The Best of Morrissey cover

The Best of Morrissey

Morrissey · 2001

78 min · 21 tracks · alternative rock

Melancholic melodies intertwine with sharp, introspective lyrics, encapsulating the essence of Morrissey's unique artistry.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Everyday Is Like Sunday — This track perfectly captures Morrissey's signature blend of melancholy and social commentary, with its vivid imagery portraying a sense of ennui and longing.
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    The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get — A quintessential example of Morrissey's clever lyricism, this song explores themes of obsession and unrequited love with an infectious melody.
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    Suedehead — As one of Morrissey's earliest solo hits, it combines catchy instrumentation with introspective reflections on relationships and identity, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
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    November Spawned a Monster — This track stands out for its bold exploration of societal issues, showcasing Morrissey's willingness to confront taboo topics through his poignant storytelling.

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 compilation captures Morrissey's lyrical style but lacks a cohesive narrative flow across its varied selections.

What we noticed

  • Several songs employ a consistent mid-tempo rhythm, creating a reflective atmosphere throughout the compilation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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 4/10

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 pacing with reflective moments
  • melancholic melodies for introspection
  • witty lyrics for thoughtful engagement
  • consistent flow through varied themes
  • for quiet afternoon listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A compilation that highlights key tracks, ideal for new listeners to explore Morrissey's work.
Themes
suburban ennui· unrequited love· societal critique
Career context
Released in 2001, The Best of Morrissey compiles the artist's most celebrated tracks from his solo career following his departure from The Smiths. By this point, Morrissey had established himself as a significant figure in alternative rock, with hits that defined the '90s and early 2000s. This collection showcases his lyrical wit and distinctive vocal style during a period when he was experiencing fluctuating commercial success.
Stylistic neighbors
The Smiths· Pulp· Echo & the Bunnymen

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get 3:43
  • 2 Suedehead 3:54
  • 3 Everyday Is Like Sunday 3:32
  • 4 Glamorous Glue 4:08
  • 5 Do Your Best and Don’t Worry 4:07
  • 6 November Spawned a Monster 5:23
  • 7 The Last of the Famous International Playboys 3:39
  • 8 Sing Your Life 3:26
  • 9 Hairdresser on Fire 3:50
  • 10 Interesting Drug 3:27
  • 11 We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful 2:30
  • 12 Certain People I Know 3:11
  • 13 Now My Heart Is Full (edit) 4:08
  • 14 I Know It’s Gonna Happen Someday 4:22
  • 15 Sunny 2:41
  • 16 Alma Matters 4:48
  • 17 Hold On to Your Friends 4:04
  • 18 Sister I’m a Poet 2:25
  • 19 Disappointed 3:05
  • 20 Tomorrow (radio remix) 3:54
  • 21 Lost 3:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata