Reviews (page 10 of 14)
Ate a whole chicken fillet kebab while listening to this
I only really managed to get into one Smith album properly, The Queen Is Dead. I have copies of their Debut, and Meat Is Murder and I have listened to them both, but neither really struck me in the same way The Queen Is Dead did. Relistening with fresh ears has confirmed two things for me: Johnny Marr really is a genius, and Morrissey is thankfully pretty ignorable. He’s mostly in the back of the mix, and so I find it quite easy to tune him and his lyrics out, allowing them to just become another texture of the music, which has definitely allowed me to continue to enjoy this music since Morrissey became, well what he is now. I don’t think it’s the best of The Smith’s albums that I’m going to have to listen to, but if I catch the bug again, I can definitely see myself coming back to this
Average attempt
I hadn't listened to this album before, but I knew it as the most popular album by The Smiths, so I figured it would be an easy 5 stars. However, it didn't really gel with me as much as I expected, and actually sounded a bit all over the place. There's a couple of stand out tracks, but everything else came over as weaker.
#277. This is almost tolerable. Seriously, it's the best Smiths album I've listened to so far. Still not good, but you know, less painful to hear. The lyrics are pretty cringe, especially on the title track, but if you don't pay attention to them very much, it's almost halfway decent. 2/5: almost. Song added to playlist: Rusholme Ruffians I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
A levada de baixo em todas as músicas é fenomenal. A voz fica um pouco irritante depois de um tempo, mas isso é um problema geral do The Smiths pra mim. Ironicamente a música que da o nome ao álbum é a que menos gostei e também é a menos ouvida segundo o Spotify.
Just listen to this album and focus on Andy Rourke's bass. It's an incredible way to spend 35 minutes.
My default position towards Morrissey is antagonism, partially because of his...unscrupulous political beliefs, partially because I find him corny. But even I'll admit when he hits me hard, and he hits me hard here on "The Headmaster Ritual" and "I Want the One I Can't Have". My misgivings by and large do not extend to the rest of the Smiths, who are all fantastic here except for artistic choices that make me groan at least a little (e.g. the fade out/fade in on "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore"). Even as a vegetarian myself, jury's still out on the sound effects on the title track. Verdict: Just above a Moo/5.
Been a while since I listened to The Smiths but the aching beauty of depression still comes through.
Not my favorite work of theirs, but it’s alright.
Why not 4, can’t hate this enjoyable to listen to. Even as a carnivore
Five stars. The Smiths are on of those groups where everytime you listen to their albums your favourite changes. Not quite perfect, the title track is a little self-indulgent, but elsewhere peerless.
It took a while for this album to get engaging, but once it hooked me I found it captivating. Which is a shame; the last 3 songs are excellent, but the first 6 were not interesting at all for me. I'm glad it ended on such a strong note with a lot to say, I only wish it had more substance throughout the album. Top tracks: Well I Wonder, Barbarism Begins at Home, Meat Is Murder
So many foundational tones for the emo starter pack
Pretty annoying
🙄
Heard a lot about this album so I was curious initially. I know this band is well known and regarded, but I found this album a mixed bag. Some interesting instrumentals and the energy is good, but some songs got quite repetitive and dragged on. Wouldn't listen to most of it again. Maybe I would prefer one of their other albums, but I'll have to see when I get them. Highlights: Rusholme Ruffians I Want the One I Can't Have
Great songs, great album
Really enjoy the Smiths. I've listened to The Queen is Dead countless times but never really gave this album a listen. The blend of the upbeat guitar and Morrissey's unique voice is just so good. Love the gloomy lyrics that contrast with the guitar. Gave this one a few listens, look forward to the next Smiths album.
Elska þennan gítar, elska þennan bassa. Mikil áhrif á unglingsárin.
Bleibt bei mir einfach nicht hängen. Nette Instrumentierung, aber keine packende Songs, plätschert so dahin. Not my band.
I had a dub on this on tape that I always played in my car. And I listened to it so much, over and over, that one day I got sick of it, ejected the tape and chucked it out the window as I drove. But years later, it holds up. The Smiths had a knack for writing super catchy pop songs about the most unexpected subjects (the ode to a small town fairground is my favourite) and only effing Morrissey could end an album of delights with a gruelling anti-meat song.
Needed a couple of listens. Lyrically it hits and Johnny's jangly guitar is good if not brilliant.
3.5
Love the Smiths, unsure about this album
Boring as hell. And I still have to deal with all of the Morrissey albums yet. 😑
I remember when the record companies were constantly pushing this. It's not for me, and I've heard it before. I did make it all the way through though, and didn't turn it off. It has its moments.
I wasn’t a big fan
A couple interesting tracks, but just OK for me overall.
It's fine, my first full Smiths album listen and it's got me feeling a little let down.
Annoying singy voice Dont like depressing songs
Bombastic side eye
Nope nope nope. Make the whining stop, please.
3+
Masterpiece
Lowkey fett mid. Gillar vissa av the Smiths låter men klarar fan inte hur mycket som helst av Morrissey. Fuck honom. Vet inte typ inte jättenice bara
nämen detta gillade jag starkt!!! Väldigt mycket min genre. Jättehärlig lyssning. Rätt mängd av rätt gitarrljud, kryptisk men tydligt icke-munter text och sång till stundvis lättsam och stundvis hemlighetsfull instrumental och så brittisk engelska på det tjolahopp tjolahej det kan man ju inte gå fel med 😁‼️ Bästa låt: well i wonder
Inte så bra som jag trodde det skulle va Bästa låt: Barbarism begins at home
Solid 3. Live the lead singers voice.
Good new wave. But his voice gets a bit monotonous. And the songs start to sound similar. Compared to songs Spotify plays when album is done, Doors, Tears for Fears, Lou Reed, it’s just not as good. 2.5
Gut!
Not mine, not today
Not exactly a huge fan of the Smiths but I liked this album. Morrissey's singing does get old after a while though and the songs tend to blend together. 6.75/10 (3.375/5)
Already listened.
rockige gitarren, stimme mit wiedererkennungsfaktor - stellenweise etwas gar viel „jodeln“. alles in allem nette britische musik.
