Low in High School
by Morrissey
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Nov 17, 2017
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
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  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Nov 17, 2017
    80
    Low in High School, his 11th solo album, is as dazzling and infuriating as anything in his canon, full of the stuff that has made the 58-year-old former Smiths frontman one of the most provocative and adored stars of our time.
  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 9, 2017
    80
    Morrissey, at 58, once again proves himself a pop provocateur of enduring efficacy. [Dec 2017, p.100]
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  3. Magnet
    Dec 22, 2017
    75
    Even when you can't quite tell whether you want to laugh with or at Morrissey's heavy-handed proclamations, they're provocative, and that's worth a lot. [No. 149, p.51]
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  5. The A.V. Club
    Nov 16, 2017
    75
    Instead of your lonely, romantic proxy, he’s your surly, sometimes cool uncle who’s set in his ways but still capable of surprises. Low In High School has a few of those, most effectively on the mid-album epic “I Bury The Living.”
  6. Rolling Stone
    Nov 17, 2017
    70
    The backup ain't the Smiths, but its solid and campy, adding its own wit. As philosophical alt-rock standup goes, the man is still peerless.
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 9, 2017
    70
    Here we have him boldly stating his desires, aligning himself with our baser nature. Whether this is a sign of a lack of subtlety or a brave forward step is, of course, up for debate but that clash of the brutal and the human, the savage and the sensual is certainly compelling.

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed Album of 2017
60
#60 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 67 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 67
  3. Negative: 25 out of 67
  1. kirsten123
    Nov 23, 2017
    7
    After 'World Peace...' I'd all but given up hope that Moz was going to return to some sort of form. Surprisingly, LIHS is his best album in aAfter 'World Peace...' I'd all but given up hope that Moz was going to return to some sort of form. Surprisingly, LIHS is his best album in a long time. Musically it's mostly great and Morrissey's voice is never better. It only falls short because of the last four tracks which are pretty forgettable.… Full Review »
  2. VDS
    Nov 17, 2017
    7
    Not as easily accessible as the masterful trio of Your Arsenal, Vauxhall and I, and Southpaw Grammar, but this is the perfect Morrissey recordNot as easily accessible as the masterful trio of Your Arsenal, Vauxhall and I, and Southpaw Grammar, but this is the perfect Morrissey record for where we are today. He has always been so spot on at distilling the complex into the simple, but losing nothing in the process, and Low in High School is a master class in such an approach.

    I’ve seen critics comment on the record being overly sexual, but Morrissey sung ‘there are explosive kegs between my legs’ over ten years ago on Ringleader of the Tormentors. He’s always strayed into such territory, it’s nothing new.

    Musically, the piano’s in the limelight here, and to good effect. Also, his vocals have never sounded as clear and sharp as they do on this disc.

    Casual listeners may struggle past Spent the Day in Bed (one of his best tunes to date), but if you get what he’s about, this album from his M-ness will be right up your alley. Ignore the pretentious so and so’s who are paid to tell you what they think about music meant for all of us, and get into this record with a long-haul appreciation of the greatest living Englishman (which when I look in the mirror, always used to be me).    … Full Review »
  3. yadevol
    Jan 17, 2018
    8
    Morrissey's best album in many years I'm pleased to say. It took me quite a few listens to draw that conclusion but I'm glad I gave it theMorrissey's best album in many years I'm pleased to say. It took me quite a few listens to draw that conclusion but I'm glad I gave it the chance as I'd nearly given up hope of a return to form.… Full Review »
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