The Queen Is Dead

Fuck Morrissey

I ate a giant burger after listening to this. Take that Morrissey!!

Anyone else also get this album on September 8, 2022? The day Queen Elizabeth died? Can’t be a coincidence, right? Anyway, as for the album, I thought it was terrible and I hate that I live in a world where it is considered good.

This is regarded as the best album of all time and I can finally see why. It’s mostly sad and lonely (that’s the Smiths in a nutshell) but Morrissey is self aware and adds a touch of self deprecating humor sprinkled throughout the album. This album is very well written and Morrissey and Marr are so underrated when compared to the greatest rock duos. Do I consider this the best album of all time? No, I'm not even sure if this is the best Smiths album. Now I know how Joan of Arc felt. Recommended tracks: I Know It’s Over, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, Bigmouth Strikes Again, Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others, and the title track

This morning I'm listening to "The Queen is Dead" from the Smiths and released in 1986. I've gone through my share of times in my life where The Smiths were the only band on my mind. I was 12 years old when this album came out, so by no means do I know this band from any formative period growing up. Like a lot of artists, I've come at them later in life, and they have always been meaningful in my life. This continues with Morrissey's work as a solo artist as well. I don't get a lot of chance to listen to the Smiths, as my wife is not usually in the mood for anything from Morrissey as a rule. I get it, for every person that could spend hours listening to Neil Young, Morrissey, or Jarvis Cocker - like myself. There are lots of people who cannot even listen to these artists for even one second. It doesn't take away from the joy I get from listening to The Smiths on a sunny and cold morning in the state of Maine. These songs are going down like a fine wine, except I don't drink, so let's say some delicious coffee. It looks like many fans consider this to be the best album they ever did. How did anyone in 1986 make music like this? The music and lyrics are easily seen as a blueprint for many of the bands I like to come.

Between Morrissey and Elvis Costello I'm starting to regret this 1001 album challenge. Please make this be the last of either

This album. If I had 10 stars to award it, I would. Heck, 50 stars. It's one of my favorite albums, one of a few I've really been looking forward to rating. This was one of the first albums that was formative toward my taste in music, my obsessions over music, my love of music. I could go on all day over what it means to me, but I won't. Look at their Wiki, look at what others have to say about it. This is an exceptional album that is highly regarded and highly influential. There are multiple genres of music that trace back to this band and probably this album specifically. Given that it seems Morrissey goes out of his way to be disliked, that speaks volumes about the depth and quality of this album, the band, and yes, Morrissey himself. All that aside, it's just lovely to listen to. The songs are melodic, jangly, full of great hooks. Marr is in top form here, using a guitar in ways no one had really thought about before. It's like listening to an impressionist painting. I love the tonal shifts between the more irreverent songs (like "Queen," "Vicar" and "Shankly") and the sweet, pensive songs (like "I Know It's Over" and "There is a Light"). I am endlessly amused that the band everyone accuses of being so serious ends their best album with a song about, well, boobs. That's funny. The album is full of classics that are even better after repeat listenings. The Queen may get older, but The Queen is Dead hasn't really aged a day. Fave songs: Bigmouth Strikes Again, There is a Light that Never Goes Out, The Boy with a Thorn in His Side, I Know It's Over

I used to hate The Smiths. Without having heard most of their work, I judged it as mopey, self-flagellating posturing from an arrogant bigot. This all changed five years ago, when I was cornered by an aggressively enthusiastic fan in a club toilet to explain exactly what I didn't like. I haplessly explained that, well, as a guitarist, it was impossible not to appreciate Johnny Marr's playing. The rhythm section were tight too. So was it Morrissey? Well, I did like some of his lyrics. He certainly had a way with words. So..... his vocals, then? Actually, vocal imperfections don't bother me too much- it's the heart of the song that matters most to me. So what was my problem?! I went home, listened to this album soon after, and realised I had been a fool for shutting them out on impulse. It quickly became an absolute classic: the surging momentum of the opening track with its hilarious stream-of-consciousness lyric (there is so much more humour here than casual listeners give the Smiths credit for); the magnificent melodic run of upbeat-but-caustic-but-wistful "Cemetry Gates" to "Boy with the Thorn..."; the heartbreakers "I Know It's Over" (my all-time favourite Smiths song) and of course, "There Is A Light...". Morrissey is still an arrogant bigot, but in this case he can take my five stars and shove them up his arse.

