Reviews (page 7 of 14)
Shame Morrissey is who he is, but fantastic music.
It was fine. Classic Dad Rock.
Not the best smiths album. However the guitar work from Marr is sublime. Hints of disco, classical and 60's Beatles throughout. Couple of real bangers in this album though
Pretty good, not my favorite.
Это хорошо!
found this one to be significantly better than strangeways, here we come, the second half of the tracklist is genuinely outstanding
I have mixed feelings about it, I really enjoyed some songs and thought that I would listen again but in general it felt a little more boring than the previous album
Not my favorite Smiths album, but it’s still a smiths album so I don’t dislike it. The title track is my favorite
Music is great but then there is Morrissey - maybe I should just call him Steven. That will irritate him as much as his voice irritates me. Some Smiths songs are really good in spite of Steven but this album (the UK version without "How Soon Is Now?") was just OK. If I would have heard the the earlier US release with this song on then maybe, just maybe it would have gotten 4 stars. But that didn't happen so it just is an OK album for me. Sorry Steven - just don't be too sad now!
Sigh...more Smiths. Alright, here we go! Track 1 is a straight-forward complaint of the British school system. It's well done. Track 2 is downright jaunty. I had to make sure I didn't mess up playing the album straight through. I really like this one. As a whole, this album has more energy than I've heard from a Smiths album. It makes me enjoy the music tenfold. 3.4/5
Love The Smiths, but this is my least favorite album of theirs.
Good stories can only carry that singing so far
I liked the lyrics (4). Musically a 3.few stars. I also liked the Album's title track. And the depness "That joke isn't funny anymore" (close to home?). However, I am not sure I would re-listen this album (maybe if in a depressing mood). Not a fan of the style neither of singing, but at least is quite unique. This would be a 3 stars album.
Excellent guitar and bass performances. Only thing I can knock it for is i find Morrissey's voice annoying at times.
Kurant. Ikke helt mitt syltetøy. Barbarism-låta er nødt til å ha inspirert Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine. Klink lik basslinje.
If meat is murder, what is plant?
Kinda meh Didn’t love it as much as the other album from them I got
3.5 stars. I like it a lot, until Morrissey just doesn’t stop and then I’m ready for it to be over.
I mean yeah this is right up my alley. 4.2
Never actually listened to a smiths album before. It was good but that last song was straight to the point, wasn’t it? I’d listen to more of The Smiths.
First song had me intrigued, the rest was pretty mid
Not good
One of my all time favorites. So excited it was the pick for my third day.
I didn't hate it, but the meandering vocals grated on me. And boy, do I dislike the 80s recording style where every instrument sounds like it is recorded in an isolated soundproof room, then mixed together to form a semblance of a performance.
Not too impressed. Melodies seemed simple and lyrics weren’t all that. Not a fan of Morrissey’s voice 2.5/5
You either love or hate Morrissey...and I hate him. Hate is a strong word so I will just say I have never liked his whining sound.
Must admit that I am of the yay Johnny Marr boo Morrissey persuasion. Except that the whole thing just works, doesn't it? In 1980-whatever, I made fun of this record, but old me is somewhat less dumb, thank goodness.
The combination of the smooth sound and the critical, harsh lyrics is sublime.
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!
Nothing really stood out, but enjoyable.
Me encantannnnnnn! El final de la canción Barberism… genial
I’m okay with the smiths, can’t say I’d seek this album out again though
Other than The Queen is Dead, I generally think of the Smiths as a singles band. I’ve come around to this album though, despite the OTT title track. At least four excellent tracks here.
Snelle inhaal review #9: Not as bad als sommige fans van the Smiths het soms laten lijken, ietwat corny van tijd tot tijd, maar dat is een beetje de charme van The Smiths ook. Echter; 'I Cannot Fucking Wait Until Morrissey Dies'
Tweede album van the Smiths, ik ken vooral Queen is Dead en ik zou die zonder denken direct 5 sterren geven. Het begint al wel direct met een Smiths sound, maar vind het over het algemeen toch een beetje tegen vallen. Ik vond eigenlijk alleen Well I Wonder leuk om te bewaren.
It seems like 1001 Albums Generator is very passionate about The Smiths and it wants me to feel the same way. Unfortunately I do not share the same passion (even though Robert Smith rocks). I do enjoy hearing more of their stuff but was just okay with this album. The most standout stuff came from some awesome rhythm guitar riffs and production, but for my taste it felt kind of flat and the same as a lot of other Smiths stuff I've heard. No hate but just not super into it I guess. Fav Track: The Headmaster Ritual
I like it, very classical the Smiths sounding. Some songs has manager to make their way into my heart
Solid album but I never get as excited about the Smiths as I think I am going to. The album was interesting and easy to listen to but lacked a little bit of energy and the stand out tracks that I would want to give it a higher rating. 3.5 but going to round down.
Don't care for the vocals. Melodies not memorable. I think the only reason I might like some of their other songs is just because of repetition.
I never really loved Morrisey, at all, and he still annoys me, but this album helps me see why people REALLY REALLLLLLY dig him.
Idk why Morrissey started barking in the second to last song. Liked the general vibe but disliked the more experimental songs. 7/10
Excellent Album but not one of my favorites of the smiths
Another one that's hard to listen to. Maybe it just feels like a forerunner of much better indie rock? The title track could be heard as innovative, maybe, or it could just be droning and didactic.
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!!!!
Johnny Marr is a despicable moron wanker but at least Morrissey compensated for him.
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.
Not impressing. Does not worth being on the list
Liked that a bit more than I expected. I figured it would be more of the doom and gloom I’ve come to expect, but it was a bit more jangly and pop- oriented - almost pleasant at times. The title track was not so much fun.
Wasn’t expecting to like this as I don’t like Morrisey and the other Smiths album I’ve listened to so far didn’t impress much. However, there were a few good tracks on here. Lots of variation as well, which was nice. Meat is Murder was odd though.
never had these guys really grab me
own
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
I love The Smiths and this album gets better as it goes along
"I said I love the smiths!" But, I have not listened to this album until now. I gotta say, I love this album!
Johnny Marr's excellent guitar work saves this album from the only two vocal melodies Morrissey seems to know. 3.5/5
i like some songs by the smiths and want to love this album but morrissey’s voice kind of reminds me of a muppet highlights: Barbarism Begins at Home
Like the vibes and instrumental, but sometimes his voice is too unique for me to like.
Good album. Liked more as a kid now I can see all songs are way too similar and became boring after the 5th song. Good writting and vocals
Fantastic
Forgotten how good this is.
I know What She Said about this album, but That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore.
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.
One of the best bands ever, even this album which I guess is my least favorite of theirs is still a 4
As uncompromising and provocative as ever, The Smiths' second album lays it all out on the table. Interesting that one of their most well-known & beloved songs "How Soon Is Now?" was only included on the US release and not the UK version.
7 / 10 - Not the best smiths album, however there are some great tracks on there
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
Should be 5 stars but taking off at least a star for the title track. Yes Morrissey is a helmet but they're still one of the great bands.
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.
Would've been a five if I didn't genuinely hate the title track
Ja the Smiths. Anfänge der Goth / Emo Bewegung. Viel Teenage-Angst in den Texten, dazu lustige Rhythmen und Musik. Hat mich an Wasps Nest erinnert.
3,5/5
A strange entry. As at least a peripheral Smiths fan I have always considered this both their weakest album and the point at which it became clear that Morrissey was pompous tool. Nevertheless the Smiths don’t really have a bad album, and I take its inclusion to mean there are more Smiths albums to come …
I hate Morrisey’s voice. Music is ok though.
My favourite Smiths album. So many varied styles and the heart wrenching title track
Not my favorite Smiths record, but still very solid.
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.
Senti rebeldia nesse álbum, é como um big bang para o punk, bastante agressivo melodicamente mas com guitarra e bateria equilibrada, achei tudo muito bem feito, mas pra mim o ponto destaque é o lirismo.
