Low in High School
by Morrissey
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Nov 17, 2017
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
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  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 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.
  2. lennycliff123
    Nov 19, 2017
    6
    I'd really like to give this a higher score as there are some really good tracks on the album, and one or two that wouldn't be out of place on a future 'best of' compilation. The trouble is there are also some atrocious songs, { 'I Bury The Living' being an example} that rank up there with Moz's worst.
  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 the chance as I'd nearly given up hope of a return to form.
  4. hangthedj
    Dec 10, 2017
    9
    By far Morrissey's best work since You Are The Quarry. It's a massive shame that this album is getting such negative reviews from the likes of the Guardian etc simply (in my opinion) because Morrissey 's views are at odds with their's. Although tracks like I Bury the Living and I Wish You Lonely aren't necessarily as tongue-in-cheek and witty as some of his earlier work both with TheBy far Morrissey's best work since You Are The Quarry. It's a massive shame that this album is getting such negative reviews from the likes of the Guardian etc simply (in my opinion) because Morrissey 's views are at odds with their's. Although tracks like I Bury the Living and I Wish You Lonely aren't necessarily as tongue-in-cheek and witty as some of his earlier work both with The Smiths and as a solo artist (Vicar in a Tutu and the singles that make up Bona Drag come to mind) , vocally they are very strong and I can't see how the bitterness they exude is an overwhelmingly bad thing. Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up on the Stage and Home is a Question Mark are my stand out tracks and both pocess that quintessential Morrissey sound that nothing in the mainstream charts can even dream of coming close to in terms of quality. I can also see this album particularly appealing to Morrissey's hispanic following - The Girl from Tel-Aviv who wouldn't Kneel has a real cha cha cha feel to it, as does When You Open Your Legs. And is it just me or is there something Lennonesque about All The Young People Must Fall In Love????… Expand
  5. luyzpiza
    Nov 21, 2017
    7
    Definitivamente no es lo mejor que Morrissey nos ha ofrecido en su larga carrera desde que lideraba The Smiths en los años ochenta. Si algo podemos apreciar de Low in High School es que la voz de Moz no se degrada sino todo lo contrario; también podemos apreciar la exploración de ritmos que continúa haciendo.
    En esta ocasión no se nos presenta como el ingenioso piadoso de sí mismo, sino    Definitivamente no es lo mejor que Morrissey nos ha ofrecido en su larga carrera desde que lideraba The Smiths en los años ochenta. Si algo podemos apreciar de Low in High School es que la voz de Moz no se degrada sino todo lo contrario; también podemos apreciar la exploración de ritmos que continúa haciendo.
    En esta ocasión no se nos presenta como el ingenioso piadoso de sí mismo, sino como un renegado indignado que descarga su ira ante las maquinarias y sujetos de dominación, en particular, de los gobiernos, la milicia, la policía, los medios de comunicación, los jefes y los trabajos.
    Se extraña alguna pista de cómo enfrentó su encuentro con la muerte a través de su cáncer, pero queda claro que con el paso del tiempo, cede más su privacidad y ambigüedad frente a compartir todos y con nadie las preferencias sexuales y posturas políticas de su intimidad.
    Lo destacable:
    I wish you lonely es probablemente lo mejor que este LP tiene que ofrecer para los fans clásicos de Mozzer, en la tradición de letras profundas que a la vez permiten conocer su alma solitaria.
    I bury the living se suma a una serie de largas melodías como I know it's over; Late Night, Maudlin Street; Seasick, Yet still docked; Life is a Pigsty; o Art Hounds.
    Home is a question mark, aborda el tema de la pertenencia y la compañía espiritual como pilares del hogar.
    No hemos perdido a Morrissey, él se sigue encontrando.    … Expand
  6. Suppermenot
    Nov 22, 2017
    7
    A seriously good album. I like the tunes and the emotions conveyed. I wish it could be longer and that the songs could have more highs and lows in them.
  7. SussexWolf
    Dec 3, 2017
    8
    From the perspective of someone who loved the Smiths, liked early Morrissey solo, and has skipped all the rest... this was a good album. Not Smiths good, but good still. There was real energy, an interesting mix of musical styles, his voice was as strong as it was back in the Smiths, and he picks topical subjects and makes a statement. I don’t agree with many, of his perspectives, but thatFrom the perspective of someone who loved the Smiths, liked early Morrissey solo, and has skipped all the rest... this was a good album. Not Smiths good, but good still. There was real energy, an interesting mix of musical styles, his voice was as strong as it was back in the Smiths, and he picks topical subjects and makes a statement. I don’t agree with many, of his perspectives, but that doesn’t make them a poor choice of subject matter for music in 2017. Reading the professional and other reviews, I am struck by the observation that some people are perhaps critical of his music, because they don’t agree with his worldview. This comes across in the nature of their criticism. That is such a narrow perspective. Enjoy the music, embrace the debate, and if you don’t agree, so what, freedom of speech is what makes our society strong.… Expand