This one took me a while to warm up to, but it's a perfect example of an album that's greater than the sum of its parts. Excellent sequencing and crystal-clear production really highlight some strong songwriting and playing. Morrissey's lyrics alternate between being poignantly wounded and a hilarious asshole. Johnny Marr must be one of the most influential pop guitar players ever - rarely (if ever) playing what could amount to a guitar solo, he instead makes some extremely unorthodox rhythm playing look effortless. The rhythm section is similarly un-flashy but rock solid, elevating strong material. "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" are a few of the best 80s Alternative tracks out there. It's rare to find a full album with no filler or songs that need to be trimmed, but it's a classic for a reason.

It's like listening to the same song over and over again for an hour. Pretty bad in my opinion.

Ahh.... The whining of Johnny Marrs guitars and the whining of Morrisey. Back to the good old days when Morrisey wasn't a controversial figure! Marr & Morrisey at their height here, Morrisey's poetry and Johnny's searing guitar licks. Lovely stuff, you can hear the Detroit influences of Iggy and the MC5 in the heart of the tunes throughout here. My favourites..... Gotta be "The Queen Is Dead" (Life is very long....when your lonely)"Big Mouth Strikes Again" & "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side" & for fun "Frankly Mr Shankly" and of course "There's A Light That Never Goes Out"

bro I’m laughing my fucking ass off 😭 whoever is running this website is a legend for giving me this album on 9/9/22 anyway, of course this album is fucking perfect - too good for the five star scale even

it's not really that bad, kinda catchy in a weird way. but it definitely is the soundtrack to suicide in some wussy way, like a sleeping pill overdose

Kinda boring. Didn’t feel like an album I needed to hear.

The Smiths reached perfection with this album. A collection of killer melancholic, romantic, Victorian songs from start to finish. It’s not an exaggeration to say that these songs have been the soundtrack of part of my life. Morrisey is at his best here, let alone Johnny Marr (deeply love his guitar with the capo on Bigmouth strikes again) This is the album for the black parade…

Every time I write about the Smiths I feel I should reinforce my view that Morrissey is a cunt. The worst person who's music I will love forever. Now that is out of the way... From start to finish, The Queen Is Dead is, perhaps, The Smiths' strongest album, and it's certainly their funniest. In particular, the Kinks-like music hall bounce of "Frankly, Mr. Shankly" and the rockabilly-tinged "Vicar in a Tutu" sport hilariously cruel lyrics, while brutal one-liners crop up in nearly every track. Elsewhere, the shimmering "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" is one of Johnny Marr's most glorious tunes, while "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" features one of Morrissey's most disconsolately romantic lyrics. A stone cold 5/5 for one of the best albums that will ever be written.

Sad music for sad people

36 years later and she still ain't dead. False advertising. One of my favorite albums of all time. Too bad Morrissey is kind of a dickhead, but let's separate the art from the artist. Best track is probably "Bigmouth Strikes Again" although it's so hard to choose when there's also "The Queen Is Dead", "Frankly, Mr. Shankly", "Cemetry Gates", "The Boy With A Thorn In His Side" and "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out". Do you think Lizzy listens to this in her free time cackling as she absorbs the life force of another virgin sacrifice? She'll outlive us all.

Interesting to see how everyone else rates this album today of all days now she is dead… This is an indie masterpiece one of the most influential albums on British music from the 80’s really led the way for Indie bands to follows. This album is so good, I don’t even feel the need to say how much of dick Morrsey is…

Ahhh, this album is fabulous fun

Well I guess you shouldn't believe everything you read or hear about a band. I was under the impression that the smiths were a downbeat, moany, depressing group - Now i realize that's mostly from people completely focusing on Morissey all the while letting his wit and sarcasm go way above their heads. While it's true Morissey tackles heavier subjects and can come off as a complainer, I think that's largely a misrepresentation of what he's doing. To me, it seems obvious the whole point is to have a juxtaposition between his angsty lyrics and the gorgeous music underneath him. That's only strengthened by his quirky, unconventional vocal melodies and the odd surreal lyric. Coming back to the music; it's just fantastic. The sweet, intricate guitar lines are beautiful, the basslines are catchy, the keys dreamy and the drum rhythms driving. I want to give extra credit to marrs unique and vibrant guitar playing but every time I forcus on him I notice that the music around him is what elevates him so much - so extra credit to everyone i guess. Always remains light, fun and just delightful to listen to.

