Album Review: Morrissey - Years Of Refusal
- Written by George Shaw
Ah, Morrissey. You and I have never really got on, have we? Well, that I mean I've never really been a fan. One thing it's impossible to deny though, Stephen Patrick Morrissey is most certainly an interesting character. The man a certain music publication once described as the "most influential artist of all time" has inspired more bands and vegetarians than you could shake a lettuce leaf at. This, his ninth solo album, has been described by the man himself as his strongest work to date, a big claim, when you consider the large back catalogue he possesses.
It's fitting then, that album number nine, titled Years of Refusal should be the album in which I realise how wrong I've been. It kicks off with pace in the upbeat 'Something Is Squeezing My Skull.' First single 'I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris' may come across as optimistic and full of joy, but beneath that melody, lies a dark, unloved heart. Here Morrissey claims he can only find love in the stone and steel of Paris. As throughout the album, and his career, the imagery in the lyrics is dark, gloomy but always striking.
Fans may well recognise 'That's How People Grow Up' as the lead single from 2008's Greatest Hits collection. The decision to include this track, as well as 'All You Need Is Me', which also featured, could easily have come across as lazy, but luckily it still sounds as fresh, and as strong as it did the first time round.
The album highlight is also its bleakest moment, but since it is Morrissey that comes as no real surprise. The stunning 'It's Not Your Birthday Anymore' is an angry, yet beautiful ballad. The power in his voice throughout the song's chorus, combined with the gentle, loving delivery of the lines "all the gifts that they gave can't compare in anyway/to the love I am now giving to you/ right here right now on the floor" make it genuinely difficult not to feel moved. The track is an instant classic, and can stand proudly alongside anything from his previous releases.
Nearly thirty years after the formation of The Smiths, Morrissey still remains one of the most prolific and exciting musicians the country has to offer, just as long as he stays miserable. I'm only sorry it has taken me so long to discover that. Heaven knows I'll be miserable soon.