Vauxhall And I

Well it’s not the Smiths but it’ll do. Fuck Morrissey.

This one’s not for me as I was never a Smith’s fan. I like his voice and some of his lyrics are interesting but overall it’s a melancholic effort. In an effort to add at least one song per recommended album to my Kaizen Project playlist I tacked on ‘The Lazy Sunbathers’ which I could see being used on a Sofia Coppola soundtrack.

J’ai toujours l’impression que Morrissey lui-même prend trop de place dans sa musique, et ça m’empêche de lui prêter une oreille totalement sympathique

Love The Smiths and Morrissey solo still scratches that itch

not great, some of the intros were nice, i think i only enjoyed like one song. it wasn't offensive to listen to until the last couple of songs. Just.. not for me lol

not my kind of music

Around the third song, I got bored with this album. The songs are too much alike, and, after listening to the whole thing, I felt the need for something positive and affirming. All I got was repetitious dreariness.

Curioso. En los 90 este disco no me gustaba. Ahora sí.

One paced and generally average.

I’ve never been a big Morrissey fan either on or off stage. But I approached this with as open mind as I could. I can see why it was successful, but for me his lyrics are bitter and self-indulgent. This did nothing to dispel the impression he’s a big moaner I’m afraid. I’ll still give him an okay rating because the album’s not bad. I just don’t really like him.

I like Morrissey and the Smiths, his lyrics are great and I have no problem with them being a bit depressing. This is not his best IMO, prefer some of his other solo stuff. A lot of the songs don't really go anywhere, maybe I'm a simpleton who wanted some more choruses like 'First of the Gang to Die' or 'Everyday is like Sunday'.

Good music, bad guy

Bit meh. I get the complaints of whininess. very vibes based but not my kinda vibe tbh

Great voice, unique lyrics, what’s not to like? 3/5.

It's good but not great. Sounds like it could have been the next Smiths album. Favorite song: they're all good, but none of them stand out.

Now My Heart Is Full, The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get

I've never taken the time to sit down with The Smiths or Morrissey. I was not surprised at all that I enjoyed it. I love love love angsty music. Having not heard any of his music before, I also listened to some Smiths tracks and some tracks from his other albums. This album is good but even after two listens I can't really tell you any tracks that stood out to me. They mostly washed together in a generally good soup. I don't think this is the best offering from him. This would be 4 stars but also knocking one off because Morrissey is such an ass.

Edelleen: kauniita melodioita ja tekstejä, mutta hämmentävä tyyppi. 3/5

Tää lista on kyllä pakottanut tykkäämään Morrisseyn soololevyistä. Onko jo neljäs. Hyvähän tämäkin on. 3,5/5.

Ei musta Morriseyn paras levy, jää nappaamatta otteeseensa samalla tavalla kuin muut listalla olleet. Ihan ok kuitenkin, 2.5/5.

Liked it more than I thought I would, wasn’t real familiar with this album

- Die Smiths sind mMn eine der krassesten Bands allerzeiten und das ist sicherlich zu 70% Morissey geschuldet. Das gehört eigentlich in die Smiths Rezension, aber es ist wichtig zu verstehen, dass er einfach ein genialer Songwriter ist - sowohl mit Band als auch Solo. - Ich kannte von "Vauxhall and I" nur "The Lazy Sunbathers", alles andere war komplettes Neuland für mich. - Auch wenn Morissey im Alter politisch leider in die falsche Richtung abgedriftet ist und versucht mit fragwürdigen Haltungen anzuecken, war er unbestritten ein toller Künstler. Und er bleibt für mich ein Mysterium. Die Ambivalenz in Person. Ich kann meine Faszination, ähnlich wie Böhmi, gegenüber Morrissey nicht abstreiten. - Seine Solosachen sind immer um einiges poppiger, als die Smiths Songs. So auch hier. Poppig, aber irgendwie anders und gut. Und so ganz ist der Indi dann natürlich auch nicht aus ihm rauszukriegen. - Texte sind wie immer überragend - Ich finde man kann das Album sehr gut durchhören, ohne das irgendwas extrem raussticht. Weder negativ noch positiv. - Deshalb fehlen leider auch die Hits - "Viva Hate" und "You Are The Quarry" sind leider ziemliche Bretter, an die dieses Album mMn einfach nicht rankommt. - Und doch ist es irgendwie ein schönes Album. Schön trifft mein Gefühl am ehesten. Nicht besonders. Nicht langweilig. Schön. - Könnte sich mal wieder um einen Grower handeln Rating: 3,75/5 (Tendenz steigend)

- Morissey hat einfach so einen charakterisitschen/markanten Stil - im Gesamteindruck leider doch für meinen Geschmack etwas zu eintönig - für eine ruhige stunde bei regnerischem Wetter und mit Tee in der Hand absolut perfekt. - Textlich sehr interessant wenn wich hin und wieder etwas kitschig 3/5

- ganz okay, aber war mir dann irgendwann doch zu viel Geleier Rating: 2,5 / 5

Because F him

Was disappointed when this one came up, but I liked it better than the other Morrissey album on the list

So tired of this man. This is the fourth Morrissey solo album on the project, and even if this one rises above the abysmally low standard of whining and moaning he usually engages in it's still a near-copy of the other LPs. While I'm not a fan of the Smiths, I can admit they were highly influential in the British music scene. That doesn't give Morrissey a free pass for every single one of his miserable albums to be on this list, and it's yet another damning example of the British bias of the (surprise) mostly-British editorial panel putting the 1001 book together.

Yes, I know he is a reprehensible shit. The Smiths are one of my all time faves though. Gave this a couple of listens and it definitely grew on me second time around. Not the same without Marr though

Two things I hate: Solo projects/comebacks The Smiths.... No really the Smiths are OK and worth a spot on your Playlist but this Morrisey content is ass.

Used to love this fucker back in the day. Now he’s a big time racist, elitist piece of shit. Had stopped listening by the time this one came out. There’s nothing necessary about this one. There’s no reason this should be on a list like this.

Not my thing.

Indeed

Fuck Morrissey

Solid album. Happy to listen to whenever. Didn’t blow me away, but 3-4 solid tunes and the rest is fine. 3.75

Decent, but most Smiths albums are better than this

Just being very clear that giving 1992 Morrissey 5 stars in no way condones 2023 Morrissey. I wonder if he can remember the person that produced this charming, knowing, clever album ?

