The Smiths
Arguably the definitive indie-pop outfit, The Smiths shot to stardom during the 80s, but their music has exerted an influence on successive generations of fans. With a dextrous rhythm section, Johnny Marr’s masterful melodies and Morrissey’s extraordinary lyrical abilities at their disposal, they had talent to burn as individuals, yet the sum was always significantly greater than the parts where this singular Manchester quartet was concerned.
Offering a thrilling alternative to the glossy synth-pop so prevalent during the mid-80s, The Smiths crafted brilliantly heady, guitar-driven pop songs drenched in teenage angst. Evergreen early hits including This Charming and How Soon Is Now? established them among the UK’s great singles bands, while albums such as Meat Is Murder and the esteemed The Queen Is Dead will forever rank among their era’s defining works. Though widely mourned when they split, The Smiths bequeathed one of rock’s most bounteous legacies, and our hearts merely grow fonder for them in their continued absence.
‘Hatful Of Hollow’ At 40: A Guide To Every Song On The Smiths’ Classic Rarities Collection
Its songs are a mix of singles, B-sides and radio session tracks, but The Smiths’ ‘Hatful Of Hollow’ album deserves its exalted reputation.
The Smiths Artworks: All 27 Album And Single Covers, Ranked And Reviewed
The very epitome of retro cool, The Smiths’ artworks stood apart in the 80s, and they’ve retained their timeless allure ever since.
Best Morrissey Lyrics: 10 Unforgettably Insightful Smiths And Solo Works
Whether written for The Smiths or his own solo albums, the best Morrissey lyrics rank among the most insightful in rock music.
The World Won’t Listen: Tuning Into An Exemplary Smiths Compilation
A stop-gap compilation between albums, ‘The World Won’t Listen’ screamed ‘genius’, thanks to The Smiths’ unbeatable run of singles.
Why The Smiths’ Debut Album Is An Indie Landmark
Hailed as being ‘as fresh and colourful’ Morrissey’s daffodils, The Smiths’ debut album captured the group in their first flush of success.
Best Smiths Songs: 20 Classic Tracks From Indie-Pop’s Most Charming Men
Influential, distinctive and enduring, the best The Smiths songs are just part of an inspiring body of work recorded in under five years.
Meat Is Murder: How The Smiths Cooked Up A Classic Second Album
With its ‘direct statement’ and musical and lyrical innovations, the ‘Meat Is Murder’ album was the sound of The Smiths raising their game.
How Soon Is Now?: Behind The Smiths’ Immediate Classic
Innovative and instantly recognisable, The Smiths’ How Soon Is Now? refuses to age – despite initially baffling their label.
Shoplifters Of The World Unite: How The Smiths Stole Away With A Classic
Dense, brooding and anthemic, Shoplifters Of The World Unite remains one of Morrissey’s ‘all-time favourite’ Smiths songs.
What Difference Does It Make?: Behind The Smiths’ First Major Hit Single
One of Morrissey and Marr’s earliest songs, The Smiths’ What Difference Does It Make? remains a classic with across-the-board appeal.
The Smiths’ Legacy: Theirs Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Arguably the most important indie band of them all, The Smiths wrote unique songs with an appeal that refuses to diminish.
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