Arsenal" but I did think it was worth three stars. That in itself surprised me because I've always found Morrisey's solo efforts to be as dull as dishwater. This album didn't offer any surprise at all, and I was pretty happy when the final track played out, just so I could go and listen to more interesting music.
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.
I find the vocals whiny and depressing.
troncho
He may be a knob, but he does great music
he's the worst. But this album is good Morrissey.
It’s weird, I don’t know if my expectations were too high or what but I was pretty disappointed by this album. It wasn’t bad, I mean as much I hate Morrissey, the dude has an incredible voice. I just wasn’t really blown away. I thought the album was overall a little underwhelming. The production isn’t bad I just found everything to be bland, like there wasn’t anything quirky, or silly. Like say what you want about the “80s sound” of The Smiths, I just prefer that sound coupled with Morrissey’s voice.
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
Morrissey is one sad bastard. Decent record, though.
I got this album yesterday but I was really tired and could not bring myself to listen to that insufferable prick. Today I got to song 8. Bonus star for not being Kid Rock.
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
I’ve heard worse. That’s the only thing saving this from 1 star.
None of the Morrissey albums stand out from the other Morrissey albums.
Not for me.
Although a pretentious bellend, he can write a decent song or two.
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
When I typed "Does Morrissey have mommy issues?" into Brave search the AI overview answered with a bunch of lines about Morrissey's profound connection to his mother, and I would say that he has all the markers of a man who was loved a little too deeply by his mommy... He really takes on the maternalistic martyr role with his lyrical content that is so concerned with how he is a victim for loving too much... sound like anyone you know? I think partially that's why I find it so easy to connect to his music? I similarly have a weird relationship with my mom who's biggest crime in her eyes was loving me too much... maybe I should write a bunch of songs about it.
What are these lyrics about Morrissy??!!
Avant tout, il faut se remettre dans le contexte. On est en 1994, deux ans plus tôt, Morrissey nous avait balancé « Your Arsenal », produit par le regretté Mick Ronson. Un album quasi glam-rock, plein de testostérone, de guitares qui tranchent, une sorte de T-Rex dépressif sous amphétamines. C’était brillant, arrogant, frontal. Et puis, le silence. Entre-temps, le Mozz a perdu des proches. L’ambiance n’est plus à la gonflette. La pochette elle-même, ce portrait sépia, presque fantomatique, annonce la couleur : le fard est tombé, le showman laisse place à l’homme. Et quel homme, car « Vauxhall and I » est l’exact opposé de son prédécesseur. C’est un album crépusculaire, un disque de fin de journée, de fin de règne. La production de Steve Lillywhite, tout en retenue, enveloppe les morceaux d’une mélancolie poisseuse mais jamais plombante. Ce n’est pas un album qui te tire vers le fond ; c’est un album qui flotte avec toi dans la pénombre, qui te prend par la main et te dit « ouais, c’est la merde, mais regarde comme c’est beau, la merde, quand on la regarde bien ». « Vauxhall and I » c’est un peu ma madeleine de Proust. Et pour toute une génération de gens comme moi, nés dans les années 70, qui a bouffé du post-punk et de la new wave au petit-déjeuner, cet album est un refuge. C’est le son de nos chambres d’étudiants, de nos premières vraies peines de cœur, de ces dimanches après-midi pluvieux où le monde extérieur semblait être une agression et où seul le son de la voix de Morrissey pouvait donner un sens au chaos. Ce disque, on ne l’a pas juste écouté, on l’a habité. On a fumé des clopes en le fixant tourner sur la platine, on a disséqué chaque putain de parole en se disant « mais oui, c’est exactement ça ». Revenir sur ce disque, c’est comme retourner sur les lieux d’un crime parfait. Le crime, c’est celui que Morrissey a commis sur notre innocence. Et l’arme, c’est cette fausse douceur, ce calme trompeur qui imprègne chaque sillon. Car faut être honnête, « Vauxhall and I » est un disque profondément vicieux. Ça a l’air d’une collection de ballades pop inoffensives, le genre de truc que ta mère pourrait tolérer en fond