Morrissey has some very catchy tunes on this album.  The first single “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” is an unrequited love song.  With words as sad as “I’m throwing my arms around Paris because only stone and steel accept my love” and “Nobody wants my love”,  you can’t but help but want to hang yourself.  The song is catchy and a highlight of the album.  In addition, the song  “That’s How People Grow Up”  chorus has a hook very similar to The Jam’s “That’s Entertainment”.  This song will serve well with audiences  a-la “We Will Rock You” and I’m sure Moz can carry a crowd.  This song continues the theme of love, but this time with never having had any.  The words “I was wasting my time trying to fall in love. Disappointment came to me and booted me and bruised and hurt me” makes you think he hasn’t tried eharmony yet.  The ballad “It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore” describes an insouciant type of love and he makes you feel it at various points when he takes his voice into the higher registers.  Some of the lyrics are “The will to see you smile and belong has now gone” sound like his character is over someone.

There are some tracks that contain a horn section.  The track “When Last I Spoke to Carol” has the Spanish Flamenco feel of say The Cure’s “The Blood” off The Head On the Door album  .  The song builds with a horn section and snare drums banging away to a finish.  Also, in “One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell” has a horn section towards the end.

Overall, this album is not another Smiths record.  If you’re looking for that, then listen to Vauxhall and I.  However, it is better than his last album Ringleader of the Tormentors which didn’t have any stand out tracks.  Also, it does have some great gems along the way.  His voice and unique sense of melodies are worth listening to.  Since Morrissey is no longer celibate, maybe he can lighten up on his theme of love on his next album (but then what would be the point to listen).

Grade : B+

Suggested Tracks :

• “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris”
• “That’s How People Grow Up”
• “It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore”

Suggested Listening :

• Morrissey – Vauxhall and I
• Anything by The Smiths
• The Cure – Head On The Door