Something Is Squeezing My Skull cover

Something Is Squeezing My Skull

Morrissey · 2009

5 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A raw, sardonic blend of punk-inflected rock with Morrissey's biting lyrics and distinctive vocal delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Something Is Squeezing My Skull — The title track captures the essence of the album with its frenetic energy and sharp commentary on mental health and societal pressures, making it a standout opener.
  • →
    Best Friend on the Payroll — This track exemplifies Morrissey's signature blend of humor and bitterness, critiquing modern relationships and social dynamics through clever lyrics and an upbeat tempo.

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 single showcases Morrissey's signature style but lacks cohesion and broader impact.

What we noticed

  • The title track opens with a driving guitar riff and maintains a brisk tempo throughout, while the second track shifts to a more subdued arrangement with layered instrumentation.
  • Morrissey's vocal delivery is characterized by a sardonic tone, often emphasizing the biting nature of the lyrics, particularly in the first track.
  • The two tracks are distinct in their lyrical themes; the first focuses on personal anguish while the second addresses themes of betrayal and disillusionment.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Something Is Squeezing My Skull 2:39
  • 2 Best Friend on the Payroll 2:27

What to play next

Very Best of Morrissey
Listen next

Very Best of Morrissey

2011
Years of Refusal
Go back to

Years of Refusal

2009
Full Morrissey discography Where to start with Morrissey Artists like Morrissey
alternative rock indie pop indie rock

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