As a die-hard Smiths fan, my first listen of ‘Spent the Day in Bed’ was a little disappointing. This track is a big change from Morrissey’s early solo work, with bouncy electric piano replacing the Johnny Marr-reminiscent guitar of songs such as ‘Suedehead’.However, a week after originally hearing it the song had massively grown on me. After getting used to the laser-esque synths, and putting classic Morrissey songs out of mind, I was left with a good and very catchy song.
‘Moz’s’ new single has a focused political message, urging listeners to ”stop watching the news because the news contrives to frighten you.” This is in stark contrast to his defining early Smiths songs such as ‘This Charming Man’, which in Morrissey’s words are simply ”about being charming”.
If you’re looking only for ’70s nostalgia, this song isn’t for you; but with the granting of interviews and an increased social media presence, Morrissey is taking a new step as a solo artist. Waiting in anticipation of the album.
IMAGE: Charlie LLewellin, Wikimedia Creative Commons