Years of Refusal (Special Edition CD+DVD) [CD+DVD, Deluxe Edition]

With a career spanning almost 30 years it is a fairly safe assumption that both fans and critics alike are highly unlikely to be swayed from their stance regarding this most distinctive and divisive of artists. Given this clear demarcation between the two camps, Morrissey, it seems, will not be winning over too many of his detractors with his new release 'Years of Refusal'. It is, however, sure to delight those well-established followers, as this is undoubtedly the greatest achievement of his solo career, which is some feat, considering its wonderfully grandiose predecessor 'Ringleader of the Tormentor' (2005). With 'Years of Refusal' though, Morrissey sounds reinvigorated, writing and singing with a newfound sense of urgency. Of course, the usual themes of love and death, dominate, but it is the refreshed manner by which he tackles them this time around, that make 'Years of Refusal' such a success. While 'Ringleader of the Tormentors' opted for grandeur and epic exposition, 'Years of Refusal' favours short, sharp explosions of punk influenced energy. Album opener `Something is Squeezing My Skull' acts as a perfect indicator of what's to come, with `One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell' and single `All You Need is Me' also demonstrating the immediacy of the record.
Morrissey also treads new ground with the sublime `When Last I Spoke to Carole', employing a Mexican, mariachi tone, densely layered with brass and acoustic guitars. Furthermore, Morrissey's vocal capabilities appear to be developing even further, rather that diminishing with age, reaching previously unheard levels in range on the embittered ballad `It's Not Your Birthday Anymore'. `Black Cloud', one of the album's many highlights, is also notable for its beautifully delivered vocal performance.
While it may seem certain that as long as Morrissey is writing and recording new material he won't be deviating too far from those familiar subjects so frequently at the heart of his lyrics, Years of Refusal is surely evidence that not only does he remain one of the most important artists of both the past and the present, but that there is still potential for greater things to come.

Time may prove me wrong, and I may change my mind but right here, right now I think this is actually the best album Morrissey has ever done.
It's Not Your Birthday Anymore is absolutely spellbinding! Play it loud and feel the hair stand on the back of your neck!
The single, Throwing My Arms Around Paris, is classic pop and pure Morrissey, but it is not indicative of the album.
Years of Refual is phenomenal; Morrissey's voice has NEVER sounded so good; from defiant outsider to loungeroom crooner.
The last song, I'm OK By Myself, is up there with his best work. Moz at the top of his voice over a times rocky, times Sonic Youth wall of noise. Does it get any better? no.
Play very loud (good advice from the back sleeve).
Keep up the amazing work Stephen Patrick.

It happens like this: before a new Morrissey album is released you go back and listen to some of his old works to get into the right mood and... how strange! they invariably sound more impressive and poignant than you remembered. With the only notable exception of KILL UNCLE (his weakest) all of Morrissey's (and The Smiths') works tend to get better with time: how many artists do you know about whom you can say the same?

YEARS OF REFUSAL is the Mancunian Bard's ninth studio album and finds him in a very energetic mood. It is a lively, swift record that beautifully belies its author's age, full as it is of sharp guitars and fresh songs ably produced by the late Jerry Finn. And of course it has a punk edge, but do not let that confuse you: this is still a very elegant work where Morrissey's vocals and lyrics shine as bright as ever. The musical palette includes glam BOWIE, SPARKS, mid-70s ROXY MUSIC and punk, all welded into that unmistakable blend we have been so fascinated by since 1983. The band is very tight too, with drummer MATT WALKER deserving a special mention: his drumming manages to be nimble and powerful at the same time, lending this album a very distinctive, sprightly sound.

Morrissey classics already detected on REFUSAL are:

- I'M THROWING MY ARMS AROUND PARIS (SUEDEHEAD's wiser sister)

- IT'S NOT YOUR BIRTHDAY ANYMORE (a thrillingly cruel song)

- THAT'S HOW PEOPLE GROW UP (a groovy, SIREN-inflected track)

- WHEN LAST I SPOKE TO CAROL (balearic Morrissey, anyone?)

The rest of the disc is definitely worth four stars, but as Moz has said before: these things take time. We feel more than confident that we will end up adding a fifth one in a not so distant future.

See you in 2012.