California Son
by Morrissey
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: May 24, 2019
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
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  1. The Guardian
    May 24, 2019
    20
    He wheezes through Gary Puckett and the Union Gap’s Lady Willpower like an exhumed Tom Jones, and hearing him preening on Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow--given an arduously heavy makeover by his band--feels like a violation of Joni Mitchell’s mythically light original.
  2. Exclaim
    May 21, 2019
    10
    For the most part, Morrissey sounds like a cheap facsimile of himself; an aged crooner without any latter-day grace. Moreover, the features list on this album, including Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, occasionally comes into play with no impact. Coupled with Morrissey's complete lack of finesse in his vocals are the instrumentals, which are, for the most part, the dictionary definition of clinical.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 4 out of 24
  1. Crumpler4
    May 26, 2019
    9
    What an enjoyable insight in to Morrissey’s mind. The song selection is perfect, just the right mix of well known songs verses somewhatWhat an enjoyable insight in to Morrissey’s mind. The song selection is perfect, just the right mix of well known songs verses somewhat obscure. Wedding Bell Blues gets a pretty straightforward rendering that Morrissey keeps light. Loneliness Remembers keeps Dionne Warwick’s version alive within Morrissey’s vocal delivery. The production is at times heavy but it helps the album maintain a 60’s theme through a spin of the entire album. Really it’s what I’ve been hoping for from Morrissey for the last ten years. Nice job Moz.… Full Review »
  2. littlebylittle
    May 27, 2019
    10
    excellent!! N e lo pierdan. merece la pena la revisión de estos clásicos por Morrissey
  3. RafaelSeixas
    May 26, 2019
    6
    É um trabalho 'ok'. Instrumentalmente falando é bem bonito, em certos momentos os arranjos são simples e objetivos, em outros momentos sãoÉ um trabalho 'ok'. Instrumentalmente falando é bem bonito, em certos momentos os arranjos são simples e objetivos, em outros momentos são imponentes e dão um ótimo peso às faixas que precisam (Some Say I Got Devil ilustra bem). Mas ainda assim fiquei incomodado com um certo jeito "karaokê" de bar que este álbum traz, pessoalmente não me agradou. Os arranjos levam este álbum "nas costas" por grande parte do tempo. "ok" é uma definição adequada.… Full Review »
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