release date: Nov. 17, 2017
format: digital (12 x File, FLAC)
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,02]
producer: Joe Chiccarelli
label: Étienne / BMG - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 3. "Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up on the Stage" - 4. "Home Is a Question Mark" - 5. "Spent the Day in Bed" - 6. "I Bury the Living" - 10. "When You Open Your Legs"
11th studio album by Morrissey and his first on his newly-established label Étienne, and as the previous album, World Peace Is None of Your Business from 2014 the album is produced by Joe Chiccarelli.
Stylistically, Morrissey doesn't challenge his audience with new moves or surprises in his search of an overall genre. He may not need to, you may argue, as he has found his original expression long ago; however, what people do expect is new strong songs wrapped up utilising wit, sense of humour, and to some extent: A purpose of some sort; and frankly [Mr. Shankly] these elements are very much absent on this album. Some compositions contain fine structures - surely - like the first single "Spent the Day in Bed" and "I Bury the Living" but quite sadly they also lack in terms of being great songs altogether as whole compositions. Actually, I only find that one track stand out here with the rest being at best interesting or just: So-so, and then some even turn out as mediocre fillers, eg. "In Your Lap", "The Girl From Tel-Aviv Who Wouldn't Kneel" and "Israel".
Low in High School turns out to be Morrissey's least favourable album ever. It's quite disappointing and not really recommended.
[ allmusic.com, Mojo, The Guardian, Rolling Stone 3 / 5, NME 2 / 5, The Times 2 / 6 stars ]