  8. LucasMolto
    Dec 30, 2017
    10
    Best of Moz since Vauxhall and I. Will grow with time when stupid backslash fades. Love this LP
  9. 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 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    Not 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).    … Expand
  10. ptea
    Dec 19, 2017
    10
    If you really like Morrissey and know reality in this crazy life, you are going to love this album. Not for those naive idiots who think Morrissey is as stupid as their opinions. Opinions that those naive people thought Moz was the flag carrier, but no, Moz doesnt fit to some box as you do. Moz says what he thinks and he does it in a way that many even dont recognize the black humour andIf you really like Morrissey and know reality in this crazy life, you are going to love this album. Not for those naive idiots who think Morrissey is as stupid as their opinions. Opinions that those naive people thought Moz was the flag carrier, but no, Moz doesnt fit to some box as you do. Moz says what he thinks and he does it in a way that many even dont recognize the black humour and deep sadness behind the lyrics. You naive filthy vegetarian proud to be educated asexuals (there is nothing wrong with these things, but its in the way you think you are better than others), its not anymore about being what you are, its all fake, fake fake, get a hair cut and get a real job… Expand
  11. gabomdna
    Dec 7, 2017
    8
    There are amazing beats here, Morrissey did it again, he gave us what we needed about him, passion, this album it's amazing for drink something while you're hearing, thank you so much Morrissey.
  12. davidpirtle
    Mar 23, 2018
    7
    Not his best nor certainly subtlest work, LIHS still manages to conjure up some classic Morrissey charm, swagger and bile in equal measure, though a couple of songs toward the end are pretty duff (Who Will Protect Us From The Police is just awful).
  13. bareacc
    Nov 29, 2017
    10
    There is so much more to this album than meets the initial (hypo)critical eye - suffice to say NOBODY is doing this type of album and i don't think anybody else could. This album sets up the coming war over what Morrissey is perfectly - the battle has already begun. Viva!
  14. Suedehead
    Nov 25, 2017
    10
    His best album since Vauxhall... Home is a Question Mark and When You Open Your Legs are two of his finest songs ever. The more introverted songs really grow on you as well!
  15. Skydog
    Nov 17, 2017
    5
    A great album at the start that eventually becomes very dull outside the singles. I'll stick with the singles because they fabulous but there's lots of filler on here. I felt like I Bury The Living was interesting but just dragged on way too long. They should have kept it short but kept that guitar outro which was beautiful.
    All The Young People Must Fall In Love was interesting but feels    A great album at the start that eventually becomes very dull outside the singles. I'll stick with the singles because they fabulous but there's lots of filler on here. I felt like I Bury The Living was interesting but just dragged on way too long. They should have kept it short but kept that guitar outro which was beautiful.
    All The Young People Must Fall In Love was interesting but feels really off. Like it was a first take and kept and Morrissey wasn't at his best.
    The rest of the songs felt like they were placed there to fill space...    … Expand
  16. EdwardHowarth
    Nov 17, 2017
    3
    It goes well until 'I Bury The Living' but then goes horrifically, horrifically wrong. Cringey innuendos, appalling lyrics about the Arab Spring and a huge metaphors for Brexit plague the album throughout. By far Morrissey's worst solo album. Terrible.
  17. fjthom
    Nov 17, 2017
    3
    By far the worst album of Morrissey's long career. While World Peace was a bit scattershot, it still had some of the best songs he's ever written ("Staircase at the University", "Smiler With Knife", and "Mountjoy" were all brilliant). In contrast, the two best tracks on this abomination- "Home Is a Question Mark" and "Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up On the Stage"- still pale in comparisonBy far the worst album of Morrissey's long career. While World Peace was a bit scattershot, it still had some of the best songs he's ever written ("Staircase at the University", "Smiler With Knife", and "Mountjoy" were all brilliant). In contrast, the two best tracks on this abomination- "Home Is a Question Mark" and "Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up On the Stage"- still pale in comparison to his past work. The rest is a trainwreck: while it's admirable that Moz and his band tried to expand his sonic palette, their approach is to throw everything at the wall and hope something sticks instead of bothering to figure out if the disparate elements actually fit together. So we get a nightmarish conglomeration of screeching guitars, ambient noises, klezmer and tango, with no real purpose or point.

