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I Am Not a Dog on a Chain
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I Am Not a Dog on a Chain Image
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 33 Ratings

  • Summary: The 13th full-length solo release for The Smiths frontman was produced by Joe Chicarelli.
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Love Is on Its Way Out
Love is on its way out Love is on its way out Love is tired and its on its way out Love is on its way out Love is on its way out Love is broken... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Mojo
    Mar 16, 2020
    80
    Removed from the living artist, it may one day be hailed as a great album. [Apr 2020, p.88]
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  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Mar 16, 2020
    80
    It is an album bursting with epigrammatic phrases, ridiculous rhymes, huge melodies and provocative opinions. The sound is brash and arresting.
  3. AllMusic
    Mar 20, 2020
    70
    Set aside this inclination toward sneering solipsism, which not only characterizes but enlivens nearly every song, and I Am Not a Dog on a Chain is one of the better latter-day Morrissey records: the sense of musical daring reveals how placid and complacent he's been for the better part of a decade.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 16, 2020
    60
    Few giant leaps nail the perfect landing, and Morrissey’s two-footer into full-blown electronica stumbles occasionally. But there’s also plenty of reason to hold your political nose and cross the Twittermob line.
  5. Uncut
    Mar 26, 2020
    60
    Moments of sweetness. ... But there are other, less successful experiments. [May 2020, p.31]
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  6. Q Magazine
    Mar 16, 2020
    60
    It finds Morrissey wandering down some interesting musical avenues. [May 2020, p.109]
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  7. The Guardian
    Mar 20, 2020
    40
    Oleaginous and rasping, Morrissey is often lost among the strident music as he hectors people afraid to be themselves.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. bredbasket
    Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Morissey's best release since 2004's 'You Are the Quarry', Morrissey delves into the experimental with this album focusing on synths and evenMorissey's best release since 2004's 'You Are the Quarry', Morrissey delves into the experimental with this album focusing on synths and even electric drums. It has a nice Classic R&B influence and features a duet on "Bobby Don't You Think They'd Know" which makes a nice Soul track. The use of horns in this album are also reminiscent of 2014's "World Peace Is None Of Your Business". The lyrics are very Morrissey, but contrary to what media is saying, it isn't that all political. All in all, Morrissey is trying to get your attention with this album, and he's making a nice move to a 21st Century Sound. I suggest listening to the entire album, because stand-alone, the tracks seem out of place.… Expand
  2. Alfie18
    Feb 6, 2023
    10
    Another superb album from Moz. A lot of these songs i have on repeat. Once I Saw The River Clean is new territory sound wise and it workedAnother superb album from Moz. A lot of these songs i have on repeat. Once I Saw The River Clean is new territory sound wise and it worked really well.… Expand
  4. ParkusMarkus
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    This album is a great comback in my opinion! Just like when "Quarry" came in 2004 I get the impression that Morrissey is doing his best workThis album is a great comback in my opinion! Just like when "Quarry" came in 2004 I get the impression that Morrissey is doing his best work when he can be the underdog. When pushed into a corner, when he is more misunderstood than ever, when ppl is convinced that he is over.
    Absolutely brilliant!    … Expand
  5. Dellboy61
    May 2, 2020
    9
    Another great album.Great tunes and brilliant lyrics.Morrissey still remains the most misunderstood artist.Brilliant!
  6. biffbaxter
    Mar 24, 2020
    9
    Anyone who says the album is not good or better than more recent releases is just not being honest or is not separating the press aroundAnyone who says the album is not good or better than more recent releases is just not being honest or is not separating the press around Morrissey vs his music. There are multiple songs on this album that are much stronger than the last couple albums. I have a 30+ year relationship with the music (Smiths and Morrissey) but lets be honest, some of the solo work has not been great, or has a track or two that is good vs the entire album. This album has more songs that are good vs songs that are "eh". So its cool to see. Also anyone who happens to listen to his voice closely, it seems to be as strong as ever. Mind boggling for as long as he has been performing. I have seen him live a good deal, and I am always struck how consistent his voice is. Nicely done Moz - thanks for some quarantine 2020 music .… Expand
  7. cmrock456
    Mar 26, 2020
    8
    In fine voice and some interesting musical accompaniment, this is his definitely his best since You Are The Quarry. Given the controversy ofIn fine voice and some interesting musical accompaniment, this is his definitely his best since You Are The Quarry. Given the controversy of his recent political statements, his chances of having a comeback similar to that era, are next to nil.… Expand
  8. LuxemburgJason
    Dec 28, 2022
    0
    Dog is just a bad album, and it isn't a Morrissey album. It's a poor attempt at doing what other artists have done better and for many moreDog is just a bad album, and it isn't a Morrissey album. It's a poor attempt at doing what other artists have done better and for many more years, with greater degrees of success. It isn't innovative in the slightest. It's hackneyed, lacking originality and just generally lazy. It sounds like a really bad Killers album. Overproduced, lots of silly electronic noises and poor lyrics.

    It's a genuine shame to see such an incredible lyricist fall so far, especially after the reasonably decent Low In High School.    … Expand

See all 17 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Discussed Album of 2020

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