Man I hate this

My sophomore year in college, I got mono and listened to nothing but The Smiths for two months. I don’t listen to them too often anymore but I formed a bond to the music during that window of time and I’ll always count them among my favorite bands. Their style is a balancing act - the music can have a muscular rock sound (I love that fat and funky bass!) but they can be delicate at the same time (like how they add that twinkling synth at the end of “The Queen Is Dead”). Morrissey is the king of sad and melancholy rock but he’s also very funny. He can really sell these ballads of unrequited love but there’s usually at least a hint of irony in his delivery. He’s one of my favorite lyricists too. “Frankly, Mr. Shankly” is a hilarious song and “I’d rather be famous than righteous or holy” is a great line. Here’s another line I love in “Bigmouth Strikes Again”: “Now I know how Joan of Arc felt / As the flames rose to her Roman nose / And her Walkman started to melt.” Ugh lines like that make me want to write rock lyrics. The album is stacked with great songs but these are probably my favorites: “I Know It’s Over,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” “The Boy With the Thorn in His Side,” “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”

But, the Queen still isn't dead. It's still very good, isn't it? Despite Morrissey being Morrissey. Did you know? Harry Enfield and Bob the Builder were in the original line up for The Smiths.

The Smiths are the type of band I wish I could like more. Their sound is certainly unique, but generally not gripping enough for me to love them. Regardless, I can recognize that this album is very good, and worth checking out. Favorites: "I Know It's Over", "Bigmouth Strikes Again", "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out"

The Smiths are so frustrating! Had the rest of the band not met Morrissey, and had stumbled into a different singer, they could have been a great band. Some would say they are great already, they are wrong. Musically it's all quite nice, the odd song here and there is even almost bearable, but he really has to go. Another voice here would be glorious. Horrible little man.

Well i was looking forward to this album, but it did dissapoint!!! His voice didnt change tone at all, all songs could have run into each other. Sorry 2 stars

I believe the Smiths are severely overrated. The music is boring to me, the vocals uninspired. Aside from how I feel about Morrisey personally*, I find his voice to be limited in range and full of whiny over-emoting. The music is largely simplistic and the lyrics are a sophomoric retread of teenage angsty introspection. I can't give it 1 star, because there is certainly much worse stuff on this list. But it barely makes a 2 for me. *I think his picture is next to the word "douche" in the dictionary.

I don't know if it's intentional, mere coincidence, or divine intervention that this was suggested on the very day that the queen passed away, but I appreciate the irony. However I am not a Smiths fan. Highlights are "Light that never goes out" and "Cemetry gates". Other than that it's pretty dull.

Well at least it was short. Whiny goth music. "I sure hope we die by getting hit by this truck" and the super insightful "Some girls ARE bigger than others"

Absolute dribble

I'm already in a bad mood today and the idea of listening to this fascist wax on about his moronic ideals or listen to the dumbest fucking rhyme I've ever heard in my life (Frankly, Mr. Shankly) fills me with the white hot anger of a thousand suns.

The opener is still my joint-favourite The Smiths song alongside their other sonic outlier, How Soon Is Now. The idiotic, arch rhyme of Frankly Mr Shankly camouflages it as potentially the album’s weak link, but with all its nasty cleverness, the title line is a taunt to the audience as much to the addressee. Andy Rourke dominates throughout; he’s up there with Entwistle in elevating the force of a pop band with a prowling bottom end. I have one other observation. Most of the time, Morrissey’s addressing someone else, usually critically, often cruelly. The antipathy isn’t remarkable: it’s a common tool in surviving social life. But his refusal or perhaps inability to consider another’s perspective interests me. He is bitingly incisive with his observations, but appears to lack any empathy or acknowledgement of an inner life of his characters, who might as well be dolls or cut-outs in his solipsistic universe. I fear Morrissey and would never want to be trapped in a mine or Andean place crash site with him, as in a survival situation, I am sure he would see me as food and lap meat from my fingers.