    But the most disappointing element by far is the lyrics. Any trace of Morrissey's storied wit and open-hearted empathy has vanished, replaced by the most ham-fisted political lyrics this side of Roger Waters (and clearly on the opposite side from Roger, judging by "Israel" and "The Girl From Tel Aviv Who Wouldn't Kneel"). The worst by far is "I Bury the Living": seven and a half minutes of the most obvious statements about soldiers and war imaginable, while completely ignoring the larger systemic elements Moz at least seemed vaguely aware of in "World Peace Is None of Your Business". And let's not even get started on Moz's unexpected obsession with oral sex and the fact that he can't write about intimacy without verging on the comedic absurdity of his much-reviled novel List of the Lost. This album is a disaster on every level.    … Expand
  18. Music_Observer
    Dec 3, 2017
    6
    In trying to put all of the focus on the delivery of lyrics, and subsequently relying heavily on organic songwriting intuition, the album became a flat, one dimensional, and boring experience, with Morrissey not being able to break from the basic, ground level textures of his culture or a Middle Eastern one, despite the messages coming across strong and everything serving a collectiveIn trying to put all of the focus on the delivery of lyrics, and subsequently relying heavily on organic songwriting intuition, the album became a flat, one dimensional, and boring experience, with Morrissey not being able to break from the basic, ground level textures of his culture or a Middle Eastern one, despite the messages coming across strong and everything serving a collective purpose. My Score: 103/180 (Okay) = 5.7/10… Expand
  19. MyklFriedchicke
    Nov 28, 2017
    0
    I thought this said "Love In High School" and since it doesn't I'm giving it a -10. take that........................................................................................
  20. Tubewaydays
    Dec 7, 2017
    2
    Morrissey, love him or hate him, has always been unique and divisive. In recent years it seems like he has been intent on alienating fans both long time and casual despite near constant touring. Not only with his "cancel is my middle name" reputation, but also with recycled setlists, constant media trolling and frequently questionable statements, not to mention his increasingly dull andMorrissey, love him or hate him, has always been unique and divisive. In recent years it seems like he has been intent on alienating fans both long time and casual despite near constant touring. Not only with his "cancel is my middle name" reputation, but also with recycled setlists, constant media trolling and frequently questionable statements, not to mention his increasingly dull and political lyrics.

