Mon Jun 14 2021
3
Not bad but not good enough to justify his personality
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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Viva Hate
Morrissey
1988
- Album Summary
Viva Hate is the debut solo studio album by English singer Morrissey. It was released on 14 March 1988 by HMV, six months after the final studio album by the Smiths, Strangeways, Here We Come (1987).
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Fri Sep 23 2022
5
There has never been, nor will there most likely ever be again, a pop star like Morrissey. Sure, there have been many icons in the history of popular music. But not a single one of them can lay claim to the same blend of nonchalant authenticity and unbridled star power embodied by the morose Mancunian. A commonplace opinion in casual music parlance is the recognition of Morrissey’s lyrical genius as frontman of The Smiths, while also sidelining his solo works as proof of the law of diminishing returns. Written amid the literal ruins of his bands’ dissolution, Viva Hate delivers upon the undisputed potential for Morrissey to bridge that gap between eccentric 80s has-been to genuine pop stardom. Produced and largely written by Stephen Street, with the enigmatic Vini Reilly serving as Moz’s creative foil in place of Johnny Marr, the album is not a radical departure from The Smiths’ brand of 60s infused jangle pop. And yet the flourishes of bossa-nova rhythms and spiralling sitar-sounding riffs give it just enough flavour to mark it out as a distinctly Morrissey affair. Couple all that with two bonafide hit singles (“Everyday is Like Sunday”, “Suedehead”) and you have yourself a winner. This is just the platform for what I consider one of the frontman’s finest lyrical outings committed to record. From “Alsatian Cousin”‘s acrimonious tale of romantic scandal to the melancholic nostalgia of “Late Night, Maudlin Street”, there is no single lyricist who could ever get away with such genius lines as “Rejection is one thing, but rejection from a fool is cruel”. It’s the commonplace elevated to the level of the sublime that earmarks Morrissey as the single most important lyricist in pop music history - and that’s not hyperbole. A few minor detractions however. Leaving aside the questionable tone of “Bengali in Platforms”, a song that’s bafflingly clumsy at best and downright racist at worst, Morrissey’s decision to remove “Ordinary Boys” in favour of a tinny demo of “Treat Me Like a Human Being” is beyond comprehension. The album is slightly front-loaded in its original running order, but this just draws out side 2 with a completely redundant skipper of a track. Going off of my vinyl copy, this album is a masterpiece. Arguably a more true distillation of Morrissey the artist than any other album in his enviable discography. It’s hard to believe there were some who doubted his ability to survive the demise of one of Britain’s most beloved groups. But this album secured Morrissey’s relevance in pop culture (on and off) for the next 20-30 years. As one of my friend frequently puts it: “The guy’s a cunt. But he’s our cunt”.
Fri Feb 26 2021
3
I like the Smiths alright, Morrissey's solo stuff less so. I think this album is saved for me by Vini Reilly's guitar work. I like his sound, particularly on "late night, maudlin street" with the delay. I find this album to be a bit of a drag. 2.5 rounded up to 3.
Fri Jun 11 2021
3
Pretty good. Why is he so sad?
Tue Aug 24 2021
5
Not too many people or really anyone, can carry the desperation, longing, and hopefulness that Morrissey provides with his solo debut. Something about these bossanova beats and his crooning voice creates a melancholy dance and makes me yearn for unrequited teenage love and regret. Even though these heavier feelings emerge, I still am filled with happiness as the album makes it seem possible to go back to the past with new enlightenment and say things you never could’ve said then. Overall: fantastic record and the first 5/5 so far. Instant buy and a mark in the collection.
Wed Apr 28 2021
4
Morrissey may have better albums than Viva Hate, but it's hard to go wrong with almost anything he's put out. Favorite Song: Alsatian Cousin
Wed Mar 02 2022
2
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.
Mon May 03 2021
5
Dark, humorous, and hip as usual. Great album!!
