Morrissey is one of the most iconic and influential artists in the history of alternative rock music. As the lead singer and lyricist for The Smiths in the 1980s, Morrissey’s unique and emotive vocals, combined with his evocative and often controversial lyrics, helped to redefine the sound of alternative music and inspire a generation of musicians. After the band’s breakup, Morrissey went on to have a successful solo career, producing a string of critically acclaimed albums that further cemented his place as one of the most talented and revered artists of his generation.
In this list, we will explore the top 10 best Morrissey songs of all time. Each of these songs represents the very best of Morrissey’s unique and captivating style, showcasing his unparalleled ability to express raw emotion through his music and lyrics. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Morrissey or simply appreciate great music, these songs are sure to leave a lasting impression and remind us of the enduring legacy of this legendary artist.
1. “Suedehead”
“Suedehead” is a classic song by British singer Morrissey, originally released as a single in 1988. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff that sets the tone for Morrissey’s signature vocals to enter the scene. The lyrics revolve around a sense of nostalgia for a lost youth and the memories that come with it, with Morrissey reflecting on past experiences and the people he used to know.
The chorus is particularly memorable, with Morrissey’s soaring vocals exclaiming “Why do you come here, when you know it makes me feel so bad?” The song’s overall vibe is one of wistful melancholy, with Morrissey’s vocals and lyrics perfectly capturing the bittersweet emotions of looking back on a past that can never be fully recaptured. “Suedehead” is a standout track in Morrissey’s discography, and remains a fan favorite to this day.
2. “The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get”
“The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get” is a popular song by British singer Morrissey, released as a single in 1994. The song opens with a jangly guitar riff that sets the stage for Morrissey’s vocals to enter, which are characterized by his distinctive tone and biting wit. The lyrics tell the story of a persistent admirer who becomes increasingly obsessed with the object of their affections, despite being ignored and rejected.
The chorus is particularly catchy, with Morrissey singing “The more you ignore me, the closer I get” over a driving drumbeat and upbeat melody. The song’s overall vibe is one of unrequited love and frustration, with Morrissey’s lyrics painting a vivid picture of a relationship that is destined to fail. Despite its darker subject matter, “The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get” remains one of Morrissey’s most popular and beloved songs, and is considered a classic of the indie rock genre.
3. “The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils”
“The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils” is a thought-provoking song by British singer Morrissey, featured on his 2019 album “California Son”. The song is a cover of a 1977 track by the punk rock band The Drones. Morrissey’s version features his signature vocals and a stripped-down instrumental arrangement that emphasizes the song’s political message. The lyrics explore the power dynamics between teachers and students in the context of a larger societal shift towards youth culture and rebellion. Morrissey sings of a world where young people are taking control and challenging authority, causing the older generation to fear for their safety and the stability of the status quo.
The chorus is particularly striking, with Morrissey singing “The teachers are afraid of the pupils and the pupils are afraid of the teachers too” over a driving guitar riff. The song’s overall vibe is one of defiance and rebellion, with Morrissey’s vocals and lyrics perfectly capturing the mood of a generation that is questioning the established order. “The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils” is a standout track on “California Son”, and showcases Morrissey’s ability to put his own spin on classic punk rock anthems.
4. “Glamorous Glue”
“Glamorous Glue” is a standout track by British singer Morrissey, featured on his 1992 album “Your Arsenal”. The song opens with a memorable guitar riff that sets the stage for Morrissey’s vocals to enter, which are characterized by his trademark wit and biting social commentary. The lyrics explore the idea of fame and celebrity, and the toll it can take on those who pursue it. Morrissey sings of the “sticky love” that comes with fame, and the temptation to pursue it despite the potential pitfalls.
The chorus is particularly catchy, with Morrissey singing “Oh, the glamorous life, it’s not for me” over a driving beat and energetic guitar riffs. The song’s overall vibe is one of disillusionment with the trappings of fame and celebrity, with Morrissey’s lyrics cutting through the glitz and glamour to reveal the emptiness at its core. “Glamorous Glue” remains a fan favorite to this day, and is considered one of Morrissey’s best songs of the 1990s.
5. “First Of The Gang To Die”
“First of the Gang to Die” is a powerful and emotive song by British singer Morrissey, featured on his 2004 album “You Are the Quarry”. The song opens with a driving guitar riff that sets the tone for Morrissey’s vocals to enter, which are characterized by his signature mix of introspection and defiance. The lyrics tell the story of a young man named Hector, who is portrayed as a fearless and charismatic figure in his local community, but ultimately meets a tragic end. Morrissey sings of the impact that Hector’s death has on those around him, and the sense of loss and grief that follows.
