Morrissey’s New Album ‘Make’ Brings Him Closer as You Ignore

Morrissey, also known as the Pope of Mope, has made a return with his new album “Make-Up Is a Lie.” This album, released by Sire after six years of silence from the former Smiths frontman, showcases a mix of emotional rock songs that capture the essence of Morrissey’s sound in 2026, alongside a few less favorable tracks.

Despite facing challenges in finding a label willing to support his controversial image, Morrissey’s latest album proves that his songwriting prowess remains intact. The opening track, “You’re Right, It’s Time,” sets the tone with lyrics that resonate with those looking for the classic Morrissey charm. The song is complemented by Camila Grey’s shimmering keys, evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the haunting city-at-night ambiance found in iconic Smiths tunes like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.”

The album continues to impress with standout tracks like the title song, “Make-Up Is a Lie,” which offers a triple entendre and grandeur that captivate listeners. Closing with “The Monsters of Pig Alley,” Morrissey demonstrates his ability to balance poignant beauty with pop elements, reminiscent of his past successes like “Now My Heart is Full.”

While some songs on the album may not grab immediate attention, a closer listen reveals hidden gems like “Many Icebergs Ago.” The starkness of this track echoes a sense of maturity in Morrissey’s songwriting, akin to Frank Sinatra’s “September of My Years.” Venturing into new territories, songs like “The Night Pop Dropped” explore funky sounds, while “Headache” presents a poignant and understated reflection on relationships, reminiscent of “I Know It’s Over.”

Not without controversy, Morrissey’s album features tracks like “Zoom Zoom the Little Boy,” that fall short, and “Notre-Dame,” which may reignite accusations of Islamophobia against the singer. Despite these missteps, “Make-Up Is a Lie” stands as one of Morrissey’s best albums since “Years of Refusal” in 2009, appealing to fans yearning for a return to the musician’s former glory.

Throughout his career, Morrissey has had a turbulent relationship with fans, often pushing away goodwill with his contentious actions. While he continues to draw crowds to his concerts, the question remains whether his new music will resonate with listeners as his older work did. Whether “Make-Up Is a Lie” will attract a new audience or solely cater to die-hard fans remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Pope of Mope has made his mark once again with his latest musical offering.