Fri Nov 04 2022
5
Unfortunately he’s very talented
Wed Jan 25 2023
5
I head into this with some pretty negative Morrissey prejudices. Instead I found a wonderful, charming, lovely album that drew me in like a friend. Quite unexpected especially since it is called “Viva Hate” and is filled with hard sentiments. Still, it all struck me as a warm and human expression or love, hate and frustration that really resonated. So while I had to contend with some idiotically shortsighted notions dating back to my youth, what I get in return was a really wonderful addition to my music library. I love Viva Hate!
Thu Jan 21 2021
4
Okay
Tue Apr 13 2021
4
Upon re-visiting, much groove. Much verve. Much emotion.
Tue Jul 06 2021
4
I'm remembering when this album first came out, on the heels of the Smiths' breaking up. All good Smiths fans took this album in with great anticipation, and maybe with a hint of disappointment. It's an early lesson that people move on and grow up, and do things we don't entirely appreciate or understand. I agree with others here that Morrissey's work in general is a notch below what he did in the Smiths. That said, this album is lyrically more mature and has some beautiful arrangements that you probably would never find on a Smiths album. I'm still moved by "Suedehead" and "Everyday is Like Sunday," as much as I was at 17. Nobody does sweet pathos and longing like Morrissey.
Tue Jun 22 2021
3
Sonically there's a lot of interesting things going on here. Viva Hate has a very distinctive sound that's different to much of the Smiths output. Lyrically though, I don't care all that much at times for Morrisey's politics and social commentary.
Thu Jun 17 2021
3
Fairly boring. Easy enough listen.
Thu Dec 15 2022
3
It’s a decent album, but it suffers without Johnny Marr and Morissey is just too melodramatic for anything more than a three
Sun Dec 18 2022
3
I'm still not a big Moz fan, but hating Thatcher will always be based.
Fri Apr 28 2023
3
Since there is more than one listenable track on this album (don't get excited; the exact number is two), I'm going to assume this is the best Morrissey album. I'm making that assumption because there's no way that anybody is keeping track of this, just like nobody has a ranking of the best tooth to have pulled or the safest bleach to drink. I viva hate you, Morrissey. Best track: Everyday is Like Sunday
Mon May 24 2021
2
Oh man, no. When I sleep with that picture of you Framed beside my bed Oh, it's childish and it's silly But I think it's you in my room By the bed Yes, I told you it was silly And I know I took strange pills But I never meant to hurt you Oh, truly I love you. No. Just no. No no no no no no no no. No. No.
Tue Jun 29 2021
2
bit of a prick
Thu Jan 27 2022
2
I cannot stand Morrissey's Kermit voice. Songs sound alright, but that voice would ruin anything.
Wed Mar 02 2022
2
Morrissey is like a few other talented douchie artists out there, yes I'm talking to you Van Morrison. Its hard to separate the art from the artist, but yet we must try to preserve the integrity of 1,001 rating system. That being said, I really find Morrissey's voice annoying and he seems to put out albums with one decent song and the rest is just dreck. Eg on this album its Everyday is like Sunday. On The Queen is Dead its only saved by There is a light that never goes out. Unfortunately one good song does not an album (that you have to listen to before you die) make.
Fri Jun 11 2021
5
Creo que ya lo dije, pero Morrissey entra en la categoría de artistas que me gustan, pero que no escucho con tanta frecuencia. Este disco medio lo conocía, hace mucho no lo escuchaba y sí me parece muy bueno. Creo que Morrissey sabe hacer un buen balance de letras y melodía, si bien a veces no es nada espectacular. Pero de acá, "Suedehead" sí es una gran gran canción y en realidad no tengo skips, porque casi todas me gustan por igual. El final, hermoso con "Margaret on the Guillotine". Siempre político él, aunque se haya hecho nefastito. Viva Viva Hate! 9.5/10
Fri Jun 11 2021
5
Está bien verga. Es un chingón.
Fri Jun 11 2021
5
Si les gusta morrisey, medio ya sabían que esperar. Y este álbum cumple y siento que da todavía un poco más
Fri Dec 16 2022
5
Härligt!