    Song titles often appear as the first line or chorus of a song, and clunky lines are repeated for emphasis in what seems like a half-hearted attempt at lending weight and depth where there is none. When it comes to the political end of things, his lyrics get downright embarrassing, and come across less as world wise elder and more like irritating college freshman discovering politics for the first time.

    Groaners like the overly serious, media baiting yet laughably bad Israel, or the caustic bitterness of his bloated attempt at rock opera- I bury the living, show a lack of empathy and awareness for the very real suffering of the very real humans who make up their lyrical inspiration, and test the patience of the listener. Spent the day in bed is a toxic fluff piece, simultaneously grating and catchy like a ringtone from hell. On the flip-side of that is In your lap, which is the most depressing tuneless song about oral sex ever written. When you open your legs is another song about sex that would sound better in the capable hands of someone like Tom Jones who could likely pull it off, even at his age ( and sorry, the shock factor of ol' supposedly celibate Morrissey singing about sex wore off in 2006 or so.) All the Young People Must Fall In Love has an interesting musical premise that is absolutely crushed beneath terrible, sterile production that saps it of any swing it might have once had, and the repetitive lyrics and repeated title-as-chorus drag on far too long. The less said about The Girl From Tel Aviv, the better. Who Will Protect Us From the Police is a bland slice of reheated Depeche Mode squelches, musically and lyrically bereft and forgettable. Jacky's Only Happy plods along and somehow feels much longer than its running time but at least has some of the only semi-interesting lyrics on the entire album.

    If there were a high point to this low school, it would have to be My Love, I'd do anything for you. It's ballsy sounding, but again, is dragged down by ham fisted political lyrics. I wish you lonely at least sounds somewhat urgent, despite a lack of any discernible hook or chorus, and Home is a question mark at least has a really pretty last minute after plodding along on a Morrissey by numbers moaner referencing bored dinners with "bogus music moguls" and feeling out of place in the world.

    It's a rare thing for Morrissey to be outshined by his band, but in many cases on Low in High School, he reveals himself to be the weakest contributor to the songs. It seems like he is in dire need of new players, or a lengthy break to potentially revive inspiration beyond the blandness, bluntness, and bitterness that he tries to pass of as songs now. There is no real sense of effort or artistry to be found. Gone are the trademark wit, humor, and introspection, and forget about cunning wordplay, because you will not find it here.

    The most shocking takeaway from the album is that it seems like he's in need of a lyricist, which is something I never thought I would be saying. The biggest sin that Morrissey has committed though, is that in his old age, he's become boring. The musical equivalent to an old timer at the pub, rattling his newspaper and shouting nonsense about the headlines to the bored patrons who do their best to tune him out. Meat may be murder, but so is putting up with the cranky old bastard in 2017.    … Expand
  21. LuzDelMar
    Jun 10, 2019
    10
    The big Morrissey!! Oh my goodness this album makes me feel so happy and confused in the same time but Mozza is a king
  22. Paintkiller76
    Sep 12, 2020
    10
    Three years ago I was new to Morrissey's music and this album was the first one I found. Now, three years later, after listening to all of the Smiths' masterpieces and all of Morrissey's solo works, this one is still one of my favorites, if not my favorite. I have seen reviews that say this album is unlikely to attract new listeners and this is only for hardcore fans, but here I am theThree years ago I was new to Morrissey's music and this album was the first one I found. Now, three years later, after listening to all of the Smiths' masterpieces and all of Morrissey's solo works, this one is still one of my favorites, if not my favorite. I have seen reviews that say this album is unlikely to attract new listeners and this is only for hardcore fans, but here I am the person who likes this particular album and who became interested in Morrissey's music starting with it. Maybe I'm strange or not musically enlightened, but some of the most underrated here albums I think are the best.… Expand
  23. Alfie18
    Feb 6, 2023
    10
    Brilliant Album with amazing vocals as usual. I Wish You Lonely, Spent The Day In Bed and Home Is A Question Mark are always on repeat for me.

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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]
  2. musicOMH.com
    Nov 21, 2017
    60
    His 11th solo studio album Low in High School is a mixed bag of brilliance and dross. There are some genuinely interesting new explorations while other tracks are deeply disappointing. Disconcertingly uneven, yes, but not safely predictable.
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  3. Pitchfork
    Nov 21, 2017
    57
    A few songs are some of Morrissey’s most engaging, exciting work of the 21st century. Other songs get your attention for the wrong reasons. ... His political musings all arrive with a crushing lack of subtlety or nuance.
    Read full review
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