Interessanter Indy Rock, aber ohne grosse Highlights.
Nostalgic sound to me, from my mom's music (although it's a different album). I like it, but it's also quite sad music. I like the instrumentals, and the sound of the lead singer's voice.
Was not a fan of the previous the smiths album this list threw at me. Not a fan of this one either
Hard to say whether I don't like this album or I don't want to like this album. Morrisey's voice is whiny and his lyrics are all over the place. Not for me I guess.
Everything I know about The Smiths I mostly heard reading Morrissey jokes on twitter. I know he's a turd but this is kinda good. Incredibly pervasive emo lyrics aside (I know that's a trademark), the riffs on this are pretty good. The Headmaster Ritual" opening riff is weird enough to catch your ear and then they start going all over the place from country style to rock and mixes in between. There’s a lot of talent on display (ironically, to me, Morrissey himself is the weak point, he sounds too goofy a lot of the time) and all the instrumentalists have a good amount of range. “That Joke isn’t Funny Anymore” is my favorite of the bunch. The content and the instruments fit the voice perfectly, built to a nice crescendo by the end without fumbling half rhymes and unnecessary poetry in the lyrics. I really enjoyed that track. “Barbarism Begins at Home” is another good one, similar to the aforementioned track in that there isn’t too much wobbly lyrics and the groove is good. There’s probably several 60s bands that sing about the problematic nature of eating farmed meat but the tone and lyrics (and animal sounds) really drive the point home in “Meat is Murder”. I actually wonder if all of the band members were vegetarian. That might be the saddest song on the album. Anyway I liked this more than I thought I would.
Broody emotional 80's rock. I love it. I wish I could be half as cool as Morissey. That Joke isn't Funny Anymore rules.
Pretty good. I like it ok, but wouldn’t buy it
4- Kitarahelinää ja tarttuvia biisejä = hyvää matskuu!
pluh 🗣️🔥
good guitar tones i think not for me, listened while working so I probably missed out on the lyrics
Andy Rourke is such an underrated member of this band. Happy to hear an album where he gets to shine. This is more uneven than their other albums, but I still love The Smiths.
A really enjoyable listen, especially if it’s the version that had How Soon Is Now? on it. But… their stuff has such a high bar and I think this dodges all their best songs, of which there are LOADS. Would be 5 for anyone else but for The Smiths, a 4. Though as vegetarian I do agree that Meat Is Murder.
the smiths > morrissey but still not *that* great.
Meh...this album makes it hard the be a Smith's fan
September 2022, Queen Liz dies and I hear The Queen Is Dead for the 1st time. That was album #160 Nothing would be heard from those boys in the coming months, until this website gave me a solo Morrissey album, Your Arsenal, to listen to (#421). Album #591, #605, and #761 were also Morrissey, as it turns out. I guess my interest in The Smiths wasn't high enough to dive deep into their work in the meantime, but I always knew there was more to come on the website, so... yay? For the most part, this is a solid album. The lightness of the jangly guitar and rockabilly rhythms strike a good balance with Morrissey's heavy-handed lyrics. The only time I found the balance was off was in the title track, which is a decent sound effects-driven dirge but feels more like a PSA than anything. HL: "The Headmaster Ritual", "Rusholme Ruffians", "Barbarism Begins at Home", "Nowhere Fast", "How Soon is Now" (bonus track) June 15, 2024
This album didn't really have any standout tracks for me, but was still a great listen overall (minus the cow sounds at the end - they didn't have to go that far, even though I understand and mostly share the sentiment).
First of all I have a weird memory from loong ago about some humour in pronouncing The Smisses. Ze Smiffs? Anyway. I could get into this, I absolutely understand how a lot people seem to have, but I have not and I don't feel like I need to. Bit grating how Morrissey likes to change the key every now and then without telling the band, but it's alright.
Pretty good album. Kinda quirky at times, but rolled some nice bass lines throughout.
A great example of the Smiths from the 80's featuring Morrissey's thoughtful lyrics full of yearning, views on politics all intertwined with hints of humour and of course his strong vegetarianism with the final melodic abattoir that is 'Meat is Murder'!
Oh my god the musicianship! :) It feels ungodly to listen to. Probably my favourite Smith album.
musicianship is top notch lyrics are pretty, and it's adventurous! Lost me a bit in places (also morrisey)
Some great melodies and guitar lines. Closes pretty strong too. That said, sometimes I am just not in the mood to hear Morrissey sing. Best song: Barbarism Begins at Home
They weren't there yet with the balance of tragedy, playfullness and despair we now associate with the smiths in their lyrics but the sound was there and it is very recognizable theirs. The second half of the Lp I like a lot more I think
No es especialmente llamativo, sin embargo tiene unos temas finales bastante potentes. Te puede sobrecoger ciertos sonidos y por ello creo que gana más nivel el álbum. A nivel musical no veo nada super llamativo. Sin embargo se entiende que lleva una intención más crítica y de potencia a nivel de lyrics más que musicalmente. Aun así hay momentos que el bajo brilla y tal y como he dicho ciertos sonidos sobrecogen y llaman mucho la atención.
Excellent
Great early Smiths. Love all the bitching about Morrissey in the reviews.
Titular track was ass. Rest of it was pretty OK but not as good as self titled or queen is dead.
Kinda boring but twcjnically great
An ok album
9/10. I'm going vegan. Kidding. But the album was fantastic throughout. It has a unique flavor to it, and overall I enjoyed the pace, beats, rhythm, etc throughout the entire album. The title song was great rhythmically but going back and forth on if that one gets on the 5 star playlist. Lots of others leading up to it for sure made it though (Rusholme Ruffians, I Want the Ones I Can't Have, Nowhere Fast, Well I Wonder).
He’s got a point
Wow I was not expecting to like this. I’ve tried to get into Morrissey before when he was playing at a festival I was going to. I wasn’t able to then and the little I caught of his performance was…bad. I honestly had considered doing 1 star and not listening for the first time this project. I’m glad I didn’t because I quite enjoyed it. The title track is a little ham fisted and kept this from creeping up to a 4 star.
salvaged by some beautiful guitar work
Some songs are quite good.
