You Are The Quarry
by Morrissey
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 91 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 91
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 91
  3. Negative: 2 out of 91

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  1. Alfie18
    Feb 6, 2023
    10
    Fantastic Album full of poetic lyrics and fabulous vocals as usual. One of his best albums. Very hard to find a bad song on this.
  2. wiredude
    Aug 22, 2021
    10
    I adore this album for so many reasons. It's one of his best. I have a personal connection to the transformative "I Have Forgiven Jesus" and have such boundless love for Morrissey for this song alone. Irish blood American heart this I'm made of. it adapts well. will never marry
  3. adpirtle
    Aug 1, 2014
    9
    It's not a perfect album, but it was certainly the perfect comeback vehicle for Morrissey, introducing new fans to his rich voice, his witty lyrics, and all of his favorite hangups. What Moz lost in subtlety during his absence, he's made up for in muscularity, both lyrically and musically. Definitely the most successful re-emergence of a pop-rock artist in this century.
  4. olibbb
    Sep 12, 2012
    10
    After a seven year gap between studio albums, one may be forgiven for thinking that Morrissey is no longer relevant in the music industry of today. Times have changed and we have seen the rise and fall of various musical trends such as the end of Britpop and the rise of art rock in the form of bands such as Franz Ferdinand. The question being: where does Moz fit in to all this? QuiteAfter a seven year gap between studio albums, one may be forgiven for thinking that Morrissey is no longer relevant in the music industry of today. Times have changed and we have seen the rise and fall of various musical trends such as the end of Britpop and the rise of art rock in the form of bands such as Franz Ferdinand. The question being: where does Moz fit in to all this? Quite frankly, he doesn't and this is partially the reason as to why this album is such a joy from start to finish. I would argue that no-one with such a large audience speaks so freely and truthfully.
    I am reviewing this 8 years after release having only discovered it in the past year (I know, a little slow on the uptake). However, with the benefit of hindsight, I can say that this album ranks up with Morrissey's finest e.g. Your Arsenal, Vauxhall And I. This is perhaps because the songs on the album have been tried and tested to live audiences for years now. Lyrically, the album very much resembles the cover shot of Moz standing alone, pin-striped, guns loaded. Here, he takes on everyone from America, Tories, the Labour Party and my personal favourite slamming of "lock-jawed pop stars, thicker than pig sh*t".
    At first the production may seem a little odd and I do think that it does become somewhat overbearing on some tracks that can really stand for themselves such as the albums opener "America Is Not The World" but this is only a minor gripe.
    The albums true highlights are the singles "Irish Blood, English Heart", "First Of The Gang To Die" and the beautiful melodies and vocal acrobatics of "Come Back To Camden" and "Let Me Kiss You". But I suspect that the true Morrissey fans will be happy to hear that the Morrissey of old with his smooth wit and dark imagery is back and present in such tracks as "This World Is Full Of Crashing Bores" which in particular has a wonderful social and cultural commentary as well as the emotional and personal song "How Could Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?". And this is where Morrissey succeeds the most, in the way that he can both shock ("I Have Forgiven Jesus"), provide an intelligent and familiar view on modern day popular culture as well as giving the audience a rich variety of emotions that he/she will be able to connect with. In conclusion, Morrissey has returned on form and has surpassed expectations. While the production by Jerry Finn leaves a bit to be desired, it doesn't detract from the brilliance of the vocal melodies nor the witty and insightful lyrics created by the man himself. This album rocks harder than Vauxhall And I but has a fairly similar sound without being as safe as that album was. All in all, one of the fine comeback albums of the 2000's and I cannot recommend this enough.    … Expand
  5. JuanA.
    Dec 27, 2007
    9
    Morrissey: We are the quarry !!!!
  6. EndaM
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    Absolutely excellent. I often return to this record and have SUCH a soft spot for it even now.
  7. jyo_tirmayad
    Sep 2, 2006
    7
    The only song I really like on this CD which is memorable is "Hector was the Last of the Gang to Die." Everything else seems to be so forgettable. It's a good CD, but I dont' listen to it very much.
  8. lazydyke
    Aug 24, 2006
    10
    A wonderful album...