My least favorite Smiths album, but still a solid showing. And it is not my least favorite because I eat meat, the vibes are just a bit to slow and whiney to me, more so than most of their music. They can and usually do have great tempo and Morrissey has more rhythm to his voice, this album is a bit of a drag comparatively. With several other Smiths albums on this list, this one feels like the editor's reaching for a favorite band situation, it does not belong on this list. Again, I still like it, but I own several Smith records, this one is not one of them though. 6.5/10 106/1001
The Smiths: Meat Is Murder: Its good, but I wouldn't say that I love it. The instrumentation is nice, but the album kinda blends together and the vocals are just alright. I liked every song, but I don't see myself going out of my way to relisten to anything. 7/10
The sounds of my youth. Great album.
little too weird
Pretty good.
Didn’t love this one. Early alt kinda whiney maybe original emo stuff. Give me the cure over this any day.
So good!!!!
Some is amazing. A couple of duds.
Barbarism begins at home - That bassline tho
It's OK. Some good songs but not packed with classics like I thought it would be...
Not as good as the other Smith albums on the list.
I think I’m starting to like the Smiths.
overrated as hell
Morrissey is problematic but I love the sound.
He may be really racist but at least he doesn't eat meat 👍
meridiano de greenwich
This was a pretty good album! I hadn't heard it before, but I did really enjoy it! I like the Smiths too, haven't listened to much of them but I do like them!
It was good noise, but nothing really stood out to me
I fucking love the smiths. Every song on this album is great
we get it morrissey noone likes you
I hate the vocals, but the songs and the messages are good. Specifically the guitar was fenominal, not somethingi would expect from the smiths Hard 4
😏
If meat is murder then I am the Son of Sam
An interesting mix of mild music and powerful lyrics 3.5/5
I can't stand **The Smiths**. They are the epitome of everything I hated and hate about mid-80s British indie and jangle-pop. Maudlin self-indulgent nonsense. They are one of the most overrated bands in music history imho. I'll never understand what people see in them. Absolute tosh.
Not the best smths record
Love the smiths
Gear: HEDD Audio HEDDphone Two Artwork: 🪖🖍️😏 Production (2011 Remaster): 🙄🤔🤷 Music: 😭🤏🎻 Rating: 🥩🥩/5
Not bad. I like their sound. Some good songs.
It was a choice between this and a Morrissey solo album. I believe I made a wise choice.
Repetitive, boring, random barking lyrics. Nah.
Made me like The Smiths less.
The cover doesn't match the vibe. The music is good though.
It's been a while since I last listened to this, but what struck me most are the baselines in this. When you combine them with the general arrangements and Morrissey's vocals and lyrics, it's a truly great experience. Highlights for me are Barbarism Begins at Home, That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore and The Headmaster Ritual.
Yessir I’m vegetarian
great guitar rifts, questionable lyrics, unsettling end
я думал альбом про войну а оказался про веганство
A bit meh, bla bla bla
This is another 3.5 album for me. Never wanted to skip tracks, but it didn't really stand out, either. Interesting that I had one of Morrisey's solo albums a couple days ago. This Smiths album was notably better.
Tengo un conflicto con este grupo de música que es lo mucho que me gusta musicalmente y lo poco que me gusta escuchar cantar a Morrissey. Además de eso reconozco que este disco suena a The Smiths pero no me ha descubierto nada nuevo. Aunque algunas líneas de bajo como la de Barbarism begins at home son buenísimas.
This album is ok at best. Morrissey has always been ok with a couple of good songs. This album is average at best...
No, it's not
Not my favorite Smiths album but definitely close. Barbarism Begins at Home and Well I Wonder are my faves. Album cover is also burned into my brain.
I dont like morrisseys voice
Is it for me, nah ha ha
Better than I remembered
6/20/25. Great album! Really enjoyed that each song feels different from each other, but you know it's the same band. Also feel like this album inspired many later bands that I grew up on. Will have to listen a few more times.
me ha gustado mucho, viva el veganismo
Smiths are great, honestly usually too mellow for me, especially lately. Lovely music, not in a hurry to re-listen
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.
Opinion time: I think this is the weakest Smiths album. The score is maybe harsh, because I'm judging it on that basis. Meat Is Murder, for me Clive, doesn't really have any standout tracks. It's still good, because it's still Morrissey and Marr in great form, but compared to The Queen Is Dead or Strangeways, it's just not quite there.
Good!
didn't really care for it
What’s vegetable then?
Kinda like the smiths turns out, solid album
Of all their albums, the weakest one makes the cut?
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.
I should have liked it, but it was just bland and meh.
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 /
4/5
Hmm love Smiths, didnt love this, perhaps their weakest album. Its not that I hated it but didnt really appreciate it as much as I would do.
I like the music because it’s good rock and roll. I do not care for Morrissey’s voice. It’s just dull.
There is some solid music here. But Morrissey is seriously insufferable.
Worst smiths record queen is dead is way better
Heard 10+ times. not as sexy as ST, not as depressed as queen is dead - just whiny. but god is headmaster’s ritual good. 8/10.
Might break my vegetarianism after listening to this. Thought I liked it after listening the second time but really it's the instrumentals I enjoy.
What bothers me about the Smiths is not Morrisey’s voice or his general shitheadery. What bothers me is that when he sings he sounds like a kid making up his homework on the spot. The 10 seconds of every song without vocals is some of the best music I've ever heard. The Smiths are maybe the objectively best band that I hate. Gonna think about who else fits that category. Probably other Tylore-core bands.
3.5
good shit
Good smiths album Barbarism Begins at Home, That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore and Headmaster Ritual are some of their best songs.
God I hate morrisey
Cute, 7/10
It's too bad, if Morrissey wasn't such a cunt I might actually enjoy the Smiths. Musically some great stuff going on but as soon as Moz opens his mouth it takes on this disgusting slimy feel.
Not bad not bad. Favorite Track: The Headmaster Ritual
It’s fine!
the first song was a banger and the guitars kind of reminded me of the cure (yes, i said it). but it went off a cliff after that 😆 ‘that joke isn’t funny anymore’ was decent. ‘well i wonder’ was quite nice. ‘barbarism begins at home’ - yeah, i like this, it slapped and it was a bit funky too.
Better than Coldplay
Solid smiths album.
It's fine. I don't love it, and I don't hate it. I might listen to some of the songs again in a mix playlist, but i don't think I'd listen to it as full album again.
Honestly thought I would like this a lot more but I guess I was only familiar with their big singles and never really listened to a whole album. Was just ok.
Barbarism begins at home is a bop
The Smiths don't really do it for me. Nothing offensive here, but nothing too captivating either
That's not my taste in music - But ok
Interesting but not good
Cover: 6 This had some decent songs. Title track is the best. Overall, mostly ok songs.
Typical smiths sound, which I enjoy
Kicked Ass. Amazing.
My least favorite Smiths album
This is dark. Not my favorite album of theirs.
Johnny Marr is great Morrissey is not
Wasn’t crazy about it.
Feels half baked like early Queen albums do. Not that interesting to listen to a band who would go on to be incredible, being not quite there yet. Yes, it’s like Oscar Wilde dropping wit and wisdom over meandering, wind-swept King Sunny Ade guitar and ‘recorded on a potato) soul boy rhythms, but not with the essential unabashed confidence that was to come.
needs more barking
Some okay songs, but the whole album was samey.
