Your Arsenal

Untitled

Following up on the poorly-received album Kill Uncle, singer Morrissey released the album Your Arsenal in 1992 (see 1992 in music). The album was regarded by many fans as his strongest and heaviest effort yet upon its release.

About the album

Commencing with the blistering "You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side", the album represents a clear change in direction for Morrissey from pop to modern rock. It also features some elements of rockabilly.

Some tracks from the album were lyrically controversial, although much of the controversy was stirred up by the New Musical Express, who had turned against Morrissey by this time. "Glamorous Glue", though a personally conflicted and ambivalent song, was accused of anti-Americanism, while the similarly ambiguous "We'll Let You Know" was accused of defending football hooliganism. For the controversy surrounding "The National Front Disco", see [[1]].

While the album represents a consistent collection of songs, there was no standout hit single. The first song released from the album, "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful", peaked at number 17 in the United Kingdom. It also hit number two on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart. While this was an improvement from the singles from Kill Uncle, it didn't match the success of his earlier singles.

'Certain People I Know' takes its melody from 'Ride a White Swan' by T-Rex.

Despite this, a great number of singles were released from the album. The UK saw the release of "You're The One For Me, Fatty" (#19) and "Certain People I Know" (#35). In the United States, "Glamorous Glue" and "Tomorrow" reached #13 and #1 on the Modern Rock chart, respectively.

Morrissey performed a version of "Glamorous Glue" on Saturday Night Live after the album's release.

David Bowie covered the track "I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday" on his album Black Tie White Noise.

Reel Big Fish covered the track "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful" on their 2005 album "We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy".

The album earned a Grammy nomination for best alternative rock album.

Track listing

LP

Side A

1. "You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side"
2. "Glamorous Glue"
3. "We'll Let You Know"
4. "The National Front Disco"
5. "Certain People I Know"

Side B

1. "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful"
2. "You're the One for Me, Fatty"
3. "Seasick, Yet Still Docked"
4. "I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday"
5. "Tomorrow"

Compact disc

Same as LP.

People involved

• Morrissey – voice

Band

• Alain Whyte – guitars
• Boz Boorer – guitars
• Gary Day – bass guitar
• Spencer Cobrin – drums

Technical staff

• Mick Ronson – producer