sonore. Grosse erreur, c’est un piège, c’est un marécage. Tu poses un pied dedans en te disant « tiens, c’est joli », et la seconde d’après, tu es englué jusqu’au cou dans la neurasthénie la plus classieuse qui soit. Les arrangements de cordes, les guitares acoustiques cristallines… tout ça, c’est du fard à paupières sur un cadavre. C’est fait pour te séduire, pour t’endormir, pour que le venin des paroles s’infiltre plus profondément. Et c’est ça, le génie de ce disque, il ne crie pas sa douleur comme sur les albums des Smiths. Il ne bombe pas le torse comme sur « Your Arsenal ». Non, il murmure, il insinue, il est le fantôme à ton chevet qui te souffle à l’oreille que tout est foutu, mais avec une telle élégance que tu finis par le remercier. Il a compris que la mélancolie la plus puissante n’est pas celle qui s’étale, mais celle qui se devine, qui se cache dans le pli d’une phrase, dans la suspension d’une note de piano. Parlons de « Speedway ». Ce final, c’est le testament de l’album, ça commence comme une balade au galop, presque héroïque, et ça se termine en apothéose de fiel et d’arrogance blessée. « Et pour toutes les rumeurs qui me clouent au sol / Je n’ai jamais dit, je n’ai jamais dit qu’elles étaient complètement infondées ». Mais qui a les couilles d’écrire un truc pareil ? Qui assume à ce point sa propre mythologie de paria magnifique ? C’est le doigt d’honneur le plus sophistiqué de l’histoire de la pop. Il ne se défend pas, il t’accuse de ne pas avoir compris que sa grandeur résidait précisément dans ses failles, réelles ou supposées. Et quand le morceau s’effondre dans ce bruit de moteur qui s’écrase, tu comprends que le tour de piste est terminé. Le showman est mort, vive le martyr. Alors ouais, 10/5, c’est peut être la subjectivité d’un fan hardcore mais je vous emmerde car l’objectivité, en musique, c’est pour les comptables et les critiques sans âme. La musique, la vraie, celle qui te marque au fer rouge, elle se note avec les tripes, avec le cœur, avec les cicatrices qu’elle laisse. « Vauxhall and I » n’est pas un album parfait au sens technique. Il y a des moments plus faibles, des morceaux qui flottent un peu. Et alors ? C’est comme reprocher à un vieux pote d’avoir des défauts. C’est justement pour ça qu’on l’aime, parce qu’il est vrai, parce qu’il est humain. Ce disque, c’est Morrissey qui baisse la garde, et il y a une chaleur, une tendresse brisée qu’on ne retrouvera peut-être jamais aussi purement chez lui. C’est le son d’un homme qui, après avoir été écorché vif par la presse et la vie, se regarde dans le miroir et décide de ne plus jouer de rôle. Il est juste là, avec ses fêlures, sa poésie incomparable et ses mélodies qui te poignardent le cœur avec une douceur infinie. Ce disque c'est une conversation privée entre Morrissey et chaque personne qui a déjà ressenti ce mélange exquis de supériorité intellectuelle et de misère affective. C'est un album pour une secte et il en est la clef. Pour conclure cette critique qui s’éternise, je vais juste dire que cet album est une nécessité. Un putain de chef-d’œuvre d’écriture et d’atmosphère, un disque qui, 30 ans après, n’a pas pris une ride parce qu’il parle de choses éternelles : la solitude, le désir, le regret, et de cette petite lueur d’espoir tenace qui refuse de s’éteindre complètement.
Listenable, nothing special, the track where someone is talking over it is really annoying.
Nope. The Smiths were awesome, this dude is a narcissistic beanbag who whines about everything. List can do without this blumpkin.
4/5
No. Fuck no. Why isn’t there a negative star option? Maybe we could get the option to use it 10 times? I will tell this brothers and sisters, if I only could have one I would use it on this album.
I've listened to Your Arsenal quite a lot and love that record, but I've never listened to another Morrissey solo record in my life. This is a good one. "The More You Ignore Me," is fantastic pop music, and quintessential Morrissey. The other tracks are excellent. FOUR STARS
Musical equivalent to a super dry red wine
I was aware of Morrissey but never actually listened to his music. This feels pretty forgettable.
Not into it 4/10
Too miserable, get over it bro. Some decent ideas here and there. Not really my thing but not terrible
Okay.
It was fine.
Neither timeless or memorable. I'm struggling to relate to those who claim this is an essential album. For me this is nice background music that passes through without any impact whatsoever.