  9. MattJ
    Aug 9, 2006
    10
    I have just recently come back to this album like with most great albums it feels like i never left, as always lyrics from the heart and soul, touching yet humorous, my personal not-so-prominent favourite is "i like you" great album
  10. Paul
    Apr 19, 2006
    9
    Morrissey creates an album with an awesome song lineup. Irish blood English heart ultimate classic and i have forgiven jesus one to listen to. Every song i cant flater! Just amazing best 10 quid ever spent thx very much Morrissey
  11. S.L.O'Robot
    Apr 8, 2006
    8
    I came to the party a little late with Morrissey, not really giving him much credence until I heard the collection, "Bona Drag," which I still cherish. I am, however, one of the few who grew up in the 80's who can't be bothered with The Smiths, whom I believe to be staggeringly overrated. That said, I picked up "Quarry" after ignoring most of his solo output, and I found it to I came to the party a little late with Morrissey, not really giving him much credence until I heard the collection, "Bona Drag," which I still cherish. I am, however, one of the few who grew up in the 80's who can't be bothered with The Smiths, whom I believe to be staggeringly overrated. That said, I picked up "Quarry" after ignoring most of his solo output, and I found it to be damned near brilliant. Excellent to the point of almost being essential.… Expand
  12. PhilipS
    Mar 22, 2006
    8
    A quality album with some good tracks, however, not all of it i like- America Is Not The World is his political views disguised in lyrical form ooops
  13. moomoo
    Feb 15, 2006
    9
    I really enjoy this album. As some mentioned, it's not quite The Smiths, but duh - it's not a Smiths record! :P
  14. ThisMulroneycakesHasOpenedMyEyes
    Feb 4, 2006
    10
    Yay, young Steven's back! Now, for clarification's sake, this is the guy who likes Southpaw Grammar (goddammit he's trying to get at something, I swear on the Bible), but this leaves everything but Vauxhall and I in the dust. Yes, even Your Arsenal. Not a weak track, to my mind, in the bunch - the closest being the deliberate I'm Not Sorry. Favourite tracks? Come Back Yay, young Steven's back! Now, for clarification's sake, this is the guy who likes Southpaw Grammar (goddammit he's trying to get at something, I swear on the Bible), but this leaves everything but Vauxhall and I in the dust. Yes, even Your Arsenal. Not a weak track, to my mind, in the bunch - the closest being the deliberate I'm Not Sorry. Favourite tracks? Come Back To Camden, All The Lazy Dykes (I'm a sucker for Steven's story-songs), First Of The Gang To Die, You Know I Couldn't Last...in fact, the longer I type this list, the more it occurs to me that I could just type out a complete tracklisting and be done with it. Its only failing, if indeed it is a failing, is that it won't win new fans - it's Morrissey in excelsis: if you don't like Morrissey, you simply won't like this. Word has it that the next album, Ringleader of the Tormentors, will be denser, more experimental, more fanbase-dividing. Which is of course typical Steven. (Not that it's Scott Walker's Tilt or anything, just that it's a bit on the different side - kind of like Southpaw Grammar). Essential for anyone with a quiff.… Expand
  15. bulute
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    Good works and sad songs are in this album.Todays its hard to find good albums but Morrissey is still with us.
  16. FrancesE
    Apr 30, 2005
    10
    Morrissey is the best!!!
  17. spijkern
    Apr 21, 2005
    8
    second best album ever made by morrissey alone best always vauxhall and i third best viva hate
  18. NelsonA
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    He is the best! This album is amazing!
  19. JohnR
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    Its what I expected ! A combination of lyrical genius and catchy musical arrangements that grows on me more and more with every listen ! I even thought Johnny Marr might have made a guest appearance on "Let Me Kiss You." The guitar riff was totally Johnny Marr. My suggestion, "Buy this and you will love it !"
  20. CarolineM
    Jan 28, 2005
    10
    I love it....one of his best.
  21. PetrosS
    Jan 22, 2005
    9
    Almost excellent. The lyrics are just exactly what you expect from that melancolic self-sarcastic bittersweet lyricist, almost the best in nowdays pop music. Nothing really new in music, but nore so terrible that justifies some attacking from few critics
  22. KyleW
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    I love Morrisssey
  23. Joris
    Dec 10, 2004
    6
    Great lyrics again, the songs are overrated this time. Favourites: I'm Not Sorry, First of the gang to die and All The Lazy Dykes
  24. ShabarO
    Oct 17, 2004
    8
    At first, disappointment. Then as the album made it to my CD changer, it was surprising to discover how this record grows on the listener. As new bands try to copy the 80's influence, this new offering show the opposite trend. I would have rated this album a 5 two months ago. Now it is at least a 8.
  25. EdithM
    Jul 23, 2004
    9
    Its Simply Brill!!
  26. BryanD
    Jul 8, 2004
    10
    An outstanding album- Morrissey is definately back on form! From start to finish this is a rip roaring album in which Morrissey's distinctive vocals are combined with great beats and riffs from the band. Definately recommended!