Among the Smiths' more low-energy, stripped-back albums that not so pull the curtain, as much as they allow a short peek at the band as excellent song-writers and Morrissey as an excellent shithead.
I love this album but I can see that it's not perfect by any means. Morrissey is a cunt is such a cliche at this point but yeah he is and you can't really stop yourself from rolling your eyes at some of the pompous language he uses in his lyrics (especially when English is not your native language). Mixed with his vocal style it really makes you think of a spoiled privileged Brit who doesn't know any better. Marr and Rourke are amazing though, especially on tracks like Headmaster Ritual, Joke Isn't funny anymore (that outro!), Nowhere fast or Barbarism begins at home. Coming to think of it I love almost all of the songs on it, maybe with the exception of Rusholme Ruffians and the title song. And that last song is an immediate skip, even for me, a person who cares dearly about animal rights I just can't force myself to listen to this shit while walking around the park or something. It's a 4.5/5 because the Queen is dead is slightly better and I'm going to give it a 5, although I find myself coming back to this one more often.
I couldn't listen to the song. You know.. the one. Otherwise, I liked the album.
Rock alternativo. Ni fu ni fa.
Gitarrenrock, ganz schön und etwas langweilig
I have never liked Morrissey. That being said, all of the musical output from the Smiths is excellent. Especially perfect for its' time. And the rest of the band is just fantastic. Johnny Marr is SUCH a masterful guitarist. Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce in the rhythm section are tight as hell. The people who hated the Smiths in the 80s wished they could make music just half as good.
It was fine. I don't think I'll ever seek out The Smiths.
Yeah, good.
It's a 5, but the title track nearly takes it down to a 4. Everything here is great but that friggin last song.
3.5
its okay. Needs great hits.
I like it. I get a little tired of his voice over the album, does feel varied enough for me but its still all good. Will I listen to again: 40%
I need to listen more to fairly evaluate anything past the singing but ain't nobody got time for that.
Genuinely never listened to the Smiths before, I think in general I was scared away by Morrissey and in general I’m not the biggest fan of the moody British rock they play. That said the first track is very nice. Shit I love the lyric my faith in love is still devout, a really good closing lyric. I actually really liked this. The rare album where title track is the worst song, really too preachy even if I mostly agree with it. This song is probably part of why vegans have such a bad reputation
Typical 80’s British rock
Good 80’s Smiths
listened to again still kinda meh
Really just could not get into this album, or the band for that matter.
I got that Morrissey album not even a full week ago. And obviously I spoke about in that review. Pretty briefly, and not necessarily negatively. But it was like the universe decided it was my time to finally hear The Smiths And I can’t complain one bit. My powerful intuition strikes again. I claimed that while I enjoyed parts of Morrissey’s solo album, what really dragged it down for me was everything backing him up. I saw potential for something very good though. And I was dead on. Because the moment The Headmaster Ritual hits, everything became clear. And I understand why this band has continued to enrapture people for so many decades. They are just so damn good. Johnny Marr especially. It kind of makes me wonder where a guitar player like that has been my whole life. But I don’t mean to discredit the rest of the group. Andy and Mike are both fantastic too. I think what really sets this album apart is those small elements of post-punk that peak through every once in a while. This can especially be heard on that last song. They elevate this album into something far better than what the rest of the indie pop genre sounded like in the mid-80s. Morrissey’s voice has grown on me by now. But there is still a small part of me that finds his almost woe is me, self-absorbed character and voice slightly frustrating. This is also where the issues with him start to extend beyond the music. Meat Is Murder is a very bold album title, and the titular closing track is even bolder. Nothing wrong with feeling that way about eating animals and veganism, but it’s just so blatant and out there. Also, I’m aware How Soon Is Now? is only apart of the US version, but I don’t care, I’m going to include it as if it was always a song on this record. Plus I just need an excuse to talk about how incredible that song is. Arguably their best song ever, and also arguably the best use of tremolo on a guitar ever. Johnny Marr is such a genius. I guess it’s official. I am a fan of The Smiths. Rating: 9/10
Could have been a 40 minute song - same beat, same guitar, same mad warbling not for me
Listened Before? N Despite my dislike for Morrisey, this album was pretty okay. Won't listen again but I didn't hate it. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: The Headmaster Ritual
Good with a few classics
Pretty goo
Love their unique sound. Especially annoyed the joke isn’t funny anymore and well I wonder
why do i enjoy how he sings
I’ve tried multiple times and Morrissey just doesn’t do it for me. Shame because the instrumentals on this album are generally pretty fun.
Broody.
Nowhere Fast is enough to make this album for me (not my favourite from The Smiths) but here and there the guitar is really mesmerizing
I LOVE The Smiths and I have not heard this album (and I also believe meat is murder, so how have I avoided it!). If no one has heard the group this might be the worst entry. They are a strange band that released a lot of charting non-album singles that were later compiled on albums that are not eligible for this list--even the US version of this originally added How Soon Is Now which is their most recognizable song and I wonder if this inclusion to the 1001 list thinks it's still there. Personally I would've left this one off, but for me it's a 3.5, bumping to a 4 based only on the lyric: "It was dark when I drove the point home.'
Pussies
You know, I like The Smiths but Morrissey is a bit of a twat. All their moping and whining works in some situations. This album was easy to listen to, kept my attention, and I borderline enojiyed a few of the tracks. The guitar work is easily the savior of this album.
It’s no wonder that people are still listening to these while so much of the 80s has disappeared forever: the tunes are rock solid, Morrissey’s hatred of the synthesizer has created a timeless feel, and lyrics about being young & battered still mean something to the young and formerly young.
I absolutely love the Smiths and Morrissey’s music. Excellent album. The Queen Is Dead is still my favorite though.
Loved it
Very nice album.
Meat is delicious.
Not bad
El segundo álbum de los Smiths es el más disperso, con temas menos comerciales y emblemáticos (salvo How soon is now, incluida en posteriores reedeciones del álbum y la infecciosa Barbarism begins at home). Carece del encanto del primero y de la excelencia de los dos posteriores. Sin embargo, The Smiths jamás publicaron un disco malo, ni siquiera regular. Todos son de enorme calidad e influencia en el resto de bandas de su época y posteriores. 1985 es el año del C85, Psychocandy, This is the sea, Low-life, Once upon a time, Brothers in arms, Hounds of love, Steve McQueen, Love not money, This nation´s saving grace, Fables of the reconstruction, Around the world in a day, Rain dogs, Slave to the rithym, Songs form the big chair, What Does Anything Mean? Basically , Rum, sodomy and the lash y Picture book.
kød er mord guys
Somehow, this is the first time I’ve listened to a full Smiths album. Knew a couple of the songs but a few were new to me. Generally, The Smiths are very up my alley, especially the guitar work, which is exceptional. This is a solid collection of songs, but it doesn’t feel as cohesive as I’d hoped when it popped up. Sometimes it feels like Morrissey is singing whatever he wants, without much regard for the rest of the music. That’s a nitpick though - overall I loved this album, even if it isn’t quite perfect.
Jangle pop, indie pop. I am not a fan of The Smiths. Morrissey is one of my least favorite singers of all time. Unfortunately, I love the instrumental parts but and Morrissey writes some pretty great lyrics. I love the jangly guitars, bass guitar is really groovy, and the drums hold it all down. If I just tune out Morrissey then I can have a pretty good time listening to it. The album has a good length, but some songs feel like they drone on a bit too long. Overall I enjoyed the album enough, I still have my issues with the band, but I can recognize good songwriting. Not likely to revisit any time soon, but maybe eventually. Strong 3.5/5
Well, this is my first listen to a Smiths album. I've heard "How Soon is Now?" in passing, though I haven't bothered to seek the Smiths out because Morrissey is that big of an asshole to ward me away from his old band. Having listened to this, I can say he was the problem for The Smiths. Morrisey's baritone vocal style and excessive wordiness hold this album back. He comes off more as rambling than any typical vocal cadence. Only a few songs like "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" and "Well I Wonder" have enough space to allow him to sing, which does work. Lyrically, I will at least meet him halfway in that the songs against corporal punishment like "The Headmaster's Ritual" are generally good. Also of note are songs like "What She Said", "Nowhere Fast" and "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" where the contemplations of death carry a sense of empathy that you wouldn't expect from the man writing these songs. Unfortunately, that also brings us to the closing title track, which has a very pro-vegetarian stance that isn't for me. As someone who is a meat-eater, I can't speak for those who choose not to consume meat. However, I disagree with Morrissey saying that eating meat is "death for no reason" from an understanding of the life cycle and survival. Up to this point, I hadn't even gone into the instrumentation, which is the saving grace for this album. Johnny Marr is an excellent guitarist and songwriter, able to experiment with different styles from funk to rockabilly within the post-punk sense. Andy Rourke is an impeccable bass player who complements Johnny's work. Mike Joyce on the drums can keep it well-accented and does a superb job with the percussion arrangement for enough space between sections. Overall, it's a solid album from an instrumental standpoint that gets hampered down by the frontman. Not the worst, but I don't expect to revisit this anytime soon.
Say what you will about Morrissey but the dude can write lyrics and sing. They're not always my cup of tea but hard not to appreciate the band's technique and talents. Sometimes they really strike gold on track and have made some stonecold classics such as "How Soon Is Now?", "This Charming Man", and this album's own "Barbarism Begins at Home". I'm appreciating hearing each track on this album but I'll perhaps never be a hardcore fan of Morrissey's wallowing. Credit where it's due though, especially to Johnny Marr & the rest of the band for crafting some great compositions.
The Smiths are always 5/5
I'd just commented in the morning before seeing the album of the day how much I love The Smiths. Gold.
I liked it until I heard the singing
Nah, what’s up with the mooing
Boring
Music so good I didn't give a fuck what Morrissey was moaning about. Docked a point since Nowhere Fast goes exactly where it said it would, and Meat is Murder made me wanna open an abattoir.
Some great songs on here. Overall held back by a couple of country inspired monstrosities. 6/10
Felt like I was being lectured from within a tiled room at times. Also, bass player is severely underrated. Around a 6.5/10, possibly a 6.3/10, on other days this could easily be a 5 or a 7.
I enjoy the sound of The Smiths, but in smaller doses. I most enjoyed Nowhere Fast and That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore from this album.
Decent album. Really liked Morrissey's vocals and some of the bass work was great.
Morrisey as at his usual shitty level, sounding like he’s making up the words and melody as he goes along. The funky bass lines and catchy guitar hooks keep this from being a complete travesty.
It’s the Smiths. Not my favorite.
The instrumentals are so good, but then Morrissey's vocals come in and ruin the songs.
Never did understand the appeal of Morrissey. I can get into the jangly guitar rhythms & then suddenly Kermit the frog starts singing the same 3 notes over everything for 4 mins.
Thoughts before listening: I really enjoy the Smiths and own a few of their albums, including this one. I haven't listened in a while so it'll be nice to revisit this morning, although I don't typically consider this one of their better albums. Review: Its always nice when I can listen to an album I actually own, as I did this morning pulling this out of the record cabinet before going out to my office for work. This album is pretty good, but it just doesn't have as many songs that catch my ear as their other albums. Still though this is a 3-star record with the following songs getting added to the playlist: "Nowhere Fast", "The Headmaster Ritual", "Barbarism Begins at Home", and "Rusholme Ruffians".
Absolute classic
This album is difficult for me to rate. The instrumentals are all really good but the vocals are just not for me. I want to give it a 4 but no songs really stuck out to me as something I would listen to again. Unfortunately, this is a 3/5 for me.
Aweful
British indie rock, "Meat Is Murder" by the Smiths is a strongly political album. With pop rock vibes and Morrissey's signature vocals, this album preaches vegetarianism, anti-corporal punishment, and criticizes child abuse and the British education system, among other topics. Interestingly, the album performed well in the UK charts despite not having the album's best single; "How Soon Is Now?" was instead included on the US LP.
3+
i wouldn’t say i LOVE the smiths but i do like this album
Maybe the worst Smiths album. Not horrible but they have better.
Classic
Some really great guitar riffs on this - I can imagine listening to some of these a lot and not getting sick of them. Morrissey is a little whiney on this, and his vocals have never really appealed to me, but I think there's some really interesting lyrics in this. A lot of the album seems to be about adolescence, depression, and being suffocated by a hypermasculine school environment. I can see why so many people relate to these songs even when Morrissey seems like the strangest person to have written them. Best Track: Barbarism Begins At Home Worst Track: I Want The One I Can't Have
Great guitar work but the rest fell a bit flat for me. Best Song: Barbarism Begins at Home Worst Song: Rusholme Ruffians
Semplici Smiths. Non ho analizzato i testi, ho dato un ascolto di sottofondo. Piacevole infatti come sottofondo, non perché dia male ma anche perché le sonorità non sono troppo "pesanti", non suscitano le stesse emozioni di, a mio parere, altri album. Più madchester, più chili, pensa al "Crack on the head e te lo ricordi". Light 3, all'inizio pensavo anche in un 2. Però no, apprezzo più di quello che credevo all'inizio. Le canzoni sono più simili tra di loro, ma sempre diverse obviously. Da notare l'uso della voce in diverse canzoni, che si prende un po' più di briga di essere. Ottime basslines, specie a "Barbarianism begins at home". "The headmaster ritual" non è male, mi annoia l'ultima parte con quella specie di yodel ripetuto. "Rushole ruffians" mi sembra più ripeteva di altre, anche se piacevole. "I want the one I can't have" (il ritornello>) (grazie anche alla chitarra, mi ricorda il surf rock) la preferita assieme a "What she said" che ricorda vagamente l'inizio di "what difference does it make" (mlmlml). "Meat is murder" forse la più cupa. Sicuramente album piacevole, con un messaggio, più cupo magari per quanto riguardano i fatti, non l'interiorità, magari meno concreto però della chiarezza espressiva di altre canzoni che ho ascoltato.
I liked the guitar work and I like meat so the anti-meat preachiness is kind of annoying. This isn't something I would seek out but it was OK.
Morrissey isn't much of a singer, eh?
Love the guitar work, parts and tones are both beautiful. Morrisey easy to listen to his smooth vocals. Ironically not as easy to hear him interviewed…although Im one who appreciates alt views as I share some of my own. Thoughtful discussion is so lost in our society today. Shame everyone takes everything as either a threat or a corroboration…as opposed to an opportunity to learn, empathize and or tolerate.
Everything done by The Smiths is outstanding. Maybe not as globally rounded as The Queen is Dead, but still an amazing collection.
I always go into the Smiths thinking I’ll hate his voice but it’s always less annoying than I remember. This almost had what it takes to get to a four but I think it’s just slightly hard for me to get past his monotone depressing voice that I can’t rate it so high.
The music is great on every level - excellent and interesting playing, some unexpected turns right in the middle of a melodic phrase that keep anything from becoming stale - really enjoy it.... It's Morrissey who's tough to take (on every level) - his voice is annoying AF but I could get beyond it if he weren't - to say the least - excessively wordy, which is sort of his entire schtick so... that's that. 5 for the band, 1 for the absurdly self-absorbed lyrics vocals and lyrics (which i can ignore at times thanks to 80s mixes where they wouldn't have the singer too-up-front) and it's right up the middle. When do we get The Smiths' instrumental remixes? 6/10 3 stars.
I'm not sure what the fascination is with The Smiths on this list. Gah. I would give you one Smith's album for giggles -your pick because they are basically all the same. Yet, here we are again...more Smiths. Zzzz.
Brit-Pop. Ok, aber hat mich nicht von den Socken gehauen. Lag vielleicht aber auch an meiner Tagesform. 3/5
Oh boy did I find this really dull. Oops! Favourite track: What She Said.
Morrisey might suck, but damn the Smiths were great.
Despise Morrissey - take him away and you have great musicians. Some say he IS the band. Could have been so much more without a pretentious lead singer - no he is not eclectic.
Aren't you supposed to get better at things the more you do them? This is not the first time I catch myself thinking that the earlier album by an artist is much better than what comes later. This one is good when Morrissey doesn't sing into a bucket
2 decent songs but wholly unremarkable
Песни неоправданно затянуты, на мой взгляд. Это сбивает конечно темп и оценку
Good album, kinda generic
More of a 3.5
That was ok. You can hear the 80s « indie » rock throughout. Kinda boring. 2 stars
Standouts: How Soon is Now! Rushlome Ruffians, I Want the One I Cannot Have, That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore, Nowhere Fast, Meat is Murder. 4/5
Still not really a fan of the Smiths, but this was enjoyable.
saved a couple
i really enjoyed a few songs (the sad ones) plus the title song. sometimes i enjoy Morrissey's voice, sometimes i don't, so wether i like a song or not really depends on the music.
I was laughing during the last (title) track. Why didn't Marr team up with a decent singer? Combine the histrionic lyrics with those whiny vocals and that poorly worded final song is just a joke.
Morrissey smells it's a shame i like some of these songs
They have a very particular sound that is okay but the last track kinda drones and whines on. I hear their influence elsewhere but they're just OK to me
My first time hearing The Smiths. Not what I expected. Enjoyed the songs. Would listen again.
Might be the best smiths album. I didnt like the ending of the album. Started off very strong
Good album by a great band. As with all Smiths albums, Morrissey is insanely clever and Marr is angularly jamming away in the manner that only he can. And “Barbarism Begins at Home” is a fantastic showcase for Andy Rourke’s mind-blowing bass skills. For all of you who can’t hear The Smiths mentioned without harping on the fact that Morrissey is a piece of shit, boy do I have bad news for you about every single pop star and any member of any band ever. Yes, Morrissey is garbage, but so is pretty much everyone else on this list. I’m not sure if it’s a consequence of having too much money, or the psychological effect of fame and adulation, or maybe just human nature, but basically everyone who becomes even moderately successful making music sucks. Morrissey included, but not exclusively, and not to any significant degree beyond the norm. So please, if you don’t have the requisite intelligence and savior faire to appreciate The Smiths, just admit that you aren’t that great at listening to music and having taste and stop trying to pin it on Morrissey being a monster. They’re all monsters. Always have been.
Not my favourite Smiths album. Nice familiar sound but dull.
This is, without doubt, the worst shit ever inflicted on my ears. Jingle jangle guitar + whiny voice = utter aural carnage. I just don't get it. Shitty jingle jangle guitar but worst of all is fucking Morrisey. It's a beautiful sunny day and I've got to listen to his whiny bullshit. Some of the stuff I've listened to has been boring but this actually makes me nauseous. Why would anyone choose to listen to this?
Musically, it’s ok, some decent songs. The vocal stylings scream 80s/90s Brit-pop. The lyrics don’t do anything for me. The longer it went, the less I liked it. Whatever: 3/5
Their tightest ensemble effort, instrumentally . Rocking indie pop.
My favourite Smiths album. Though it's only now I've discovered that How Soon Is Now sometimes isn't included... The CD version I had growing up was obviously the 1993 UK rerelease version, as it looks like the original UK release and the 2011 remaster both don't have it, as with the Spotify version. Weird hearing That Joke... segway into Nowhere Fast. I included it back in for my listening pleasure Anyway, this contains a few of my favourite smiths songs, Headmaster, How Soon, Barbarianism. But what makes this album their best is that other than Rusholme and the title track, the rest are incredibly strong. Johnny Marr's playing is unbelievable, and it's one of the best guitar - bass combo albums. The presence of the bass being brought right to the front of the mix on Headmaster and Barbarianism makes it sound bloody amazing. 5* (4.5* if we're excluding How Soon Is Now)
Good but probably my least favorite Smiths record. Iconic cover, tho.
I'm not totally well versed in the entire discography of the smiths, but I am familiar enough with the "big songs" - familiar enough to know I like the smiths a lot, but haven't had the chance to dig in on them. needless to say, I enjoyed this one! although I find his modern incarnation a bit insufferable, morrissey's vocals and lyrics in this stage are iconic and the musicianship in general is great, but the smiths would not be the smiths without johnny marr's guitar playing. I can confidently say that I am becoming a smiths guy.
Prettycool
passt scho
Not going to become a vegetarian anytime soon. Lead song Beetlebum and Song 2 are good, the rest of the album weak; seems like the songs were written by someone with a very depressing childhood. (1.9*s)
How does Morrissey manage to sound so morose on top of these light-hearted rockabilly guitar riffs? They have a recognizable sound but, aside from a few songs here and there, I've never really been that into them. I do like that they purposely never used synths (at a time when those were dominating) but I don't really need politics and anti-establishment in my jangle pop. I'm glad I listened to a full album by them but a lot of it sounds the same. Morrissey is too pretentious, the lyrics are weak, and nothing stands out here. This album is too centered on corporal punishment and controversy for me, it needs more protein.
Ah yes...now I understand why every antiestablishment-vegan-hipster loves The Smiths. I was pretty bored with this. It did show a little life on a few songs but Morriseys vocals are too somber. Not a lot from the band players either really. I do savor the flavour but not from this album.
Pretty solid album. In a way it sounded like the same song repeated a couple of times. I guess I enjoyed the song though because overall I thought it was a pretty good listen. I did notice a couple of the later songs stood out a bit differently. From what I have heard of The Smiths they have a pretty distinct sound and are pretty good at staying within their comfort zone to relatively good results. Nothing blew me away but overall the album was very listenable. Morrisey (and The Smiths by proxy) is one of the iconic acts I think largely in part to his antics and extra-curriculars outside of music. I know people who love and worship him, but I personally have never understood it. He's a fine songwriter and I enjoy the handful of hits I've been exposed to but otherwise he seems like a miserable blow hard who would be a pain to be around. Whatever, to each his own. 2.75 stars
A few melodic songs, most distorted.
Would have been a lovely instrumental.
Lots of instrumental not a lot of singing
Painful! Added to my 1001 albums not to listen to again until I'm dead
Meat Is Murder stands as a compelling testament to The Smiths' evolution, with Morrissey's uncompromising vision driving the album's sonic landscape. The collaborative effort between Morrissey, Marr, and Street is evident, with Morrissey's personal touch evident in his provision of BBC sound effects records for Marr to draw from, a practice that would become a hallmark of their work. This album marked a departure from their earlier sound, embracing a more strident and politically charged approach that resonates throughout the tracks. Morrissey's songwriting is unapologetically bold, refusing to shy away from addressing contentious issues, particularly evident in the album's title track. Meat Is Murder encapsulates the album's ethos, delivering a powerful message that transcends mere music. Marr's guitar work is masterful, complementing Morrissey's vocals and lyrics with intricate melodies and evocative riffs. The album's production is polished yet retains a raw energy, capturing the intensity of The Smiths' performances. Tracks like The Headmaster Ritual and I Want the One I Can't Have showcase the band's ability to blend catchy melodies with thought-provoking themes. Overall, Meat Is Murder is a seminal work that not only showcases The Smiths' musical prowess but also their willingness to tackle important social issues head-on. It remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire and provoke listeners decades after its release. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 8 STAND OUT TRACK - Meat is Murder
Good album, wore this one out back in the day
Not a fan.
its ok
A surprising texture. In theory Morrissey's nasally, feminine voice shouldn't gel well with how hard the rest of the band goes with some of the instrumentation, but it just comes together interestingly well. Definite surf rock inspiration, strong post-punk vibes. Mixing is excellent and nuanced, and overall the LP is pretty bopping, for lack of a better term. "Meat is Murder" is unfortunately a pretty dour ending, but it's pleasant enough to listen to anyway.
Not my favourite of theirs!
Yeah, Meat Is Murder does little to convince me that The Smiths did anything more than produce miserable dirge, fronted by a dickhead, and I'd rather never listen to anything of theirs that isn't Panic, because I think every artist lucks out with at least one okay song over their careers even if they're fucking awful.
Haven't listened to their whole discography, but this is a lot worse than The Queen Is Dead. No songs really stand out, it doesn't cut in the way that their other albums do, 2/5.
I took me a focused listen through this album to hear how the Smiths melodies work harmonically. Never really resolving on roots, moving between sixths and thirds and that gives them a constantly unresolved and modal feel to all their songs. Johnny Marr’s guitar tone is so clean, you can in again that with distillation and dirtiness and a slightly faster tempo all these songs could be punk tunes.
This was actually really good - surprised myself
This was rather disappointing because I grew up with my dad playing The Smiths greatest hits a lot and only a couple of the songs stood out to me.
3.5 - It's not quite as good the other two I've listened to, as the middle section lost my attention a bit, but I still liked it.
The smiths suck. Morrisey is a useless asshole.
great!!!
Not my favorite by them, it's solid
i love the smiths
Wildly good instrumental, headmaster ritual is wicked cool.
This would be a better record if it were an instrumental.
No me entusiasma como otros.
Wasn’t for me
Better than expected. But didn’t care for the meat is murder tune. It’s too preachy but the rest of the album is solid.
was oddly in a smiths mood. Sounds like the smiths.
Not a fan of this one. Didn't really seem to jell together. Seemed jarring.
Didn’t listen to this very closely, just had it on in the background while making dinner. Enjoyed what I heard!
Good album. Cool sound.
6,5/10
It was okay, just a big too whiny for myself to want to listen to again
It was a smiths album really good.
The music's ok, Morissey's voice and singing style is, at least for me, difficult to listen to for a whole album.
Classic
I’ve heard of The Smiths as being influential and was interested in listening to this well regarded and former #1 album. However, this fell flat for me and I didn’t particularly enjoy any song. The guitar work seemed fun at times but I couldn’t really get into it.
It’s lacking in notable Smith singles, but it’s still a solid album. Still has the same sound, same melancholy rainy day jangly tunes. They probably couldn’t have made the Queen is Dead without first finding their stylistic footing with this album, so it’s a logical sophomore stepping stone, but it’s not a classic. This album is almost more poignant for what it doesn’t have - shitty 80s synths and effects - it’s an honest indie pop record that could have come out any time before or after (i.e. it’s sound is timeless).
I'm not sure but I feel like this guy might be a vegetarian.
Hey Morissey is back, this time its before he went insane! Never really got into The Smiths but they have some pretty good and original songs here and there! Not in this album tho. Its pretty uninspiring post-punk which is actually surprising because its hard to make a couter-culture genre boring. Barbarism Begins at Home is actually pretty good because it has that disco bass riff that makes it original, but I guess the inspiration ran out after that because the other songs are meh. The title song starts very weirdly and that gave me hope, but it devolved back into another unoriginal track. Not the worst but im giving 3/5 because it makes me angry that they were so close to sounding great and chose mediocrity.
It's alright but I won't be listening to it again
Indierock und Post-Punk. Aber mir etwas zu seicht.
Yeah Fav songs: I want the one i can't have '_'
I know Morrissey is a dick etc, but I don't think anyone has ever nailed that balance of depression and ironic humour in quite the same way.
This was kind of puzzling: all my instincts, all my music experience told me that I should like this music. But, surprisingly, I just... don't! Three last songs saved it from being a complete waste of time (especially, "Well I Wonder" - it's a masterpiece!), but the first part of the album did not feel good at all. And that's a shame
This album is still as good as it was when I heard it in 1987
A vocalist makes or breaks a band for me, and....jesus. Some of the instrumentals were great, but Morissey..just no dude. No. Having said that, the album grew on me as it went on. "That Joke isn't Funny Anymore" is a legitimately GREAT song. And the bassline for Barbarism slapped
Tenho uma séria dificuldade em diferenciar as músicas do The Smiths ainda Fav tracks: That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore Least fav track: Barbarism Begins At Home
Not my favorite Smiths record. Parts of it feel like Morrissey is trying to murder your ears.
I like some of the Smiths. Some of the albums feel like cohesive wholes. This one feels disjointed and random. It's not landing with me. "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" resonates. "Well I Wonder" is cool. So far, the second half of the album works better for me, but half an album isn't good enough for all the stars.
Not a huge Smiths fan but decent
The headmaster ritual 3 Rusholme ruffians 3 I want the one I can’t have 2 What she said 3 That joke isn’t funny anymore 3 Nowhere fast 4 Well I wonder 3 Barbarism begins at home 3 Meat is murder 3
Pretty goooood
Has anyone mentioned yet that Morrisey is a cu....... oh, OK, as you were then. Can't deny the Marr / Rourke combo is superb, and "How Soon Is Now" probably my favourite Smiths track. Really quite hard to view them objectively anymore though. Went for a solid 4 in the end because the jingly jangly is still damn catchy.
I like the Smiths, this wasn't my favourite album, but lots on here I hadn't heard before and I did enjoy it.
Pretty depressing. That's all I can say.
This was just ok
Not my style of music, not a fan of the vocals or tunes. Reminds me of the band that does the Love Shack song, except that I like them a bit more lol
Never got into The Smiths but it was fun to listen to. Solid album.
I like these guys! Nice mellow music 4 stars
not my thing
Pretty good. Amazingly (to me) I had never heard any of the songs on this album before. It's all tinted by Morrissey's increasingly unpleasant world view, but taken in the context of it's time, it was really good. Johnny Marr's guitar is, as always, fabulous.
As always, try to ignore Morrissey and focus on Marr and Rourke. Awesome compositions, but not quite on the level of The Queen Is Dead.
I can easily look past the pretentious prick that is Morrissey. But even then, having listened to the entire The Smiths discography multiple times, I might have to conclude that they’re just not my jam. There are some great tunes along the way, but I would never just put it on at home myself.
Was a pretty solid album until the last song, proof that one bad song can spoil an album, and also shows once again that vegans ruin everything.
A little overwrought, but has some good songs, vocals, and instrumentals.
It's ok. Kind of boring. 2.5/5
Below expectations
The Smiths! Morrissey! So what. 'I Want the One I Can't Have', has some good lyrics. My personal list has albums I want to listen to more than once. 2*
Ah The Smiths. I think most millennials who are avid listeners of indie rock had a Smiths phase. It’s easy listening and that’s about it.
4+ Stars (12/15)
Surprisingly better.than I remember it to be..the music is amazing. I just can't stand Morrisseys voice. So over the top.
When I lived in St. Petersburg, Russia, my friends and I often went to see a Smiths cover band play in a dance club. Good times, great cover band. I love the music of the Smiths. Pity that Morrissey is such a jerk. 4
Pretty good for Morrisey being a shit. 4 stars.
Didn't blow me away and I'm reviewing this days later
Finally listening to my first Smiths album. It's more pleasant than I expected. The bass work on "Barbarism Begins at Home" alone is worth the listen. And the whole album is pretty nice! Though... it probably could have ended one track earlier. -_-
6/10 Fine, I guess, but another one that is very surprising to find on a top 1000 list Nothing truly outstanding, nothing terrible It all rests on how you feel about Morrissey - and he doesn’t do if tor me. Better than the solo album that I listened to though. Very well produced and engineered Good, occasionally excellent music Bass & drums particularly stood out Liked the Nile Rodgers pastiche on Barbarism… Best: That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore
Sad racist and jangly guitars
Weakest of the 4 imo, but still brilliant
Great listening. I love Morrissey's singing style. It has a 'lazy' drawl/croon that I enjoy. I've wanted to get into The Smiths but was always intimidated by the choices. Glad I finally dipped in.
Fucking fine. Four stars. Whatever.
Can’t stand Morrissey as a person and his lyrics
Conflicted about this album. Not because apparently one of these guys is an asshole, but because I think the backing tracks do sound good, but for some reason the vocals sound super grating to me. Almost dissonant. I’ll give them a soft 3 but not sure I will come back to this ever. Maybe it’s an acquired taste. Ok on further listen ‘What she said’ is kinda sick. I’m now not sure about anything somehow my opinion has taken a 180. I’m a mess. I feel like the instrumentals are awesome but the vocals… but then again maybe that adds to the charm??? I think this one needs more than one listen. Scratch what I said not coming back to it. If anything, this is a reminder that these albums deserve to be listened to all the way through…. Maybe except kollaps…
The vocal style is one of a kind. Morrissey has a sound that sounds depressed and condescending but thoughtful. (Best way I can describe it) The guitars are perfect and the back beat is exactly what the album needed
Great album, amazing band
The instrumentals are good to almost great, but I really can’t stand Morrissey’s voice. It doesn’t help that he’s a pretentious dbag.
I absolutely love The Smiths. I have never been able to choose between their albums because, for me, they are all five out of five. Meat Is Murder is incredible. The songs are sharp, emotional and perfectly sequenced. It works brilliantly as a complete piece, moving between anger, wit and vulnerability without ever losing its identity. Johnny Marr’s guitar work is outstanding throughout, and Morrissey’s lyrics cut straight through. There genuinely is not a bad song on the album. “Nowhere Fast” is probably my favourite. What a riff. It has that driving energy that makes you want to turn it up louder every time. Favourite song: Nowhere Fast Least favourite song: None. They are all fantastic Album artwork: Iconic. Stark, political and instantly recognisable
Good shit
Insufferable rubbish.
- Not bad but I don't think I'd go back to it - What She Said was pretty good but the rest didn't match that energy - Good production tho
- I don’t always love his voice - guitar work is so solid
some of the songs are good, but i find morrissey’s voice pretty annoying in others. “that joke isn’t funny anymore” is my favorite on the album and since its so good i’ll bump it up to 3 stars.
Interesting album. Not my favorite. Barbarism Begins at Home is a banger, though.
Used to hear The Smiths all the time as parents played them on car trips and such. 4.
3.75
bro the smiths..... lets just get it over with the headmaster ritual- bro you are out of school you dont have to do this shit anymore. boring. 4 rusholme ruffians- i like the bass line. 6 i want the one i cant have- um. whys it all over his face.... 4 or 5 its kinda boring what she said- its whatever. 4 that joke isnt funny anymore- crazy how this song hasnt become a meme. its kinda cornball. 4. this shit should not be 5 minutes nowhere fast- what did he say. hes just to british to be kept alive. is he still alive? thats sad. whatever the song is 4 or 5 well i wonder- dont care. 3 or 4 barbarism begins at home- the title intrigues me but i doubt it will hold my interest. i was right, idgaf. 5. it should not be 7 minutes. meat is murder- i keep thinking people are talking in the background. the song is ok but i dont care. it gave me a headache. 5 or 6 favrotie track- rusholme ruffians ig
Middle of the road music for me. Not anything offensive about this.
Good album. I prefer the queen is dead
No proper bangers but very solid
It's annoying how good they are considering how insufferable they are
Feels like more than the sum of its parts. Liked this one better than Queen is Dead.
Strong album from The Smiths with Standouts in almost every track.
Love The Smiths. Not a big fan of this album but still enjoyed it. Morrisey has such a unique voice.
Enjoyed it. I love some songs by the Smiths, but they weren’t on this album, but I like their sound
I'm late to the party but a fan of The Smiths. I enjoyed this album a lot, but really love the song "How Soon Is Now?", which apparently was on the initial US cut of this album.
I wish there were half stars. Would go 3.5 again. Rounding up to 4 on this one. Older brother got me on a Smiths kick for a minute back in high school. Brings back some memories. Groovy and chill. Two things I can enjoy with music. I would listen to this one again.
Not bad but I can only take so much Morressey at a time.
Second Smiths album. Second negative review. I don’t see my attitude towards the band ever changing.
Authentic singer and jangly guitars, a solid effort.
Well I Wonder is one of my favorite Smiths songs
39/1001 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
maravilloso
Morrissey drone on some more, I really hope there's not much more of him or the Smiths on this list.
Revolutionary