-lowkey stop making me listen to every single one of Morrissey’s solo albums i think i get the picture now -pretty middle of the road by his standards, every song kinda sounded the same for the most part. -it wasn’t all bad but it was simply not interesting enough to warrant even 3 stars idc -Favorites: Now My Heart Is Full, I Am Hated for Loving
Listened to the whole album and barley noticed it. I do like his voice but this was a nothing album to me
This is my 2nd Morrissey album on here, haven't heard this before either. I like this probably more than the last one.
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.
Rating: 2.1 This is going to be the least controversial thing I’ve ever said on here: man he is a pussy.
He needs Johnny Marr. And to not be racist.
Hørte det en enkelt gang. Starten var fin men synes egentlig bare at kvaliteten af sangene faldt. Hvilket er irriterende fordi der var sjove og dejlige lyde brugt igennem albummet. 4/10
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
I enjoyed this more than I expected. My favorites were: "Now My Heart IS Full (Remastered)," "Spring-Heeled Jim (Remastered)," "Speedway (Remastered)," and "Jack the Ripper (Live At the Theatre Royal Drury Lane)."
horrible news....i think i enjoy this man's music....
probably the best morrissey i've ever been subjected to but i still won't listen to this ever again LMAO
I've never listened to a Morrissey solo effort before, but finally having given this a spin I can conclude that what little appeal The Smiths hold was actually in spite of his involvement 1.5* for the work put in by whoever wrote most of this music
Smiths were better... but Morrissey's music in general shouldn't be hated just because Morrissey made it
Disliked a bunch, and I wonder.. I think this is the only Morrissey solo album I didn't listen to when it came out. I think Nostalgia has a lot to do with my like of Morrissey
it was fine - just not the best day for the album
I can't hate this. As much as I want to because of all the weird stuff Morrissey said, I really like it. He has some interesting and insightful things to say when he isn't yapping about how Chinese people are subhuman. I like that the album keeps the Jangle Pop roots of The Smiths' discography and turns it into his own thing. Unrelated fun fact: Morrissey wrote a 50-page rant about the British government in his autobiography.
90s bands always sound so same-y and derivative of previous decades.
I have a soft spot for the smiths and some of Morrissey's stuff, but I really didn't like this. It's just so whiny. Plus I now have to look at his stupid face whenever I open my Spotify.
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.
I really liked this one, gave me some Jeff Buckley vibes too. Mellow songs that evolve beautifully. The guitar parts sound amazing. Favorites: ‘Now My Heart is Full’ and ‘Hold On To Your Friends’. 4/5
Morrissey's best album by a country mile. More catchy, consistent, touching and carefully crafted than anything he did previously, or has done since, as solo artist. Not quite up there with The Smiths at their best, but - credit where credit is due - Vauxhall And I is not far off.
Shitty music. Shittier guy
Rock, 1994 -> 2
The 90s English bands influence is clear in this one. Sounds so unlike the smiths Not as good as Viva hate But pretty good
I have to say the I much prefer the Morrissey albums from the 2000s. Added them more you ignore me to playlist.
His fourth album. Indie Rock. Damn you Morrissey ! Your politics and ideas on some things seem crazy to me. You often come across as a rude and unpleasant bloke. However your music and lyrics just pull me in. I dislike you and love you, you fucking glorious bastard !
Yes there's a lot of hate for Morrissey on here and he richly deserves it. But bad people make great art, and this really is a pretty perfect album. In the early nineties he was one of the last major artists to put singles out regularly not on albums. After Viva Hate (clearly an album he had songs ready for straight out of the gate) there were two very patchy ones while he put his strongest material out as a great run of singles. Not here. It's the (brief) arrival of Morrisey as the maker of great albums. His trademark combo of melancholy, nostalgia and snark has never been employed in a stronger set of songs. The arrangements (which can often be crude let's face it) are varied and noticably softer at times. It is a stunning set and remains so despite the last thirty years of awfulness. Special mention to pocket epic closer Speedway and the much-lauded drum sound mentioned elsewhere. Downhill from here.
One of life’s mysteries is why does he sound like that?
