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. EndaM
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    Absolutely excellent. I often return to this record and have SUCH a soft spot for it even now.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. lazydyke
    Aug 24, 2006
    10
    A wonderful album...
  7. JuanA.
    Dec 27, 2007
    9
    Morrissey: We are the quarry !!!!
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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!
  11. 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
  12. 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".
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. E.Rawlinson
    Jun 1, 2004
    9
    Great!
  16. 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.
  17. FrancesE
    Apr 30, 2005
    10
    Morrissey is the best!!!
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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?
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. BJMorgan
    May 21, 2004
    10
    This is a wonderful album. Morrissey makes a welcome return. This is a solid effort!
  25. 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.
  26. TomasK
    May 31, 2004
    10
    A true masterpiece! Go and buy it!
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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!
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  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.
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