I Am Not a Dog on a Chain
by Morrissey
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Mar 20, 2020
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 33
  3. Negative: 3 out of 33
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  1. lenny68
    Mar 21, 2020
    8
    I generally love Morrissey's solo work when it's at it's most jaunty and rockabilly inspired and am not a big fan of electronica. Having said that, even though 'I Am Not...' is a big departure for him musically if not lyrically, it works really well for the most part. Keep 'em coming Moz!
  2. tyrell
    Mar 22, 2020
    9
    Best album since Vauxhall and I. Adding some fresh songwriting blood did Morrissey a world of good. It's funny, every time I think that maybe Morrissey's new music doesn't interest me anymore, he surprises me and digs up the feelings I thought were long burried through familiar warm hooks, a freshness, and intensity he hasn't captured in a long time. How about this, why don't we all stopBest album since Vauxhall and I. Adding some fresh songwriting blood did Morrissey a world of good. It's funny, every time I think that maybe Morrissey's new music doesn't interest me anymore, he surprises me and digs up the feelings I thought were long burried through familiar warm hooks, a freshness, and intensity he hasn't captured in a long time. How about this, why don't we all stop caring so much about Morrissey's politics and just enjoy the damn music. He's not a world leader. Save your energy for the corrupt. He's a man with unpopular opinions. Opportunist children, get over it. My grandfather says questionable things too. I still love him.… Expand
  3. 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 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 aAnyone 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
  4. 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 of his recent political statements, his chances of having a comeback similar to that era, are next to nil.
  5. Clusterfuffle
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    His best album in years. The extreme, totalitarian leftist press were obviously going to give this a pass. Their ratings based on their own ideologies and a view of a man who isn’t a dog on their chain 10/10
  6. Pedroagogo69
    Mar 21, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sublime ! Hated by liberal Nazi's for having an opinion and believing in free speech Morrisey makes another fantastic album.… Expand
  7. 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 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!
  8. 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 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". TheMorissey'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
  9. captaind
    Mar 21, 2020
    10
    Great album, Morrissey is back to the form not seen since "You are the Quarry". Musically very creative, lyrically at par with his best albums, all delivered confidently with beautifully aged voice. Only critics seem to be afraid say anything positive in this "which hunt" times...
  10. lovezero
    Mar 25, 2020
    8
    it includes the song truth about ruth. it's so charming and melancholic with its great piano arpeggios.
  11. olegbv
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Fenomenal album, so diverse and unified at the same time. It's an incredible period of Morrissey's career - I thought he can take some rest after the last year's "California Son" (which was amazing), but instead he releases another incredible album. Go listen!
  12. Lajaleaa
    May 5, 2020
    7
    ( 71/100 )

    El problema con el nuevo álbum de Morrysey, y ha sido un problema que ha cargado desde hace mucho tiempo, es que su música realmente parece no querer encajar en algún genero. Su Pop-Rock es muy poco Pop y muy poco Rock sin embargo su insistencia en el mundo del Pop-Rock es mucha. Independientemente del género, su música es muy sintética, muy plástica, nada orgánica y dura de    ( 71/100 )

    El problema con el nuevo álbum de Morrysey, y ha sido un problema que ha cargado desde hace mucho tiempo, es que su música realmente parece no querer encajar en algún genero. Su Pop-Rock es muy poco Pop y muy poco Rock sin embargo su insistencia en el mundo del Pop-Rock es mucha. Independientemente del género, su música es muy sintética, muy plástica, nada orgánica y dura de disfrutar. Joe Chiccarelli, el productor, logra introducir momentos de expresión musical que, aunque sean adecuados, fallan en romper con la artificialidad que ahoga el proyecto. Desafortunadamente la voz de Morrissey no ayuda tampoco, pero ese nunca ha sido el objetivo, al menos sus poéticas letras siguen evocando la necesidad de poner atención a las ironías sociales, políticas y culturales, pero es prácticamente lo único que se puede rescatar.
    -
    The problem with the new Morrissey album, and it has been a problem for a long time, is that his music doesn't seem to be in any specific genre. His Pop-Rock is not Pop enough or Rock enough and even yet, his insistence in the Pop-Rock world is a lot. Independently of the genre, his music is very synthetic, plastic, not organic at all, and hard to enjoy. Joe Chiccarelli, the producer, achieves to introduce some moments of musical expression that, even if they are accurate, fail to break with the artificiality that drowns the project. Unfortunately, the voice of Morrissey doesn't help, but that has never been a topic, at least his poetic lyrics keep evoking the necessity of paying attention to the social, political, and cultural ironies; but that's practically the only thing that can be rescued.    … Expand
  13. Mozmot
    Apr 9, 2020
    8
    It's his best since you are the quarry. Channelling some Vauxhall and I. 2 fillers imo, the Truth about Ruth and The secret of music. Everything else is really good. What kind of people is superb, as is darling I hug a pillow, love is on its way out and knockabout world sticking your head.
  14. Dellboy61
    May 2, 2020
    9
    Another great album.Great tunes and brilliant lyrics.Morrissey still remains the most misunderstood artist.Brilliant!
  15. Gavinbroderick
    May 12, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest albums of all time, this album does not cease to amaze me with his creative experimentation
  16. 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 worked really well.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Rolling Stone
    Apr 8, 2020
    50
    This charming man's bowshots at English society can get repetitive. [Apr 2020, p.87]
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Apr 8, 2020
    40
    One of the most musically interesting things he's done in years. ... However, a bitter aftertaste lingers long after the final notes. [May 2020, p.79]
  3. Under The Radar
    Apr 7, 2020
    60
    A decision has been made that it is time to introduce new flavors into the Morrissey sound palette, with the well-established Boz Boorer-led guitar sound taking a step back in favor of a measure of electronic tampering, instrumental variety, and sonic effects. If change was needed, this wasn’t it. ... Morrissey’s vocals remain strong, those wrought girders that with age have reinforced what was once a floral and decorative voice standing firm. He continues to have a knack for finding an elegant vocal melody too.
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