Years of Refusal by Morrissey

As with many a monumental artist, the prospect of a new Morrissey album poses a dilemma for the critic. Indeed all music should be evaluated as a singular piece of art, yet when the individual in question couldn’t possibly surpass (or even equal) their previous output, how can one deem any new addition as excellent. For Morrissey this is even more intense, as not only were The Smiths one of the most passionately loved bands Britain has ever seen, but his two decade solo career has also produced some undeniably brilliant albums. As I gritted my teeth and settled down to listen to Morrissey’s latest work, Years of Refusal, I was surprised, not only because it was an enjoyable Morrissey album this side of the millennium, but because the man himself achieves this by barely straying from the path he’s been walking for twenty years.

As the album begins, the signs of stagnation are ever present. The glam-rock glory of opener ‘Something is Squeezing My Skull’ is reminiscent of ‘National Front Disco’, from 1992 release Your Arsenal. Furthermore, a brief glance over the writing credits reveals that the majority of the album is written by the same two blokes – Boz Boorer and Alain Whyte, who have been contributing to the Moz canon since 1991. These are all factors which should forebode another forgettable album from the Mancunian wordsmith, yet through being completely succinct and playful, Morrissey has been able to rejuvenate his tired form.

Ever since Morrissey’s first solo album, the unsettling existence of pop filler has tarnished even his greatest successes. Thankfully, a hard edged approach applied to the new material, has made Years of Refusal an album that barely lets you take a breath. Whilst the muscular rock of the album has always been a part of Mozzer’s solo sound, here the need to create balance by the use of slow, brooding, seven minute numbers has been rightfully tossed aside.

Inevitably, a new Morrissey release is always accompanied by every published non-believer, mocking his inability to move on thematically. Indeed song titles such as ‘One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell’ and ‘I’m OK by Myself’ do little to dispel this belief, within this lays a delightful irony. With lines like “Could this be an arm around my waist/Well surely the hand contains a knife” he reminds us of how much humour can emanate from his exploration of celibacy, heartbreak and complete despair.

It remains apparent to even the most loyal fan that Morrissey’s writing has never recovered since The Smiths’ split. Now approaching 50, little of this album’s lyrical content suggests he will ever return to his former literary glory, yet it does showcase his ever improving vocal ability. As the music of the sombre ‘It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore’, descends into full blown rock balladry, his powerful and heartfelt vocal is oddly affecting, which goes a long way to filling the gap his words have left.

From the album’s title, to Morrissey’s be-quiffed image on the cover, Years of Refusal is anything but an innovation. There is not a single song that couldn’t have slotted neatly into any of his previous three albums, yet this release succeeds as it finally makes the most of this established style. Dynamic production and the good sense to omit poor material, has saved this album from the mediocrity of its predecessors. It is indisputable that sheer loyalty and undying love for The Smiths has kept so many of us interested in Morrissey’s output for the past twenty years, yet the fact remains that even at his most mediocre, he’s still the best we’ve got.