1) Vauxhall and I
Probably not a co-incidence that it's consistently the most popular solo album and also the most like the Smiths. But it's also the only solo album not to waste a second. Never liked the photo on the front of the sleeve, though, which is a bit so-what.
2) Ringleader of the Tormentors
Seems to divide fans, basically by IQ. If you put it slightly lower down in your list, then maybe we can agree to differ. But, if you actually put it last, you really shouldn't be allowed to vote or own sharp cutlery. Has some of Morrissey's finest vocals and songwriting ever ("Dear God, did this kind of thing happen to you..?" is the best line he has ever come up with, IMO), and his last great album from a purely musical point-of-view. It is true that it sounds a bit like it was recorded through a partition wall, but all you need to do is turn the treble up.
3) Beethoven Was Deaf
Based on the question asked, I shouldn't really be including this, but who cares? It's the definitive document for that particular band lineup and it shows how great they were at that time. Alain was right in his recent Facebook comment - there was a magic here that should have been zealously guarded.
4) Bona Drag
Valid, IMO, just because nothing else represents that period. And because I'm listening to it at the moment and it's great.
5) Your Arsenal
An incredible comeback after the critical mauling of Kill Uncle, and it's stunning just for that. Also, see above comments on Beethoven Was Deaf. A pretty flawless collection of songs, except I've never been that keen on "We Hate It...".
6) Viva Hate
Could do with losing the last two songs, and it loses points for "Bengali In Platforms". Another line-up he should have stuck with for longer. Vini Reilly's contribution is superb.
7) You Are the Quarry
Has a horrible MOR production sheen, but the songs make up of it, with a couple of exceptions (I can remember "America..." not boding well on first listen). "I Have Forgiven Jesus" stands out for me, and is also Morrissey's best ever song title.
8) Years of Refusal
I initially put this at 9, but the superiority of the songs compared to Southpaw is undeniable. In fact, it's quite likely that if I carried on thinking about it, I might put it at seven or even six. The last Morrissey album to feature really knockout songs
9) Southpaw Grammar
No classics, but nothing that's actually bad, and it sounds fantastic.
10) Maladjusted
We're entering the relegation zone here. It's really difficult to decide on an order for these last three albums. Maladjusted has almost a side of good songs, and the rest of it is mostly just boring, rather than actually terrible, which is what is saving it from number 11.
11) World Peace Is None of Your Business
This has it's moments, but it mainly just falls flat. Songs with no point to them, half-baked arrangements and an ill-advised attempt to "go political" when you only half-understand the first thing about politics. Consider the extended opening to "I'm Not A Man". This is often criticised, but it actually makes sense as a metaphor for the album. The sound of someone wandering aimlessly around a recording studio, toying with the instruments and thinking "yeah, that sounds alright". Though of like that, it's actually a hell of a lot better than the song that follows. There are a handful of good songs on the record, but not enough to justify releasing an album.
12) Kill Uncle
"Sing Your Life" is brilliant. But, though it was unthinkable at the time, Morrissey actually seems to be struggling with the very basics of songwriting for a good part of the album. Tizer? Yes, I know it rhymes, but really? Songs like "Asian Rut", "Harsh Truth..." etc really seem like simulations of Morrissey songs. I think he probably knew this at the time, and he should have just waited.
