Low in High School cover

Low in High School

Morrissey · 2017

53 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of sardonic wit and jangly melodies that explore themes of isolation and disillusionment in modern society.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Spent the Day in Bed — This track cleverly combines upbeat melodies with a message about escapism and the struggle against societal pressures, making it an anthem for disengagement.
  • →
    Who Will Protect Us From the Police? — The title track is a provocative commentary on authority and social justice, showcasing Morrissey's penchant for tackling contentious issues head-on.
  • →
    I Wish You Lonely — With its poignant lyrics about longing and unreciprocated feelings, this song encapsulates the emotional depth that characterizes much of Morrissey's work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with politically charged lyrics, showcasing Morrissey's distinctive style.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with jangly guitars, while the second half shifts to slower tempos and more introspective lyrics.
  • Several songs incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, creating a varied vocal delivery.
  • The lyrics frequently address political themes, with direct references to contemporary issues like immigration and police relations.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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 flow
  • biting wit with introspective tones
  • thoughtful lyrics for solo listening
  • melancholic melodies for rainy days

Maybe skip if you

  • seek fast-paced, energetic tracks
  • prefer upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Morrissey's continued engagement with political themes and personal reflection.
Career context
By the time 'Low in High School' was released in November 2017, Morrissey had cemented his status as a controversial figure in music and culture. This album followed his previous release, 'World Peace Is None of Your Business' from 2014, continuing his exploration of personal and political themes, while also showcasing a shift towards more direct lyrical confrontations reflecting his views on contemporary issues.
Stylistic neighbors
The Smiths· Pulp· Echo & the Bunnymen

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 My Love, I’d Do Anything for You 4:43
  • 2 I Wish You Lonely 2:58
  • 3 Jacky’s Only Happy When She’s Up on the Stage 4:19
  • 4 Home Is a Question Mark 3:59
  • 5 Spent the Day in Bed 3:31
  • 6 I Bury the Living 7:25
  • 7 In Your Lap 4:35
  • 8 The Girl From Tel‐Aviv Who Wouldn’t Kneel 4:57
  • 9 All the Young People Must Fall in Love 3:36
  • 10 When You Open Your Legs 3:17
  • 11 Who Will Protect Us From the Police? 4:05
  • 12 Israel 5:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata