Music review: 'Years of Refusal' by Morrissey

Thursday, February 26, 2009

After the release of Ring Leader of the Tormentors in 2006, Morrissey is back with a telltale album. Years of Refusal is livened with caustic lyrics, energetic vocals and lively beats and tempos.

Morrissey gives off energy by embedding his vocals with the edgy sound of the guitar through the album. The high-tempo tunes give fans a balance between the playful sounds in the scathing lyrics.

On the first track, “Something Is Squeezing My Skull,” Morrissey sings about the different brands of anti-depressants and carries it out with an upbeat tempo. He uses the same energy on other songs such as “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris,” in which he talks about a lost love. In “All You Need is Me,” he declares, “You don’t like me but you love me/Either way you’re wrong, you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone.”

There’s a guitar-heavy edgy sound in songs like “Sorry Doesn’t Help” and “That’s How People Grow Up.” In “When Last I Spoke To Carol,” the sound of the Spanish guitar creates a more festive beat. The added effect of the whistling gives it a more western cinematic tune.

“It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore” doesn’t come off with the faster, edgy sound that was introduced in the previous songs. It’s a mellow, techno sound that picks up during the chorus.

Overall, fans won’t be disappointed when they listen to Years of Refusal because of its fresh sounds and catchy, yet sinister lyrics.

Rating: 3 out of 4 stars

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