This was my first time listening to a Morrissey solo album, and I hate to admit that I enjoyed it. I like Morrissey's vocals (I've listened to two Smiths albums), and I thought the lyrics on this album were really deep and personal. I don't know if Morrissey has ever explicitly stated what the lyrics to these songs mean, but I have a hunch that they're mostly about struggling with the social ramifications of being non-heterosexual. The musical arrangements were really good too. This album didn't blow me away, but I thought it was well made, and I enjoyed listening to it.

It's good but nowhere near the smiths or early solo stuff. I mentioned it previously but being a massive gammon also doesn't help the cause here.

I had the Smiths eight days ago. What are we doing and can we not please. I can't deal with this kind of carry on.

Album was hit and miss for me. I enjoyed some songs but didn’t care for others.

Yeah, it’s not bad. Morrissey’s still a prick though.

I have concluded I do not like Morrissey’s voice.

It's pretty incredible how this mopey loser keeps finding things to whine about in his songs, you think he'd have run out of things after a point. It ends up being kinda cathartic though. It's like you end up wishing you could be this openly miserable and have people praise you for it like he does. Songs are pretty good imo although nothing as iconic as Kyle Kuzma bus

When I was young I played violin at a decent enough level to compete. Ofc as an Orchestra nerd who did pit, I knew many of the theater kids, and one of their biggest complaints about the competitions was the exclusion of theater pieces. Unfortunately, I never could sympathize with them, because the talk-singing endemic to musical theater physically pained me (I did pit for the socialization). This huge digression is all a intro to contextualize why I don't like Morrissey - he talk sings like a musical theater kid, and his long sonorous portamentos induce the same pain that I felt decades ago. Some songs (Now My Heart is Full, Why Don't You Find out for Yourself, Used to be a Sweet Boy) suffer from it less than others, allowing his nice music to stand out a bit more. However, the biggest hit from this album (The More you Ignore me, the Closer I Get) is a quintessential example of this and was an instant skip for me (creepy lyrics aside). Listening to this album didn't change my mind about Morrissey, but it has clarified why I don't like him, which I appreciate.

No the Smiths, ale czasem bardziej happy

Me gustas

Good lyrics but music too sleepy for me

good background music

Sounds like a 90’s voice with an 80’s track. I don’t HATE it. I was surprised Jason knew who he was. I liked his live sound better than the studio tracks. Apparently Vauxhall is a British car company like Chevy or Ford here. I looked up one from 1994 and it reminded me of a Beretta or Sebring from that era. They were advertised a lot here in the states at that time. I remember seeing newspaper ads about them and some of my college friends had them. I kinda bet Vauxhall was the British version of the same market. He looks like Brian Austin Greene. Might be worth looking into some of his other albums to see how his music started and how it progressed. Apparently he is #2 rated as Britain’s most famous artist. I’m not sure I believe that, but that’s only because I’ve read maybe 30 sentences ever about him. I think it’s worth poking around to see what all of the “bloody” fuss is about.

Very solid album

Liked the last track. Was ok.

2.5

i've never dug too deep into the smiths and related albums, although what of the smiths i've heard, i've liked. this however, did not move me. it was fine. the quality of the songwriting, to me, was not incredible, although not awful. morrissey's lyrics are as fine as ever. i think this is just a case of me realizing the importance of johnny marr.

Just awful whining to my ears. And then knowing the comments he has gone on to make, force this album straight into the fire pit of doom!

Oh god why - good music made by horrible person.

The soundtrack to the South Park goths!

Tot nu toe heel saai, even luisteren of er ergens een uitzondering is

interesting choice to add to a list of "must listen" albums. All in all, it's a good record, Morrissey has a timeless voice and the songs are well crafted. That said, he's still a racist POS.

If you forget the fact that Morrissey is an asshole it’s a decent album but…Morrissey is an asshole.

Instrumentals are good, not a fan of his voice

Was not a fan of this type of music in the '90s when it came out and I was a teenager. My taste in the music is involved I enjoyed this a lot.

Nope. Not even gonna listen to this one. I detest his voice, stupid lyrical style, and all-round campy douchebag vibe. I have no reason to believe this album would offer up anything different to his regular wanker nonsense.

Look, I get it. The Smiths are really good. Morrissey is really good. I think to have three Smiths albums and then three more of his albums on the list is a bit much.

Vocal típico dos anos 80 que me irrita.

Enough of this guy

fuck morrissey. the smiths period was better.

Mostly excellent

put me to sleep but it was fine i guess

Coffee shop fodder. That’s not an insult. We all need moments with our low-key jams. Music that is built with no crescendo. The sound is comparable to “Friday (I’m In Love)”, “Romantic Traffic”. The tracks are strongest in the middle section of the album. Low 3.

Too much Morrissey on this list.

Fuck this guy, man. What a prick

found my head bobbing along but not something i will return to

S’alright

- totally not my music 1/5 I guess

It's Morrissey. Either you love him or you hate him. This one's a bit of a snooze.

This is a strong album. Anything after the Smiths will be viewed as lesser, but this might be Morrissey’s best solo record. It is of course sad and full of self loathing but the music and singing are great. The first half is stronger, but the album as a whole holds together well.

Pre-listen note - just had Meat is Murder 2 days ago. Good, not great. Not sure I have the patience for more Morrissey unless it's The Queen is Dead. Dude can sing, though. Track 1 sounds great. Rest of the album, pretty boring

Utter ass, boring sadboi music

Not a bloody chance

Sounded like interesting 90s British pop rock. The difference in modern mixing and 90s mixing stood out to me the most.

I love Morrisey! And the smiths

Now My Heart Is Full // The More You Ignore Me // Why Don’t You Find Out For Yourself // 2.5-3/5

I’ve tried so hard to like Morrissey but everything is just so one note.

Solid Morrissey. I like Bowie's influence on this one.

Not reaching the heights of any of The Smiths albums, but not terrible. I didn't hate it, but I can't say I fell in love with any of the songs, either.

eh, it was fine

I like MOrrissey's sound but this album is kind of dull.

Mediocre, meandering, inoffensive. Elevator music version of The Smiths.

Not my cup of tea.

The musical version of a beige wall

Bland.

J'aime beaucoup Morrissey, mais je n'ai pas été transcendé par cet album. C'était sympa mais rien qui sortait du lot. Après j'ai l'impression que beaucoup de ses chansons nécessitent plusieurs écoutes, donc peut-être que la note est victime de l'écoute unique

J'aime beaucoup les Smiths mais j'avais jamais trop écouté Morrissey en solo Ben c'est pareil mais en un peu moins bien / avec un peu moins de peps. Du coup avis mitigé.

Oh god, it’s Morrissey again

I have such a love hate relationship with Morrisey. This is the sixth (!!) Morrisey project on this list (that's .05% of the whole list), and what I've learned is that Morrisey has a really punchable face, his lyrics are incredibly up their own ass, and all the music sounds exactly the same. And yet, I always find myself completely in the pocket about 10 minutes into an album. His sound is great, there's a reason thousands of music acts have been imitating it (most of them are on this list!). Just don't listen too closely and don't look at his face and you'll have a great time.

I can't help but enjoy Morrissey's voice and the overall asthetic, though there were a few songs towards the end that grated a bit.

It was good. Still not crazy about him as a person, but I have to admit I like his stuff. Nothing too boring, but some songs stuck out more than others. Solid three overall. I guess I'm more excited for his other albums now. My favourite song was Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning.

ok

Love Morrissey.

Its Morrissey alright, but what is he on about?

Never really listened to Morrissey or The Smiths before much, but I really enjoyed this album. Favourite tracks: Spring-Heeled Jim, Billy Budd, Hold onto your Friends.

Vocally and musically this was all fine and good. But Morrissey's solo stuff will never sound like anything more than really watered-down Smiths songs. This loses one star simply because every single song made me want to just go listen to The Smiths: so off I go.

I've always liked Morrisey. Unique and dreamy, kind like Lo-Fi back in the day.

Just perfect. Probably clouded slightly by my strong memories attached to this one, but it definitely does it for me.

Pretty good. I generally don’t like Morrissey’s stuff.

I find him delightful.

i could go on for days about this man's extremely strange politics and convictions, possibly some of the craziest of any public figure i know, but i'm gonna go ahead and go on record saying that this guy is an ass. you know how sometimes you're so passionate about animals that you accidentally do a racism? morrissey knows. anyway, the album itself was fine. there are some decent songs, though it's hard to feel sorry for ol' sad sack narcissist morrissey here. i also liked how he said he doesn't have many friends in the first track, and several songs later is telling us to hold onto them and not feel ashamed to have them??? who is ashamed to have friends, what kind of serial killer would write this anyway, favorite songs: spring-heeled jim, billy budd, the more you ignore me the closer i get (it's got a good instrumental part even if the lyrics aren't great)

It's fine, not in my view one of Morrissey's better solo albums.

Fine.

Like the loud rockier numbers but the slower ballad song are pretty forgettable

I think Morissey had a superbly distinct voice, but that's all this album has

Pas le meilleur album de Morrissey que j'ai eu à date, mais force m'est d'admettre que c'est clairement un artiste accompli malgré qu'il est un tas de merde. 6/10

More emotionally vulnerable than the other Morrissey albums we’ve had. Dialing down the preachiness makes this a much easier listen. Really nothing to hate here.

I’m biased, but I’ll always love a Morrissey album. The lyrics are unsurprisingly brilliant here, and they’re combined with some really nice instrumentation. I’m probably ignoring some flaws here because I have nostalgia for the british prick, but to me it’s great.

This was fine! I don’t like Morrissey much so I expected to hate this album, but it was perfectly okay. Didn’t love it, wouldn’t listen again, but it was perfectly serviceable.

Morrissey remains a cunt.

This is really good, sounds somewhere between The Smiths (obviously) and early Pulp. I don't think there's a standout track on this, but there's nothing that lets it down either, right to the end (if I had to pick, either the first or last tracks would be my favourite. He's a great storyteller and lyricist - limited in the sense that he can only seem to write misery and despair well, but he does that really well. 3/5 for this one, pushing a 4 but not quite getting there.

I liked the first half of the album, the second part gets boring. It's a strong 3 or a weak 4. I think there's some magic in his voice. 3.5/5

I feel that this is one of those "there is nothing wrong with it except being boring" kind of album.

I know, this is Morrissey, but still, this is a good album - not great, but very solid. The first track is easily the best one, but I couldn't find any song that dips in quality. 3/5

meh.

As seen on many other reviews on this site, I will also preface my review by saying that Moz is a dick. But it's also hard to deny his skill as a lyricist. I'm not as familiar with his solo work, and I must say that I found this album far less musically compelling than his work with the Smiths. But it was an alright listen. I don't really remember any standout tracks -- it sort of just washed over me. It's a 3.5 star listen for me, but in the absence of half stars, I'll bring my ranking down to account for the artist himself.

Just so boring. Not bad but, now I’m sleepy.

Good.

Good songs but not as good as the Smiths. A whole album of Morrissey at one time is a bit much for anyone older than 17 though.

Morrissey has such an amazing turn of phrase - not twee, not obvious, but beautiful. And the music is so delicate at times. I would have said that like Vincent Van Gough his works would be appreciated more years after his death. Alas his views on politics may have put pay to that. I think he was spot on about Sinead O’Conner though.

Not as good as the Smiths and he's such an awful person that he loses a star, because we probably shouldn't listen to it anyway.

This is the best solo Morrissey album I've heard so far, but it still fails to grab me like any Smiths album does. His melodies are really good on this one but I find his backing band distractingly boring.

That was another Morrissey album, I guess

* sigh *, hey you know what? That was boring. Why so many Morrissey's album on this list? Who knows.

This album arrived at the right time in my life. I was never a fan of Morrissey previously, but this album struck a chord and got a lot of play time out of me. Still, I never considered it a great album. Relistening years later, I only found less appeal. I would be happy to hear this again once in a while. There are several real good songs.

I love The Smiths and I like Morrissey’s voice, songwriting, and sad melodramatic shtick. But this is not his best outing. I don’t think this is a fitting selection for the list, even though it is of my tastes.