Thu Mar 02 2023
5
In probably a surprise to no one, I loved it. 80s alternative, mopey tunes with mopey lyrics, singer I can easily sing along with, it's everything I love. Favourites: "Angel Angel Down We Go Together" and "I Don't Mind if You Forget Me"
Thu Mar 09 2023
5
So I now know not what is the Smiths and what is Morrissey. I just like the voice okay?
Sun Apr 02 2023
5
Only love for Morrissey
Fri Apr 07 2023
5
Yeah . I dig this. Morrissey, like many Brits of this era, have this kind of grand sad moody kind of sound to me. Sometimes others go too far in either direction, but this feels balanced. I'm gonna dig in more.
Mon May 22 2023
5
Perfect, just ignore his shithouse right-wingery
Wed Aug 16 2023
5
After the wonderful Strangeways Smith album a strong 1st solo album, with Suedehead (where he even seems to sing 'it was a good lay', good times for a change), Every Day Is like Sunday and the in some opinions (including mine, UB40 (madame Medusa) Simply Red's (Money's Too Tight) then well deserved punch in the face for Thatcher (Margaret on the Guillotine). Stephen Street is no Johnny Marr, 5 stars but 4.7. Is 5
Sat Sep 23 2023
5
Moz
Thu Jan 21 2021
4
Still full of The Smiths essence, all in all not too bad, only 1 or 2 bangers.
Fri Feb 26 2021
4
I have listened to the Smith's some but don't know a ton about Morrissey (other than what I have heard from Jon) so I am coming to this more or less with fresh ears. I liked "Everyday is Like Sunday", so smooth and 80's in a good way. Like the spooky guitar work on "Late Night, Maudlin Street". I ended up liking it a lot more than I thought I would.
Mon Jun 28 2021
4
Viva Hate sounds a lot more badass than the sort of middling whine he does throughout most of this album. I think The Smiths, and by extension, Mr. Morrissey here, are one of my favorite finds of this whole list. I really dig the sound. That being said, I really don't get the hardon some people have for him. Just look at him.
Wed Mar 17 2021
4
Ennakkoasenne oli, että Morrissey ei olisi ihan omaan mieleen. Levyn alku oli kuitenkin yllättävän mukaansa tempaava, mutta kun samalla selätti bittejä, niin jäi taustamusiikiksi ja tuntui, että ei sitten kuitenkaan ole erityinen levy. Kuuntelin kuitenkin seuraavana päivänä uudelleen ja tokalla kierroksella tykkäsinkin taas enemmän levyn tunnelmasta.
Fri Feb 19 2021
4
Critical listen during my sad, misundertood adolescence, and just a hair below his best from The Smiths, which is the only thing keeping it from a 5/5
Fri Feb 19 2021
4
A notch below the Smiths
Tue Jul 20 2021
4
This is way more the catchy Morrissey that makes it hard for me to denounce his notoriously eye rollable personality. Not quite the same level as The Smiths as a whole but definitely some gems on here and an overall decent album.
Mon May 10 2021
4
Morrisey
Fri May 14 2021
4
overall thoughts: I enjoyed this album quite a lot. I was already familiar w/ a couple of songs by the smiths, so it wasn't surprising that I was going to enjoy this LP. love the vocals, the lyrics. tho I will say that Bengali didn't really do it for me. also the margaret track thooo, get oofed. anyway, I can def come back to a lot of these songs, many faves. sum good brit indie rock rite here. fave tracks: everyday is like sunday, angel angel, late night, suedehead, I don't mind if u forget me
Sun May 23 2021
4
Great album haven't listened to it in many years. Everyday is like Sunday is just such an incredible song. Top 5 Morrissey songs, including The Smiths output. Hardly a dud on the album. I'm tempted to give it a 5 star rating but 4.5 seems right which means 4 stars for this exercise
Tue Jun 01 2021
4
Nice
Mon May 31 2021
4
Good. Can’t stand his politics though
Tue Jun 15 2021
4
Brilliant. Not just lyrically but musically and I found this surprising. I was expecting I'd need to really pay attention to the lyrics to appreciate this album fully but the music perfectly captures the mood and emotion of his lyrics and compliments his singing brilliantly meaning I could tune out every now and then and just enjoy the music. Will definitely be adding this to the listen again list and I'm sure it'll get even better with further listens.
Thu Jul 22 2021
4
This was an enjoyable pop album which I expected since The Smiths, The Queen is Dead, is one of my favorite albums ever. Really only a certain few tracks dragged on then it needed to be but besides that really enjoyed the brevity of the project. That being said Morrissey is a piece of shit cunt and an absolute dickhead I absolutely hate him as a person but I can't deny at the time his personality was not like this as well as his ideals. Peggy said it best "I cannot fucking wait until Morrissey Dies". 8/10
Thu Aug 05 2021
4
morriseys voice is so fucking annoying but even that cant save it from this being an alright album :((( SHAME!!!
Sat Sep 11 2021
4
Good but not amazing.
Sun Oct 17 2021
4
Oh Moz, you’ve certainly made an impression on me.
Thu Oct 28 2021
4
This isn’t bad. Obviously it’s not a scratch on the smiths. The vinnie Riley stuff adds something interesting.
Wed Nov 24 2021
4
Classic.
Wed Dec 01 2021
4
Not bad, Needed more time to listen
Wed Dec 15 2021
4
I like how the songs keep it interesting with having a nice variety. I also enjoy the overall low-key mood of it, without it being a downer.
Fri Dec 17 2021
4
I'm gonna be real honest. I'm giving this 4 because it sounds just like a Smiths album. From the powerful yet jangly synths, to the unique vocal style, and the introspective lyrics, there's little for me to dislike. Has a couple hits, several other tracks to sing along or dance off to, and only a few that are indisputably weak. Nothing new or crazy, except for some intriguing techniques here and there. It's a solid debut.
Fri Dec 17 2021
4
Before he went all weird, I listened to this a lot on the original vinyl and loved it’s musical variety, despite being crushed that there wouldn’t be anything else from the Smiths. A great collection of tracks and collaborations. One of his best albums. Top tracks: everyday is like Sunday, late night maudlin street, suedehead
Fri Dec 31 2021
4
nice
Fri Jan 28 2022
4
papa maman les gars dsl j'ai aimé cet album
Fri Jan 28 2022
4
J'allais mettre 3 mais le dernier titre est trop bien.
Fri Jan 28 2022
4
C'est bien, mais 1 point de pénalité pour le racisme.
Fri Feb 11 2022
4
Really solid follow up from Morrissey after the death of The Smiths. Similar to my feelings of that band, I enjoy this album best in brief intervals rather than the whole. Still, this I'd a very good album nonetheless. Favorites: "Alsatian Cousin", "Everyday Is Like Sunday", "Suedehead"
Mon Mar 14 2022
4
Dark, morose and beautiful
Thu Mar 24 2022
4
This is a pretty good album despite Morrissey's personality. Exceeded my expectations.
Thu Mar 24 2022
4
The first album post Smiths from the Mozfather. Decent but missing the soaring Marr guitars. 4/5
Sun Mar 27 2022
4
Morrissey’s first solo album strikes a different tone from his work with the Smiths. He has an incredible gift for melody and his voice and delivery style are iconic. There are some truly incredibly songs on this album. One song that I found challenging was ‘Bengali in Platforms.’ I know this song is controversial, and while I see how this song could be seen as darkly ironic, the use of the word ‘belong’ is a bit troublesome to me.
Thu Apr 21 2022
4
Yeah, I liked most tracks. Since this was his debut record, it was very reminiscent of The Smiths. The guitar work here is really pleasant. Still don't like Morrissey, though.
