With two albums in almost as many years, Morrissey seems to be back to stay, but it is crucial to attract new fans in a very competitive music market. This new album could increase his fan base, but probably won’t…

The album opens with the original and epic Eastern vibe of I Will See You In Far Off Places. The song offers a strong condemnation of the USA invasion of the East (“If the USA doesn’t bomb you, I will see you in far off places…”) and is backed by a heavy instrumental bombardment. Dear God, Please Help Me is a rather beautiful, simple, contemplative and haunting ballad, with Morrissey’s distant vocal backed by some superb piano and Hammond sounds. There’s a lighter, more optimistic ambience to In The Future When All’s Well before darkness descends with The Father Who Must Be Killed, and mournful Life Is A Pigsty. I’ll Never Be Anybody’s Hero Now resorts to a more traditional pop/rock vibe, and familiar Smiths ground. Musical highlights are few and far between and includes the love ballad, To Me You Are A Work Of Art, and closing string laden song At Last I Am Born. The competition from both sides of the Atlantic is so fierce right now from solo artists and bands, while the quality of song writing puts most of this material in the deep, dark shade.

This is therefore an album for existing Morrissey fans, who will probably love every moment of it. I found it less than inspiring, although I can associate myself with some of the sentiments expressed. As they say, ‘It’s the way I tell ‘em.’

3/5