Morrissey’s third solo effort post-Smiths-departure has recently been re-released. Recognised as his seminal album, ÔÇÿYour Arsenal’ sent Morissey’s career on an upward trajectory. Including four chart singles and boasting an extra DVD of previously unreleased live footage, the Definitive Master edition will surely be snapped up by hardcore fans.

Despite the randomness of the release, it is inevitably going to reawaken an interest in Morissey’s poetically political music. Following traditional album structures, the record is divided into two halves. On listening, it is clear that the first five tracks were written with a live setting in mind. His melancholic vocals preside over rock ÔÇÿn’ roll guitar riffs that add a bit of life to the album’s dark subject matters. With topics ranging from football hooliganism to the far right (ÔÇÿThe National Front Disco’), the sonic urgency of the first few songs mirror Morissey’s inherent need to get his point of view across.

The second, softer half of the record consists of clever pop songs such as the bitter ÔÇÿWe Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful’ and ÔÇÿYou’re The One For Me, Fatty’. Concluding with the reflective ÔÇÿSeasick, Yet Still Docked’ and the remixed ÔÇÿTomorrow’, it’s an album that both comforts and confronts the listener.

Unsettling though that combination may be, Your Arsenal proves that Morrissey was the master of witty lyrics and writing songs that meant something. Despite not really offering anything different for those who already possess the album, the re-release could incite a wave of new Morrissey fans.