Wed Jun 15 2022
4
Vähän pehmeämpää kuin Your Arsenal, mutta edelleen jostain sydämestä tämä tulee. 4/5
Wed Jun 15 2022
4
Täähän oli yllättävän jees. Luulin, että ilman Marria Morrissey ei oo tehny mitään erityisesti mun makuun. Aika tasan 3,5 ja pyöristetään nyt ylös.
Wed Jun 15 2022
4
Oon aina tykännyt tästä vaikka ukko on aika sekasin. Hieno melodinen kokonaisuus 4/5
Thu Jul 07 2022
4
So I'm 600 albums in and this will be the SIXTH time this morose cunt has appeared in the list: 3 Smiths albums and now 3 solo albums as well. SO FAR. Are you telling me that Morrissey is basically 1 out of every 100 musicians in the world? Fuck off Robert Dimery, you UK-centric piece of shit. No one wanted a soft advert for the UK music scene. If I'd known this is what it'd be when I signed up, I don't think I'd have done it. But in any case, this is a nice soft rock/pop album. In a more sensible world, this would have been the only Morrissey solo album included. It's really cruisy, story-like, the scungy UK council flat vibe isn't too full on and his vocal delivery is kinda perfect here. I even listened twice and I think I'll save it for future listens too. 4/5. Also, because I must have gotten out of the wrong side of bed this morning: everyone who goes "wahh Morrissey is such a bad guy, -10 points for all his albums", shut your holes. You're pathetic.
Mon Jul 18 2022
4
The sound on this one is interesting to say the least. Was pretty surprised to hear his voice over something like this. It works imo.
Wed Jul 20 2022
4
The worst thing about Morrisey isn't that he actually makes good music, but it us the most annoying. The man may be a prick, but he makes some solid sad boy tunes. Bit melodramatic for my tastes at times, but overall great record
Thu Jul 21 2022
4
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Everyday is like Sunday, Suedehead
Wed Jul 27 2022
4
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It's good and I don't mind Morrissey's lyrics.
Mon Aug 01 2022
4
4.0 - Besides the bald-faced "Margaret on the Guillotine", this album thankfully finds Morrissey on a less political bent. Not surprisingly, I like this solo project much better than the more abrasive "Your Arsenal." It's got two notable hits, "Everyday Is Like Sunday" and "Suedehead." I also like deeper cuts like "Little Man, What Now?"
Mon Aug 08 2022
4
Was pleasantly surprised by this and have a. We respect for Morrissey
Wed Aug 17 2022
4
Not the best Morrissey solo album, but it's certainly good and only 6 months after the demise of the Smiths! Not sure why they keep fiddling with the order and the typeface, but it still holds up.
Wed Aug 31 2022
4
Je ne le connaissais pas beaucoup, et j'ai bien aimé! Très Brit, pas trop extravagant. À découvrir (avec The Smiths également)
Mon Sep 05 2022
4
Morrissey is a guarantee for good music. Enjoyable album, without any big standouts but a high quality throughout
Wed Sep 07 2022
4
Suedehead <3
Fri Sep 23 2022
4
Heard it before?: Yes! Enjoy it?: I don’t like to give Morrissey any more credit than necessary but his music is very special, very peculiar songwriting but great nonetheless Favourite song: a LOT to choose from but Track 3 - Everyday is Like Sunday
Fri Oct 07 2022
4
Dosta klasika na ovom albumu, meni najdraži njegov - jer se osjeti još trunci Smithsa. Posjedujem vinyl i drago mi je. Čista četvorka, dakle ono 8-8,5/10. Fale ljudi iz bivše mu grupe and it shows.
Fri Oct 07 2022
4
Savrsen album za jednu laganu depricu. Ak dođe sezona imat cu ga na umu
Fri Oct 14 2022
4
His solo work is better than his songs with The Smiths, and people hate him for that. Also: something of a mope.
Sun Oct 16 2022
4
Big album from a massive arsehole.
