Morrissey's Latest Album: A Complex Musical Landscape
How does one approach the enigma that is Morrissey? The former Smiths frontman has released his 14th studio album, Make-Up Is A Lie, and it presents listeners with a challenging yet musically rich experience. At 66 years old, Morrissey's voice remains velvety and compelling, crooning themes of despair, defiance, devotion, disdain, and drollery across an eclectic mix of genres. However, enjoying this record requires navigating a veritable minefield of the singer's controversial worldviews, making it a complex listen for fans and critics alike.
The Opening Statement: Defiance and Censorship
The album kicks off with "You're Right, It's Time", where Morrissey immediately addresses his ongoing battles with perceived censorship. Over moody guitars, swerving synths, and a propulsive bass line, he declares, "I want to speak up and not be trapped by censorship". This likely references his frustration with former label Parlophone, which declined to release his single about the 2017 Manchester bombing, "Bonfire of the Teenagers". In that track, he criticizes a society he claims went "easy on the killer", showcasing his unapologetic stance on sensitive issues.
Musical Highlights and Lyrical Depth
Despite the controversies, Make-Up Is A Lie features several standout songs. The title track is laden with musical drama, including pounding percussion, violins, and a moreish zither, while its lyrics hint at a meeting with a Parisian woman, possibly Simone de Beauvoir, echoing Morrissey's classic doomed romance themes. A cool cover of Roxy Music's "Amazona" allows Morrissey's vocal to sweep through the art-school melody with grandiose yearning, demonstrating his enduring artistic flair.
For fans of his anti-love songs, "Headache" offers a slow-mo, trip-hoppy sound with xylophone dapples, where he purrs lines like "What god has joined together, let no headache separate... I don't even like you" over an acidic electric guitar solo. These tracks highlight his ability to craft emotionally resonant music, even as he challenges listeners with his perspectives.
Controversial Low Points and Conspiracy Theories
Not all songs on the album fare well. "Notre-Dame" peddles a swiftly debunked conspiracy theory about the fire that ravaged the Parisian cathedral, making it a low point that many may wish to skip. Similarly, "Zoom Zoom The Little Boy" features daft nursery rhyme lyrics about saving "cats and the dogs and bats and the frogs and the badgers and hedgehogs", coming across as frivolous amidst the album's heavier themes.
The Push-Pull Dynamic and Fan Relationships
Morrissey's schtick of push-pull dynamics, reminiscent of his early days with The Smiths, is evident throughout. He opines, "I cast no shadow or reflection in a mirror now", yet pleads, "I wanna let somebody love me if they can...". This duality mirrors anecdotes like that from fellow rock star Lloyd Cole, who recalled Morrissey changing his phone and then sending postcards saying "You don't call me!". Fans often find themselves unable to cut the cord, hoping to remain in his good graces despite the frustrations.
Celebrating Criticism and Artistic Legacy
Ironically, Morrissey celebrates music criticism on "Lester Bangs", singing "this nerd hangs on your word". This comes as critics, including this reviewer, struggled to obtain a stream for the album, adding a layer of meta-commentary to the listening experience. When Morrissey asks the dead critic, "How does it feel?", the living response might well be "Bloody annoying", given the hurdles in accessing his work.
Conclusion: A Bittersweet Artistic Endeavor
In summary, Make-Up Is A Lie is a testament to Morrissey's enduring creativity and capacity to evoke strong emotions. At his best, he can scoop up your heart and arrange it like a bunch of gladioli, only to stomp it to bits with his controversial views. The album offers good songs across post-punk, chanson, and soul-disco genres, but it demands listeners approach it as a minefield, weighing musical enjoyment against ethical considerations. For those willing to navigate this complex landscape, there are rewards, but Morrissey certainly doesn't make it easy.