Another fourth studio release. I'm getting the sense that the authors of this list just said, "let's find all the people who released four albums or more" and put them on this list. Morrissey is a great addition, though.

If an album could qualify for 5 stars on a single song, Speedway is it. It is quintessential Morrissey... dramatic pauses, biting lyrics, a loud orchestral sound, passion. One of my favorite songs of all time. Spring-Heeled Jim and Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself capture a similar passion that really elevate this album. Though I can pass on Billy Budd, everything else here are nice variations of the Morrissey formula and really are a nice continuation of what he was doing with the Smiths. Great.

Just sounds like a poor-mediocre Smiths album, as per usual with Morrissey. Some good tracks, 2-4 were a nice run. Really goes downhill in thhe second half though, probably scrapes into the 3* bracket

Enough with the Morrissey on this list. I just don't get being that over the moon about the maudlin self-importance.

Très Mid. un vrai 2.5

I don’t know, but I just don’t get Morrisey.

Pretty decent from Morrissey. Definitely feels like The Smiths brought into the 90s with maybe a bit less humor and jangle. Overall the album features really good songwriting, specifically in the second half with some heavy hitters. 7/10

Good

Riktigt bra poplåtar.

i really liked it and it’s def my music taste :-)

Morriseys strongest solo work, I can’t get along with viva hate super well, nor can I say your arsenal or you are the quarry quite reach the heights of the smiths… this does. It’s probably the biggest grower of these albums but the opening 5 tracks and speedway as a closer are some of his best work. Is side two weaker? Yes but the queen is dead has an equal amount of filler both are 5/5’s end of story

Not into this. It's like bad 80s music, but from the 90s.

It certainly isn't the Smiths, is it? I lived Kill Uncle but this has drifted into self parody I am being generous with my 3 stars

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Now my heart is full, Hold on to your friends, I am hatred for loving

So this is Morrissey's take on Britpop. Or, more correctly, it is Alain Whyte's and Boz Boorer's take on Britpop since they actually wrote the fucking music. I don't care for Morrissey's lyrics, but the music is high quality with excellent melodies on songs such as 'Why Don't You Find Out for Yourself'. I do, however, miss the energy of Johnny Marr which seems to match the whining of Morrissey to perfection.

Still not a huge fan of Morrissey. But Vauxhall And I comes close to being my favorite album of his. Maybe I’m just a bigger fan of Whyte and Boorer? Nonetheless there’s a vibe on this album that I appreciate a lot more than I did Viva Hate.

No bluffing. Copied and pasted below is my review of the last Morrissey album we had: "There are some songs on this album that I would like if someone else sang them. In my review of the last Morrissey solo album we were sent, I said his voice had worn on me by the time the Smiths blew up. Getting another Morrissey solo album so soon after the first is like rubbing vinegar in the wound. No way this brother should have two solo albums in the 1001. If he has a third it's getting a 1."

If memory serves me correctly, the last two albums of Morrissey we received started off with catchy guitar hooks and then deteriorated into maudlin, "woe is me" ballads. On this one, he dives into the stinkers straight away. Although there are a couple of listenable tracks on the album, I'm still disappointed that these three Morrissey albums were deemed 1001-worthy and albums by the Killers or Songhoy Blues were yanked, so I'm deducting a point.

One either hates or loves Morrissey’s melancholic, whiney, maudlin voice. I’m in the former camp. Although he’s mellowed out considerably and this is better than his usual dreck, I still wouldn’t listen to this again.

"Vauxhall and I" is the fourth studio album by English singer and songwriter Morrissey. Prior to the album, Morrissey experienced the deaths of several close people (producer Mick Ronson, his manager and his video director). As such, there are not a lot of light moments here although Morrissey is, by all accounts, a pretty bitter person so it's hard to tell if its because of that. The title is a reference to the 1987 film "Withnail and I." Vauxhall is also an area of London known for its gay businesses and nightclubs and is a British car manufacturer. Ah, good ole Morrissey doing a double meaning album title like he did with his previous "Your Arsenal." The album did reach #1 in the UK and #18 in the US. A dreamy guitar opens the album on the third single released "Now My Heart is Full." This one has strings and Morrissey crooning. There's a reference to the 1938 Graham Green novel "Brighton Rock." Morrissey said this was his definitive expression of his change from childhood to adulthood. "Spring-Heeled Jim" has an eerie guitar open. Guitars are prominent from jingly to droning. Apparently, he's being sympathetic to a gang in London. The pace picks up on "Billy Budd," the most rockin' song on the album. Catchy rthymn guitar. About Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr. The second single "Hold On To Your Friends" slows things down. This is more pop and it's nice sounding. That's a lot of the second half of the album. Morrissey actual had a US top 100 song in "The More You Ignore Ne, The Closer I Get. I can't help but think of Oasis on the guitar open. This was around the same time. More melodic pop guitar. The Moz getting bitter on his former Smiths' drummer Mike Joyce and all his legal actions for royalties. I was kind of in a daze until a lawnmower sounding guitar woke me up on the last song "Speedway." It's slower and sort baroque but has an edge and builds at the end. Morrissey is taking it possibly out on everyone here...Mike Joyce, NME, former or potential lovers and probably many more. This album was a lot more pop sounding than his previous brilliant "Your Arsenal." It is front loaded with the first five songs more rockin.' The remainding songs are fine if not remarkable. "Viva Hate" and "Your Arsenal" are definitely where I would start with Morrissey. This one is worth a listen for the first half.

nooops

Let your guard down for a minute, catch Morrissey religion. Vauxhall And I was a total surprise mostly delightful and entirely melodramatic. Each melody is hummably familiar, mood-as-theme works perfectly. This also sounds rather unlike the Smiths, which helps the vocal choices not-grate.

Last time this generator gave me a Morrissey record, the Queen died the very same day. I'm interested to see what huge historical event happens today. The Smiths slap, but Morrissey's solo career is bland as rice cakes. Historical Event Update: Okay, so the Russians blew up a Ukrainian dam and caused "the largest European man-made disaster in decades". This is your fault, Morrissey.

I can usually separate the man from the music but Morrissey sounds like such an insufferable twat I can’t get past it. Always surprised by how decent the tunes are though.

Pretty good. 3/5

A Morrissey moaner of little note. It lacks the mystery and magic of the rest of the Smiths while all of the downsides of Morrissey at his least compelling.

I don’t get it

Excellent

So I shockingly had to look up the morrissey hate and he does sound like a massive tool, bit frustratingly this album is very good (albeit sober AF)

Wow, that’s dull

I like Morrissey, but not this album.

It sucks that Morrissey sucks, because his music doesn’t suck.

It's like The Smiths. Exactly like them. I don't enjoy the Smiths all that much.

Good rock music. An unmistakable voice.

Had me at “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get.” Love me some Morrisey!

Meh. Didn't waste my time but nothing grabbed me.

6/10. Yeah, it's Morrisey, it's fine, but I've heard him sing before, and this sounds pretty similar.

I can have a little bit of morose Morrissey, as a treat. 7/10

Not a fan, but the album actually isn't bad.

Fuck morissey

Not sure how I feel about this album, it was perfectly fine, but nothing to really go nuts about. But Morrissey on the album cover has a way to stare into your soul with those piercing blue eyes. Good melodies but not sure about some of the lyrics throughout. Best: Spring-Heeled-Jim Worst: Used To Be A Sweet Boy

3.6 - Ah, Morrissey. Again with his brooding pompadour and melodramatic bleating. He mostly manages to stay out of his own way on this record, and we get a more-or-less tidy slice of pop with some chamber-y elements via string swells. I've always been intrigued by the mysterious "The More You Ignore Me..." that features the unforgettable line "I'll be in the bar with my head on the bar." Songs mostly theme around addressing bad press and betrayals from former friends. This is a deeply personal and middle-aged reckoning in face of the British tabloid, and for most of the details I give zero fucks. I also found the prominent movie dialogue samples on "Spring-Heeled Jim" quite distracting from an otherwise pretty ballad. Despite my gripes, this was a fine listen. And anytime I can get Morrissey without his politics, I consider it a win.

sonzeira, um grande mestre

Why more Morrissey????

I wasn't happy about another Morrissey album being thrust upon me. Like how many is this now? Maybe 5 or 6 including The Smiths albums? We've only had 2 Beatles albums for heaven's sake. I still listened and I'm really glad I did. This was by far my favourite Morrissey experience. I enjoyed his understated vocals and the overall pace and tone of the record. Still, I'm finding it hard to believe that I'll give this one a 4.... What have I become?

I really hate the idea of Morrissey. Sadly, or maybe not, this is actually pretty good. A reminder of what he was before he was a grumpy racist.

Meh. Not my cup of tea. 2/5

So dull.

Before starting this music review project, I’d only ever heard Hang The DJ by Moz. I’d always avoided his music because, by all accounts, he’s a horrible racist person who doesn’t deserve a platform. Unfortunately, from the other Moz albums and Smiths album, I did find myself somewhat enjoying the music. I go into this album today again wanting to dislike it, but we shall see. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: The More You Ignore Me The Closer I Get I’ve definitely come across this album title before. The fact that it was already on my radar made me expect this to be one of his better albums, but I think this is quite easily the worst album I’ve heard by Morrissey. There were occasional bits that stuck out as interesting, but for the most part it was simply very boring. Usually, I’ll power through each album in a day. This album has put me behind schedule as I just couldn’t be bothered continuing with it yesterday so left it later than I’d have liked to.

Quite soothing.

Not sure why this one is on the list. I've heard of "Morrissey" before but didn't expect him to be this. Kind of a, I don't even know. Just a dude wailing. Good for him, not for us.

Old Morrissey, the lead singer of the Smiths. Notorious as of late for being a dick with some bizarre political beliefs. Can I separate that from the music? Well, yeah, I’m not much of a fan to begin with. But seeing tracks with titles like “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get” and “Used to be a Sweet Boy” are funny with that context. The music is okay and his voice is fine, a bit too ephemeral to leave an impression but it’s totally tolerable. Just wafted by me like an old fart (good term for Morrissey, yeah?). Buddy, you aren’t hated for loving, you’re hated for being a piece of shit. Favorite tracks: I Am Hated for Loving. Album art: He was ready for his close-up. Looks like a dad who would yell at a stewardess. 2.5/5

"The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get" was released as a single a couple of weeks after I turned 14 and was my introduction to Morrissey. I did not like it. It became the only Morrissey song to chart in the US, which by extension meant it got a lot of play in Canada as well so I heard it a lot and liked it less each time. I dislike it even further now. "Hold on to Your Friends" was released a few months later and it did very little for me. I didn't dislike it as actively as I did the previous single, but I had pretty much zero interest in it. I found it generally boring and Morrissey sounded incredibly self-absorbed. These lousy first impressions led to me not even bothering to give The Smiths much of a chance when my best friend started to get into their music a few years later. I believe my response was something to the effect of, "Oh, is this that sadsack The More You Ignore Me idiot? Not interested!" A plus side of these negative first impressions has been that as it became increasingly obvious that Morrissey is a racist sanctimonious cock stain with fascist leanings I didn't face the heartbreak or turmoil some of my friends did around his legacy and music - particularly with The Smiths, whom I do look forward to finally giving a fair shake during the course of this project. As for Vauxhall and I, I'm fine if I never hear it again. It still sounds boring and self-absorbed.

Morrissey bums me out

Ce gars là est peut-etre le plus gros douche du monde. Je ne le connsaissai aucunement avant de commencer cette liste, mais je dois avouer que c'est album son quand même assez bon. Détacher l'oeuvre de l'artiste est quelque chose de difficile et je comprend qu'il semble détestable mais le fait est qu'il fait de la bonne musique. 4

p731. 1994. 3 stars. Well, there are some good tunes on this, and the production is excellent. Set against that are Morrissey's nasal drone of a voice, lyrics that frequently stray into self pity, and a neo-fascist attitude. Not much to like here.

3,5

Morrissey solo is such a profoundly disappointing experience. Then you go back and listen to the Smiths and think, good god, he really was the worst part of that band. Woeful album, this.

Boring record. I really dislike his voice and the lyrics are some of the cheesiest I’ve ever heard. Guitar harmonies are the only thing going for this.

Nu bent pora dainu uzkabino. Tai jau yra vau. Reiks daugiau paklausyt. Ig cia dabar bus mano simtadienio dainom

Really just an extension of The Smiths, which I usually enjoy. But I found the songs here to be somewhat empty compared to Smiths records.

good 8/10

Great voice, but a piece of shit.

You know, for all of Morrissey's foolishness, I still like a lot of his music. It's really clever pop music with strikingly eloquent lyrics. You have to be in the mood for this type of stuff, but Vauxhall and I is a really good album. Lovely arrangements and strong as ever vocals from Morrissey. It's less memorable than some of his other albums, but really engaging overall. Morrissey has this way of connecting with you on a really personal level as a listener, in a way most artists can't. Fave Songs: The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get, I Am Hated for Loving, Why Don't You Find Out for Yourself, Now My Heart Is Full, Hold On to Your Friends,

Diet smiths

Not a huge fan in the first place but this is a huge step down from his Smiths work

Mercifully short. "The more you ignore me" has some small merit, but the rest of this appears to be tosh wrapped up in boredom and melancholy. It would be remiss of me not to point out what an asshole Morrissey is.

One of the easiest to give a five star.

Could not care less about this. Uninspired output from an uninspiring artist. Morrissey is grossly over represented on this list and it's so disappointing when he pops up.

Charmant. Belle voix, belles mélodies. Now my heart is full, why don't you find out for yourself.

No question that he's an self-regarding arsehole of the very highest order, but I have to say that I really enjoyed listening to this & I'm fairly certain it'll grow on me after a few more plays.

Creative chords with an indie vibe.

The clever lyrics of how he actually is the asshole people say he is turned out to be true. Triple bluff.

when the maudlin poet turns out to be a manipulative psychopath. fuck this faux-miserabilist bullshit

He's a bit of a dodgy dude but he can write a tune

Never listened to Morrissey before. It’s nice. Sad but nice.

I only recognizes one song but enjoyed the whole album.

This was better than I expected. I really like the Smiths but always felt like the strong point of the band was Johnny Marr and that Morrissey was a little bit overrated. I was wrong, a lot of songs here are beautiful, especially "Hold on to Your Friends". Look I hate this racist prick as much as the next guy, but this was fine. 7,6/10

It was fine. Nothing spectacular.

I… think I like Morrissey.

With the Queen is dead I said that less vocals and more cool production would’ve made it better and I think this album finally found the right balance between the two. It could also be that I’ve just grown warmer to the smiths/morrissey but I liked this one quite a bit. The first track had solid instrumentals and the rest of the album stayed right around that level. Side note: when I was looking for my Queen is dead review I saw my siouxsie reviews and realized that I had given one album a two then the next one a 4 and said I’d never heard of them lol.

Just Morrissey

I prefer The Smiths. He's just kind of boring to me without the band.

Really like this. Will buy the album.

Used to Be a Sweet Boy

Bra men ikke Smiths så..

No intention of listening to this cunt ever again

Almost definitely his best solo album. Bro might be a disaster of a human being, but at least he made some good music back in the day.

Morrissey albums have such nostalgia to them because I listened to them a lot in my early teens.

I don't 'get' Morrissey. He sounds so unhappy. Who would have thought that such a misery would turn out to be a massive misanthrope? I find the music here formulaic, and a little ploddy (apart from the chainsaw bit, which woke me up). As much as I feel I should try to follow Morrissey's wordplay, I am so put off by him as a person that I just don't have the energy. The Smiths were interesting and different at the time, but 10 years later, surely the shy, awkward young man had moved on? As I never fully bought into him at the time, it seems easy to walk away and devote time to people who have a bit more interest in the world outside themselves. We cannot cling to the old dreams anymore. Apparently.

First up: Mozza 2023 is a knob. Mozza 1994 was a different man. His masterful lyrics flow through each track. The More You Ignore Me remains infectious. This is a great, great break up album. It's still a little raw for me, almost 30 years later. There's a ray of hope from the old bigot with The Lazy Sunbathers. Lyrics on ecological issues didn't get you NME covers back in the day. It still stacks up. A reluctant five stars.

It's pretty good if you separate the art from the artist

Veldig bra! 4,49

🤷 Not that bad honestly, but not super memorable either.

Easy listening and good stories. Sometimes a bit too slow

The album features a mix of upbeat and introspective tracks, and while some may not hit as hard as others, there are still a couple of standout moments.

ahhh????! как- то мимо пролетело ...

Maybe the closest to sounding like The Smiths of any of his solo records. He seems in his element on this record, like he's gained enough confidence as a solo artist to craft a solid set of songs. Some great selections on this one and he hasn't lost is wit and wordplay.

Call me emo but this whole record fucking slaps. Now My Heart Is Full is one of a very few songs that can give me a lump in my throat. The production on the solo Morrissey albums outshines anything he recorded with The Smiths too.

Frantically trying to ignore M's dodgy political stance and pronouncements to concentrate on the (very good) lyrics and music. Where did he go wrong?

There are a couple songs that I know here, but I feel like they aren’t his best. Not sure why this album was so lauded when it was released. Snooze fest.

Now My Heart Is Full, The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get

I still like this even though I try not too.

This man is not for me.

I was a massive Smiths fan in the 80s & 90s, but by the time Vauxhall & I came out, I had given up on Morrissey.

I've had two Morrissey albums and one Smiths album. And if I've learned anything from this, it's that without Matt's slinking guitar and tempering influence, Morrissey goes from a sensitive wit to a fat, narcissistic, reactionary bigot with a pub rock band which I can only assume is made from the National Front (disco) members who lacked the talent to get onto the talentless Skrewdriver. My relationship with Moz is so tainted that while I barely eat meat these days, and for almost the same ethical reasons he doesn't, on the occasions I do tuck into a steak, almost in prayer before I chow down, I smile to myself and say, "F*ck you, Stephen," and enjoy it a little more.

too much of the same

This was a pretty interesting listen. At first I actually quite liked it and his voice and the music all together. I’d never really listened to morrissey that much, but doesn’t feel like I’ll be revisiting this album. It became kind’ve monotonous halfway through even though his voice is nice. And some of his lyrics are kinda aggressive, I don’t know much about him or his life but dam some of them were talkin about holding grudges and how girls seek so much attention? Idk I didn’t listen too hard so I’m prolly missing a deeper meaning but overall doesn’t really excite me to listen.