  27. NseE
    Jul 6, 2004
    10
    Excellent. Nothing else out there sounds like this. Standouts include 'America is not the world', 'Irish blood, English heart', 'I have forgiven Jesus', 'All you lazy dykes' to name a few.
  28. MikeT
    Jun 19, 2004
    10
    Excellent album that is strong from start to finish and Morrissey's voice has never sounded better. No one in music today is quite like Morrissey, a peerless lyricist with a unique style of phrasing and vocalizing, he has delivered an album that ranks among his very best.
  29. RyanH
    Jun 12, 2004
    5
    Hmm, as a Morrissey fan, I find myself listening to other Moz/Smiths work, as opposed to this. It is tragic to think that in seven years, this is the best he could come up with. Maybe I am being a little harsh: the opening track is good, and anyone who can pull of the lines "you know where you can shove your hamburger" and "have you ever wondered why, in Estonia, they say 'hey, you Hmm, as a Morrissey fan, I find myself listening to other Moz/Smiths work, as opposed to this. It is tragic to think that in seven years, this is the best he could come up with. Maybe I am being a little harsh: the opening track is good, and anyone who can pull of the lines "you know where you can shove your hamburger" and "have you ever wondered why, in Estonia, they say 'hey, you fat pig'?" His vocals also hit a peak in 'Let Me Kiss You', a song that is almost 'Interlude'-ish. Other successes include the single 'First of the Gang to Die' and 'The world is full of crashing bores'. However, this cd seems to trundle along without the panash present in 'Viva Hate', 'Vauxhall and I' and other great masterpieces. "A grower"?... Possibly...… Expand
  30. AnthonyB
    Jun 8, 2004
    9
    Never been the biggest Morrisey fan, but caught a review on NPR yesterday and bought it on iTunes. It's a very solid album and I dig it entirely. May only be one or so tracks that I'm not completely fond of, and have been listening to it repeatedly since purchase. Definitely a keeper.
  31. waynes
    Jun 5, 2004
    10
    we shouldn't be comparing, we should just be enjoying. moz has done it again! i feel bad for doubting him these years since the truly disappointing "maladjusted". he is still and will always be the man.
  32. E.Rawlinson
    Jun 1, 2004
    9
    Great!
  33. TomasK
    May 31, 2004
    10
    A true masterpiece! Go and buy it!
  34. JohnB
    May 30, 2004
    9
    This album becomes more and more amazing the oftener I hear it - I am enchanted and happy-saddened by 'I'm Not Sorry' and 'America is Not The World' - there is a beautiful sweep and bend in Morrissey's voice I have not heard before - I feel as though he is once again at the height of his powers. Revenge is so so so sweet.
  35. VinceH
    May 30, 2004
    9
    Not the best Moz cd by any means, but a very good return to form after the bland "Maladjusted". Whether it's the new producer (Jerry Finn) or a renewed sense of passion, but this is certainly his best album since Vauxhall and I. Despite 2 weak tracks (All the Lazy Dykes & How Can Anybody Know how I Feel?), this album is overwhelmingly good. Moz fans will not be dissapointed at all, Not the best Moz cd by any means, but a very good return to form after the bland "Maladjusted". Whether it's the new producer (Jerry Finn) or a renewed sense of passion, but this is certainly his best album since Vauxhall and I. Despite 2 weak tracks (All the Lazy Dykes & How Can Anybody Know how I Feel?), this album is overwhelmingly good. Moz fans will not be dissapointed at all, but if you're a new Smiths/Moz fan I'd recommend you start with "Viva Hate" or "Your Arsenal".… Expand
  36. Shane
    May 29, 2004
    7
    This is a good album, but the political messages can get old. Morrissey never fails to deliver catchy tunes, though.
  37. BenJ
    May 28, 2004
    6
    Morrissey's vocals are possibly the best they've ever been, but sadly the material is often below par. That's not to say there aren't some great tunes, but over 12 songs the album really does fail to captivate.
