Alma Matters

AMG Review of Alma Matters

Ned Raggett
All Music Guide

One of Morrissey's best solo singles ever, "Alma Matters" was a perfect calling card for Maladjusted, once again getting a boost via Lillywhite's strong production. With a sparkling guitar part on the chorus and a fine lyric of defiance and individuality bolstered by some great singing, it's a flat-out winner, showing Morrissey was hardly down for the count just yet. "Heir Apparent" isn't as successful but has a similar strength, being a bit too brusque and choppy at points in comparison, despite a sometimes quite clever lyric. "I Can Have Both" concludes the EP with a fair enough number, chiming along at a steady pace with low-key orchestration and what would appear to be one of his slyer lyrics. The guitar solo at the end helps give it a last final blast of energy that much of the rest of the song misses outside of the drumming.