Morrissey – World Peace Is None of Your Business

Never one to shy away from the media or public eye (which are equally always trained on him), Stephen Patrick Morrissey – or Morrissey as he affectionately christened himself all those years ago at the birth of The Smiths – returns with his tenth solo offering in the form of World Peace Is None of Your Business. Recorded in France and produced by Joe Chiccarelli, World Peace Is None of Your Business is the follow up release to his 2009 album Years of Refusal, which hit the admirable number three in the UK charts, and 11 in the US. Not so bad for a man we often love to hate. Morrissey’s most recent release prior to World Peace was in fact his memoir, an autobiography printed (at request) on the Penguin Classic label which pleasured the industry and his fans alike.

Opening number World Peace Is None of Your Business sets the tone for Mozza’s latest full-length, with callous lecturing lyrics such as “each time you vote, you support the process” sung unexpectedly without a scathing undertone, only a deep-set Morrissey knowledge that Morrissey knows best. I’m Not a Man misses the mark slightly, being unnecessarily over seven minutes long, though displaying an interesting array of David Bowie styled vocals (long term friend and influencer). Morrissey’s legacy is ever present throughout, singing in a simplistic yet charming lilt “I’ll never kill, or eat an animal” and Istanbul reiterates that legacy. Earth Is the Loneliest Planet of All takes the listener to a faster, Spanish guitar influenced number, echoing ramblings of simplistic Beirut as he bellows unapologetically.

World Peace Is None of Your Business is a slow burner, but rewards perseverance and the seasoned Morrissey fans, especially those who will indulge in multiple and careful observations of this atmospheric offering rife with politics, anger, loneliness and misogyny. As always, Morrissey demonstrates why his penmanship is one of the world’s most unrivalled. Perhaps an insight into the mind of this weathered enigma, it’s easy to conclude Morrissey’s state of mind is as austere as ever. For Morrissey fans however, that’s just what the doctor ordered.

Donna Mackay

World Peace Is None of Your Business is now streaming on NME.com for first listen before being released for purchase on 15^th July 2014. For further information or to pre-order the album visit Morrissey’s website here.

Watch the video for World Peace Is None of Your Business here: