Morrissey ranks his solo albums and singles
Morrissey Reveals His Personal Masterpiece Ranking: Unpacking the Art of Legacy
In a candid dive into his vast musical history, the legendary singer and former frontman of The Smiths, Morrissey has taken readers on a journey through his own discography, sharing a personal ranking of his solo albums and singles. Far from a simple list, this ranking reveals a complex tapestry of personal pride and creative ownership, highlighting works he feels are most dear to him, even amidst professional and personal challenges.
When asked to curate his musical legacy, Morrissey pointed to some fascinating choices, including the track he released with Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and the tantalizing prospect of his long-awaited album, ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’.
At the very summit of his personal hierarchy sits the unreleased album ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’. This project, which he completed in 2021, has been notably absent from public view due to a protracted dispute with Capitol Records. Despite the hold-up, Morrissey confirmed he successfully bought back the rights to the album in 2024, though the music remains unreleased.
The process of releasing this work involved complex negotiations. Furthermore, Morrissey revealed that this album, which was announced for a 2023 release, involved a significant separation from Capitol Records. He noted that even guest appearances, such as those involving Miley Cyrus, were negotiated carefully, including ensuring her backing vocals were removed from certain tracks.
Just below this coveted title, his most recent solo effort, ‘Make-Up Is A Lie’, secured the second spot. Released in March, this album marked Morrissey’s 14th solo album and his first new LP in six years, demonstrating a continuing commitment to new creative output.
The overall list also included foundational works that anchor his career, such as 2004’s ‘You Are The Quarry’, 1994’s ‘Vauxhall And I’, and the retrospective energy of 2009’s ‘Years Of Refusal’. Other included gems from his history, such as 2006’s ‘Ringleader Of The Tormentors’ and 1992’s ‘Your Arsenal’, further illustrating the depth of his catalog.
His ranking extended to his solo singles, where ‘Irish Blood, English Heart’ (2004) topped the list, followed by tracks like ‘It’s Over’ (2018) and the collaborative piece ‘Wedding Bell Blues’ with Billie Joe Armstrong (2018).
Beyond the rankings, the story also touches on Morrissey’s recent touring activities. A string of UK dates is planned for December, including stops in Brighton, Cardiff, and Liverpool, as well as Glasgow and Leeds. This schedule followed several notable cancellations, including an August postponement of his Las Vegas residency, and the cancellation of various international shows due to illness, adverse reactions to medication, and sleep deprivation.
This ranking, which appeared first on NME, serves as a fascinating window into the artistic choices and personal experiences that shape a legendary career, proving that even in the world of music, legacy is intensely personal.
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