I Am Not a Dog on a Chain
Morrissey · 2020
49 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
Morrissey's sardonic wit intertwines with lush instrumentals, creating a reflective yet acerbic exploration of contemporary life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bobby, Don’t You Think They Know? — This track features a poignant duet that highlights themes of love and longing, showcasing Morrissey's ability to blend vulnerability with his characteristic irony.
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Love Is on Its Way Out — The song's catchy melodies juxtapose dark lyrical themes, making it a standout representation of Morrissey's sharp commentary on modern relationships.
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I Am Not a Dog on a Chain — The title track encapsulates Morrissey's defiant spirit and refusal to be marginalized, both lyrically and musically driving home his resilient identity.
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Knockabout World — With its upbeat tempo and biting lyrics, this track serves as a satirical reflection on global events and personal responsibility, embodying Morrissey's signature style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Morrissey's blend of orchestration and lyrical wit creates a distinctive yet uneven album that reflects his ongoing evolution.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of lush orchestration, with strings and horns complementing Morrissey's vocal delivery on most tracks.
- Several songs employ a conversational style in the lyrics, often blending sardonic commentary with personal reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- biting wit with melancholic undertones
- thoughtful exploration of everyday life
- suitable for introspective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- seek immediate emotional gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Morrissey's continued vitality in a late career phase despite mixed reviews.
- Career context
- By the time 'I Am Not a Dog on a Chain' was released in March 2020, Morrissey was navigating a challenging phase of his career. This album marked his first release since 2019's 'California Son,' and it showcased his continued evolution as an artist amidst ongoing controversies surrounding his public statements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Smiths· Pulp· Echo & the Bunnymen
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Jim Jim Falls 3:44
- 2 Love Is on Its Way Out 3:14
- 3 Bobby, Don’t You Think They Know? 5:46
- 4 I Am Not a Dog on a Chain 3:52
- 5 What Kind of People Live in These Houses? 3:41
- 6 Knockabout World 3:25
- 7 Darling, I Hug a Pillow 4:47
- 8 Once I Saw the River Clean 4:19
- 9 The Truth About Ruth 3:45
- 10 The Secret of Music 7:52
- 11 My Hurling Days Are Done 5:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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