Ten albums that were dramatically dissed by the artists who made them

I wrote recently about ten records that critics had put in their worst-ever album list. Among those were a couple where one or more of the artists involved had also declared their dislike for their own album. David Bowie on Never Let Me Down and the Clash on their final album, for example. That’s rarely a good sign. 

When that happens, the comments often come after a long gap in time. The artist is usually able to take a clearer and more balanced retrospective view. That leads to some realism about that particular past work. 

It made me think about other albums that have been dissed by an artist. It may be a solo album or, occasionally, one or more members of a band opening up. It’s not always the case that other band members feel the same. Some will just grin and bear it and don’t disclose much themselves. 

Ten albums that seemed extremely disliked by the performer that created them

There are quite a few examples around. Often from very well-known artists too. Let’s take a look at ten of those, and who didn't like their own work much. 

The Smiths - The Smiths

It’s a wonder the debut album from The Smiths in 1984 made it out at all. It took a couple of different attempts to record it, the first being scrapped along the way. It was though a big hit and a breakthrough for the band. 

Which makes it a surprise that Morrissey was unhappy with it. Or maybe that’s just more doom and gloom from the singer. He has spoken openly about his disappointment with the production and mix, even the second time around. He has signaled that the album wasn't good enough to release. Looks like the music world disagreed. Not for the first time where Morrissey is concerned. 

Morrissey - Kill Uncle 

We should stay on the Morrissey track for the moment. After The Smiths fell apart, he released solo albums. Kill Uncle was his 1991 effort. It’s worth a mention of some fantastic descriptions of it by the singer. 

In his 2013 book Autobiography, Morrissey had some lyrical and descriptive words for the album. He reckoned it was badly affected by “session musicians embalming fluid”, that it was “pale and pasty” and also “the orphaned imp that nobody wants”. It did pretty well in the charts, though. 

Continued on next page