Meat Is Murder

Yksi tylsimpiä albumeita ikinä. Oasis ilman särmää.

Bit old school rock

The Smiths are one of those groups that "everyone" says you need to like. But you know what? I'm not everyone. The Smiths are garbage. Their music is boring and whiney. It's music for people who can't grow a pair and find a way to talk to someone they're attracted to, so they just sit in the corner of the bar and complain about how nobody comes and talks to their shallow, low self esteem self. Were they influential on subsequent rock, grunge, and alternative groups? Sure. That doesn't mean that I have to like their music though. "Everyone" else can have them, I'll be somewhere else listening to more enjoyable music that doesn't make me feel like I'm listening to my little sister's hipster ex-boyfriend whine about why she left him for someone more confident.

fuck you steven morrissey. not even "The Headmaster Ritual" can save this one. most of this bullshit sounds the same and you sound like a whiny fucking prick, which incidentally, you are. okay fine, "Well I Wonder" has great instrumentation, but that's not your doing. also, what the fuck why would anyone want to listen to you bark at them in "Barbarism Begins at Home" and then 2-3 minutes at the end of "OOOOOOHAAAAAHHHOOHOAOHOAOHAAAOOOHOHOHOO" fuck you morrissey racist incel loser lmfao

https://open.spotify.com/track/3YvIWQbOrEEAxCE1lktLpC?si=C_SadP1_R1ac1l_YyISl5Q Great follow up listen.

this is some folk white people shit. and i guess latinos too since they love this man. i was bored as hell and don't remember what i listened to 😭

Pure chore. Morrisey can’t even sing. I loathe the day when the other Smiths album comes.

It was ok in some places. Wouldn't willingly listen to it again.

I did not expect the yodelling in "The Headmaster Ritual"; it is rather... interesting. Seems rather repetetive. Not great singing. Merely the last song provided some much-needed variety (and a pretty weird intro), but that was it.

Largely uninteresting. I forgot it was playing at one point and then a track played that I thought ‘this is better’. Turned out the album had finished and it was playing Joy Division.

Not a fan. Boring vocals and instruments. Not "catchy" hooks. No progress through the songs. Feels like a jam session with random moany vocals over top.

I didn't care for the vocals and the lyrics just didn't make much sense. Tracks to Track: That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore

Not an album to listen to before you die, more an album youd rather die than listen to again.

First dud for me on the list. The vocal style of Morrissey is dogshit, the lyrics are heavy-handed, and most of the songs sound the same and drag on too long. The guitar work was good, but not enough to save this album. Not for me. 1/5

It was alright for 45 seconds then he started wingding. There’s music in there I should like, jangling indie pop rock but then there’s Morrissey. Already said Morrissey is in my least favourite vocalists list top 3. I don’t want to listen to him, I can’t stand listening to him, I just don’t and this keeps making me. They must be running out of fucking albums soon. This is the worst of the 3 I have had to listen so far. It just irrationally, makes me quite angry. The smiths can just fuck off 1 Star.

overrated as hell

😏

No, it's not

Love the music, hate Morrissey’s voice. And his persona. And his lack of interest in song structure. He’s sort of just singing his shitty poetry over jangly music; the Smiths has always felt like a band doing something totally different than Morrissey is doing at any given point. I’ve heard plenty of the Smiths over the years, but never sat down to try and tolerate my way through a whole record at once. Well, here we are. It sucks every bit as much as I remember, but now it sucks for 39 minutes straight. I don’t understand how Johnny Marr can be so badass, but Morrissey sucks so hard that he actually ruins what Johnny Marr is doing. Fuck, this is terrible. 1, and only because Morrissey’s self-absorbed caterwauling ruins all the good things that the rest of the Smiths do. Morrissey is so much worse than the Smiths are good.

didn't really care for it

I went into Meat Is Murder thinking I liked The Smiths, but I’ve realized that what I really like is a single song on a different album (“How Soon Is Now?”) and not much else. This album feels bloated with wordy, whiny monologues set to jangly guitars that never give you room to breathe. The song titles alone are exhausting, and Morrissey’s delivery feels more like a lecture than a performance. It’s all very self-serious, and while I get that it was groundbreaking for its time, it doesn’t land with me at all. If this is proto-emo, I’ll take actual emo instead. At least that genre knows how to channel emotion without sounding like it’s writing a dissertation.

Track one is so long that it could have been cut down as well it's long with nothing going on I don't like it. ... More 4 minutes of nothing? Does this get good?? I dont like /

God I hate morrisey

Smithsy. Very sameish. Thin production. Cult stole the bass for SDC and Dreamtime. Nothing to come back for. The cow sounds are annoying and so heavy handed.

I cannot begin to understand the effusive praise offered upon this mediocre band by the (mostly English) press. Something about The Smiths apparently prompts some irrepressible urge to hurl superlatives upon them. The book calls them "Manchester's finest sons." Marr "amaze[s] with his guitar palette" and Morrissey (sorry, Moz) shows "the first signs of real hurt in his words." Another review I found lauded the "quintessentially ‘Morrissey’ themes and blunt lyrics...presented over a suitably more muscular and athletic musical accompaniment." Lads, it's an arsehole moaning into a microphone while his slightly less shitty friend plugs away on some lackluster melodies that you forget as soon as you hear it. Give your heads a wobble. Wankers. Best track: Well I Wonder

this album has never been good this album has never been clever this album has never been cool this album doesnt have one good song if you are a little cutie who wears a meat is murder tote bag or t-shirt i hate you will you marry me

This is mixed all wrong. They should have brought the band up, then taken Morrissey's level, brought it down to zero and put him in the trash.

I pretty much hate The Smiths except for one song... Which I grew to like because it was on a mixtape. Listening to all these songs in a row? Ugh. But in search of increased neuroplasticity I powered through. I have learned more about why I hate them. The music is okay, but mixed with no oomph. And then the vocals loudly drown out the music anyway. Oh the vocals. How I hate them. Horrible melodies. Annoying style. Punchable face.

Not worth listening to.

Nope!! Not so good.

My girlfriend didn’t like it.

not for me

Gott, ich kann die nicht ab. Absolut nicht meins. Morrissey jammert mehr als das er singt.

Fuccccck Morrissey

Hold on let me cut my wrists

I wish he would learn to sing, being flat and off tune is his thing but it hurts my ears

No.

This guy has the most annoying voice in the world.

This was not my thing.

Not my jam.

Biased because I can’t stand Morrissey but this is shit

every song sounds the same.

Tipicamente o pós punk mala pra mim. Provavelmente o vocal mais irritante.

Enough of The Smiths already.

Listened to more Smith since doing this 1001 than ever before and it I still don't like them. It all seems to be one long horrible song.

It seems to me a rather boring and monotonous album, the songs sound almost the same. It didn't grab me at all, I was just counting how many songs were left to finish it.

no existe otra banda después de esta. la música llegó a su punto cúlmine con el bajo y guitarra de barbarism begins at home

OK it's not the debut or Hatful of Hollow but the Smith downward curve was practically flat.

Wowee...what an album. Great songs, great lyrics. Legendary...

5+

I love barbarism at home sm

Not my favorite Smiths album but it's still fantastic and I'll give it five stars. It features one of my all-time favorite songs, "What She Said." The title track is a little much (and I'm a vegetarian).