oh morrissey the old complainer that you are
Good, about what I expected
I like the funky base on the 2nd last track Edit Apr 15 2026: 4 --> 3
how do I explain that I love this album despite hating morriessy despite being a vegetarian
1001 ALBUMS YOU MUST HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE #3 The Smiths are another one of those bands that I've heard great things about, though I never listened to them, because of the 1001 Albums list I finally have a good reason to listen to them. I came in completely blind, I didn't even know the genre, but it held up. "Meat Is Murder" is in short, amazing. I thought Morrissey's voice was beautiful throughout the record, and the rest of the band's performance was great. Take the opener for example, "The Headmaster Ritual". It sets the tone for the record perfectly, and I loved the acoustic guitars on "Rusholme Ruffians". I thought the slower nature of "Well I Wonder" was outstanding, and the bass work on "Barbarism Begins at Home" is amazing, it's so catchy and funky. Overall, I only thing I disliked is that it was too short, but other than that, "Meat Is Murder" is a true gem from the 1980s, and I definitely will be coming back for more. Overall Score: 95 / 100 Favorite Tracks: The Headmaster Ritual, I Want the One I Can't Have, Well I Wonder, Barbarism Begins at Home, Meat Is Murder
fine to listen to but not nearly a standout or as good as the other Smiths albums we've had so far (or their other ones that I enjoy)
not bad but definitely worse than the previous smiths. Last song just made me hungry
Overall good. Great cleaning album. I like 'Meat is Murder' and 'Rusholme Ruffians'. Not my faaaavorite.
Good. Classic smiths
SO WHINY, GREAT INSTRUMENTAL, LEAD SINGER DOESNT NEED TO MAKE HIS VOICE SOUND LIKE THAT, SO FORCED
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.
Bit of a zzzz
I forgot how pretty and emotionally devastating the Smiths/Morrissey could be. But it can get a bit too much - especially with the "Meat is Murder" track - I suppose it's effective. I also didn't realize how amazing the guitar/bass work is here. 3.5 rounded up.
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.
The smiths are always really good. Morissey's approach to vocals is dope. The instrumentation is totally distinctively them. Unfortunately, this album sounds a lot like less memorable versions of their other (better) stuff imo. So it's a 4.
My head cannon conspiracy theory is that PETA paid The Smiths to write the the title track of this album. It has all the hallmarks of PETA's rhetoric after all. If I wasn't already vegetarian, I feel like that song may have been the one to make me.
this was a whole lot of fun, although to be honest I was a bit confused by the last song on the album (albeit the titular song)
Beetje eentonig, maar verder wel te luisteren. **
I know Morrissey sucks but I love the Smiths. While I could do without the sanctimonious title track, I still loved this album.
Barbarism Begins at Home is a great song. Well I wonder is a good song too 3/5
It's quintessential The Smiths: upbeat, quirky pop instrumentals behind poetic ornery storytelling. It's an unbeatable combo. The bass on this really shines, especially in deeper cuts like Rusholme Ruffians but really all across the record. And it's got one of my favorites - This Joke Isn't Funny Anymore, which is the band firing on all cylinders and the archetypical Smiths track for me.
“Belligerent ghouls run Manchester schools. Spineless slimes; cemented minds.” It really is unfair that such talent for lyricism falls to Stephen Morrissey. This album, Meat is Murder, is just as interesting, bold, obnoxious, and tightly arranged as anything the Smiths have ever done. It’s not my personal favourite, but aside from the asinine title track the band don’t really put a foot wrong here. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg 4.5
Kings of English mope produce another stellar trudge through black ash and wet sand. Holidays on the beach! There is no misery like English misery: cultivated, harvested and shared in bounty with the world. Fuck Morissey, but the man knows his milieu.
I love The Smiths, but sadly their legacy is a bit tainted by Morrissey’s antics. Favourite tracks: The Headmaster Ritual, Rusholme Ruffians.
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
My least Favourite smiths album, I loved it at first Listen but i recently returned to it and i was greatly dissapointed
Music is good, vocals are annoying. I liked this a lot less than I thought I would.
Love The Smiths but Morrissey himself.
A few bangers, but plenty of whiny songs
Miserable
3/5
HATE the music. LOVE the message. Give credit to those cows on the last song!
Classic Smiths! Always a good listen
ts was ok 4.5/10
gatsby dying but somehow still alive - cole. Greatest band of all time
The Smiths worst album they went a solid 6/9 Also I’m a carnivore so I don’t agree with his takes 1) Nowhere Fast 2) I Want the One I Can’t Have 3) What She Said
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 is a difficult one to rate. Musically great, Lyrically excellent. Vocally...meh, but Morrissey is such a complete arse. The title track is a low effort polemic, and should be skipped. Overall 3.5-to-4.
Sumisu
I didn’t get to dive into the lyrics as much as I’d like. But great album. I did listen to all of it.
I liked the music in this album. I'm a big fan of the lead singers voice, and the bass guitar in "Barbarism begins at home".
Fav: Barbarism Begins at Home Notes: Probably my least favorite Smiths album but still pretty, pretty good.
I'ma savor that flavor, gat damnit. Ok, despite this being their most successful album (I can read Wikipedia articles, hooray!), none of the songs I think of when I think of this band are on this one. Good on them for taking a stand on a principle, and the music definitely sounds The Smiths, which if they're your thing should suffice to round out your fandom.
I genuinely liked the instrumentals and the guitar, but my god is the pretentiousness annoying. I’m vegetarian and I find this to be wayyyyy too much.
The guitars are more jangly than I thought they would be. I really dislike this guys singing style and melodic lines. The lyrics are decent but this was a huge slog, and getting lectured at because this guy doesn't think meat is tasty is a bad closing track.
I try to keep an open mind. I really do, but I just can't with this. Why is he moaning? Is it the man flu? Existential ennui? Good lord, pull it together. There is decent music behind the moaning, so that's something.
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 :)
Okay, so I have to say there’s way too much Morrissey on this list. Setting that aside: Good album, and and important one for The Smiths. I liked it way more than Strangeways, but less than The Queen is Dead
Meat is delish
I wanted to like this one more, but it wasn't meat to be.
Morrissey must have some dirt on the author of this list for there to be so many of his albums on here.
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.
Not my style
- Once again, unoffended but also unimpressed. - The Smiths' unwillingness to ever shift rhythms or tones when a song starts irks me. They just hit a pattern and it does not change until the next song starts. - "Well I Wonder" was a welcome change due to its more solid bass. I also appreciated the opening bravado and important message of "The Headmaster Ritual." - Appreciate the sentiment of "Meat Is Murder," but it is heavy-handed and not exactly an enjoyable listen.
The algorithm is forcing Morrissey on me this month. At least this is The Smiths and not another bleak solo outing. Honestly, at this point, I've had my fill of Morrissey's voice. This is so much better than the solo stuff. Johnny Marr and the rest of The Smiths are doing all the heavy lifting here. Even with the benefit of the others, I did not enjoy this as much as I would have when I was younger. Now I am unable to divorce my dislike of Morrissey (the person AND the artist) from The Smiths, and this all just seems so incel-adjacent. We can't have nice things anymore. Please, internet gods--no more Morrissey for awhile!
Pretty nice tunes
Morrissey warbling like a distraught ghost.
-Need to listen to more by The Smiths -Solid vocals and guitar riffs -Good mix of electric and acoustic -Best Songs: Headmaster's Ritual, What She Said, Well I Wonder -Worst Songs: Rusholme Ruffians, That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore -Overall Rating: 8.2/10
Morrissey is just a whiny Michael Stipe.
I have to admit this is pretty solid. I still don’t love his voice, but this holds together well.
118/1089 - All I know about this band is that the lead singer is an annoying vegan. After listening: not bad! Kinda reminds me of the Cranberries lead singer for some reason. I think the melody notes stay on the same pitch too much throughout all the songs, making them directionless at times. Also all of the songs blend into each other (except for the funk one near the end, but that's mainly the bass player adding variety) and don't really stand out.
Yeah I mean... Not doing too much. It's nice. The title song begins with cows mooing. That's cool. Maybe I should give it my first two stars? That it's not exceeding any expectations and is instead blending into the background?
While I appreciate the Smiths' unique sound and distinctive textures, It's not my favourite thing to listen to.
The Smiths are always mmmmmm... okay
Stor kulturel influence. Med til at inspirere mange indenfor britisk indie musik. Det er bla oasis, blur, radiohead osv. Det var det første the smiths album til at være nummer 1 i UK. taler for animal rights.
oh god i hate the smiths.... morrissey is one of the most annoying frontmen ever (not to mention the racism)!!! every smiths song is like "i am so sad, i drive my car, i am so sad, i go so far" this one however does get an extra star up from 1 for 'Barbarism Begins at Home' which i do actually like except for morrissey's stupid "ladadadada"
Not for me
The way he talks about meat makes me hungry for a cheeseburger. Fuck Morrissey
Ugh.
