Morrissey – Viva Hate

Review

Just six months after waving goodbye to The Smiths with their final album, Morrissey didn't waste any time introducing the world to his solo endeavor with "Viva Hate." Released in 1988, the album was created in the very same space as The Smiths' last hurrah—The Wool Hall studios in Bath. What sparked the whole solo project was a little nudge from Smiths co-producer Stephen Street, who sent Morrissey some demos that were more tantalizing than a mystery novel! Naturally, Morrissey jumped at the chance to collaborate with Street, bringing Vini Reilly from The Durutti Column on board for that distinctive guitar flavor.

"Viva Hate" is quite the showcase of Morrissey’s knack for blending his melodramatic vocals with an array of sonically diverse landscapes, thanks to Street's production prowess. The album name itself might give you a little hint of the mood—let's just say Morrissey wasn't planning on throwing a cheerful garden party with this one. It dives deep into his personal jar of bittersweet memories and musings from 1970s Manchester. "Everyday Is Like Sunday," with its lush synths, is the poster child track of the album, painting a perfect picture of Morrissey's melancholic beach town escape. It’s a fascinating starting point for anyone looking to explore Morrissey's solo work and remains a cherished piece in the mosaic of alternative rock history. - Iris