Not sure how I hadn’t managed to listen this before as an indie kid. Groovy af. Shame about Morrissey.

wtf cleanest smiths album ever? this is clear, concise, and brimming with a great energy. happy five star friday

First Smiths album at 309, all done at 373. Well I Wonder is the only song I knew well prior to listening and probably the highlight, but this album is absolutely amazing front to back. Morrissey makes me laugh out loud and want to hoarsely cry. Licks left and right.

TOP XUXA MEU AMIGO

one of my favorite bands😎

I’ve heard this a million times already. One of the best ever. The actual song “Meat is Murder” I don’t care for so much, but I get it.

Morrissey was clever and caustic and self-involved, but he was sometimes also insightful. Johnny Marr, on the other hand, composed music that was more than the sum of its parts, every single time. I hear this more now than I did then. Then, I loved them dearly for Morrissey's heartfelt bits about yearning, pining, and feeling full of violent rage or suicidal despair at that state of affairs. At the time I thought "Meat is Murder" was hilarious... now it brought me to tears. Maybe I do need to go vegan.

Morrissey has permanently fucked up the ability to recommend people The Smiths but man what a good album dude.

Not even my favourite Smiths album. haven't listened to this in ages and on hearing it now, it's a remarkably cohesive record (aside from the title track, really) that evokes a mood and place so well. The instrumentation is tight as anything and Marr throws away some amazing fills that feel almost buried in the mix.

When someone listens to The Smiths for the first time these days, the hits come first. Then, the self-titled 1984 album or The Queen Is Dead, as these are the albums that contain the band's biggest hits. Let's suppose that now, this new fan is in love and obsessed with the band. What comes next? Then, this fan comes across an album called Meat is Murder and thinks: "Are they vegan? What the hell is that?" Initially, it's a more difficult album to digest than the previous ones. Of course, the new fan is still ecstatic about the hits. But then he falls in love with the band again, but this time with the more intimate details. Johnny Marr's guitars, the poetry and sarcasm of Morrissey's beautiful voice, the perfect rhythmic foundation laid by Andy and Mike... and then this fan begins to understand and feel songs like That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore, Nowhere Fast, Well I Wonder, Barbarism Begins At Home... all of them. From then on, there's no turning back. That's exactly what happened to me. I am that fan. I listen to the entire Smiths discography at least 2-3 times a month, and I always fall in love again every time.

Louder than bombs is better but good album

Probably the best they ever did. Brilliant creative riffs, whimsical lyrics and a group that was hugely synergistic

Santo deus, é o smiths porra, o que mais você quer que eu fale? Meu álbum preferido deles, as vezes não da pra acreditar na sequência de álbuns dessa banda, tudo em pouco menos de dois anos e meio: Hatful of Hollow, The smiths (autoentitulado), Meat is murder e The queen is dead. Como caralhos você consolida um som tão distinto e impactante na música pop/rock em apenas dois anos e meio, porra??? Rip Andy Rouke, Você reinou nesse album.

Gosto mais do que lasanha

Álbum favorito deles

FAVORIMMMM

Otro discazo inesperado

That Joke... pushes this to 5 stars.

epic

Meet is murder by Smith is one of the best with social and anti-violence topics and the very original title track is the best track on the album, the instrumental part is sensational as in every Smith album

There seems to be an insane revisionism that because Morrissey is a world class knob and a right wing bigot that The Smiths weren't really that good. As an awkward, lonely teenager in the 00s The Smiths were basically like family. This is still an incredible album, sure maybe the lyrics don't hit you the same way when you're a mature adult, but they are still brilliant displays of wit, tenderness and some degree of morose from Morrissey. The guitar work absolutely brilliant as ever, Marr is probably the best rhythm guitarist out there. Andy Rourke's bass work on Barbarism Begins at Home is the stuff of legend. Mike Joyce ain't half bad either. Overall still an absolutely incredible album that is criminally underrated here, likely due to the issues I mentioned at the start.

I had not heard The Smiths before! Another reason to be grateful to the generator. I added “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore” to my playlist.

Okay fine I think I get the Smiths thing now! Fuck me I guess!! Through gritted teeth: this is beautiful. Doing this list has really worn me down on The Smiths (Morrissey in particular) and I have to concede that I like their music. Sleepy, monotonous, and pitiful no longer; now it sounds dreamy, melodic, and dare I say jangly to my ears. Maybe I’m just blinded by the light with this particular album; it has a production style and songs I can actually grasp. Easily my favorite Smiths record.

Keď som prvýkrát počul the smiths, dlho som nevedel, čo s tým. Stále ma to nútilo počúvať ich. Mal som to nahraté na jazere z rádia. V tej dobe sa v našej krajine nebolo mozne dostať k hocakej hudbe. Nakoniec som sa do nich zamiloval a vždy sa k nim rád vraciam. Najradšej mám výber the world wont listen a z albumov strangeways...

Yum

"The Headmaster Ritual" might be the greatest opening track of all time. love a song that just kicks you right into the deep end. The Smiths as a unit are just some of the most fantastically synchronized musicians ever. The interplay between Rourke and Marr alone is so brilliant and Joyce's drum parts are as crucial to it all coming together as anything else, as little as Morrissey wants to admit it. All of which is to say this is an album that could crumble under its self-import but it is constantly beautiful and finding fascinating ways to underscore its ideas. A masterful album from a masterful stretch.

First time I heard this album. Wow

Ikke det beste men vel fortjent

5 out of 5 — A fierce, unforgettable landmark of alternative music. Meat Is Murder isn’t just an album — it’s a manifesto wrapped in jangling guitars, razor‑sharp wit, and the unmistakable melancholy of The Smiths. As a full‑length statement, it’s bolder, darker, and more politically charged than their debut, and that ambition pays off in every track. Why it earns a perfect score Musical evolution — Johnny Marr’s guitar work is richer and more experimental here, weaving funk, rockabilly, and atmospheric textures into something unmistakably their own. Lyrical bite — Morrissey sharpens his pen, tackling topics like corporal punishment, alienation, and animal rights with a mix of vulnerability and provocation. Emotional range — From the swagger of “The Headmaster Ritual” to the aching beauty of “Well I Wonder,” the album moves effortlessly between fury and fragility. Cultural impact — The title track alone sparked decades of debate and helped cement the band’s reputation as fearless outsiders.

I'm sorry that Morrissey hurt your feelings. Everything about this album is perfect

Peak album, don't see why people don't like morrissey's voice, i quite like it. I know he is a horrible person but he can write some mean lyrics. Haters gonna hate

Bien

And when I'm lying in my bed I think about life And I think about death And neither one particularly appeals to me

Morrisey is an awful human. But what a voice. This is a perfect The Smiths album. Captures all of the feels from an 80s romantic gothic punk point of view. I got into The Smiths when I was recording collecting in my teens and bought vinyls from the charity bins for a couple of dollars.

I love the smiths, not their best, but still great.

the reason i smile - the smiths

Day 220 One I knew very well, despite it probably being 15 years since I last listened to it in full. Highlights That Joke isn’t funny anymore How Soon is Now? Barbarism begins at home

5 stars bc meat is murder

this album made me go vegan

1985 vegetarier sein muss crazy gewesen sein

i don't think many people would describe The Smiths' music as angry. they're stereotypically too po-faced, dour, depressed for anything that resembles a fire in the belly. but if not angry, then what the hell is this record? it's far from the histrionics found on occasion on their debut, but its social-issue songs weren't quite as sardonic and conceptual as they'd grow up to be - instead they're straightforward, plainspoken, very bitter and very very angry. as such, i think of this as the prickliest Smiths record, the one that lines up the least with a certain superficial perception of the band. there aren't really any great pop songs here, in the same way that the other three records have sprinkled on and the compilations contain in droves; What She Said is probably the strongest hook, and that song's dense, muscular swirl is fairly opposed to the breeziness of many Smiths hits. those highwire Johnny Marr guitar parts are here, but they're too slippery or too far down in the mix to stick in the head. bassist Andy Rourke gets what used to be Marr's spot, and fills the record with post-punk spikiness and muscular funk that aren't sprightly or pretty in the way the band often was these instrumental qualities do little to temper the record's sadness. this is a Smiths album, so we have to talk about sadness. it's here on Meat is Murder, and it's real. it's not particularly romantic, and it's certainly not cut with humor, completely upending the line so many defenders like to pull out - "you know, Morrissey's actually really funny!" and yeah, he normally is, but here he's telling us that jokes can be cruel, barbed, acidic coming out of the wrong mouth. he's recounting what might be a young girl's last words. he's gasping, dying, but somehow still alive, making the final stand of all he is - which admittedly, is actually pretty funny to say before continuing to live for at least 40 more years and being a huge weird bitch the whole time, but he certainly isn't joking when he sings it. on a lot of this record, as pointed out above, Morrissey's too angry to be funny OR sad, and despite what he'd claim on track 2 of his next record, it's a very righteous anger. it's on behalf of the defenseless, the innocent the small and frail: apart from the slaughterhouse-bound elephant in the room, he's angry on behalf of children. The Headmaster Ritual is just a beast of a way to begin a record, indicting the power and corruption rampant in English schools - corporal punishment is the oft-touted subject of the song, which isn't wrong, but its real, chilling bite comes from the sex of it all. Morrissey's always had a way with the sinister, more coercive side of sexual desire, and i think missing it in this song - "he grabs me and devours, kicks me in the showers" "the military two-step down the nape of my neck" - is to misread the severity of what he's protesting. things are no better at home, further down the tracklist, where the abuse is more narrowly physical but no less rampant, no more avoidable the final track is infamous, and look, i'm not putting it on for fun. i don't listen to it at all outside of this tracklist, but i think it's a natural extension of the callousness and brutality laid out in the preceding songs. from Headmaster to Barbarism to Meat is Murder, there's a clear line - how can our schools be civilized if our houses aren't, how can our houses be civilized if they gather around the meat of a slaughtered animal every night. it's the root of this brutality for Morrissey, which.........i don't know, man. i eat meat, but i get it. people like to close their ears to this one because Morrissey's annoying, but he's backed up by both highfalutin philosophers and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, so it's not like he's the only crank in the world like this. i think this gets under people's skin more than they like to say. anyways! that's The Smiths' second record, a couple fun rockabilly tracks surrounded by these brutally sad, very empathetic songs. if anyone's read this far, you'll have gleaned they're a very important band to me. i really relished the opportunity to return to this record, which was a bit too frosty for me to love during my high-school obsession phase. as an adult living in a world that often seems alienated and callous, i found its opposition to cruelty, violence, austerity, and close-mindedness to be incredibly moving. it seems required on this site to bring up what an asshole you think Morrissey is when writing Smiths reviews, and yeah, of course, but it's just horribly sad to me how someone writing such empathetic music could turn out that way. who knows, man, at least he gave us these songs

The smiths are one of the GOATS… all albums 5/5… can’t get enough EAT LESS MEAT

Amazing album. No skips

This is an extraordinarily interesting album densely packed with musical ideas.

Brings out your inner vegan

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

Loveeee

So many bands wouldnt exist if not for this band/album.

4th best Smiths album but 6th best album OAT

Love it. Cool they put the worst track at the end. I know "How Soon Is Now" was not on the original album... but it totally belongs on there.

Choice tracks: 6 - How Soon Is Now 1 - The Headmaster Ritual 5 - That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore

5 out of 5. A contender for my favorite Smiths album but it is undeniably the one with the best bass lines.

Exceptional indie classic

4,5/5

Que de entre todos os posibles saíra este disco xusto na finde do Carnaval paréceme un capricho do destino graciosísimo. Por outra parte, é unha auténtica marabilla de álbum (#17 dos 1.001 discos que escoitar antes de morrer: 4,5/5)

pdr sánchez ja va dir que on hi haja in bon chuletón...

Me gustaría que no me gustaran los Smiths para meterme más con el diverso subnormal de Morrisey y sus fans que aguantan inmisericordes cancelaciones constantes (conocí a un tipo que ha llegado a tener 10 entradas para verle pero solo le ha visto 5, no es mal ratio). Pero no hay chaladura en el mundo que me quite las ganas de escuchar los putos discos de los Smiths, que son todos buenísimos.

Yay my little gay band is doing what it does best, moving me with its strange sounds. The Headmaster Ritual says "Hey bitch, you're listening to the Smiths, you know it and love it." And yk what it's right. I fear Rusholme Ruffians is what will get me out of an almost week long creative slump. Oh, I Want the One I Can't Have, you can't do this to me. What She Said is forgettable. That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore is moving, but relaxing. Nowhere Fast is such an Oscar Piastri/ Mark Webber song that it makes me wish that I could edit with Capcut and make a TikTok about it. Well I Wonder could've been better. Barbarism Begins at Home fucks raw. Meat is Murder is a tonal shift a bit too late, but still enjoyable. Album's over too fast.

love da smiths

Fantastic. My favourite smiths album. Their best quality across an album and the best tunes on here as well. First of their albums to go number 1. Headmaster Ritual: 10/10 Fantastic song. Genuinely perfect. Rusholme Ruffians: 8/10 Nice Rockabilly guitar. But still has the Smiths quality. I want the one I can’t have: 9.7 Great dark and catchy. What She Said: 9.6 High energy. Rock. The joke isn’t funny anymore: 10/10 Incredible. One of the best songs of all time. Nowhere fast: 7.7/10 Well I Wonder: 10/10 Barbarism begins at Home: 10/10 Meat is murder: 7/10

All time great

Beautiful album. So smiths. A surprising array of musicality in here alongside the classic vocals. Loved most of them, well I wonder just vibed so hard. 4.5/5

Wonderful trip back in times of inspiring indie rock from Great Britain.

Beloved My teens - imagine how much more I love them now that I’m old enough to understand the lyrics😂

Give up education is a bad mistake I wanna go home

loved! not my favorite the smiths album (that’ll be the queen is dead) but definitely solid. old faves: the headmasters ritual new faves: i want the one i can’t have what she said

It's always funny to me when I read other people's opinions and how they really can never really separate the art from the artist. Is Morrissey a controversial figure? Yes. I don't agree with his unprofessionalism, his general behaviour, nor do I agree with his modern take on politics. But I tend to quite like the music; The Smiths moreso than his solo stuff. I'm by no means a hardcore fan of the band. My general knowledge of their music tended to be solely in their hit material or a greatest hits collection. So 'Meat Is Murder' was my first time diving into a fully fledged original body of work by the band; and I can confidently say I loved every minute of this album. There's two sides to what make The Smiths such a great band: Morrissey's lyricism and Johnny Marr's compositions. Lyrically, it sees Morrissey tackle some potent themes. Exploring the darker, toxic-masculinity side of male youth (Rusholme Ruffians). Emotional betrayal and existential frustration (the brilliant 'That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore'). Domestic abuse and the cycle of violence (Barbarism Begins at Home). Animal rights and ethical violence (title track 'Meat Is Murder). Obsession/Desire (I Want the One I Can't Have), and rebellion against institutional cruelty (The Headmaster Ritual). Even if not everything hits home with you through Morrissey's gut-punch lyrics, you're still sure to find something to relate to across the 9 tracks. Sure, it's a relentless bitter world-view; but you kind of know what you're getting into with The Smiths/Morrissey. What's really impressive is how that signature Smiths sound has so much variety slapped over it in this album. The melodic, almost bouncy, guitar riffs completely draw you in to every up-tempo song, but it's the flavour that makes you stay. From post-punk, rockabilly, indie pop, atmospheric ballads, funk, all the way to experimental industrial-esque. Yet it's all held together in such a cohesive manner that everything flows so smoothly. Damn near every track feels like a calculated risk and it pays off in spades. Fantastic production all round, to be honest. There's probably more of The Smiths on this list and I'm genuinely looking forward to it. Because as great as 'Meat Is Murder' is it doesn't even feature many of the tracks that I have often favoured from the band for many years. 5/5

i am a sucker for the smiths

Come for Marr's signature guitar sounds, stay for the effortless arrangements and hooks. Go away for Morrissey being Morrissey.

Marr’s mercurially melodic guitar lifts the unbearable weight of life bearing down on Morrissey, all while the resplendent Rourke-led rhythm section keeps feet on the ground as hearts float free.

Whilst my favourite is still 'Strangeways, Here We Come', this is probably The Smiths best album. The fact its shit song is left till last helps this enormously.

I love the smiths

I have loved this album since I was a moody teenager, so I cannot take out my bias with this one. The songwriting and guitar work is absolutely stunning, and I think the album is very well paced. That being said, Morrissey is still an asshat.

Excelente álbum, de lo mejor que he escuchado

5/5

SOOOOOOO AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG ANDY SLAYS WITH THE BASS RAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I LOVE THE SMITHS

Эльфы поют и играют.

9 A pretty high 9, could be 10. I find it hard to fault the songwriting and arrangements etc are so energetic and humorous and witty it’s really a model for some of the best written music of all time I think

It’s something when it’s not even your best album but it’s still a pretty prefect jangle pop record.

Loved his voice. Easy listening punk.

Great Album

While their most sedated album, it’s no less amazing. Mar’s playing is intoxicating and mesmerizing. Morrissey is a his whimsical best, self-deprecating, melancholy, and funny. “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore” is as good as it gets. Andy Rooke’s bass playing is the unsung hero here, popping and grooving while Mar and Moz work their magic.

i said I LOVE THE SMITHS

I enjoyed!!!

This is the first one I get fully. I don’t know that I’m at a 5 but it’s definitely deserving of it and would get it once I listened to it two or three more times. All the beautiful guitar work I just am not fully behind Mr Morriseys vocals yet. Shoutout Jeremy Bolm for ripping and now it’s happening in mine from this (this is a large compliment). Loved it, will continue listening to it.

The Smiths are a personal favorite of mine, so of course I love this album. A very solid 4/5 stars in my personal rating.

Sounds happy. Isn't.

MUITO BOM... A PRIMEIRA LINDÉRRIMA A ULTIMA MUITO PICA, FINALIZA MUITO BEM O ALBUM... É DIFERENTE DAS OUTRAS DO DE SMITHS QUE EU JA OUVI

conheço alguém que tem essa camisa! escutei muito menos esse álbum em relação ao the queen is dead e o the smiths. não que seja ruim, só não enjoei ainda deles dois. tirar esse tempo pra prestar atenção nas letras desse também nunca tinha feito. Morrissey é um mala, mas um poeta sensacional também, sempre cheio de wilde. minha favorita é básica: well i wonder

FUCK! NOT THIS ALBUM! I hate Morrissey, I despise him to my core, but this album? This is the pinnacle of The Smiths. Andy Rourke (my beloved) has some of his best work on this album, Johnny Marr is getting into his real stride, and Morrissey‘s voice is not the main focus of this mix. This is sadly an album I can‘t hate, apart from the last track, of course there has to be some Morrissey wankery in the mix. All the other tracks outweigh the trashness of the last track.

Bangeeer

One of my favourite albums ever, saw them twice on the “Meat is Murder” tour, I still have the programme from the Ipswich gig - “Well I wonder” and “Barbarism begins at home” marvellous- Morrissey’s lyrics, amazing.

best smiths album (not really but it's still great)

Never was a huge The Smiths fan, but this one was the one I bought back in the day. Such a great sound. The politics of vegetarianism resonate with me, I'm glad I got a chance to consider it fully before rejecting it for my life. Still enjoy the song. This and How Soon is Now is peak Smiths.

No voy a ser objetivo con una banda que representa todo lo que fui en mi adolescencia. The Smiths para mí son Dios, así que cada uno de sus discos son los evangelios. No sobra un solo tema (quizá el tema homónimo al título es el más flojo) y no podría decir las veces que lo he escuchado. Me sé de memoria casi todas las canciones. ¿Os sorprende que le ponga un 10?

Iconique.

Sad, glum, grey, clever- that's been Morrissey from day one. I don't like the last track, boring and preachy, but everything else is incredible. I always thought this was the overlooked Smiths album, but maybe not.

Quintessential ’80s music—man, this takes me right back to high school and those uncertain, angsty teenage years. No cell phones, no Facebook, just time to really listen, reflect, and enjoy incredible music with friends or alone in solitude. I don’t think anyone captured this genre better than The Smiths, and this album felt like their love letter to the listener. And yeah, Morrissey is an asshole—but honestly, if that's what it took to make this album, I'll take it.

Another easy 5 star album for me. The lyrics were like poetry, the melodies were haunting, and the album felt like a whole, complete thing. The songs had enough variation while still having a certain consistency. This is another one I want on vinyl.

Quiet enjoyable! Didn't feel like it overstayed.

Pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to be sadder to enjoy this

It has what she said and barbarism. Gets 5 for those alone

Great album. I’m a fan so maybe biased ha. Favorite songs are The Headmaster Ritual, Rusholme Ruffians, That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore, Well I Wonder, Barbarism Begins at Home. Every song is good, it’s a good straight through listen.

Meat is Murder was released when I was in high school. It is impossible for me to guess how many times I have listened to the record, but it is a lot. I mention this because I try to approach my listens for the project as “fresh” as possible, but sometimes like this record it can be damn hard. Say what you will about his later personal antics, but Morrisey is an incredible singer who embraces an over-the-top flamboyance that works for him, even when you think it probably shouldn't. Partly this because the lyrics, while of varied topics, are honest and relatable. It also probably helps that they are sometimes witty, even when the subject matter is dark. In terms of instrumentation, I think Meat is Murder is where we see Johhny Marr starting to show the innovation that will ultimately make him one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. I will never get tired of listening to his guitar playing and his ability to compliment Morrisey’s voice is sometimes mind blowing. The Smiths are a band that I continue to revisit, albeit less frequently as I get older. Partly this is nostalgia, but mostly this is because even 40 years later, the music still works. As testament to this, my teen daughter independently discovered and became obsessed with them in the years immediately following the pandemic. Meat is Murder is the album where the Smiths took control over production, allowing them to their distinctive and creative music. It may not be the Smiths best album, although sometime I think so, but it is certainly an important album and one that everyone should listen to before they die. A 4.5* album, but I'm about to go down a Marr rabbit hole this afternoon, and such inspiration warrants a bump.

Meat Is Murder er the Smiths' første mesterverk av LP-lengde og består av intet mindre enn 9 perfekte pop-låter hvorav noen er mer perfekte enn andre. Det finnes ikke ett svakt spor, det er en barrage av skranglete riff fra en av historiens beste gitarister, med Morrissey som leverer flere av hans beste prestasjoner. Her er greia med the Smiths: Morrissey vet hvordan man skriver og fremfører texter som fungerer musikalsk. Jeg mener folk har en tendens til å henge seg altfor opp i hvordan sangtexter fungerer semantisk, og jeg henviser dem gjerne til konseptet bok. Morrissey, ihvertfall som en del av the Smiths, er et instrument på lik linje med Marr's gitar, og de komplimenterer hverandre på en måte som ytterst få band engang kan aspirere til. Om det finnes et problem her, er det at textene til Morrissey også fungerer veldig godt semantisk, og at de ofte higer etter de store, før-moderne britiske poetene. Dette bærer med seg en fåfenghet som er veldig lett å kynisk avskrive i det postmoderne samfunnet, hvor ironisk distanse og tvetydighet er den sikreste måten å forsvare det fragile egoet fra kritikk. Hadde han vært litt mer modernistisk som feks. Dan Bejar (min favoritt-artist, for the record), ville det fungert som et skjold mot de som insisterer på granske sangtexter som en slags konservativ nørd og reduserer the Smiths til et band viss budskap er "buh-huh jeg er så hvit og øvre middelklasse og exsistensiell og politisk engasjert." Om man faktisk tar seg bryet til å høre på bandet, vil man kanskje oppdage at The Smiths er et livsbejaende og postmoderne band som lagde noen av de mest up-beat, mest originale og minst daterte låtene fra 80-tallet; som lagde noen av de fineste harmoniene pop-musikken noensinne har produsert; som mixet elementer fra vår kulturelle historie til noe som re-presenterte historiske stilarter på en ny og fersk måte; og som 40 år senere fortsatt er uovergått innen sjangeren jangle pop (dog var the Feelies hakk i hel). Nå ble det mye Morrissey (gud vet han tar plass), men det er Marr's komposisjoner og gitarspill som driver the Smiths, og jeg tror denne skiva faktisk er det beste exempelet på dette. Det jævla riffet som åpner The Headmaster Ritual sitter så sykt tight at det nesten er ugreit;* det dronete partiet i outroen til That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore aktiverer alle chakrane mine på en gang; og tittelsporet – produksjonen der er et stykke for seg selv. Veldig annerledes enn resten av skiva, flittig bruk av samples, og et gitarriff som det er vanskelig å sette ord på. Haunting. Mesterverk. Johnny fakking Marr. Meat Is Murder kunne fint stått som the Smiths' magnum opus, og de ville fortsatt vært et av tidenes aller beste grupper. At vi er heldige nok til at de også laget The Queen Is Dead, som på mange måter blåser dette mesterverket av banen, er intet mindre enn legendarisk. *Jeg tror han har en greie for å åpne låter, for spesielt på denne skiva (men ikke exklusivt, se feks. This Charming Man), begynner ca. hver låt veldig selvsikkert og særegent, ofte med noe bastant gitarspill.

Som med de fleste platene til Smiths så er dette også et deilig album. De nailer lydbildet så det høres ut som en melankolsk drømmeverden. Gitarene er upåklagelig med små fiffige riff som lurer i lydbildet, og jeg har egentlig ikke tenkt over hvor viktig bassen er i Smiths før nå. Elsker bassingen på "Rusholme Ruffians" og "Barbarism Begins At Home".

Great!

Steven Patrick Morrissey fixes his considerable ire against modern society and the broader human condition in the morbidly accurate, delightfully witty Meat is Murder, an abstract road trip to nowhere fast in Thatcher's England that finds the enfant terrible in peak form. What an album. File it with the great second albums in history- no sophomore slump here. Nine perfect songs- that's NINE masterpieces in a row which makes for a dizzying experience that might leave you asking, 'how is this so absolutely magnificent?' as you push play for the fourth time on this fine day & make no mistake if you are able to just lay back, close your eyes & get lost (and found & lost again) in this grand work it very much is a fine day. Dangerously good.

Good

A gem of angsty, witty, and even farcical tunes by the most melodiously cynical crooner Manchester has ever produced. Morrissey is at his best with the Smiths, as they masterfully surround his rants with tight and memorable hooks and rhythms. I love this album, but the Smiths are mostly a singles band with their best album being their last in Strangeways, Here we Come. Still, I can't help but give them the five star nod.

Oh, and who hears when animals cry? ¡Un maraviloso disco!

Not even my favourite Smith's album but still a clear 5. RIP Andy Rourke - Barbarism Begins at Home is one of my favourite songs of all time, and it's because of the bass.

such a good album; nice and jaunty. maybe the best bass guitar album ever.

Great freaking album. Morrissey? Annoying as hell. But his singing is the perfect accompaniment to Marr’s guitar. Loved this.

One of my growing up albums so I know the tracks like I know the lines on my own palm. I haven't listened to the entire album in ages though, and I still love it

I want to hate The Smiths but I can’t. This is a great album that i didnt pay much attention to back in the day so it is a pleasant surprise. Morrissey is a good singer - his melody choice is often unusual and his timing surprising, which is refreshing, but his voice is distinctively his. The lyrics you might expect to be a bit angsty but they’re well written. But it is Johnny Marr’s guitar that defines the sound, very melodic and fit beautifully with the overall nicely composed songs. The guitar tracks are always restless and layered but never aound crowded or chaotic and its not just one dimensional jangly pop, crosses into a bit of country styling, despite the constant changes it sounds so smooth and flowing, basically sounds like someone who really knows their craft. Good solid backline for the style, makes the melancholy nice and dancey which is a good juxtaposition to the sometimes floaty vocals. I clearly didnt listen to the band too closely back when i was young because i dont recall the bass player being a standout but he is. The bass has a lively funk feel which is great in the context of the band. meat is Murder a bit heavyhanded but i admire Morrisseys passion and ability to turn a phrase in service of that passion at the very least. Some very well put together tracks.

Everyone needs a copy of this (and all other) The Smiths album.

If there was a fight between Strangeways, Here we Come and Meat is Murder, I think this one would win, and be crowned my favourite studio album by the Smiths. Their eponymous debut was a disappointment after those early singles - that stodgy production pulled the life out of some great songs, and The Queen is Dead, while obviously a great record, has a couple of tracks that I really need to be in the mood for. Meat is Murder sparkled production-wise - this is peak Smiths: the humour, the melodies, those guitars and THAT bass - I swear Andy Rourke is the unsung hero in the Smiths... Anyway, yes, five stars - a belter.

Off the cuff remark: feel like this has "generated" a lot of Morrissey of late... (3rd album in a fortnight??) but it is a fine album, tainted by his idiocy in more recent times. The music is still wonderful. Title track is disturbing still, as it should be. It IS a great album Standout track: apart from the title track That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore and Barbarism Begins at Home are on this album, do you need to know more? Revisit?: it is depressing to have a great body of work undermined by a tosser, but the power of the before will bring me back to the Smiths still.

Very good album with a nice sound to it. Barbarism Beings at Home has a excellent instrumental track and resonated very strongly.

peak

Either my favorite or second favorite to The Queen is Dead. Perfect melancholy throughout

The Smiths produced some great albums. Johnny Marr is a great guitarist and his complex riffs are rumbling there under the surface of Morrissey's inspired lyricism and artistic wailings. I can see how this could get labelled as pretentious and Morrissey in particular as self indulgent. If you take this sort of artistic risk, it only works if you are good and the Smiths are really good. The songs have real depth with lyrics that will surprise you by lurching from profundity to hilarity. When Morrissey starts singing a line, you never quite know where he will take you with it and there is a satisfying juxtaposition between the upbeat, sometimes funky music in say "Barbarism Begins at Home" and the challenging lyrical themes. The Smiths are great, original, and influential, and, more importantly, if you remember not to take them too seriously they are great fun to listen to.

5.0 This isn't even my favorite (The Queen is Dead) or 2nd favorite (eponymous) or 3rd (Stangeways, Here we come) but still definitely 5.0. When I get to The Queen is Dead I am ranking it a 5.5 because it's the best album ever! Note - if TQisD isn't on this list. . . this project is OVER!

C'mon - 5!

Foarte bun, vibe-uri retro rock / punk / boho , clar de reascultat, cumparat chiar vinyl. O surpriza frumoasa.

Winderful again. Brought memories of cold, rainy, indecisive days walking across campus.

The Smiths are an acquired taste (I like them, though). Good album, but I still prefer Morrissey's lyricism over his voice. Some great bass guitar work too, especially that funky-as-hell riff on BBAH. Fav tracks: This Joke Isn't Funny Anymore, Well I Wonder, Barbarism Begins At Home

этот альбом мне понравился очень сильно, до этого не обращала на the smiths так как сейчас.

Half the album is classic

I just can't quit you

😔

Doesn’t make it to the masterpiece status of Queen is dead but it’s a somewhat close second and an amazing album, it has the best bass from any of the albums in my opinion with pretty much all of the songs, Johnny Marr doesn’t hold back also with the layered jangly guitars which have a kind of electronic synthy sound sometimes with that tone. Mike Joyce is as good as ever, the only thing that doesn’t stand out to the other albums is Morissey’s vocals which are maybe the weakest compared to the others mostly due to the production which make it sound like he’s singing in the shower sometimes as I saw someone else say but that is more of a nitpick as the vocals are usually fine throughout,. This album like TQID also has no skips which the others albums don’t have I think, rushholme ruffians a little bit of a weak link for me but it’s still a decent song, the title track I admit I didn’t appreciate much when I first heard it but it’s become a personal favourite not just due to its strong message, which is one of Morissey's only good takes, but the instrumental is haunting especially with the animal noises which despite maybe being a bit long definitely drive home the message. The disco like influence on Barbarism begins at home is great as well and has such a good bass line, Morissey matches the dance energy with his goofy monkey noises as well. Favourites: all. Overall, 9/10.

Listened to this when I was tired and grumpy. Perfect.

Genius of a band. Would love to have seen them in their pomp, having to settle for seeing Marr and Morrisey separately. I hope this list also contains other albums of theirs, especially The Smiths. Their Singles is one of the best compilation albums

Damn 2 banger albums back to back!! Love it! Man, I don't know what it is about Morrissey's voice. I'll never forget when I first heard one of his songs from a mixed tape that David, Rob's brother made. It was a magic moment for me.

Cannot beat The Smiths. While certainly full of songs many will find depressing, and we all recognize Morrissey can be insufferable, it is just soothing and oh so familiar music that always delivers.

My favorite Smiths album. Even the title track, which is the weakest, I’ve grown to enjoy and think it fits well closing the album. This is one of my favorite fall albums. Headmasters, rusholme, and barbarians are some of my favorites of theirs. Cover art is awesome as well. Johnny and Morrissey just kill it but it still feels wrong to leave out the rest of the band in the appreciation. Everyone’s at the top of their game. I get people hate Morrissey etc but after you’ve listened a bit I genuinely can’t think of anyone’s voice or words that would fit better. I’ve got a few singers whose voice *might* have a decent fit but even then they’d never think of the lyrics Morrissey wrote or put in the inflections he does. 20th perfect album, 786 albums in. What’s even crazier is this is my third perfect album in the last five days, I’m definitely on the best run of albums I’ll probably get on this entire project. Rating: 5.0

a 4.5 rounded up. very beautiful, i like the smiths a lot.

anything the smiths gets 5 stars.

What an amazing album even tho I hate the last song

Good fun, lively, memories of uni nights out

Oh yes, I'd forgotten how wonderful these songs are. I always say The Queen Is Dead is my favourite Smiths album and it's the one I've listened to in full the most but this really is just as good. Less polished, maybe more of an edge lyrically and musically. They are all on brilliant form, Marr and Rourke may never have sounded better together than here. Just listen to 'Barbarism...'. Loads of tracks are foot tapping in a fidgety way. Morrissey gets political in his own way and is often hilarious. Then there are the beautiful, yearning 'Well I Wonder' and 'That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore' which I know well but listened to twice, hearing those layers of acoustic guitars and the amazing electric background in the closing part, Marr creating such atmosphere The title track may divide opinion but who can argue with the truth? And he was saying this long before most.. All in all, pretty wonderful.

YAAASSSSSSSSSSS

Great 👍

How soon is now? - absolutely love this song

Meat Is Murder manifiesta con sus letras crudas una mezcla de himpotencia y rabia. The Smiths, pese a su breve carrera, es uno de los mejores grupos de la historia y como prueba tenemos este disco. La voz única de Morrissey y la guitarra imposible de Marr se unen de nuevo en esta creación divina.

Shame Morrissey is who he is, but fantastic music.

found this one to be significantly better than strangeways, here we come, the second half of the tracklist is genuinely outstanding

Excellent guitar and bass performances. Only thing I can knock it for is i find Morrissey's voice annoying at times.

One of my all time favorites. So excited it was the pick for my third day.

Meat Is Murder is an all time classic for me. Full of emotion and sharp political lyrics that still feel relevant today. It has a passion that sticks and really feels like a template for so much Brit rock that came after… and it’s not even The Smiths’ best album!

I think this is a near perfect album and if you don't think so, a crack on the head is just what you get!!!!

I REALLY enjoyed this - there's a kind of 80's "in a venue" feeling albums that always speak to me. I had just been born when this album was released, and yet at the same time it made me feel like a teenager again. Up all night, when the night was filled with promise and possibility, and I knew things were wrong but didn't know how to voice it.

I love The Smiths and this album gets better as it goes along

Fantastic

Forgotten how good this is.

I can’t help it, I’m so biased. Besides “Rusholme Ruffians,” this album is no skips to me and seems to not go out of fashion. At first, I thought that only “Queen is Dead” would be worthy of a place on this list, but coming back to this, it’s so much more solid, innovative, and downright cooler than I remembered.

Probably my 4th favourite Smiths album, but I still love it. best band of all time. The joke isn't funny anymore and Well I Wonder are my tops for the album but most of the other songs are enjoyable and worth listening to

Hard to fault anything on this album really, great bass, great guitar and the great lyrism of morrisey

Great album. Fond memories of buying this back in 1985. Didn't know much about the Smith's but after the second listen music/lyrics became embedded in my memory. Barbarism begins at home a stand out classic.

So good!!!!

I fucking love the smiths. Every song on this album is great

Kicked Ass. Amazing.

My god, this has to be the best week of 1001 we've had. Only Morrissey can double track his vocals where one track is him just moaning and it sound so incredible. The way the Smiths are so ironic and tongue-in-cheek band yet evoke so much emotion is what makes them great. MiM isn't my favorite Smith's album (I'll even take the Hatful of Harrow compilation over it), but it's still a great album.

I love the Smiths because of Johnny Marr (and in spite of Morrissey). Marr's guitar playing alone deserves 5 stars. Favorites: The Headmaster Ritual, I Want the One I Can't Have, Nowhere Fast, Barbarism Begins at Home Would I listen to it again: Yes

Classic Smiths! Always a good listen

gatsby dying but somehow still alive - cole. Greatest band of all time

If I had listened to this album when I was 20 I would have been OBSESSED WITH IT. Stellar album will be listening to it again for sure.

Really enjoyed it. This is also an artist my husband likes :)

Such a great album. Morrisey may be a whiny twerp, but he's musically worth his salt and then some. And the genius of Johnny Marr's brilliant song writing talents drips from every track. Nobody does the power pop jingle jangle better.

Meat Is Murder: the Smiths album that I bought on its release, and the tour that I went to. This fact gave me much cred with my youthful work colleagues, until another colleague Tina divulged that she went out with Mike Joyce's brother, and consequently saw the Smiths before they were famous. Oh well. (I can't remember if I've shared that already.) Whereas The Queen is Dead seems to get a lot of the plaudits, this one is my favourite. The fantastic basslines add so much to Johnny Marr's brilliant playing, humour is to the fore (albeit dark), and the energy is just great. I'd still rather not listen to the last track - confronting, which of course is the point. I love all the other tracks, and can still remember my delight on hearing such masterpieces as The Headmaster Ritual and Barbarism Begins At Home for the first time. The music is so interesting; the arrangements and chord progressions feel a bit more psychedelic than their other albums, maybe? Anyway. Yes, I know you-know-who is awful now, but let's appreciate this for what it is: fantastic. RIP Andy Rourke.

I love The Smiths, and Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke really shine on this album. Even though Morrissey is a pompous ass, his lyrics and unique singing style just elevate this band miles above all the bad synth-pop crap of the 80's. The Headmaster Ritual, Nowhere Fast and Barbarism Begins at Home are the standouts for me.

This album made me vegetarian. -Ninonin Theone

Epic album loved it

I liked this album a lot more than recent ones. catchy and has a satisfying beat for me. Fun to listen to :) THE RAIN SOUNDS IN WELL I WONDER ARE SO NICE

i mean come on

Thinking thinking 134

This album is full of great songs and was massively influential on indie music in the UK.

First time hearing The Smiths—very enjoyable. Great vocals with perfectly crafted music. 9.5 out of 10.

Waar Morrissey zijn grootste vorm kende op 'The Queen Is Dead', is dit hét album waarop The Smiths laten horen gewoon een geweldige 'band' te zijn. Johnny Marr, Mike Joyce en - vooral - Andy Rourke zijn echt in optima forma. De basslines in 'Rusholme Ruffians', 'What She Said' en 'Barbarism Begins at Home' zijn ingenieus en ijzersterk. Vooral in die laatste track kreeg Rourke eindelijk het podium dat hij verdiende. Maar zoals ik al zei, het album staat bol van het muzikaal vakmanschap. Waar sommige platen van The Smiths iets te veel naar de melancholische kant van de band leunen (lees: Morrissey), en ze lijken te vergeten dat ze ook een steengoede rockband kunnen zijn, is dit bij uitstek het album dat de emotieve factor en muzikale souplesse perfect doseert. Ik vind het gewoon hun beste en meest constante werk, dat snijdt aan meerdere kanten. 9/10 Highlights: I Want the One I Can't Have That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore Well I Wonder Barbarism Begins at Home

Weet je nog dat we een deze hoes op de Rrrright2000 poster hadden gezet, zonder dat er één nummer van deze plaat in de lijst stond? Dat zegt iets over de iconische hoes (want die wil je op je Top2000 poster) maar ook iets over de onvolledigheid van die lijst. Want dit album kan toch niet ontbreken! Voor mij komt bij Meat Is Murder heel veel samen. Dat zit 'm enerzijds natuurlijk in de boodschappen van Morrissey en het feit dat deze hoes al jaren trots bij ons in huis hangt. Meat is Murder sluit naadloos aan bij mijn eigen overtuigingen. Morrissey is op deze plaat bloedserieus, en dat is te horen. Muziekaal is het daarnaast echt een fantastisch kunstwerk. De riffs vind ik echt fenomenaal, samen met de tekst creëren the Smiths juist een wat donkere sfeer dan op het debuut. Dat past natuurlijk onwijs goed bij de taaie kost waar hij over zingt. De combinatie vind ik fantastisch, omdat de jangle-riffs er vaak iets van luchtigheid aan geven. Meest perfecte voorbeeld: That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore is één van de mooiste nummers ooit gemaakt, en de laatste jaren mijn favoriet van the Smiths. Het is zwaarmoedig, maar echt prachtig georkestreerd en gezongen ("I might die with a smile on my face after all"). Je zit wel even vol na die track, dat verdient wel even een beetje lucht. Nowhere Fast wordt dan ook ingestart met een heerlijk introotje en is een makkelijker en uptempo nummer. Op deze manier vlieg je echt de plaat door en kom je aan bij Meat is Murder, de slottrack. Die begint ongemakkelijk met koeiengeluiden en blijft een soort ongemak aanwakkeren. Voor je luistersessie eindig je het liefst anders. Maar omdat het op deze plaat juist gaat om die boodschap kan je eigenlijk niet beter eindigen dan op deze manier. 10/10 Highlights The Headmaster Ritual I Want the One I Can't Have That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore Meat Is Murder

Really enjoy this album, and while not every song is a 100% winner, the songs that are incredible rank as some of The Smith's best songs. Mid 9

bib

At first I resist this album, almost certainly because I know where it’s taking me. It’s all here, though. The sound of everything happening at once. A crooning voice bowing across fizzing arpeggios; rhythm section, disciplined while encouraging – often to the extent of being doting or parental. In The Smiths you meet pure conceptual perfection; proof of why bands exist and why they should forever. The ultimate charm of this record, for me, resides in a sort of paradox. Why, since what The Smiths is doing here is so, so much greater than the sum of its parts, do I not feel happy about it? We’ve Johnny, busy tinkering at melody’s atomic level while the mononymous one intones another of his jeremiads (“I want the one I can’t have”) – this charming man brittle before his reflection. We’ve the slicked back hair, oily rag smell of “Nowhere fast” – so coyly propulsive with its rockabilly shuffle. And we’ve the weaving bass and funk flourishes of “Barbarism begins at home” – a shot fired back across time to the previous incumbents of Britain’s teenage imaginary (Duran Duran especially). “Well I wonder” and “Meat is murder” offer two poignant counterpoints to the thrill of the album’s three-minute pop songs. (The former being another entry into Johnny Marr’s “d minor hall of fame”; the man just knows how to use that chord, I don’t know what else to say.) It’s a more obviously political record; you have to hand it to the lads that the final minute even works. It probably shouldn’t. I read that “How soon is now?” was added to this record for the US release – and I’d perhaps have liked to hear it kicking off the second side. But, realistically, if this album had gone on forever it wouldn’t have been long enough. For the sake of our sick hearts, we should be grateful that it didn’t. So back to what I was resisting: I’m there. I’m back to putting “I want something I can’t have” on repeat and thinking that if the edge of the universe doesn’t sound like The Smiths – if the force pushing it out into whatever’s beyond isn’t exactly the feeling contained in a record like this – then I’ve read this whole thing totally wrong. I hope not.

Another glorious soundtrack to my teenage years.

Morrisey is Zionist, fuck off

killer and so much fun

I think it's their best. Good from start to finish. Favorite song: Nowhere fast.

Well, whaddya know? Looks like Morrissey can make an album I like without it being a guilty pleasure. But seriously, these are just some stellar 80's alternative tunes, so it's getting Solid 5 Stars from me. Oh yeah, before I forget, FUCK MORRISSEY ALL MY HOMIES HATE MORRISSEY.

➕the headmaster ritual, rusholme ruffians ➖nowhere fast, barbarism begins at home this is the smiths album ive listened to the least, and maybe its because of the relative novelty of it but it might be my favorite? even my least favorite were fantastic…

Sensational. One of the best albums made by The Smiths. The manic melancholy lyrics delivered superbly by Morissey are evident throughout. As for that distinctive sound that Marr does with guitar is in a class of its own. Fab

Solid album!

Awesomeness

This is my least favorite of their 4 studio albums and still a solid 5!!

Rhythmic, interesting, great

Maybe not as good as the Queen Is Dead but this has my favourite smiths song on it (That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore). The instrumentals here are as strong as Queen Is Dead, Morrissey definitely leans a lot more into his mopey shit and it works for me. The weak songs here (Rusholme Ruffians, What She Said, Meat Is Murder) aren’t always a skip and the strong ones here always have me rewinding to listen again. This album isn’t going to make me a vegetarian but goddamn if it isn’t good enough to make me forget what a colossal jackass Morrissey is (mainly thanks to Johnny Marr).

Fantastic album. Lyrics, guitar, bass, and drums are all top notch.

Even completely heinous arseholes like Morrisey can do incredible things, and this album is a work of art. I enjoy it so much, I can even block out all the insufferable, smug, hipster cretins who adopt The Smiths in lieu of having personalities. Headmaster's Ritual and I Want the One I Can't Have are so lyrically sharp, and the melodies are well crafted, the guitar cuts through to the forefront, and the rhythm sections are certified bops and super tight. Rusholme Ruffians is a lovely, jangly romp in the hay. Even the peculiar, whimpering backing vocals sit nicely. That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore has lots of lovely layers to unpack. The strings, the piercing guitar overdubs, echoing drums, the melancholy of the words and the myriad of sounds, the relentless repetition of “I've seen this happen…”, the vocal arrangement at the end, the false ending. Ahh, takes me to orgasmic stratospheres. Nowhere Fast, who doesn't want to drop their trousers to the things they find irksome? This is a strange rickety train of a song, but it's still full of character. Well I Wonder is another mewing, whimpering waltz, nicely placed between some pop-ier tunes. Pleasant spots of rain in the background and I think some synths in there too…. Barbarism Begins at Home has one of the most satisfying bass lines to listen to, and to play. What fun! The ‘sszooop’ sucking/sweeping noise throughout is very effective, similar to The Beatles’s ‘sszooop’ on ‘Girl’. Fantastic guitar work from Marr on this, so much going on. Great song title too. Meat Is Murder is compelling in its message. However, my taste buds will always beat my heart strings in this morality election, and the taste of pork swung that vote a long time ago. Nice try Moz, I'll enjoy the song for it's swelling soundscape and catchy hook, but little else. A perfect weaving of humour, despair, melody, romantic aesthetics, and some pretty mean riffery. What She Said is skip-able, and the album ending on slaughterhouse noises is irritating, but what do you expect from the precocious prince of indie. I'm asserting my discretion and slapping five stars on the table!

i like the smiths - i said I like the smiths.

I bought this album on cassette when it was released in the USA. It was my first Smiths album. Somehow it resonated with me deeply, and to this day still does. I am likely a bit biased here as this music elicits an emotional and nostalgic feeling in me. Happy and sad. Beautiful lyrics and musicianship.

What a beautiful album this is. Never stops giving.

The incredible thing about the Smiths is that they never had a weak album; from The Smiths to Strangeways. My favorite is whichever I happen to be listening to. Morrissey and Marr get all of the love, but name me a tighter bassist/drummer combo than Rourke and Joyce. Those guys are in the Jones/Bonham category of creating unique, creative, but incredibly solid, rhythm platforms to support all of the genius stacked on top.

All timer.

Fantastic

Perfect LP to spin on meatless Monday😌

One of the best post-punk/indie pop records going around!

The Smiths are one of those bands you can always count on for effortlessly enjoyable music, filled with melodic and catchy hooks backed by jangly guitars. Their melancholic vibe is perfectly balanced with energetic performances, making their music both introspective and lively.

One of the Smiths best.

Fantastic cohesive album. Will need to relisten a few times.

Im biased for the smiths

The second best Smiths album is still one of the best albums of all time. Not listened to this in full for a good while and it's just as great as I remembered. Fav tracks: Barbarism Begins at Home, The Headmaster Ritual, Rusholme Ruffians

Every Smith's album is perfect, sorry

The Smiths make such straight forward indie pop rock that it feels like their music shouldn't be able to be as good as it is. But somehow despite their seemingly generic genre label, all 4 albums their discography are nothing short of amazing, and this is definitely one of the best ones.

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5 stars to Andy Rourke’s bass on Barbarism Begins At Home

Omg it’s the fucking smiths

Smiths are too good. Great atmosphere and Morrissey has a one of a kind voice, I quite like his singing. Love the writing too. I'm a little too high to think of anything else to say. Love this record and it's my least favorite Smiths record on this list lol

Underrated album of theirs.

Marr’s inimitable guitar, Rourke’s pulsing bass lines and Morrissey’s acerbic croon unite to form a peculiarly British sound which sounds as good today as it will in another 30 years.

One of my absolute favourites. Everything here is perfect: the lyrics, the guitar, the mood. Don’t need to say more.

I was a the Smiths Teen

Fave tracks: Headmaster Ritual That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore Barbarianism Begins at Home - that bassline Meat is Murder - cow go moo

fire album, no skips at all, morrissey spears to test his vocal ability more on this that other albums, this thing was great

well I love this but I already knew that. they are well known for a reason

Really great. Every song is easy to listen to. Simple shit, but Morriseys voice is so good and it just works

Excellent album, the second half in particular is brilliant. I especially like Nowhere Fast and Well I Wonder, though the last two songs are great as well.

I have strong memory association from my younger days with so many songs on this album. The melancholy atmosphere of their music was pure escapism for me during some really hard times. The Headmaster Ritual, That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore, Nowhere Fast, and Barbarism Begins at Home are my favorites. I don't care for the title track, but other than that, pure perfection. Johnny Marr's guitar playing and Morrissey's vocals are a match made in heaven, and Rourke's bass really ties everything together beautifully.

The Smiths at their finest. Easily accessible today as it was in the 80s.

"Meat is Murder" is perhaps the one album by The Smiths that took me longest to really understand. They tried many different things, and it wasn't as much the stereotypical Smiths sound but also not the more experimental sound of their last album. However, at this point, I really love "Meat is Murder," especially the title-track.

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.

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.

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.

Masterpiece

Gut!

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.

Oh my god the musicianship! :) It feels ungodly to listen to. Probably my favourite Smith 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).

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's a 5, but the title track nearly takes it down to a 4. Everything here is great but that friggin last song.

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

Good with a few classics

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.

Loved it

Very nice album.

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The Smiths are always 5/5