Excellent. Morrissey is a wanker but the album is iconic, fog-horny, self-aggrandizing in such an amusing way. Big fan. Don't listen to the smiths that often but I usually enjoy it. V appt album considering the context (the queen died) doubt that was. Agenuine mistake tbh

Hate Morrissey - love the Smiths, sometimes. And this album is one of those times - almost every track is a hit - the album is well paced and keeps you wanting more - the songs are masterfully crafted. A wonderful album. Also love the troll that this was pushed to all listeners the day after the Queens death.

in the words of the super furry animals. 'Let's get juxtaposed, juxtaposed Just suppose I juxtapose with you' The smiths. A band i love as much as any other band, but a band where the singer has shapeshifted in to one of the most loathsome people in the world. i would usually dock points for cretinous lead singers and thats where my juxtaposition lies. do i knobble the whole team for the sake of the star strikers cancerous view of the world or do i risk being a hypocrite and effectively turn into one of those people who loves wacko jackos music so just ignores his noncing? Lets explore. most other cretinous singers rose in their final form as a rancid turd you couldn't flush, but morrissey took the long road. he isn't so much the rancid turd that won't flush he is more the accumulation of years of shite in an uncleaned bog bowl. he is the sidewalls of the trainspotting toilet. the rancid turd and the trainspotting bog are equally as putrid, i wouldn't want to lick either of them and just because one turned up fully formed and the other took time to create doesn't make either more palatable. however, licking the bowl after a couple of years before the build up of shite began is a much more tasteful affair. that couple of years pre shite buildup is the smiths. i use this reasoning to justify my listening to the smiths. its pretty much just after you are the quarry that he got really bad so anything post then will recieve the 'Bono Deduction'. and seeing as how i mentioned wacko jacko earlier i suppose i have to clear that up too or risk sounding like i'm justifying noncing. apparently 1986 was when he got into little boys (metaphorically and physically) so anything before that is fair game anything from the album bad or later is..... bad.

Morrisey is a prick but he's a very talented prick. Great emotive vocals and really great lyrics from Morrisey particularly on "I Know it's Over." The music on this album is also really good stuff that manages to be entertaining and engaging while still fitting the somewhat dreary and sad tone of a lot of the tracks. The album also manages to have a very consistent feel to it without getting boring or overly repetive. The album even manages to have some fun without distracting from some of the more powerful somber tracks. It's really great stuff all around.

Fucking soppy wet lettuce. The queen is alive you slag!

Why is there so much fucking Morrissey on this list

[EDIT - I first got this assigned on Sep 9, 2022, which was nice] I grew up with this album and various Smiths singles of the period - Smash Hits loved 'em and who was I to argue? Oh, the thrill of catching a bit of "Bigmouth Strikes Again" on The Chart Show (perhaps with "Sledgehammer" or "Happy Hour" in the same episode). Still my favorite album of theirs, but now I can appreciate both how great the backing work is (once again, Andy Rourke is incredible) and what a twat Morrissey was/became. So incredibly accomplished, a lot of depth behind the great tunes. Solid five, of course

I love this album. Grew up listening to it.

I was only thinking walking back from work today, I hope I get a Smith's one on the album thing, so I can just splurge on how much I love em. WE CAN GO FOR A WALK WHERE IT'S QUIET & DRY & TALK ABOUT PRECIOUS THINGS.

What can I say, this is one of my favorite albums. I like every second of it.

This album is a classic from start to finish. Misery, melancholy, and moodiness suffuse most of the tracks undercut by the deliberate and dry wit of Morrissey. While the whole album is brilliant, standout songs are Cemetery Gates and There is a Light That Never Goes Out.

Johnny Marr has said that he used to bring in songs on guitar for Morrisey to sing over, and Morrisey never ended up singing over over the parts Johhny thought he would. He would just put the vocal wherever he felt like putting it. It ends up meaning that Marr's cool riffs often get a little buried, but that's not a terrible thing. I think that captures what I love about The Smiths so much. For the fairly simple instrumentation, there's a depth of discoverability there. Bits you don't notice on the first few go-rounds. Because you were listening to the crooner croon. And for a total fucking wanker, he sure does croon. They also do that thing I love that REM does where the rhythm can be fast and strummy or whatever, but the vocals don't necessarily match the rhythm. He can still be slow and croony while the band is sweating it out behind him. On this listen through I'm really digging the bass. The feel and the tone. I love the separation in sonic space between the bass, the vocals, and the guitar, and it often means the bass is "carrying" the song the song, waiting for the guitars or (more often) the vocals to swoop and and do something enigmatic. Love The Smiths. 6 stars. Minus 1 star because Morrisey is a dick.