Never been too wild about Morrissey or The Smiths but I feel like I could be converted if I were to find the right angle of approach. The music is simple and catchy; I think this album bears repeated listenings well because it's satisfying to hear those familiar melodies crystallize on top of the vague outlines of them in your memory. I think this is a great backdrop to certain kinds of parties and social events, but it didn't really shake me up or grab me when I was giving it a dedicated listen. What I enjoyed the most with this album was pulling up the lyrics while listening. So many "wait, what??" moments. It feels like he was just having a laugh retrofitting the back pages of his journal entries to random tracks that his musician friends sent him. "Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning" was sooo dark but kind of hilarious as a result. It was also one of my favorites from a musical standpoint. It feels like Morrissey albums are all about Morrissey; the music is kind of secondary. If you're into his self-presentation, his kind of jarring, almost funny, dark, flippant lyrical style, and his covered vocal tone that teeters dangerously on the upper edge of flat, then this one's for you. Musically it didn't do too much for me though.

Was not in the mood for this album but I committed multiple listens to it anyway. Some of these songs are big old slogs, plodding along without a strong enough melody to hold them together. But there are a few gems that keep bringing me back. The best is Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning, a spooky, meanspirited song if there ever was one. I love Morrissey's nearly whispered vocals, as though he gossiping about the dead girl but doesn't want to be too loud about it. With a line like "She swam too far against the tides. She deserves all that she gets" I wouldn't want to be too loud either. Morrissey is so good at writing from a dark, fucked up perspective it makes me wonder how great of a person he actually is...

This is my second Morrissey album for 1001, on the long road to "getting Morrissey's music." I have to say... I'm starting to get it more. The production is overall pretty safe, and not super interesting, save for a couple of standouts... it has that kind of safe, U2 sound to it. Steve Albini producing, who isn't ever bad, but never really my favorite choices... other than a couple of spirited guitar solos. But the background music doesn't seem to be the point of Morrissey. I get this sense that all of Morrissey's songs are the same: there's a backing track, which is almost totally disconnected from Morrissey and his lyrics. And then front and center you have Morrissey, with lyrics that range from sarcastic to pathetic to darkly funny. In a funny way it reminds me of some kinds of hip hop, where there's this wide gulf between the musicians making the track, and the lead, who's floating above it all, in his own world. There's something kind of funny about that. I enjoy it more once I get into the lyrics and discover the darkly funny stuff, but as an album, it's got a lot of "same." 3/5.

Prefs : Now My Heart Is Full, Billy Budd, Hold on to Your Friends, Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself, Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning, The Lazy Sunbathers, Speedway Moins pref: I Am Hated for Loving

I couldn't make it through the entire album, I was bored out of my mind. This music sucks.

Stupendous! I spent my college years with a housemate whose every item of clothing was a tribute to Morrissey, every record was connected to Morrissey, and said housemate even had Mozza’s quiff. Luckily, I was a fan too, although not so mega. I have a special place in my heart for Viva Hate but Mozza’s style is distinctive and emotionally wrought and never lets you down. Those lyrics are sheer poetry. I am now A central part Of your mind's landscape Whether you care Or do not Yeah, I've made up your mind Yup - indeed - my mind is made up.

Stand-outs: "Now My Heart Is Full," "Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning," "Speedway"

Meh

Boring and melodramatic. Run of the mill Morrissey but I get how he was poignant for a generation

Morrissey has the inimitable sound. Drones on and hits very dissonant tones with his voice. Genius.

Enjoyed the album, but was pretty much just waiting for something to happen. All the songs blended together after a while. Good, but nothing special. 3/5

good, didn't distinguish from other Morrissey albums

I do not like Morrissey as a person, though most of his music is good. Vauxhall And I is an exception. I do not understand why you would listen to this instead of his other material.

Rock

Won't be listening to this racist.

Not the biggest Morrissey fan, but it was okay.

Not as bad as I feared....music was pretty good....he is. still a touch whiney for my tastes....

Morrissey sucks

"Used to be a sweet boy And I'm not to blame But something went wrong Something went wrong And I know I can't be to blame" These lyrics pretty much sum up Morrissey's world view and who he is these days. A racist, insufferable asshole. I listened to this full album per the exercise and it's whatever, standard post-Smiths mostly forgettable Morrissey. The Smiths were amazing but he's a piece of shit and I can't be bothered with his solo work. No standout tracks.

Favourite song: The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get One for the karaoke: Billy Bud One for the car: Billy Bud Glad I didn’t skip.

Honestly if this was anyone else, it would be a decent album. But I absolutely despise Morrissey, and this album doesn't do much to change my opinion.

Some rosy rimes to be had.

alright

favourite song: speedway struggling to pick a least favourite song so I'm not going. this isn't typically the sort of music id enjoy but my girlfriend broke up with me 3 days ago and this album is really hitting a spot

Meh.

Please stop giving me morrisey!

Idk if recently learning that Morrissey is an asshole had something to do with it, but anyways, this album was a huge disappointment. I don't remember any song or remarkable thing about it, aside from them being bad. Also, his voice is particularly more annoying here than in his Smiths' albums.

Pretty good. Morrissey shows that he is a great songwriter lyrically. Overall its not nearly as fun or genre-pushing as anything he did with the Smiths but on his own its still good. Lyrics are poetic, the guitars are fine, and overall it is enjoyable. Favorite Track: The Lazy Sunbathers Least Favorite Track: Speedway

So song #1, Now my heart is full, reminded me of previous 3 days!! Loved the line, "I can't explain, do I won't even try to". Maybe it was the day, maybe it's the after glow of the the previous couple days, but I actually liked listening. Nothing particularly stood out, but a good listen. A good 3, with a 5 for Now my heart is full

3.5 First The Smiths, which was excellent and now this which was pretty good, I’m really starting to buy into this whole morrissey guy. Catchy and interesting to listen to. Some middle stuff that kind of blended together but I think I will be listening to this again.

