Trill said:
I think that Work Of Art is just OK, York, nothing special at all. Not very adventurous musically and definitely very lazy lyrically. Not much to it at all. Not the worst track in Morrissey's catalogue but there's a lot better from him too.
Nine reasons why Work Of Art IS interesting musically/lyrically.
1) Listen to the Bass line, particularly in the chorus sections.
2) The use of strings at the bridge and how they build into the chorus so that once the chorus arrives there is a release of tension in the chords. This allows the chorus to differ from the first two times it occurs, creating variety.
3) The chorus in general, it has got a GREAT hook.
4) The way the song builds from quietness at the beginning to a full blown song, classic way to start
5) The harmonies in the vocals during the chorus that are reinforcing the title of the song is unique. Could just be a doubling of the existing vocal track with a delay/plate reverb on it, but whatever it is it works.
6) The groove in the drums. Simple, yet effective.
7) Lyrically, it is interesting in the fact that it is so simple. To me you are a work of art. That's the point of the song really, everything else is just telling one why the subject is the work of art to the author. I mean, what if he is literally referencing a piece of artwork as opposed to another human. Far-fetched.. I know, but you can never tell what an artist really means about his work, as only he will truly know.
8) The melody line is great, it's one of those that blends so well into the chord progressions, that you don't have to listen to the lyrics to know it's beautiful.
9) It's got a simple structure to it Intro, Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus, Outro... Just like any pop song, therefore easy to understand.
This is just a quick analysis; I could go on and I could analyse the rest of the album as well, but I won't. I've already overcooked this point. Also, just because a song isn't adventurous musically doens't mean it's not a great song. I mean Moz isn't Dream Theatre or anything, he's a indie,pop,rock guy. I know I seem really, really "Pro-work of art," and I am, but it is structurally and musically (as a whole), the best song on the album. And seriously, there is nothing like hearing this one live, it sticks out amongst the rest.