What makes an album? Is it themes: musically, lyrically or narrativly? Is it a bug idea split into chapters like a book? Or is it simply that every song is great in it's own right and deserves a place on the album? This album does that, every song is amazing lyrically, musically the lot. Still a bunch of despicable twats though!

The smiths are one of my favourite bands, and I've heard this album countless times - an effortles 5 from me. Funny how the generator 'convieniently' gave me this album a day after it was announced the Queen died. I always used to get a kick out of the"TQID" song, but now she's actually dead it isn't particularly enjoyable anymore. Not because I'm grieving over the Queen(news of her death produced only indifference from me). But because the song has lost its edginess now that she's actually gone. This album will always be great, the perfect album to introduce someone to the Smiths. People who hate on Morrissey are total bores.

Another favorite album of mine. Marr is a genius. Morrissey is an idiot but also a genius. Roarke's bass is among the catchiest I've heard, turning otherwise dirges into dance numbers.

Bought this (on vinyl) in my teens and still have it. It’s an album I can listen to in my head. I’m completely incapable of giving it an unbiased review, such is the presence that this has been in my life. It’s almost like a member of the family, one stuck in the 80’s with floppy hair. Thins has also made me cogitate on the permanence of vinyl. Does its fragility make us look after it? Is it because noone has a record player in their car thus records never have the torture of being thrown into the footwell of the passenger seat and having to fight it out with other car detritus? Either way I still own some pretty shitty records but have lost / disposed of many great CDs

"The Queen is Dead" is the Smiths' 3rd studio album and was primarily recorded in the second half of 1985. Produced by Johnny Marr, Morrissey and Stephen Street, Marr said he was heavily influenced by the Velvet Underground, The Stooges and the Detroit garage scene. I honestly don't think I would pick any one of those bands given 20 guesses but, hey, the music is great is so...Speaking of great, Morrissey's lyrics are pretty much brilliant - satirical, self-deprecating and personal. He covers the monarchy, record industry, loneliness, relationships, plagiarism and social commentary on the female anatomy. At times, I thought Marr's music didn't match up with Morrissey's lyrics. Maybe, they were going for a dichotomy of lyrics and music, a la Dylan's "Rainy Day Woman." I don't think that anymore; the music matches up really well to the lyrics and may actually suggest dual meaning to some of these songs. No duds on this album. Morrissey's lyrics and Marr's melodies make all songs worth checking out to some extent. "The Queen Is Dead" starts the album with a sample from a 1962 British film and the band kicks it in with their most rockin song on the album. Marr had worked on this song since he was a teenager and the lyrics are apparently about the disconnect between the royal family and reality. The second side begins with two songs about the record industry and happen to be their two singles. "Bigmouth Strikes Again" was inspired by the Stones "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and has some pretty self-deprecating lyrics. I always loved the acoustic guitar chorus and electric guitar breaks. "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" happens to be Morrissey's favorite Smiths' song and about the difficulties dealing with the music industry. My favorite song on the album and maybe my favorite Smiths' tune is "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out:" a lonely person that gets happy and could care less if they died right then and there. At first, a song I thought the happy music didn't match the idea of getting run over by a bus. But, this actually is a happy song in a Morrissey sort of way. It's always great to revisit this album. To me this is The Smiths' best album and deserves its place among the top albums of the 80's.

