Ringleader Of The Tormentors
by Morrissey
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 105 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 105
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 105
  3. Negative: 9 out of 105

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  1. MatthewC
    Apr 4, 2006
    7
    Bit of a disappointment, after all the hype about Visconti, etc. The first two tunes are terrific ("Dear God Please Help Me" one of the best things he's ever done, but the album sort of wanders off after that. As a whole, this album has less bite than "You Are The Quarry".
  2. AQuinn
    Apr 5, 2006
    10
    Morrissey's voice sounds better than ever on this CD. It wraps around you in every track and pulls us along a journey where only Morrissey can lead us. Life is a Pigsty is brilliant. It begins with the sound of rain and the feeling of melancholy, then slowly creeps to a dramatic end. This is by far the most mature album ever from Moz.
  3. DSHelder
    Apr 6, 2006
    3
    You can not even start to compare these songs to the long list of classic pop-songs this man has made earlier. Melody-wise, these er bleak. The text are better than your average poplyric, but still not in the class of his earlier efforts. It takes an interest in Morrissey's persona, bordering to the unhealthy, to find this record interesting.
  4. RickR
    Apr 6, 2006
    6
    After all the hype around this album, I couldn't help but feel extremely disappointed. Visconti's production on this album is awful. It seemed on '...Quarry' that Morrissey's sound was expanding, but in almost every single song on 'Ringleader Of The Tormentors', Visconti seems to have just done a cut-and-paste job with Morrissey's vocals. I would After all the hype around this album, I couldn't help but feel extremely disappointed. Visconti's production on this album is awful. It seemed on '...Quarry' that Morrissey's sound was expanding, but in almost every single song on 'Ringleader Of The Tormentors', Visconti seems to have just done a cut-and-paste job with Morrissey's vocals. I would love to have seen what Jerry Finn could have done with this new material, because most of the new material is extremely strong - it just doesnt have the kick it should due to the tragic production.… Expand
  5. SeamusS
    May 30, 2006
    10
    I'm going to honestly try to ween myself off of giving everything I like a ten; but after repeated listens, this album has sunk in to me to be one of Morrissey's most important and intimate albums. It does benifet that the album is produced by Tony Viscoti who adds a much needed kick in Morrissey's sonic rear, one that hasnt had arrangments this strong behind it since the I'm going to honestly try to ween myself off of giving everything I like a ten; but after repeated listens, this album has sunk in to me to be one of Morrissey's most important and intimate albums. It does benifet that the album is produced by Tony Viscoti who adds a much needed kick in Morrissey's sonic rear, one that hasnt had arrangments this strong behind it since the good old days of the Smiths.… Expand
  6. RennieJ
    Apr 10, 2006
    3
    Morrissey's lyrics have now slipped into the awful category. "Then you croak, it's no joke" "I look at life and it makes me puke," etc. This is truly terrible stuff. What happened to the poet that used to captivate us with his wonderful observations and phrases. Maladjusted, Quarry and this new one represent a kind of horrible trilogy of bad writing and exhaused inspiration. Morrissey's lyrics have now slipped into the awful category. "Then you croak, it's no joke" "I look at life and it makes me puke," etc. This is truly terrible stuff. What happened to the poet that used to captivate us with his wonderful observations and phrases. Maladjusted, Quarry and this new one represent a kind of horrible trilogy of bad writing and exhaused inspiration. Morrissey has now begun to tarnish a once great lyrical legacy.… Expand
  7. lofidude
    Apr 4, 2006
    8
    Not quite the same high as masterpieces "Vauxhall & I" and "You Are the Quarry" - but surprisingly close. Still a pop-genius
  8. AramisG
    Apr 5, 2006
    9
    I don't know why. I seem to be in the minority, but I like this way better than You Are the Quarry. Probably his best effort since Vauxhall & I. This just feels fresher and less forced than You Are the Quarry (even though the songs on ROTT are much more typical of Morrissey's catalog).
  9. sam
    Apr 5, 2006
    5
    might have to give this a few listens before it turns from average to good! Thourghly enjoyed his last outing which made me buy this but i think this just wont want me to keep listening!!
  10. diegoc
    Apr 6, 2006
    8
    A great album to enjoy while driving in your car late night. Morrissey's lyricism is excellent and you feel his romanticism for Rome. "Life is a pigsty" is a masterpiece.
  11. moraisj
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    back to the best moments
  12. SmithJ
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    Incredible album. Listen to it and understand why you have been living a lie the past years under the spell of American Idol and such...
  13. ali
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    morrissey can't make a bad album can he?
