What makes Very Best of Morrissey by Morrissey notable?

This compilation highlights Morrissey's enduring impact on alternative rock and indie pop, showcasing tracks that have defined his career. It reached notable chart positions across Europe and was well-received for its selection of both hits and deeper cuts, reaffirming his status as a cultural icon. Released in 2011, 'Very Best of Morrissey' encapsulates the artist's solo career following his departure from The Smiths. By this point, Morrissey had established a solid fan base and critical acclaim with several solo albums since his debut in 1991, making this compilation a retrospective look at his influential body of work.

Who is Very Best of Morrissey for?

Very Best of Morrissey works well if you're into reflective journey through emotions, melancholic melodies for introspection and dynamic flow with emotional peaks.

How many songs are on Very Best of Morrissey?

Very Best of Morrissey has 18 tracks, running approximately 75 minutes.

Very Best of Morrissey

Morrissey · 2011

75 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock

A collection of sharp-witted melodies and introspective lyrics, reflecting Morrissey's unique blend of melancholy and charm.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Suedehead — Often regarded as one of Morrissey's signature songs, it showcases his distinctive lyrical storytelling alongside an infectious melody that captures the essence of longing.
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Everyday Is Like Sunday — This track exemplifies Morrissey's knack for blending irony with melancholy, painting a vivid picture of ennui that resonates deeply with listeners.
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The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get — With its catchy chorus and sharp observations on love and obsession, this song encapsulates Morrissey’s wit and emotional depth.

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

This compilation showcases Morrissey's notable tracks but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

Several tracks include prominent orchestration, particularly strings, which enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The sequencing alternates between faster-paced songs and slower ballads, creating a dynamic flow that maintains listener interest.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

reflective journey through emotions
melancholic melodies for introspection
dynamic flow with emotional peaks
for late-night solitude

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat and fast-paced
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — A compilation that summarizes Morrissey's solo career for new listeners.
Themes: ironic ennui· suburban malaise· longing nostalgia
Career context: Released in 2011, 'Very Best of Morrissey' encapsulates the artist's solo career following his departure from The Smiths. By this point, Morrissey had established a solid fan base and critical acclaim with several solo albums since his debut in 1991, making this compilation a retrospective look at his influential body of work.
Stylistic neighbors: The Smiths· Pulp· Echo & the Bunnymen