English singer and songwriter, Steven Patrick Morrissey, popularly known by his stage name, Morrissey, has announced the release of his new album, I Am Not a Dog on a Chain, on Jan. 10. Along with the release of his uniquely titled album, Morrissey dropped his first single, “Bobby, Don’t You Think They Know?”, which will be featured on the upcoming album.

As the song starts, car horns are heard, as the beat drops, suddenly. An organ-like synth is heard, accompanying Morrissey’s voice as he sings. The confusion in his voice is evident, as he asks, “Bobby, don’t you think they know?”

“Aren’t you tired of pretending,” Morrissey sings. “I know your torture below.”

Halfway through the song, the ambience changes, as the vocals become more intimate. Grammy-winning soul singer, Thelma Houston, accompanies Morrissey, adding more liveliness to the song as a whole. Her powerful vocals enhance the experience and emphasize the emotion portrayed through the song.

Nearing the end of the song, we are hit with an organ solo, saxophone solo and a guitar solo, back to back. The intensity is indescribable, and the flow created by the three solos is almost unimaginable.

There is a millisecond of silence between the solos, as Morrissey and Houston pour their hearts out singing. The two finish off the song by asking the biggest question of all, “Bobby, don’t you think they know?”

I Am Not a Dog on a Chain is to be released on Mar. 20. At the moment, it is unknown whether Morrissey will set off on tour to promote his upcoming album.

I Am Not a Dog on a Chain Track list:
1. Jim Jim Falls
2. Love Is on Its Way Out
3. Bobby, Don’t You Think They Know?
4. I Am Not a Dog on a Chain
5. What Kind of People Live in These Houses?
6. Knockabout World
7. Darling, I Hug a Pillow
8. Once I Saw the River Clean
9. The Truth About Ruth
10. The Secret of Music
11. My Hurling Days Are Done