  14. george
    May 26, 2006
    9
    Morrisey is streets ahead of a lot of your,contributors,many who sound unable to think for themselvesMorrisey is a true artist in a world,where the word artist is used by totally uncreative people..Moz is number 1 wordssmith and has played a major part,in moving conciousness forward,....Wake up listen to the man and throw your preconcieved ideas away,or get a proper brain..
  15. Matt
    Apr 11, 2006
    5
    The arrangements seem strangely dated, undermining his sometimes good lyrics.
  16. ERNIEG
    Apr 10, 2006
    5
    Morrissey's voice is out of range in You have killed me. The fact he has become entirely too political about the country he adopted is unnecessary. First track is similiar to Maladjusted and Teachers are afraid. Boz's guitarship requires expansion limiting any innovation to new material. YOTQ and V&I are the flagship of Moz.
  17. lucidela
    Apr 13, 2006
    10
    better than his last album, and wonderfully produced. such tracks like "life is a pigsty" and "i will see you in far off places" capture the genius at work.
  18. RICARDOl
    Apr 14, 2006
    8
    este es de los dicos mas trabajados para el maestro morrissey, reune piezas de sus trabajos anteriores, el mejor track es " life is pigsty", no siento que sea el mejor disco, no pasa a you are the quarry, pero es muy buen disco para moz
  19. PhilipS
    Apr 26, 2006
    7
    Although not as powerful as you are the Quarry, nor as memorable- it is a solid example to show that the talent of Moz isn't dead. This is probably his most emotionally charged album, but often the songs are so ridiculous, they are funny.... This is probably his second best album... but his talent is undesputable
  20. DiegoL
    Apr 4, 2006
    10
    Morrissey sings better than never in one of the most intense and robustly harmonic albums of his solo career. He does it again, doubling the bet and delivering burning lyrics, arrogant style, brilliant egoism, psychologic autoflagellation, and showing us his new passion, Rome.
  21. Denia
    Apr 5, 2006
    10
    nothing short of what i expect from morrissey. he's truly the most gifted song writer since john lennon. magnificent.
  22. DamielA
    Apr 5, 2006
    9
    Best since Vauxhall & I
  23. GilbertMulroneycakesIsTrue-HeThinksTheWorldOfYou
    Apr 5, 2006
    8
    It's a grower. It's up there with the best of Young Steven's work, but not quite rubbing shoulders with Quarry, Viva Hate or Vauxhall. Victim of its own hype? A little, but that's promotion for you. If you're a fan, don't skip it. If you're not - it probably won't convert you, but give it a try.
  24. Ari
    Apr 5, 2006
    10
    Great job maz
  25. StaffordT
    Apr 5, 2006
    10
    As essential now as he has ever been! The team of Moz and Visconti have created a "jewel in the crown"
  26. RH
    Apr 5, 2006
    8
    To be honest, nothing on this album really amazes me........a very competent set of songs that don't reach the peaks of You Are The Quarry, or even the middle of the slopes for that matter. Still, decent Morrissey is still Morrissey.
  27. PeterPan
    Apr 6, 2006
    4
    Definitely the worst Morrissey album since Southpaw. Totally forgettable (ecept for Life Is A Pigsty). I am truly disappointed!
  28. KGm
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    Perfect.
  29. MartinA
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    Super album by Moz. One of his all time best!
  30. TomB.
    Apr 6, 2006
    4
    Very, very bland. This isn't even in the top half of his solo output, and is so far removed from Smiths' greatness I may even give Marr's solo stuff another listen.
  31. SaschaZ
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    This album is just wonderful. You need to give it a few listens and will be fascinated. Perfectly produced, great lyrics and HIS singing at its best. I love Quarry but I think Ringleader is even better. Thank you, Morrissey
  32. ByronLH
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    A masterpiece, As great as You Are The Quarry was this is every bit as good. The Mozfather has never sounded better vocally. His sense of (dark) humour is still razor sharp and producer Visconti has given the album a bigger sound than Quarry. 10/10.
  33. DLa
    Apr 9, 2006
    9
    i will not say it's the best morrissey can do but he's defenitly impressed me once again. the opening track "i will see you in far off places" offers a catchy lyric with a stab at the US government (typical of morrissey). as always, the lyric booklet is a delight to read and personally, i was touched by "the father who must be killed" and "dear god please help me". musically, i will not say it's the best morrissey can do but he's defenitly impressed me once again. the opening track "i will see you in far off places" offers a catchy lyric with a stab at the US government (typical of morrissey). as always, the lyric booklet is a delight to read and personally, i was touched by "the father who must be killed" and "dear god please help me". musically, he's out done himself with "life is a pigsty'. what wonder and fascinating sound effects of pouring rain. despite harsh critisim, this album is NOt forgettable. it's nearly impossible for morrissey as an artist to be forgettable.… Expand
  34. NiiloK
    Jul 9, 2006
    9
    This album is a story. The Lesson for ethic, humanistic and life for itself. Morrissey tells what he knows best. The lyrics and child chorus and all the elements of his music makes him so unique. He tolds us how deep life can go, but there is still hope. "You are the quarry" is still his best work.
