Vauxhall and I is a very different album than its guitar-driven predecessor, Your Arsenal. For his fourth album, after years of frustration at the misinterpretation of his work and aesthetic, as well as the loss of some of his closet confidants, including that of Mick Ronson (Arsenal s producer); along with his two new songwriters, Alain Whyte and Boz Boorer, Morrissey crafted a flawless album of brilliant, melodic and languid songs, exquisite arrangements and mellifluous vocals some of the finest he has ever recorded.
Since its original release on 14th March 1994, Vauxhall and I has again and again featured in Best Album lists the world over. The 20th Anniversary Definitive Master has been remastered by Bill Inglot. The CD version will come with a bonus CD, featuring the previously unreleased live concert recorded at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1995. The concert includes five songs from Vauxhall and I, as well as a selection from Your Arsenal, non-album single “Boxers” and a cover of Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini s “Moonriver.”
Review:
While it isn't a gutsy rock & roll record like Your Arsenal, Vauxhall
and I is equally impressive. Filled with carefully constructed guitar pop gems,
the album contains some of Morrissey's best material since the Smiths. Out of
all of his solo albums, Vauxhall and I sounds the most like his former band,
yet the textured, ringing guitar on this record is an extension of his past, not
a replication of it. In fact, with songs like “Now My Heart Is Full” and
“Hold on to Your Friends,” Morrissey sounds more comfortable and peaceful
than he ever has. And “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get,”
“Speedway,” and “Spring-Heeled Jim” prove that he hasn't lost his
vicious wit.
All Music Guide – Stephen Thomas Erlewine