If there ever was an album prescient of and apropos for Quarantimes, it is The Queen is Dead. Just as Schitt’s Creek was, surprisingly, exactly what many of us needed in the dark winter of 2020-2021 (YOU fold it in!), this album is just what I need as this Bullshit Period of Time takes a spiraling turn. There IS a light and it NEVER goes out. If David Rose were to write an album, this would be his album. In fact, David Rose reminds me of Morrissey. I know, I know—Morrissey is a little like crappy whiskey: syrupy, trying to be something bigger/more important than he actually is, hard to swallow, too much of him gives you a headache. And yes, he is 100% Brit-dick of the ages. (see: https://www.spin.com/2017/11/morrissey-defends-kevin-spacey-and-harvey-weinstein-saying-victims-shouldve-known-what-could-happen/) But early/mid 1980s Morrissey was a kinder, gentler version. Kind of like how David Rose—and Schitt’s Creek overall—evolved into a kinder, gentler version of himself. And this album, for me, reminds me of when I, too, was a kinder, gentler version of myself. Just a few notes from me: -The opening drums! My beloved They Might Be Giants once made fun of the Smiths for their “boom-chick” drums—The Queen is Dead stands in opposition to that critique. -Cemetry Gates is one of the songs that inspired me to learn the guitar and still one of my favorite little riffs. “A dreaded sunny day” portended my eventual feelings about living in Los Angeles. -Johnny Marr's technique and melodic lines and expressiveness shines here. And I think shows the signal that he's ready to move onto bigger and better things like The Pretenders. -His alliterative references get me every time. Loud, loutish lover. Monkish monsignor. Ten ton truck. -Randy Jackson would most certainly comment on his “pitchy-ness” throughout. But rather than try to be all fancy with my rare reviews, I’ll just let the lyrics speak for themselves as certainly relevant for this turbulent time. Since you’ve asked you are a flatulent pain in the ass. Some girls are bigger than others, some girls’ mothers are bigger than other girls’ mothers. (True? Yes. Relevance? None.) A vicar in a tutu, he’s not strange; he just wants to live his life this way. It’s so easy laugh, it’s so easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind. Life is very long when you’re lonely. #covid #quarantimes Take me out tonight Because I want to see people And I want to see life There IS a light and it NEVER goes out.

Magnificent. The best Smiths album. Morrissey is at the height of his maudlin melodramatic lyrical superpowers. It’s just so sonically delicious the way Marr and Morrissey’s different strengths compliment each other. I’m addicted to it, I can’t get enough, I can listen endlessly. You discover something new and fascinating with every play, their music is just jam packed with nuance and pithy potency. The Queen is Dead and The Smiths are too, but I do so wish they’d ride again.

Incredible album, no skips. If only morissey could listen and learn from his own lyrics. Earnest, soaring, painful, glorious. One of the greats.

Undoubtedly The Smiths finest moment. The Queen is Dead is where they go balls to the wall with their sound and ambition. Just when you think they have peaked with one song or two (the title track, Never Had No One Ever), they go ahead and whack you with another set of songs (Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Boy With the Thorn in His Side, There is a Light That Never Goes Out) that just obliterates whatever your preconceptions are of what's possible. This is rightly considered to be the absolute best album The Smiths ever made and it's an essential album of the 80s.

This is the best album from one of the most influential bands of all time. The Smiths are the quintessential indie rock/British post-punk band. This album shows the Smiths at their most mature. Morrissey manages to deliver his message in a way that doesn’t come off as heavy handed as he did in ‘Meat is Murder.’ The songs themselves are crisp, melodic, and impeccably arranged. Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar is simply iconic and is textured wonderfully with the bass and drums to leave songs that feel filled out despite still communicating a sense of alienation.

As a follow up to Meat is Murder and Hatful of Hollow (which are kind of the same but different) The Queen is Dead hits all the right notes. You have Johnny Marr's jangly guitars turned up plus Morrissey's morose whining tuned down. Some songs, such as Cemetary Gates and Frankly Mr. Shankly, are downright upbeat. Even the sadder or angrier songs, such as Bigmouth Strikes Again or The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, are fine tunes. While there is no giant of a song like How Soon is Now?, it is full of great songs and better production. Definitely an album any Smiths fan, 80s fan, or music lover should have.

I’m not a fan- but it’s still good.

Not exactly what I was wanting on a bright and sunshine-filled Friday morning - dreary moody emo rock from Morrissey and The Smiths - but I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting to.

Every song had a way to pull you back in before changing it. At times this felt like a 3 while others it felt like a 5.

Surprisingly upbeat at times with the classic Morrissey/Marr sound.

Great album, found the lyrics to be hilarious at times and the musicianship top-notch. The Smiths aren’t the best band that ever came out of Manchester (that would be The Fall) but they are pretty damn good.

I never went all in with the Smiths, always suspected he might be a nazi and possibly responsible for the cardigan craze of my youth. However this has four genuine classics, great for a mix tape and always had time for marr's jingly jangly riffs. Some dross on here though that can't be excused.

First off, very funny 1001 Generator, I don't know if I would've thought of doing that if I tried. Second off, fuck Morrissey. I won't be giving it a one star just for that, because I think that's unfair to the rest of the band, but fuck Morrissey. This album is excellent, not only do the notable songs actually stay enjoyable, but even the not so famous songs are enjoyable, which is an issue some albums from this era suffer from. I know some people think this just sounds sad and that's all to take away, but I think there's more to it then that.

Jangly guitar in all its glory. Great melodic bass lines. But Morrisey's lyrics are the star here. Sometimes he's clever, sometimes he's a petulant child, usually he's moody as all hell, but always he's compelling. "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" laps at the shores of genius.

I always heard people talk about The Smiths with reverence and after we got our first Smiths album, I was like eh I don’t get it. We just got the wrong one first, this album was really good

Short but was very enjoyable.

I used to hate the Smiths, mainly because I'm not a fan of Morrissey's maudlin vocal stylings, but I've grown to appreciate them over the years. Still not a huge fan of the vocals but I liked the music on this quite a bit. 3 stars.

Never listened to a full smiths albums, just random songs here and there. In general, I get why. I feel like the Smiths are a band made for the compilation. Good songs, album is ok? IDK.

I understand why "There Is A Light..." is so appreciated, it's a fine song. But nothing superlative as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, the sonic landscape is consistently good, a little melancholy but still pop. The pitch-shifting is fun.

Not my thing but love Johnny Marr

Reveals how much Smiths songs need a gimmick, not to mention a kick up the arse. The evidence is I Know It's Over, Never Had No One Ever and The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, which slump too comfortably into their favourite armchair. But everywhere else, they land on something unusual to give the elliptical storytelling, bummed-out vocals and chipper guitar the lift they need. That's a win for form. As for content, only time will tell if I can find any sort of emotional communion with Morrisey. For now, I'm happy to chuckle at his prickly phrasemaking.

Reminds me of High School and the kids who loved dockers and rolled up jeans. The Smiths are very good clearly maybe not exactly for me. This is still a good album clearly.

A sad, forlorn, and frankly delivered album from the mid-80's that is just as catchy as it is critical of humanity. Must be The Smiths.

Grew on me. First few tracks were dull but by Cemetary Gates I was in

I don’t hate this album as much as I used to, even if morissey is still way too whiney. This probably hit super hard if you were a British teen back then. The instrumental composition is really good. The fact that this got a 3 out of me is saying a lot. It just makes me want to listen to Brand New. Similar amounts of whiney crooning

I Cannot Fucking Wait Til Morrissey Dies [FLAC, 2018] (5/10, quite tame)

It’s too bad morrisey is a piece of shit

Thank god for whoever worked on that remaster, because the original mix was so flat and tinny that it was unbearable. Now, I can finally ignore Morrissey's cringe lyrics and deep self-importance to listen to some relatively decent backing tracks in peace.

Fun little jingle jangle songs that sound happy, lyrically sad, but all in good humor. Not quite my style, but I do appreciate the sound they create. Good for a melancholy mood that needs to be fixed.

This album was randomly picked the day after Queen Elizabeth II died so I’m not sure if that automatically gives it a 1 or a 5 so it gets a 3 because The Smiths

I like the smiths better than anything else Morrisey has touched but that’s not saying much. Moody pop masquerading as mod.

Morrissey's crooning is so over the top, and his lyrics toe the line between cheeky and earnestly cheesy. But it all somehow works. Favorite Smiths album for me.

British emo

I liked the production and grooves. The really unique delivery of the singer often sounds like singsong narration rather than melody. Sometimes that's cool, but it's a little much for a long listen, even on this short-ish album. The lyrics are also really literal and expository rather than esoteric and poetical. It's strange feeling: to be surprised, by the thought, that this is unusual!

I'm a big fan of Bigmouth Strikes Again. A cool song and a cool fella but more importantly the album was a solid listen. Some of the track had the same formula to to it but it was still fun to listen to. Top 3 Fav: Bigmouth Strikes Again, There is A Light That Never Goes Away, and The Boy With The Thorn In His Side Top 3 Worst: no bad songs 3.50/5

The amount of irritating headlines I've read about Morrissey is higher than the number of The Smiths songs I have heard. It's a shame because some of this is quite good, particularly the sad songs for sad boys and girls. The rest are okay, bordering on mediocre though. Such is life when an artist is hyped up as much as these guys. Maybe I'll listen to the title track and Cemetry Gates to help drown out all the insane things Morrissey says

I once knew this guy who was whiny and soft and I didn’t like him and he loved the Smiths and now when I listen to the Smiths I can’t tell if I don’t like them because they remind me of him or if it’s because I just don’t like them but I think it’s because I just don’t like them because they too are whiny and soft.

I never dislike the Smiths, but it does all run together for me. Fairly clever lyrics, and I certainly see the impact on alternative music.

Watching the one video from this album (The Boy With The Thorns In His Side), I remember why I don't like The Smiths: Morrissey is just a whiny little s**t. He just... tries to hold himself like he doesn't know what to do with his arms. He is no Jim Morrison, I can tell you that. And that whole jangle-y guitar. Gah. Just... irritating. Next.

I’m no monarchist, but The Queen is Dead has me reconsidering that stance. Surely, a benevolent dictator, unfettered by democracy, wouldn’t allow an enterprise as soul-draining and limp as The Smiths to run amok in their kingdom, would they? Johnny Marr’s guitar is The Smiths’ only saving grace in my book and it’s great here. The rhythm section is ok and the production is a typical 80’s mix. Everything about Morrissey sucks. Hard. He easily ranks amongst the 10 most insufferable people on the planet, and that was before revealing himself to be a Grade A bigot. If you like songs about how it would be great to be run over by a bus and killed, this is the album for you. Usually after I finish one of these records, I either listen to it again or listen to something similar in my collection for the sake of comparison. Today, I took off my headphones, unable and unwilling to do either. This record has (at least temporarily) made me hate music.

It's only getting an extra point because the queen finally fucking died.

not bad! i agree with the "sad music for sad people" review

Meh.

God I hate The Smiths.

Entering this with a strongly negative prior opinion. Let's see how it goes. At least it is relatively short at under 40 minutes. (Also a coincidental album title for the 9th of September 2022, maybe a little bit in bad taste). By the third track Morrissey's whinging voice is becoming almost intolerable, which is a shame because apart from the vocals the music is actually OK. Track seven and it is becoming physically painful listening to Morrissey, still only three more to go after this. I think I am strong enough. Well I survived to the end, and unfortunately my prior opinion was overwhelmingly confirmed. I detest Morrissey's voice to such a degree that it makes it impossible to really evaluate the rest of the band. It would be interesting to hear covers of some of these songs, perhaps that would help, but as it is I can't give this anything other than 1 star (I would prefer 0)

Got served this on the morning of September 9th, the day after Queen Elizabeth II (I of Scotland) passed away. So much for randomisation. Anyway, this is shite. Shite singer, shite songs, shite production, shite lyrics. The guy sings like he has been kicked in the plums, but I don't think we are that lucky. Turns out he is a nazi too, so fuck him. Would give it zero, or even less than that if I could. Absolutely pish

The Queen Is Dead starts out strong. The backbeat on the title cut is overly insistent, but the dense web of Johnny Marr's guitars makes this tune compelling, if overlong, and Morrisey's vocal is at least not offkey. Things swiftly go downhill from there. The ghastly oompah-pah beat of Frankly Mr. Shankly dooms it out of the gate. I Know It's Over is an update of 50s doowop, a nothing composition with a with a melodramatic delivery by Morrisey; he's constantly threatening to go out of tune; it's fucking awful. But what really sinks The Queen Is Dead is the uncreative songwriting; it's a compendium of cliches without a wrinkle of originality to be found anywhere, at least musically speaking. I didn't really pay attention to the lyrics. It didn't take me long to start to really resent Morrisey's melodies, though. They cycle through similar strategies. In particular, he's fond of endlessly arpeggiating between the tonic and the third of the song's key. Every song's melody is approached in this modal fashion. It's beyond boring. On Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Smiths find a new way to be annoying; the harmonies are sped up to sound like the Chipmunks. On the evidence of this album, it's a mystery why The Smiths had any sort of career. Wait, that's right, it was the 80s, possibly the biggest nadir of popular culture in the last 60 years. They fit right in. Other than my praise of the title cut, the only nice thing I can say is that the awful synthesizers are kept in the back of the mix and the production doesn't stink of the late 80s.

Garbage

I'd rather chew on aluminum foil than listen to morrissey.

Morrissey is an insufferable twat.