After a period of uncertainty regarding its distribution, the latest musical offering from Morrissey, titled 'Make-Up Is A Lie,' is officially set for release on February 27th through Sire/Warner Bros. The title track from the album is currently available for listeners, marking a significant moment for fans who have awaited new material.
The creation of 'Make-Up Is A Lie' involved a collaborative effort with producer Joe Chiccarelli, a familiar name from Morrissey's previous works, including 'I Am Not a Dog on a Chain' (2020), 'California Son' (2019), 'Low in High School' (2017), and 'World Peace Is None of Your Business' (2014). The recording sessions took place at Studio La Fabrique in Southern France, with a talented ensemble of musicians contributing to the album's sound: Jesse Tobias, Camila Grey, Carmen Vandenberg, Juan Galeano, Alain Whyte, Gustavo Manzur, and Brendan Buckley. The album comprises eleven fresh compositions penned by Morrissey, alongside a rendition of Roxy Music's 1973 classic, 'Amazona.' While Morrissey has never performed 'Amazona' live, his admiration for Roxy Music is well-documented, having previously covered their song 'Street Life' during his 2006 European tour.
The journey to this album's release has been eventful, marked by a previous working title, 'You're Right, It's Time,' and a three-year delay in finding a distributor, a situation Morrissey attributed to perceived challenges regarding free speech. Despite the distribution hurdles, Morrissey maintained a touring presence across Europe and America, albeit one frequently interrupted by last-minute cancellations, a characteristic aspect of his public appearances. A recent American tour faced immediate postponements due to health issues and unspecified reasons, underscoring the unpredictable nature of his live performances. In a notable past exchange, Morrissey publicly stated an agreement for a Smiths reunion tour, which was directly refuted by guitarist Johnny Marr, adding another layer to the artist's complex narrative.
The enduring career of Morrissey, punctuated by both critical acclaim and public controversy, reflects a steadfast commitment to his artistic vision. This new album represents not just a collection of songs, but a continuation of a unique journey in music, consistently engaging and challenging audiences with its distinctive voice. His resilience in bringing this project to fruition, despite obstacles, highlights the powerful connection between an artist and their creative output, reminding us that true artistic expression often navigates a path fraught with challenges, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape.