Morrissey // Years Of Refusal

Morrissey is one of a small number of musicians that can truly be classed as a living legend. Since the days of The Smiths and then through a long and successful solo career he has constantly managed to challenge people with his highly articulate lyrics and often controversial opinions. In a sense then that might be why I felt a little disappointed by the overall feel of this record. There aren’t any bad songs on it, but there isn’t anything that particularly stands out either. Lead single ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris’ sees him proclaiming, “Nobody wants my love,” and sets the tone for much of the lyrical content, with ‘One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell’ warning, “You will never see your love again.” By the time album closer ‘I’m OK By Myself’ finishes he’s concluded, “I don’t need you and I never have, I never have.” Overall this is a good, solid collection, but I was often left with the feeling it could have stepped up a gear and reached greater heights. However, while ‘Years of Refusal’ isn’t Morrissey at his best, it’s certainly still head and shoulders above most other music that will come out this month.