  38. spankym
    May 27, 2004
    3
    if you like the music of foreigner and bad company, or any other cheesy third tier 70's rock, with the vocals substituted and saturated with a heavy, melodramatic, semi-melody syrup--packed with some painfully lame and self-important lyrics that are neither strong enough to have any relevance beyond juvenile musings on "america not being the world" (which, you would think would be if you like the music of foreigner and bad company, or any other cheesy third tier 70's rock, with the vocals substituted and saturated with a heavy, melodramatic, semi-melody syrup--packed with some painfully lame and self-important lyrics that are neither strong enough to have any relevance beyond juvenile musings on "america not being the world" (which, you would think would be quite the opposite given the current state of affairs if it was done by someone more insightful and less self-conscious about his poofy hair do and about what sheepish hipsters he can impress)--then buy this and pretend it's real hip...some people will, mostly 'cause this guy did some cool stuff, oh, i don't know...almost 20 years ago...yea, that's not a good enough reason for me either.… Expand
  39. JB
    May 23, 2004
    9
    This one's a grower for sure. After my first listen I'd have rated it a 5. Now after 6 listens over 6 days I've grown to love it! A great return to form, with just enough new elements (keyboards!) to intrigue the casual Morrissey/Smiths fan and a nice balance between political and personal lyrics. Highly recommended, especially if you liked "Vauxhall and I".
  40. MichaelK
    May 23, 2004
    7
    The lyrics are his strongest in years and possibly his most direct ever, and Morrissey sings them with equal parts finesse and vitriol. The music, however, as most of the critics have been saying, is mostly mediocre. Then again, if it were too ornate, it would distract from the lyrical impact. But those guys have done better, rockin' harder on Your Arsenal and more melifluously on The lyrics are his strongest in years and possibly his most direct ever, and Morrissey sings them with equal parts finesse and vitriol. The music, however, as most of the critics have been saying, is mostly mediocre. Then again, if it were too ornate, it would distract from the lyrical impact. But those guys have done better, rockin' harder on Your Arsenal and more melifluously on Vauxhall. So, all in all, the album is above average, balancing out excellent vocals and lyrics (9 out of 10) with only average musical accompaniment (5 out of 10).… Expand
  41. franzf
    May 22, 2004
    9
    A great album! His second best record (the first is Vauxhall & I). First of the gang to die is a superb song. Viva Moz!
  42. BJMorgan
    May 21, 2004
    10
    This is a wonderful album. Morrissey makes a welcome return. This is a solid effort!
  43. phlipp
    May 19, 2004
    10
    as an occassional moz freak i find this pure guilty pleasure. the ep also has three other superb songs that must be heard
  44. phlipp
    May 19, 2004
    10
    as an occassional moz freak i find this pure guilty pleasure. the ep also has three other superb songs that must be heard
  45. albertos
    May 18, 2004
    10
    a masterpiece!!!!, critics don´t like him very much, it´s maybe because he critics USA , U.K.and religion. you know it´s better to sign " i ´ll buy you flowers every single day" ( lyric from last PRINCE ALBUM) to have a good review . it´s probably the best morrissey album with "vauxhall and I". if you ever liked the smiths or morrissey buy this one believe me a masterpiece!!!!, critics don´t like him very much, it´s maybe because he critics USA , U.K.and religion. you know it´s better to sign " i ´ll buy you flowers every single day" ( lyric from last PRINCE ALBUM) to have a good review . it´s probably the best morrissey album with "vauxhall and I". if you ever liked the smiths or morrissey buy this one believe me it,s a great record… Expand
  46. CaesarM
    May 17, 2004
    8
    Not his best album ever, but as strong a comeback as anyone has a right to expect. Irish Blood, English Heart and First of the Gang to Die alone should keep fans happy for quite a while. Not every song is brilliant but there really are quite a few gems including America Is Not The World, I Like You and The World is Full of Crashing Bores. Hopefully the next album isn't seven years away.
  47. Stu
    May 17, 2004
    5
    After the first listen I'm unsure, there are a couple of true corkers here (Irish Blood... included) but initially at least the big fella sounds a little lacklustre and dare I say it.....average. Here more than ever he sounds like the man who's missing his Smiths. Come back Jonny,Mike and Andy all is forgiven. I just hope to Christ it's a grower.
  48. JohnT
    May 17, 2004
    9
    The world of Morrissey is always an interesting one. Buy it, love it and remember what is was like to grow up in an era when some 'pop-stars' where original, interesting and intelligent. Where is the NME review?

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed Album of 2004
68
#68 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    A set of irresistible tracks both danceable and desolate. [28 May 2004, p.124]
  2. Pitchfork
    89
    The most entertaining and lushly melodic work of Morrissey's solo career.
    Read full review
  3. Dot Music
    60
    For a handful of decent Morrissey songs – and, it must be said, some of his best ever vocal performances – we should be grateful. Ultimately though, for all these tantalising reminders of greatness, "You Are The Quarry" still feels like a man unnecessarily trapped by the limitations of his band and the extent of his loathing.
    Read full review
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