Pre-listen whining: I’m so sick of it dude. Unfortunately I did really like the last Morrissey album I got, so maybe I’ll have to justify enjoying this one too. Post-listen whining: alas, I liked this as much as ‘Your Arsenal’ and must rate accordingly. You win another round, Morrissey, you bastard. The production is great and his writing and melodies are razor sharp. Hate the album cover though. Don’t look at me like that. That’s a face that makes me leave the bar if I see it coming my way.
Meh
Decent album but didn't feel any highlights
It was ok. Nothing too memorable. Can we all agree that one Morrissey album on the 1001 list is plenty???
I really never understood why Morrissey has so many albums in his solo career on this list. Like, was he that good during his solo career to have 4 albums here? This album was also very boring too. Morrissey was really just underwhelming after he left the Smiths that it even surprises me he is still relevant. Favorite Songs: Hold on to Your Friends Rating: 1.5/5
Typical Morrisey. Depressed crooning over moody rock.
Ugh disinterested singer boring music not fun.
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.
As if I could ever give Morrisey anything less than a 5.
Jeg er veldig glad i the Smiths. Jeg er sympatisk til Morrissey som en låtskriver og artist, hvilket vil si at jeg synes forfengeligheten hans er effektiv som et estetisk virkemiddel. The Smiths tar inn i seg romantiske poeter som skrev bra i en slags klassisk forstand, men gir det en ny og moderne drakt som presenterer det som noe nytt og utvilsomt 80-talls. Og fyren kan jo åpenbart syng på et rent teknisk nivå. Dog er det Johnny Marr som er den store stjernen i the Smiths. Jangle Pop er peak indie, gitaren er det viktigiste musikalske elementet i sub-genren, og Marr er archetypen som alle måles etter. Derfor har jeg aldri vært så interessert i å se hva Morrissey har å by på på egenhånd. Dette er omtrent som jeg trodde. Det er allerede hint av det på Strangeways Here We Come, hvor vi finner en roligere, mindre poppy versjon av the Smiths. Og jeg er glad i den skiva og, selv om det er et steg ned fra de tidligere albumene hvor Marr får lov til å dele sentrum med Morrissey. Så det følger at jeg liker dette. Jeg liker dette godt. Hold on to Your Friends har en jævlig deilig progressjon. The More You Ignore Me kunne lett vært en Smiths låt, hadde passet rett inn på Strangeways. Det er nice, men hadde vi ikke noe som var enda mer nice før? Dette er gjerne problemet med å gå solo. Hvis man bare fortsetter i samme spor, så skal det godt gjøres at det blir bedre uten de resterende kreative kreftene. Litt som hvordan en tekst har en tendens til å alltid bli bedre etter en redaktør har løpt løpsk med en rød penn. Litt uvjevn, spesielt mot slutten, men overall er det vanskelig å være for kritisk med noe som har så mange av elementene jeg liker the Smiths for.
Dette er nok den mest helhetlige Morrissey-plata. Deilig atmosfære som kan minne om Smiths-tiden til tider. Likte den, men hører helst på bandet.
Jeg har i utgangspunktet ikke noe imot Morrisey og the Smiths, men dette syntes jeg var slapt. I motsetning til andre her likte jeg Morrisey bedre enn bandet. Beste låta er nok "I m hated for loving"
Why on Earth is there so much Morrissey on this list? It's just not that great. It's mediocre at best and this album is no different.
Fortsatt ikkje knekt Morrissey-koden
Meandering.
Liked maybe one song
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.
Soy fan de los Smiths y en parte de Morrissey por continuar en cierta forma con lo que hacía en el grupo. Este disco me parece de los más aburridos que tiene y del que solo salvaría "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get". Para alguien que no le guste tiene que ser un suplicio encontrarse este tipo de discos en la lista.
I hate that I love it.
I had very little exposure to the Smiths and found them moody and whiny, so this album by their lead singer totally shattered my expectations. It's actually very listenable and solid throughout. Surprises like this make me glad for this service!
Eh it’s fine. Nothing nearing the Smiths, it went fast enough and wasn’t unpleasant.
My first response was not morrisey again, but this was one of his better ones
Decent enough - not surprisingly not dissimilar to the Smiths, but lacking a bit of something
It genuinely bothers me how much I enjoy Morrissey's music, based on the albums I've heard so far through this exercise. Sad boy music is my thing I guess.
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.
Boring
Never heard this one before. Arrangements are still reminiscent of the smiths but different enough that this is a new experience. Very cool I really liked it
The perfect album for the guy whose super hot girlfriend just broke up with him after realizing he is a pathetic, whiny, insecure, bitch and he wants to spend the rest of his life being a total fucking bummer everywhere he goes. I think this album was the birth of Emo.
Easy listening. Not really my style.
Really feels like the 90s. Not my jam but I get why people like it. Also, we get it, you find his politics repulsive. Can't fucking stop from saying it can you?
👌
Eh. His eyebrows are unsettling 2.6/5
Music for college kids that go to poetry slams.
Just some nice classy Morrissey.
really good
Det här är nära en femma men det är kanske något framtungt. Kommer iallafall lyssna igen på detta. Mycket mycket bra.
Classic Morrissey, sometimes almost a parody of himself.. but so good.
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.
Vauxhall & I I’ve not listened to lots of solo Morrissey stuff, although I did quite like the one with him with a machine gun on the cover with Irish Blood, English Heart on it. However, aside from his more recent political views, the thing I always struggled with his solo stuff is the actual music itself, and I feel similarly with this. His voice sounds excellent, and he deals out some excellent lines among the self pity and navel gazing, but I find the dynamic between him and the music so uninspiring that it all feels pointless. I may be completely wrong about his process, and as as far as I’m aware he doesn’t have much musical aptitude, but I always get a huge disconnect between him and his words and what his band and collaborators do, it feels like he just does his bits and then they make some songs and never the twain shall meet etc. With The Smiths there was a sense of collaboration and tension between Marr and Morrissey, that they were equals, creating the songs and the band together, whereas this feels like session musicians filling in the blanks. Not that there is anything wrong with that way of doing things, he’s obviously worked with Alain Whyte and Boz Borer for a long time, and there are plenty of musicians I like who work in that way too, but, despite their skill, the music on here just feels really like really generic mid 90s mid tempo ‘rock’, there’s just no excitement or sense of cohesion between him and the band. Like I say, I may be completely wrong and it is in reality an intensely collaborative experience, but I really struggle to shake that feeling of hollowness to it all. So, while this is of course fine, I do find it very hard to engage with, it all feels kind of aimless and empty, even if it’s very nicely played. 2 might be a bit harsh, but I don’t think I’ll actually come back to this. 🥀🥀 Playlist submission: Spring Heeled Jim
This is something of a watershed for Morrissey's solo stuff, as he finds his slower tempo crooner sweet-spot. It's his best since Viva Hate, and feels like it combines the best elements of his solo work. I reserve most praise for the epic 'Spring Heeled Jim' which has always been a favourite and feels grandly cinematic in arrangement and delivery. I still think the peak of his solo career is You Are the Quarry, but this, and Viva Hate, are not too far behind. I can't reasonably rate this alongside those nor his best Smiths work, which is why I plump for the highest of excellent 4s.
I feel like I've already said as much as there is to say on Morrissey's music in the other reviews I've done for him/The Smiths. This one is again just too much bland and melancholy for me to say I really enjoyed it, even if it's not bad. I'd probably appreciate him more in a non-album listen since it wouldn't grate as much in a shorter session. Maybe it's because I've heard a few already, but I liked this less than the other albums I've had of his. Hard to say how I would've felt had I heard this one first. Apparently there are still quite a few to go, so we'll see how I feel about those. Overall: 2.3/5
I've never actually listened to the Smiths before either. If they're anything like the lead singer solo here, I made a good choice. What a whiny boring album. My Spotify stopped at the third-to-last song, and I am okay with that. I don't need more of this whispery shit.
I enjoyed the instrumentals a lot, the singer himself is just isn't my kind of sound
My guy🥰 great album
I love Morrissey. Although, I'm not as into this particular album.
The rare Morrissey that makes me not long for Johnny Marr. A great collection of songs that features more wisdom than whine. A consistent as anything in his solo collection. Peters out a bit on side two. Highly listenable.
Morrissey is and always has been a tool … but I like it 👍
I sometimes think about the best album for someone to listen to if he/she is looking to hear Morrissey's solo music. I still think a greatest hits album seems like the best avenue but between this one or Bona Drag. Both are fantastic in my opinion, but I think I lean towards Bona Drag. I think Morrissey's lyrics cut deeper on that one. This isn't a "light rock" version of Morrissey's albums but the songs here do tend to be some of his less rocking. Starting off with Now My Heart is Full allows listeners to know this is a different kind of Morrissey record and even though I won't write home about the brilliance of Spring-Heeled Jim and this album does not contain a diss track about his hairdresser, it's a worthy addition to this book. Now My Heart is Full Hold on to Your Friends The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get Why Don't You Find Out for Yourself I Am Hated for Loving Used to be a Sweet Boy Speedway
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.
I love most of this record. Only exception is Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning and that's because Morrissey is just too whispery and melodramatic - "she was, nobody's nothing" is a lyric made for sad boy/girl tumblr. Other than that though, this is a really strong record. I'm feeling a light 5/5 on this
I liked this! — I was not very familiar with either Morrissey, or The Smiths, but I was immediately comfortable with the first few tracks of the album. Other reviewers call these songs “samey” — indie agony rock — but I enjoyed them. About halfway through, I was genuinely surprised by the dark and melancholy turn that things took, especially with the haunting instrumentation of “Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning,” which has a clarinet tracing through the song. Then I was truly hooked, and by the time the album ended with a bang after “In my own sick way, I’ve always been true to you” — it had me.
yes
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.
Great, more Smiths. This list is like 1001 Smiths and Bowie albums to listen to before you die, plus a few bonus albums from other non-Smiths and non Bowies. 2/5
3/5
Amazing
Lead singer of The Smiths Not the best
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.
This album is a little more welcoming and ear-tasteful than other stuff I have heard from Morrissey. Maybe a little more the smiths. than his solo stuff. Pretty good so far. Yeah, this is a good album.
Sorry. I don't get Morrissey. ★★
Props to Morrissey for turning one song into so many different albums
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)
mmmm
Meh.
Not sure how I feel about Morrissey. Kinda weird. Kinda whiny. Kinda nice. I just don't know
Har aldrig lyssnat på Morrissey. Väl hört nåt så och då. Men/och det låter precis som jag befarar. Det är extremt generiskt. Som långsamt dansband. Det är musikaliskt slätt. Trummor och gitarr tuggar på grått. Sången ovanpå är sen en berättelse utan att avvika särskilt mycket från resten. Lifguard-låten är bäst, där händer något lite annat. Men nej, jag hade nog lika tråkigt jag anade att jag skulle ha.
Har inte så mycket att säga att än att det här är en riktigt grym skiva, fullsmetad med bra låtar.
again, this morrissey guy is unfortunately very good at making music
Thankfully I know nothing about this guy's politics, but the music was still right down the middle. Moments it was good, moments I wanted to slap him, and moments where I don't know if I was even listening anymore.
It's good, but not great... I like the vibe and of course the voice, need to listen to more Morrissey...
Some good tracks.
Look as much as I consider Morrisey a pretentious douche, I mustn’t lie his almost concerning level of narcissism is well founded. The man can write a good song, this album as that intro may lead you to believe was a good time. Everything here was enjoyable at some level, multiple times rising up to be really good, I loved the closer “Speedway”, I also loved “Now My Heart Is Full”, “Hold On To Your Friends”, and “Used To Be A Sweet Boy” among others. The production is far less heavy handed than many mid 90s records and his voice sounds really good throughout.
Setting aside Morrissey as a person, his music is fine, and nothing more. I can't protest about including one of his solo albums on this list, but it just isn't nearly as good as anything by The Smiths.
Morrissey’s solo work can be hit or miss, but I think this is one of his better albums. While it still features those signature jangly guitars, the overall tone is much different from his work with The Smiths. Here, the sound is more mature, lush, and refined, which pairs perfectly with his melancholic vocal delivery.
Morrissey again. For 20 seconds it was ok but then…how can he always be so bloody miserable, though to be fair he’s seemed to have mellowed since the smiths, never going to be a fan, lots are. I listened to it all - 2 Star
get this fucker off my screen omgg. actually the most overrated artist of all time
Herlig album. Igjen leverer Morrissey varene. Meget sterk firer.
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
414/1001
Morrissey at his most self-absorbed. Can't say that I don't thoroughly enjoy it.
Now my heart is full!? Like the Smiths but without the angst. Turns out I may have enjoyed that part the most.
nothing to say
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.
El tipico señor que le mola a tu madre fisicamente (en plan chayanne o george clooney) cantando canciones de series de los 2000 como embrujadas o smallville, en ese sentido me he sentido una joven adolescente empezando a descubrir los libros de fantasia oscura, de brujas, vampiros, hombres lobo, criaturas angelicales y demoniacas. Me da mala vibra el tio, me recuerda al protagonista de You.
terrible person, decent album.
This was quite a long 39 minutes; felt like I was listening to the same song on repeat
Oh Morrissey you mad lad with a delicious voice. Really liked this. Some of his best work outside of the Smiths. Simpsons: Yes PS. Publishing your autobiography as a Penguin Classic is badass.
Morrissey may be a cunt but he writes a good tune.
Listened Before? N Meh. Morrisey. Don't care. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: None
4 Stars (11/15)
The gobshite’s gobshite. The other album is better. This doesn’t need to be here. Maybe Morrissey is so beloved because his fans relate to everything. Not just the 'sensitive' musings on relationships and unemployment but the racism, anti-immigration, Reform UK offensiveness. Listening to Morrissey gives you a deniability ‘oh but his lyrics are SO good’ - meanwhile you tell your critic friends how awful everything is while carrying a picture of Nigel Farage hidden deep in your wallet. Morrissey is your ‘get out of being a fascist’ card. ‘Of course I don’t agree with him’. Sure you don’t.
I experience Mossissey as less as a god, more as a master of Misery. His wales defy me. Sometimes, I can bop along to a catchy hit. But if I listen too much of him, a familiar teenage despondency rises like a nauseating bile pond. By track 3 on this album I had to shut it down. Never waste listening time. Off!
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.
Another fucking Morrissey album. Vauxhall and I might well be the best of his solo records, but I just can't get past his self-obsession, intolerant arrogance and racism. He may be clever, but he is a world class prick, and listening to his records makes me nauseated. I know he has a famously rusted-on fanbase, but I really worry about people still enthralled by Morrissey; how do you reconcile your conscience against his abhorrent rhetoric? He threatened to quit the music industry after this record, and the world would arguably have been a better place if he had followed through.
Vauxhall and I is often considered one of Morrissey’s most cohesive and mature solo works, marking a shift from the more glam-influenced sound of his earlier albums toward something more subdued and introspective. The production, handled by Steve Lillywhite, is notably restrained, with rich but understated arrangements that put Morrissey's voice front and center. It creates a moody, melancholic atmosphere that suits his lyrical themes, but also makes the album feel quite static in places. Lyrically, Morrissey is reflective, drawing on themes of aging, disillusionment, and identity. “Now My Heart Is Full” opens the album with a sense of weary grandeur, while tracks like “Hold On to Your Friends” and “Used to Be a Sweet Boy” explore personal loss and faded connections. The tone remains fairly uniform throughout, and while that lends the album a sense of unity, it also contributes to its occasional sluggishness. There are moments of wit and poignancy, but the musical palette feels limited, with few dynamic shifts or standout instrumental ideas. While Vauxhall and I is often praised for its lyrical depth and emotional honesty, its subtlety may come across as dull to listeners expecting the melodic flair or sharper contrasts of The Smiths or Morrissey's earlier solo output.
Better than I expected. More upbeat than a lot of his material I have heard before. Pleasantly surprised.
Very nice. Would buy
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.
The album cover isn’t something I super enjoy looking. Enjoyed front to back 🤷♀️
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
Sad boy whined.
He was great with the Smiths but I can't hang with solo Morrissey. Waay too whiny.
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
I thought I wouldn't enjoy Morrissey without Johnny Marr, wasn't really looking forward to it, but I got to say I thought the record was great, plenty of great moments, definitely worth another listen
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.
4.5
Solid even though I usually can’t deal with the moan and drone
Moments of glory don’t make up for a lack of new ideas, sonically or lyrically.
It's a very warm and melodic album, which is sometimes nice, but it's nothing really special. It's just a nice collection of songs, but there is nothing in the album that really stands out.
I know nothing of this man’s personal politics as other reviewers have mentioned and I have never listened to any of his solo stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed this album, brilliant music.
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.