Wed Nov 02 2022
4
The randomizer must really want me to listen to Morrissey and The Smiths as this is my second Morrissey album and I've had all three Smiths' albums in the challenge. "Viva Hate" is the debut solo album by Morrissey and wasting no time, it was released just six months after The Smiths' final album "Strangeways, Here We Come." It was produced by Stephen Street who also played bass. Vini Reilly from the post-punk band The Durutti Column played guitar and a key part, I thought, to two of my favorite songs. Overall, this was a much more pop-oriented and softer album than what he would do a few albums later. I did not exactly find an overall theme focusing on the break-up of The Smiths...maybe a few songs. This album starts out uniquely in "Alsatian Cousin" with an early PIL sounding guitar and drums sounding like a drum machine. A harder sounding song especially with the guitar. One of my favorite on the album. An unattractive girl is jealous about someone in a relationship. "Everyday is Sunday" has a majestic pop feel with the strings. I think it's simply about being bored. One the Moz's best songs. The second half starts with another one his best songs in "Suedehead." Great melody. I think some more straight-forward lyrics about a person breaking up with another for reading their diary. A very good hidden song is "I Don't Mind if You Forget Me." Here's a a song that might be about the breakup of The Smiths. Like the first song, just great interesting guitar by Vini Reilly. Not anything like Johnny Marr. Morrissey gets his acerbic side out in the closing song "Margaret on the Guillotine." Pretty self-explanatory about his opinion on Margaret Thatcher. A slower song with guitar only. This is an album that has two classic Morrissey songs and two very good hidden ones. I found the other Moz album "Your Arsenal" that I've listened to in depth (from the challenge) harder sounding, Morrissey's lyrics more clever and an overall better album. But, this has some highlights and definitely worth a listen.
Sun Nov 06 2022
4
Not his best album, but mostly good songs
Sun Nov 27 2022
4
Yeah, he's a dick. Yeah, he's a piece of shit, but his music will always be with me, be it through is solo stuff or through The Smiths.
Sun Nov 27 2022
4
Some of Morrissey's solo work is pretty great. Can't stand the person, but man did he have some good stuff.
Sun Nov 27 2022
4
Editors are right that there was reason to be skeptical about M's post-Smiths output but this was a winning effort all the way around. "Everyday Is Like Sunday" and "Suedehead" are all-time pop songs. "Bengali" is terrifc, too. Other than this being lighter and perhaps slightly less biting and driving, there's not a huge diff musically from late Smiths. But the overreaching guitar solo on "I Don't Mind" reminds one of this record's Marrlessness. Still overall this is quite a bit more than solid – and not only from having avoided being worse, which it very much could have been.
Mon Nov 28 2022
4
7/10. I liked this, especially the first bit, but towards the end the sound of his voice started to wear on me.
Mon Nov 28 2022
4
8/10 glad that the list reminded me that I love this album.
Thu Dec 01 2022
4
not as good as the Smiths
Thu Dec 15 2022
4
i’m absolutely a biased sucker for morrissey. i accept that. this wasnt my favorite of his, but still quite good imo
Sun Dec 18 2022
4
A surprisingly strong Morrissey record. If I had to choose any of his solo work, it would be this.
Wed Dec 21 2022
4
It seems that Morrissey makes better music on his own than when he's with The Smiths. Viva Hate has more life and groove, and is frankly pretty enjoyable despite still being brooding and sad. I mean, God knows we could use a lot less whining from guys like Morrissey so this livelier tone is very much welcome. I'll give him a 4 for this, but a -1 for everything else outside of music. Standout tracks are Everyday is Like Sunday and I Don't Mind if You Forget Me.
Wed Jan 04 2023
4
Usual caveats on his stance on many things, but... pretty damn good album
Thu Jan 12 2023
4
Liked: Everyday is Like Sunday, Late Night Maudlin street, Suedehead, and the music behind the singing is really great. Pretty dang good overall! I hear the tides have turned against Morrisey though.
Wed Jan 25 2023
4
Very good. Not my style everyday but very good.
Fri Feb 03 2023
4
Valt eigenlijk nooit tegen, die Morrissey.