Morrissey Says His New Album Has ‘Rage in the Blood’

Morrissey has revealed some of the themes that appear on upcoming album Low in High School, which is to be released on Nov. 17. The follow-up to 2014’s World Peace is None of Your Business is supported by a U.S. tour that commences on Oct. 31 and continues until Dec. 7.

“My concern wanders to anyone feeling academically or spiritually low in high school ... directionless or hopeless,” Morrisey told Rolling Stone of the title. “Can young people ever be carefree again? It’s a question.”

He added that his goal was to create “something closer to the truth” and observed, “Good chart music does not need to be completely impersonal. ... Although people have been trained to not expect very much from modern music, there is, I find, always so much so say and play, and here it is.”

He also aimed to reflect global change since his previous album. “The political elite has stopped breathing,” he said. “The people and the politicians everywhere are openly in a state of mutual contempt. Translate all of this into great music and life becomes hopeful.” Asked if there was a common thread running through the LP, he replied: “Yes, a rage in the blood, plus endless hooks… is that enough?”

Last month, Morrissey released a video for the lead single “Spent the Day in Bed” and he later premiered four more tracks, “I Wish You Lonely,” “When You Open up Your Legs,” “Home is a Question Mark” and “Jacky’s Only Happy When She’s Up on the Stage” on a BBC radio show.

Morrissey Albums Ranked in Order of Moz-ness