Sad to see the face of a fascist on this album cover. Morrissey managed to ruin The Smiths twice for me. While this record might be his most musically mature solo album, I can't separate the melancholy from the man. His voice is such an identifiable signature there's no way for me to listen "as-if" it wasn't him. And, Frankly (Mr. Shankly), the smug man still sounds great here. But if I could take away the one star I'm giving this album, I would.
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.
not this mfer
I was impressed initially. I've never quite been a big advocate for The Smiths besides the hits. Morrissey is also not the best human being, so the idea of me forcing myself to sit through a full project of his was a challenge. But there's good material here that I'm glad to at least know exists. There's that but then the rest of the album keeps going and I go back into that "Why am I listening to this, I would never listen to this" mode. What's the point sometimes? I liked the weird gnome elf psych record from Wednesday more than this but fine singles nonetheless (5/10, 2/5 on this scale)
More Morrissey…
This is Morrissey on his way. Interesting to watch the steps on the way to his own sound that he seemed to find on his later recordings.
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.
Beter dan verwacht, maar als nog wel edgy
Me ha gustado. Un poco repetitiva la voz pero se deja oír. No será la última vez que lo oiga. Me ha sorprendido.
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.
Please, please, please no more Morrissey
Boring album!! The only standout song was “The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get”. Everything else was just background music.
Nope, can’t bring myself to give a racist arsehole who shat all over his legacy in the Smiths more than one star.
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.
Listened to other music by Morrissey with The Smiths. Enjoyed listening to this one as well!
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?
like a worse smiths album
Never listened to Morrisey before. I really like his style. His voice is a nice mid-range and smooth and over the musical arrangements the whole production sounds nice, with a harder rock edge on occasion. The lyrics were nice and cynical and gloomy, often a scathing review of humanity (see Lifeguard... and Lazy Sunbathers). I'm all about that, and those songs were my favorite on the album. Standouts were "Now My Heart Is Full," "Billy Budd" - featuring some dope wah guitar - "Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning" - freaking poetry I really liked this album. It took the "singer/songwriter" genre to another level for me. The guitar work was very good. Despite being pretty rocky, the songs do sound a tad samey and sleepy after a bit, but this didn't bother me too much. There are a lot of good jams here. Easy 4 stars.
I think I'd like it if Morrissey could release an objectively bad album please, because it's painful to have to hear something as good as this and equate it with Old Steve. As it is, this is, yet again, excellent, starting with the exceptional Now My Heart Is Full. A confusing feeling.
Not quite the Smiths, but enjoyable to listen to. 3
Nope. Very lame.
I recognize it, but it was standard 90s radio fare.
The Smiths are a good bad but fuck racist wankers
Really good, some of his best lyrics and the instrumentals are great, simple but they lull you in so easily.
One of my all time favourite albums
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
Got tired oh him quite soon.
He is playing in my home town today. The local newspaper wrote about making a difference between the art and the artist. I cannot, it is really hard if it's a man like this. But damn his music is GOOD. I cannot bring myself to give it a bad grade. It is good. He is an asshole.
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.
Probably his best solo album
I think I have downgraded previously because it's not the Smiths, but objectively this is a great album imo
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.
No denying it, I really like some of his solo stuff.
I kinda wish this whole challenge hadn't turned me into a Morrissey fan, since he's a prick.
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.
Meh. Strong production value, the music has good sound. Some of the lyrics are decent but I’m not a fan of the lead singer’s voice.
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 really like this record. Too bad Morrissey just seems to be an angry, hateful old man nowadays.
Not as great as the best Smith albums, but good enough.
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)
Eurgh, I so wanted to hate this but I couldn't quite do it. Close though 😏
Not full of out-and-out hits, but pleasing to listen to. Lots of lullaby-eque songs.
Yeah you know I kinda enjoyed this actually but I am docking one point for being the world's worst spokesperson for vegetarianism. That's right!! No rules! I mark how I want!!
So many Morrissey solo albums on this list Like the rest of them, this stays stuck in third gear and lacks the magic of the best Smiths stuff. He’s a great lyricist but remains a great arse too
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.
Better than the other Morrissey solo album we got earlier, but still not as good as the Smiths.
J’ai un feeling U2… j’haïs U2
Un de mes albums préféré de Morrissey.
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 😎