Morrissey officially announced this Friday, the 9th, his new solo album, Make-Up Is a Lie Smiths frontman also released the title track as the first single.
Make-Up Is a Lie marks Morrissey's first collaboration with Sire Records , a label linked to Warner Music , and is one of the most anticipated projects since his last studio album, I Am Not a Dog on a Chain , released by BMG in 2020.
In 2021, the singer announced Bonfire of Teenagers , but left Capitol Records and the album was never released. Morrissey was slow, and at times simply unable, to release a new album, mainly due to problems with record labels, coupled with public controversies and market obstacles.
In a statement posted on his website , the artist wrote: “The wait sometimes felt like a tragedy. But the release of Make-up is a Lie today is like a lovers’ reunion. And after several listens, it feels like it’s always been there. Now we can place our faith in what is visible.”
He also instructed his fans: “Please sit in your favorite armchair in your dark booth with the lights off. Or, if you prefer, relax and enjoy a little impulsive self-humiliation – as I often do. I hope you consider Make-Up Is a Lie worthy of the attention you give it. Many of us, here, and in France, Turkey, Poland, Holland, Denmark, Greece, the United States, England… are waiting because our belief is unquestionable: that the complainants speak up.”
Finally, he concluded: “What survives beyond their reach is love. I insist on being myself, despite much discouragement. And this new song is a valid portrait of much more to come in 2026. Born and reborn. I am your future lover, MORRISSEY.”
The difficulties in releasing new albums
After Low in High School (2017), Morrissey recorded at least two full albums, Bonfire of Teenagers and Without Music the World Dies . The first was finished around 2020, but was shelved by Capitol Records, which broke its contract with the singer amidst controversies involving his political, cultural, and identity-related statements. In an interview with The Telegraph in 2024, Morrissey revealed that he was being "muzzled" and that what he calls "Idiot Culture" is preventing the release of his album.
Despite Morrissey claiming the album was finished and featured important guest appearances, the record label chose not to release it, and the rights remained unregistered for a period. In 2024, the musician stated he had repurchased the rights to his albums after a long dispute with Capitol Records. “Morrissey paid the termination fee to Capitol Records to reclaim the albums. It was a long, difficult, and bloody war. Few would come out of it alive, and… I am no exception. Morrissey remains unsigned,” read the statement on the official website [via Morrissey Central ].
Without an active contract, the singer began searching for a new record label willing to finance the release, something that proved difficult due to his "toxic" public image in the current market, according to industry executives. He himself stated that he received artistic praise for the material, but commercial rejections. "All the major London record labels rejected Bonfire of Teenagers, although they admit it's a masterpiece," Morrissey told The Telegraph in 2024.
Furthermore, there were frequent tour cancellations , health problems , and frustration with streaming, which also delayed schedules. The albums Without Music the World Dies and Bonfire of Teenagers remain without a release date. The latter supposedly features appearances by Iggy Pop , Flea , and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers , and Miley Cyrus , who later requested that her participation be removed.
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