I've never been a fan, but I love the sounds of the Smiths album. There's something subtle, crystal-clear that engages me so much. And the vocals are great too, with some kind of storyteller feeling to it. I really like the band and will try to get deeper into them.
The Smiths es evidentemente un gusto adquirido que mi oído no asimila.
The Smiths are the perfect amount of British. Good band. 4 stars.
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.
S erste und s letzte Lied sind recht cool, alles dezwüschet het mich ned vom hocker ghaue
Der erste Song gefällt mit sehr gut: Macht gute Laune, ist aber nicht langweilig. Die Stimme des Sängers gefällt mir: Er singt klar, ist aber auch wandelbar zu etwas luftigerem Klang, und seine Stimme ist sehr beweglich und flink. Rusholme Ruffians etwas zu viel übereifriger Country für meinen Geschmack. In I want the one I can‘t have gefällt mir seine Stimme gar nicht mehr, er singt einfach falsch, ich glaube er ist generell zu hoch von der Intonation her, was ich erstaunlich finde. What she said: Irgendwie wird das Album je länger es geht, etwas mülliger.. Der Refrain gefällt mir aber relativ gut, sie machen irgendwas, das hittet jedes Mal, wenn er what she said singt. That Joke isn‘t funny anymore: Ein bisschen langweilig. Nowhere Fast und Well I Wonder: Noch cool. Barbarism Begins at Home: Hier gefällt mir der Bass - und der Song auch recht gut. Meat is Murder: Sehr gute Message der Lyrics! Ich liebe auch die Kuh am Anfang des Songs. Generell eine starke Drei, vor allem der erste und die letzten beiden Songs gefallen mir:)
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.
Much, much better album than Queen is Dead. I have never seen such a discrepancy between records of one band in my short career on this website. I really liked the style here, melodies and riffs were really catchy, even vocalist did a good and fitting job for this album. I'll come back to this record, for sure.
This album was constantly floating between three and four stars for me. The vibes were nice for my spring evening walk, but nothing really grabbed me except the last song. As an album it is just ordinary, but it feels a bit dated.
This album made me vegetarian. -Ninonin Theone
Most of the music is fine, the singing on the other hand…. 1.6
3 stars Starts off great but peters out towards the end.
I’ve only enjoyed a few songs from The Smiths. while i still enjoyed the album, i wouldn’t say any song really stood out.
I've never been into The Smiths, and I'm still not into The Smiths. Their music is as generic as their name.
Being a younger Gen X, I'm fully aware of the person who is obsessed with The Smiths. I've never really gotten what magical hold they seemed to have over some people. They were fine. I like maybe one song of their's "How Soon is Now" and I'm not crazy about it. I'm sure there will be one more The Smiths album on this list. I will likely think it's just OK as well.
The Smiths are another band that never really landed with me, maybe I never liked Morrisseees' whining? Maybe it was too highbrow for a 10 year old. Either way I have mixed feelings about this album. I enjoyed the music a lot. Johnny Marr is really strong on this. Not so much Morissees droning voice. The Joke isn't funny anymore was for me the biggest highlight of an album where all the songs pretty much blend into each other...
Meh. One of my musically pet peeves is vocalists who don’t annunciate, and I felt like I didn’t really understand much of what this album was about. The two songs before the finale were good musically though.
why did he bark
Favorite track: headmasters ritual. Overall score: 7.6/10
I like the Smiths or a least the “hits” however some of the songs on here are awful!
In the middle. I love the style but it’s a little too relaxing.
An opinion everyone has but is afraid to tell - Morrissey's repetitive and monotonous singing pattern is what has always stopped the Smiths from being in the same league as The Cure. As with other Smiths' records, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce are the driving, hit-making forces behind this record, with their catchy riffs, playful basslines, and funky rhythms.