The chorus is particularly memorable, with Morrissey singing “You have never been in love, until you’ve seen the dawn rise, behind the home for the blind” over a soaring melody and energetic drumbeat. The song’s overall vibe is one of melancholy and mourning, with Morrissey’s lyrics and vocals perfectly capturing the sense of loss that comes with losing someone too soon. “First of the Gang to Die” is a standout track on “You Are the Quarry”, and showcases Morrissey’s ability to tell powerful and affecting stories through his music.
6. “Hairdresser On Fire”
“Hairdresser on Fire” is a standout track by British singer Morrissey, originally released as a B-side to his 1983 single “Suedehead”. The song features Morrissey’s signature vocals and biting wit, set against a jangly guitar riff and energetic drumbeat. The lyrics tell the story of a hairdresser who dreams of escape from his mundane life, and longs for the excitement and adventure of a different existence. Morrissey sings of the hairdresser’s frustration and disappointment with his current situation, and his desire to break free from the expectations of others.
The chorus is particularly memorable, with Morrissey singing “He is afraid of the sky, the sun and air, of everything everywhere, he is afraid of the life outside” over an infectious melody and driving beat. The song’s overall vibe is one of rebellion and defiance, with Morrissey’s lyrics and vocals perfectly capturing the mood of a generation that is longing for change and searching for meaning. “Hairdresser on Fire” remains a fan favorite to this day, and is considered one of Morrissey’s best early tracks.
7. “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful”
“We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” is a satirical and provocative song by British singer Morrissey, featured on his 1992 album “Your Arsenal”. The song opens with a driving guitar riff that sets the stage for Morrissey’s vocals to enter, which are characterized by his signature mix of humor and irony. The lyrics explore the complex emotions that can arise when someone we know and love achieves success, and the feelings of envy and resentment that can sometimes follow.
Morrissey sings of the tension that can arise between friends when one of them becomes successful, and the sense of betrayal and disappointment that can come with it. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Morrissey singing “We hate it when our friends become successful, and if they’re Northern, that makes it even worse” over a catchy melody and upbeat drumbeat. The song’s overall vibe is one of playfulness and irreverence, with Morrissey’s lyrics and vocals perfectly capturing the mixed emotions that come with success and fame. “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” remains a fan favorite to this day, and is considered one of Morrissey’s most incisive and provocative songs.
8. “Now My Heart Is Full”
“Now My Heart Is Full” is a deeply emotional and introspective song by British singer Morrissey, featured on his 1994 album “Vauxhall and I”. The song opens with a haunting melody that sets the tone for Morrissey’s vocals to enter, which are characterized by his signature mix of vulnerability and defiance. The lyrics explore the pain and turmoil that can come with unrequited love, and the sense of longing and emptiness that can follow. Morrissey sings of the emptiness he feels in his heart, and the sense of isolation that comes with being alone.
The chorus is particularly powerful, with Morrissey singing “Now my heart is full, now my heart is full, and I just can’t explain, so I won’t even try to” over a somber piano and string arrangement. The song’s overall vibe is one of melancholy and despair, with Morrissey’s lyrics and vocals perfectly capturing the depth of emotion that comes with heartbreak. “Now My Heart Is Full” remains a fan favorite to this day, and is considered one of Morrissey’s most introspective and affecting songs.
9. “My Love Life”
“My Love Life” is a upbeat and bouncy song by British singer Morrissey, originally released as a single in 1991. The song features Morrissey’s distinctive vocals and a catchy guitar riff that drives the melody forward. The lyrics explore the theme of romantic relationships and the complexities of love, with Morrissey singing about the highs and lows of falling in love and the uncertainty that comes with it.
The chorus is particularly memorable, with Morrissey singing “My love life, my love life, my love life, has never been better” over a joyful and upbeat melody. The song’s overall vibe is one of lightheartedness and optimism, with Morrissey’s lyrics and vocals perfectly capturing the joy and excitement of falling in love. “My Love Life” remains a fan favorite to this day, and is considered one of Morrissey’s most infectious and fun songs.
10. “All You Need Is Me”
“All You Need Is Me” is a catchy and energetic song by British singer Morrissey, featured on his 2008 album “Years of Refusal”. The song opens with a pulsating bassline that sets the stage for Morrissey’s vocals to enter, which are characterized by his signature mix of wit and swagger. The lyrics explore the theme of self-importance and the desire for recognition, with Morrissey singing about the arrogance and superiority that can sometimes accompany success.
The chorus is particularly memorable, with Morrissey singing “All you need is me, me, me, me, me, me, me” over a driving guitar riff and pounding drumbeat. The song’s overall vibe is one of confidence and self-assurance, with Morrissey’s lyrics and vocals perfectly capturing the sense of entitlement that can come with being a successful artist. “All You Need Is Me” remains a fan favorite to this day, and is considered one of Morrissey’s most upbeat and anthemic songs.