3 I absolutely adore The Smiths and Morrissey, but I've always been of the opinion that, while The Smiths produced great albums, Morrissey solo only produced great tracks. It seems his ego took off around the same time his solo career did, and it shows (though the absence of Johnny Marr is also glaring). Still, he has some absolutely amazing songs... that aren't on this album. In fact, as a Morrissey fan, I was kind of surprised to see this album here, as I've always found Your Arsenal and Viva Hate to be miles ahead of this one. I can only hope those albums made the list if this one did, and if they didn't (or even if they did), do yourself a favor and listen to the below songs: Suedehead Everyday is Like Sunday I Know Very Well How I Got My Name Glamorous Glue We'll Let You Know Tomorrow Jack the Ripper Back on the Chain Gang and my personal favorite: Seasick, yet Still Docked Favorite songs on this one: Spring-Heeled Jim, Now My Heart is Full, The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get, Hold on to Your Friends

Not a chance I am listening to that Nazi prick - he has no place in this list, mostly because of his shit music - he just can't sing, or write good lyrics - but also because, and I can't stress this enough, he is a terrible conspiracy theorist and racist.

Is this my first solo Morrissey? I think it is, I know which albums of his are on the list and three of them might very well be his top three albums. I think I slightly prefer "Kill Uncle" over "You Are The Quarry" but it's not my list, is it? Besides this is "Vauxhall And I"

There are some beautiful songs on this album, and amazing guitar lines, but the slow tempo and his similar singing on each song, no matter how unique his voice is, makes it hard for the album to be more than a 3.

Morrissey never disappoints. He always delivers music that is versatile yet never lacks his own signature touch. Yet another good album with a perfect runtime

It’s the 7th time Morrissey and/or The Smiths come up here for me. Come on, surely this world has other music makers than this annoying whiny voice?

Fuck morrissey

First half of album was really good. Back half became more mellow. LISTEN TO AGAIN.

the music was mediocre but wasn’t enough to make up for the voice which was dragged along and hard to listen to.

Short one: the music is really nice - excellent melodic poppy rock. The unfortunate and unavoidable downside is that I cannot stand listening to Morrissey sing. The (rare) parts where he's less-emotive (an impossibility, I realize) or is mostly instrumental (e.g. Billy Budd) is frustratingly good. Really just cannot stand Morrissey overall and there's no getting by that. The end. 5/10 2 stars.

Listened while eating a steak

I cannot believe we got a Morrissey that wasn’t the queen is dead the day the queen died

One of his best solo albums. There's a rare fragility to his voice that really carries this project forward Anyway the Queen died while I was listening to this so that's a bit mad

Moz is at his croony best. Every song feels like a desperate attempt to redeem something the poor bastard is longing for. It’s missing that Johnny Mar touch he had with The Smiths.

Hmmm, setting aside the fact Morrissey is an utter bellend, this album consists of his light, whimsical vocals but without the masterful backdrop of Johnny Marr's guitars. As such, it feels like it's missing something. I won't be back for another listen.

Morrissey is the law of diminishing returns in human form. I think it works both ways though, I must say. The more the listener put into successive releases after, say, 1988, the less they received. Smart people simply accepted his existence and went about their business

Not his best work

Art 8/10.....Artist 0/10

Finally relistened to this. After all that time... 3.5

Average.

Mature and balanced, a very good record and by aiming for more understatement than in previous efforts, Morissey wins bigger. The controlled melancholy works beautifully. This is how pop stars can/should age gracefully.

Made it through two songs. Pretentious awfulness

Kicking off with Now My Heart is Full, instantly nostalgic and remembering a time when it was OK to like Morrissey, because he wasn't obviously a terrible cunt at this point. Also, remembering that Morrissey really did used to be terribly good. Hold on To Your Friends, words to live by as you get older and it gets harder. Lifeguard Sleeping is great too, really unique on the record. This is a terrific album, and easily his best solo effort, for me.

Great album, too bad it had to be Morrissey the person. I will never stop laughing when I see Morrissey wearing his own swag.

Best Song: Why Don't You Find out For Yourself. Slightly more upbeat than the rest of the album. Feels like a break from the (somewhat) monotonous melancholy. Worst Song: Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning. I understand that the whispering was a clear artistic choice, but that doesn't make it sound good. Overall: Not terrible, but I felt like I was forgetting it as quickly as I listened to it. I guess this is a sort of proto-emo? It feels like it's probably wrought with emotions, they're just communicated in this muted and sleepy way.

fuck morrissey

Oh no. Alright, let's see if I have a new take on this cat. Going into it, my bias is strong. I always found Morrissey impossibly whiny, verbose, and just plain unlikeable. Not the guy I'd like to get stuck talking to at a party. And god damn... another revelation. This album is pretty damned good. Morrissey is nowhere near the insufferable git I remember from The Smiths. I'm hearing a quirky crooner with a bit of an attitude and a penchant for the creepy, which I have to admire. The songs are fairly straightforward on the surface, which is just fine, as it lays the foundation for some cool textures and arrangements that are well done and interesting. And Morrissey uses his voice to great effect, with his melodies sometimes going in odd but familiar directions and his lyrics painted just outside the lines of what most any other writer might arrive at. I'm teetering on a 4, but thinking it's a 3.5. The fact that I'm considering a 4-star review for a Morrissey album is the most surprising thing about this endeavor to date. Couple that with McCormick going low on Marvin Gaye and Marianne buying Limp Bizkit merch and we're about to open a portal to the Upside Down. It's freakin' apocalyptical.

I never really cottoned to The Smiths, and I know just enough about Moz's current political views that I had to hold myself back from groaning as I queued this up. But once again I was surprised. I dug this record, pure and simple. Great production, some killer guitar work, catchy melodies, and the dude knows how to write lyrics. At the risk of being canceled for liking this, I will definitely dive into more of his solo work.

Oh I just LOVE Morrissey. While I'm more familiar with The Smiths' work rather than his solo stuff, as soon as those first notes leave his mouth I'm swooning. Hold Onto Your Friends hit me hard today. The More You Ignore Me could be a Smiths song, which makes you realize that The Smiths was so much Morrissey...even that guitar, though not played by Johnny Marr here, sounds like it could be him. (It's Alain Whyte on the guitar btw.) As a collection of songs, I enjoyed listening so much but as a cohesive Album I must hear before I die...well, I'll just go right down the middle: 3.

Classic Moz. Well, he has better albums with or without Johnny Marr but this is still really good stuff with some essential songs for any fan. Moz always gets a 5.