  35. thetrumpet
    Dec 18, 2006
    4
    very poor,awful lyrics,2 or 3 decent songs,unless you worship him dont waste your money,at least its not as bad as kill uncle tho,needs another 7 years off
  36. [Anonymous]
    Dec 21, 2006
    10
    since its release in april it has stayed at the top of the pile. there is no question morrissey remains as the best of 2006. only a couple can compete. this release improves after every play.
  37. WesS
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    Quite possibly and probably his best.
  38. JamesM
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    His best since 'Your Arsenal'. 'Dear God Please Help Me' is his best solo song yet, and maybe even his best song ever - fact!
  39. smithsgirl
    Apr 12, 2006
    5
    As a diehard Smiths/Morrissey fan, I can't believe what I'm about to say, but here goes! I find the whole album overblown and overproduced. Bland, in fact. I've given it plenty of time; repeated listens do nothing for me. The strongest track is probably 'You Have Killed Me'. And yes, I do feel sad that the album is not for me. It feels sorta deceitful :((
  40. ErnstS.L
    Apr 12, 2006
    8
    standard moz is above most standards. good record!
  41. Noel
    Apr 13, 2006
    10
    morrissey is GOD compared to the miserable music we hear thses days. i got what i expected from this album. he has never let me down.
  42. GaryM.
    Apr 14, 2006
    8
    A must for any Morrissey (and The Smiths) fans. Certainly not his best, but still pretty good. Takes a couple of playbacks to get the feeling. What I discovered is a new Morrissey (lyrics, seems he is less subtle, when he means to be outspoken), but the same ol' loveable style (musicwise).
  43. BrandonM
    Apr 16, 2006
    9
    This album is a more solemn effort than 2004
  44. shawn
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    i find it pretty pathetic how artists link Pink are getting better ratings than morrissey... what the hell is wrong with you people? this album deserves at least a 9/10.
  45. Cables
    Apr 18, 2006
    9
    His best solo work.
  46. smithm
    Apr 21, 2006
    8
    Morriessey has a tendency toward the baroque and the macabre (derivations of the words kill and die occur often in his lyrics) and he has a wonderful sense of humor and the music is wonderfully dramatic. Perfect music for "feeling sorry for myself" days. This album will capture you one song at a time. "Life is a Pigsty" was my immediate favorite and then the others grew on me. If you are Morriessey has a tendency toward the baroque and the macabre (derivations of the words kill and die occur often in his lyrics) and he has a wonderful sense of humor and the music is wonderfully dramatic. Perfect music for "feeling sorry for myself" days. This album will capture you one song at a time. "Life is a Pigsty" was my immediate favorite and then the others grew on me. If you are a fan, then buy the album. If you new, then, I'll hate it until you've given it some time, then you'll love it.… Expand
  47. johnkilshawk
    Apr 21, 2006
    0
    Everyone knows the Mozfather has knocked a decent tune out in the last fifteen years. Gee Man get a life
  48. BS
    Apr 22, 2006
    9
    It goes without saying that I am a Smiths/Moz fan (let's face it, that's who buys this album ... and there's nothing wrong with that). Even as a fan, however, I grew tired of Morrissey releases after Bona Drag. Sure, I picked up You Are the Quarry and many of the songs grew on me, but for the most part I was disappointed. With this album, however, Moz has actually made me It goes without saying that I am a Smiths/Moz fan (let's face it, that's who buys this album ... and there's nothing wrong with that). Even as a fan, however, I grew tired of Morrissey releases after Bona Drag. Sure, I picked up You Are the Quarry and many of the songs grew on me, but for the most part I was disappointed. With this album, however, Moz has actually made me care about the lyrical content again. This is a different Morrissey, and the album can fairly be looked at as chapter 2 in the "Morrissey" character's life. The music is more daring too, and good. In a few words, less rockabilly, more orchestration. The album is less uneven than Quarry (not to suggest that it doesn't have a couple duds, but so did Viva Hate and Bona Drag) but, man, the high points are high. Plus, why haven't people been mentioning more often the clear impending death message. I hear this and assume he has terminal cancer or something.… Expand
  49. Vanderfull
    Apr 3, 2006
    10
    The best of your career, including Smiths.
