That’s How People Grow Up

Song: That’s How People Grow Up
Artist: Morrissey
Album; Greatest Hits



Admittedly, I’m somewhat of a Morrissey fanatic. There is very little the man hasn’t done that I don’t like. But the guy can be pretty polarizing, and many people simply can’t stand him. (My good friend Jennifer from college used to say; “how can you like that guy, when he sings he sounds like Grover.”) But I dig Morrissey through thick and thin and have really liked his recent material. He’s had a resurgence of sorts, and his last album “Ringleader of the Tormentors” was one of his best. He is once again working with legendary producer Tony Visconti on a new record, but in the meantime he has released another very strange collection called “Greatest Hits.” Which is a totally misleading title.

Actually, Morrissey has a history of putting out very strange compilations, some a smattering of hits, unreleased tracks, or non-single album tracks. While they usually hold a handful of songs no Morrissey fan should be without, they certainly don’t put together a clear picture of his career, and mostly seem… well totally random. That’s not to say that I haven’t totally dug past collections like “World of Morrissey” and “My Early Burglary Years.” But as I mentioned… I’m a fanatic.

“Greatest Hits” contains mostly tracks from his last two albums as well as a smattering of tracks from past records. Singles yes… and hits, okay. But where is “Tomorrow” from “Your Arsenal?” Or ANYTHING from “Southpaw Grammar,” “Maladjusted,” “Kill Uncle,” I mean… I could go on and on. I guess it’s really made for new fans… that haven’t gotten the last two records. Maybe it’s specifically for those that went to his recent shows and knew nothing about him. (Frankly I had tickets to two separate shows that were cancelled due to illness, I’m starting to think I am destined to never see the man live.)

Whatever the target audience, “Greatest Hits” does have a bunch of the great new songs, as well as two new ones, the single “That’s How People Grow Up” and “All You Need is me.” They both fit right in line with the new material, both sonically and lyrically. Morrissey has changed in the past couple years… discussing sex and love like it was an actual option in life. (A first for Mr. Sourpuss.) For me, I see “That’s How People Grow Up” as a testament to this change in the man… and a sign of more exciting rock and roll to come.

Enjoy.

That’s How People Grow Up