Some really great guitar parts, a good rhythm section, but I dont particularly like Morrisseys voice, and the songs dont stick for me.
This sounds like a long car ride late a night falling asleep sprawled out in the back of Grandma's car in the 1980s
Epic album loved it
Decent album, wasn't hooked, though. 6/10.
The first half is garbage that gives me a headache. The second half is alright but nowhere near as good as the rest of The Smiths discography.
A few bangers, but a lot of filler. Oh, and the obligatory mention that Morrissey is an insufferable prick.
the smiths goated
Only three stars because I’d feel bad putting two. There are some good tracks, but it all feels like one huge song that’s just kinda ok.
This is #day264 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… this is my third and final The Smiths album. I thought I'd go the same route and give this a perfect score. But something about this record doesn't flow as well as The Queen Is Dead and Strangeways, Here We Come. I appreciate the instrumentation (extended intro/outros and funk influences) and the lyricism (especially the themes), but as an album, Meat Is Murder is somewhat uneven. I don't get the decision to leave "How Soon Is Now?" off the tracklist. This is one of the band's most defining moments, and it's just not there. Still, my highlights are "The Headmaster Ritual," "Well I Wonder" (probably a top-10 Smiths song for me), "Barbarism Begins At Home," and, of course, the title track. This is a 4 out of 5. Here's to Morrissey's solo albums. Looking forward to #day265.
Not as good as the Queen is dead. Hard to listen to since morrissey became a huge racist
Morissey et al. were simply unstoppable in their few years of existence. The fact that this album, arguably far less 'essential' than Hatful of Hollow and The Queen is Dead due to its far lower concentration of hits/undeniable classics, is still as unique and enjoyable as it is, stands testament to that claim.
It’s just good Johnny Marr balances out Morrissey
An ok album. Handful of great songs but few standouts
I enjoyed this album because there was more of a mix in style, however this is not my favorite kind of music.
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
Really enjoyed listening to it better than I thought it would be.
Better than I remembered.
Favorite: Barbarism Begins at Home
It's funny, I love some stuff by the Smiths, but I've never listened to this entire album before. Not really a fan, it felt a bit meandering.
Morrissey is a prick. And Meat is Murder the song is especially cringy in light of him as a person. The music is good enough. Johnny Marr on guitar is pretty memorabe. And I like Morrissey's voice. Overall, the album is fine. For some reason 'How Soon is Now' is not included on the Spotify version (I know it's only on certain versions of the album). This is clearly the most famous Smiths song and really the only thing on this album that stands out to me.
One star off for trying to nag at me about eating delicious meat.
I found this album generally uninteresting. I like some other Smiths tracks, especially How Soon Is Now, but I found this album dull and fairly one note in terms of style or variety. I know this is the album that put them on the map, but now 40 years after it's debut, I feel it's urgent and strident message feels faded and ineffectively delivered.
meat is murder by the smiths was a great album 8/10 due to not all the songs not being consistent it talks about about life
Solid album. Enjoyed and will probably re-listen again
2/5. You can definitely feel the young and moody energy from this one. It can fit a certain vibe but there is a sense of suburban middle class in the 90s that feels a little disingenuous. Everyone has the right to their emotions and if you feel connected to this, especially in middle and high school, more power to you. It's just not really what I'm relating to at this time. The riffs are neat and fun to listen to, and are honestly the highlight of the album. Don't think it saves it from Morrissey, once again. Best Song: That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore, Barbarism Begins At Home, The Headmaster Ritual
Fine album but I can't stand Morrissey.
Damn, love The Smiths but album is not really one of their best...
Morrissey is a cunt - it says a lot for this album that I can give it 3 stars
Great album, but morrisey is a wanker!
Two stars. One of the songs reminded me of a Dance Dance by Fall out boy
Enjoyable
Aucune chanson ne m'a vraiment marqué, la voix du chanteur reste "iconique"
i mean come on
Enjoyed listening to this album for the first time! Will have to check out their music more!
came into this project as a smiths hater - coming out of it as a smiths yeahtheyreprettydanggood-er that is progress