  50. matta
    Apr 3, 2006
    8
    Has some truly gorgeous moments (I'll Never Be Anybody's Hero Now, Dear God Please Help Me, You Have Killed Me, The Youngest Was The Most Loved, and The Father Who Must Be Killed are the best tracks), but, as his other solo stuff, it's just not the same as The Smiths. Still, this is right up there with his best solo stuff.
  51. RobM
    Apr 5, 2006
    9
    This is the type of album you would want to give someone that has never heard his solo work. You have the elements of each of his solo albums as wll as a hint of Smiths-type of vocal pattersn. This album is stunning though. Miles ahead of YATQ and ranks up there with the best of his previous works.
  52. VictorZ
    Apr 5, 2006
    2
    having been a fan for over two decades, I was sadly disappointed with "Ringleader". The songs lose their edge after a couple of listens and we certainly don't have the staying power that al of the Smiths records had. I believe this may very well be his last record.
  53. KonB.
    Apr 6, 2006
    8
    Not the best, but it almost made it up there. Possibly one of his more accessible and promiscuous albums to date thanks to a much more solid and varied instrumentation. And Moz's voice is becoming more refined with age. It could even win over a few new fans to add to his hardcore fanbase, probably the only people who still listen to his music, though that's not a knock on the man.
  54. Cosmo
    Apr 7, 2006
    10
    This album is self indulgent, and over the top. Just like all things Moz. What else could you possibly ask for?
  55. jeanp
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    Fantastic.
  56. JohnR
    May 24, 2006
    10
    Morrissey at his best. I have been a fan for over twenty years but it did take me a few listens o get into this album. I am sure in years to come it will be seen as a masterpiece.
  57. JasonA
    May 4, 2006
    6
    Better than YATQ but I'd say Morrissey's glory days are over. The first half drags but then it picks up. The last 5 tracks or so remind me of Vauxhall and I. I've been a huge fan since the late 80's so I'll keep buying the albums. This album is worth picking up for already eastablished fans but I doubt it'll make any new converts.
  58. joseba
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    great album!
  59. JonathanS
    Aug 11, 2006
    10
    Morrissey has done it again!
  60. NoelE
    Oct 16, 2006
    9
    9 for this reason only: if you get the b-sides, right, and then delete some of the crap songs off the LP ("in the future when al's well" boring!and that dull "through these streets i ran" or whatever, terrible!) and replace them with the ACE b-sides and make a nice lil' playlist with 'em n your iPod, the album is FANTASTIC. Why does he do that? put these clunkers on the LP 9 for this reason only: if you get the b-sides, right, and then delete some of the crap songs off the LP ("in the future when al's well" boring!and that dull "through these streets i ran" or whatever, terrible!) and replace them with the ACE b-sides and make a nice lil' playlist with 'em n your iPod, the album is FANTASTIC. Why does he do that? put these clunkers on the LP and then crank out like, five or six STUNNING b-sides in a pop. anyway, this mix-n-match Mozz has made me appreciate the really good 'uns even more. really amazing considerin how old 'e is! ha, just kiddin geez - keep up the goood work and glad you're finally gettin' some. ;-) about damned time.… Expand
  61. NeilG
    May 23, 2006
    9
    Morriseey at his best. Beautiful production. Life is a Pigsty is a masterpiece.
  62. adpirtle
    Aug 1, 2014
    8
    Morrissey gets (sometimes uncomfortably) personal in Ringleader of the Tormentors, which makes it a special album for that fact alone. Tony Visconti's capable production gives a gentler feel to You Are the Quarry's follow-up. Make no mistake - there is filler here, but it's well done filler, certainly nothing worth skipping over to get to the next terrific track (and there are lots of those).
  63. Alfie18
    Feb 6, 2023
    8
    More mixed than his previous album but still his fantastic vocals remain. You Have Killed Me and Life Is A Pigsty are the standouts to me.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2006
93
#93 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
  1. Rolling Stone
    70
    You Are The Quarry... was Morrissey's strongest album in years, but Ringleader reframes it as mere foreplay. [6 Apr 2006, p.62]
  2. The Guardian
    90
    Some of his most impressive songs in years.
    Read full review
  3. NOW Magazine
    40
    Mostly, though, it's the usual whining about his tortured life as as a once-celebrated pop star and being unloved in a harsh world, but with fewer droll song titles and clever couplets.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »