The Queen Is Dead

Kind of weird to get this literally 12 hours after Queen Elizabeth died, but I liked this one more than I expected (presumably because Marr wrote most of, if not all, the music).

Funny timing, another 4 star album from The Smiths for me

So, this popped up the day after the Queen died. Coincidence? I think not. Funny? Yes. And obviously it is a great album. Musically and lyrically way ahead of yesterday's "randomly generated" (honest) album - Morrissey's "Viva Hate".

shagging royalist its ok by me. Only drawback is listening to Morrisey sing.

Woah, 1001 albums, just chill ok? I get this one on 9th September 2022. I was shooketh, as was the nation. Anyhoo, love a bit of Smiths so it is all good.

The coincidence - or is it irony? - that this album came up on my list the day after QEII passed away? This album was a great follow up from Meat Is Murder. It brings the Smiths back into the Indie Rock fold and it's quite humorous. That slow progressive guitar rock rhythms and synthesisers really bring it into the 80s. Best: The Queen Is Dead Worst: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

WOW NO FUCKING WAY LMAOOO UPDATE: This album is great, Morrissey is a piece of shit.

A brooding masterwork

How very weird to get this album with the first song being “The Queen Is Dead” today of all days. I used to really despise The Smiths when they were in their pomp. I was a goth at the time so they were too popular and middle of the road for me at the time. They have grown on me over the years though. I’ve grown to like them more and more as Morrisey has turned more and more into a right wing lunatic. All in all a good album with some cracking tunes.

Morrissey is at his vocal best on this album. They have decent songwriting but not their best.

1986. There is a Light That Never Goes Out, The Queen is Dead

amazing timing.

TOPICAL AF

Long live the king.. of alternative rock. A classic that was almost my most listened to in 2018 so I struggle with impartiality

The Smiths are both difficult and easy to listen to. This album has some of their greatest hits. Dreary lyrics, Morrissey singing seemingly the same 5 notes over and over but makes them sound good? I tried so hard to hate this

Really really good

I enjoyed it, but it does get kinda same-y at some point. The same vocal intonation and general sound and timbre of the instruments just gets a lil boring.

Great album, melancholic, but I can't knowingly give Morrisey or that last track 5 stars.

This album fucking slaps. I love 80s pop

Nunca me han interesado mucho los Smiths pero creo que con esta escuchada empiezo a agarrarles un poco el gusto, hoy bonbump de 6 a 7.5 Btw que no me la creo que justo hoy haya salido ese disco, coincidencia o esta página está manipulada? xD

morrisey es vegana me cae mal

To die by your side, is such a heavenly way to die Epic song, good choice for 500 Days of Summer

Favourite song: The Boy With A Thorn In His Side One for Karaoke: Frankly Mr Shankly One for the Car: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out I didn’t realise you wrote poetry. I didn’t realise you wrote such bloody awful poetry, Mr Shankly.

Best song - Cemetery Gates One for karaoke - Frankly, Mr Shankly One for a run - Vicar in a tutu Forget the songs for a sec, this was the album generated the day after the queen died. Are we not living in the matrix? Not only is this a sign but we also got the album ‘Fragile’ the day Napoli smashed us 4-1. I’m half scared for the next album name

A modern classic

Love this album! Loads of absolute bangers!

Some girls mothers are bigger than other girls' mothers

Not enough Marr for me. Morrissey was on top form as singer and lyricist but was very uninteresting musically. Saying that some absolute cracking songs on this album.

Per me, bene o male, tutti gli album degli Smiths sono da 4 stelle: li ascolto volentieri e hanno il loro sound caratteristico.

Probably my favorite Smiths album next to their self-titled album.

Iron timing

Big fan of the smiths. Appreciate this title on day after queens death.

Finally. Also a Smiths album I much preferred over Meat is Murder, just flowed better as an album personally.

Morrissey's a prick but this album was pretty good

Love it, only downside is that it tends to move to the background of your attention real fast

Damn solid, will probably give it another listen or three.

the best known smiths album is a proper introduction, and you will not be dissapointed if you tap into other albums becuase the sound remained the same

Good album, I liked it a lot. Very close to something I would love but doesn't hit all the marks.

RIP

Good joke de la part des organisateurs. Je me demande depuis combien de temps ils attendaient pour le sortir... Bon album, pas mal le plus connu du groupe j'imagine. Bien fait, mais pas si mémorable que ça.

Nothing completely stands out, but a good sound. Also bonus points for relevance.

Well I definitely loved this. Smiths are a band I’ve always heard about but never really sought to listen to, besides the obvious favorites played on First Wave. But I love the uptempo driving acoustic guitar, love the drums, whimsical lyrics, all of it. Except: Morrissey's voice gets a bit old after awhile. often I want him to chill out and let me enjoy the music a little bit more.

Fuck Morrissey tho

Liked: Frankly, Mr Shankly I Know It's Over Cemetry Gates The Boy with the Thorn in His Side

First time fully listening to a The Smiths album. I liked it, somewhat dreamlike. Only con is a lot of the songs sounds kinda similar.

ive only listened to the the smiths essentials playlist on apple music but i liked listening to this whole album, pretty good id say (i am a woman)

Fuck Morrissey

Really enjoyed the album never really have a proper listen to the smiths before and was pleasantly surprised. Some not so good songs but as is with most albums. Opened me up to listening to further smith albums and one I will definitely listen too again.

Listened before: No Enjoyed: Yes Listens: 2 Never really listened to The Smiths before, but this was pretty good and I'm excited to delve deeper

"There is a Light That Never Goes Out" is so morbidly romantic. Always a good album.

I wasn't too familiar with The Smiths, as it was outside of the genres I listened to as a kid. However, this album is great and grew on me quickly. The song writing, particularly the lyrics, are incredible. There is a little bit of British pretentiousness that annoyed me a first but that quickly faded away. 4.5

Would normally score 3/5, but given the perfect timing, it can have a 4/5. 👸💀

Vibes de ouf. Sounds quite a bit like the clash, really cool old school UK rock I actually listened 3 times to the album, it's really great each song is unique in its own way and I overall loved the album Also RIP Elisabeth 2 4.5/5

Was really nice to go along this album. Sounded nice and melodic. Nothing particular but I would gladly listen to it again and especially some tracks marked me. 3.5/5, leaning toward 4/5

Despite the dreadful vocal affectation it's a great album with wonderful lyrics ...at one point it affectively says "if you think my singing is bad you should hear my piano playing"

Nostalgic

Overall an enjoyable album, nothing particularly stood out except Bigmouth Strikes Again which was quite good

witty af. brilliant opener.

This album is the 80's for me.

Brilliant

We all know the very moody Morrissey and the very musical Marr make such a fine family. But I'd like to applaud the wonderful work of the other two Smiths (whoever they are).

Good jams, not my exact type of music but definitely making listen to more smiths

They’re funny for this. but also liked this album a lot

4.5 Okay so confession time: I haven’t listened to enough Smiths/Morriesey to have a strong opinion on either. I knew I’d been missing out but holy shit this was an absolute blast front to back. I never knew they were so catchy (which is apparently important to me), and there’s so much more nuance to Morrissey’s voice than I realized. There were some lyrics that I found kind of cringey but that’s about all I have in terms of negatives. The music takes every chance it can to subvert my expectations, be it an irregular chord progression or some cool pan flutes, I was engaged completely. I will be listening again and looking into more by The Smiths at least. I liked all of the songs here except maybe Some Girls are Bigger than Others. Perhaps a bit rude. Musically really cool though.

Very sad boy music. I didn’t hate it!

RIP. God save the queen. Also, I liked this album more than I was expecting.

The Smiths are the 80's for me.

Really good album. Solid songwriting, very mood-driven. I love the contrast between the jangly guitars and the more melancholy vocals.

Dismissing this as just sad music seems too reductive. Morrissey is a goofy weirdo but there is value here. Good songs and performances even if they don't have catchy pop hooks.

Solid brit punk album, the smiths seems to really hit their stride here as the vocals come out. The album itself has a great progression to it.

i see what you did there, oh the mighty creator of 1001albumsgenerator.com

Love the timing of this one. Solid album

Looses a point because Morrissey's gone all fash

Pretty solid. I’m still not all in on the smiths but you can definitely see a lot of good ideas here

Great songwriting. The juxtaposition of dreamy, romantic lyrics as well as their smooth and crooning performance on top of heavier rock guitar and drums creates the unique Smiths sound. Also lmao at this being the album for this day, definitely not a coincidence.

Interesting that this is the day after The Go-Betweens. The Go-Betweens are on my underrated list, The Smiths are on my overrated list. Don't get me wrong. There are quite a few good songs here (There Is a Light That Never Goes Out is a classic), and I love Johnny Marr's guitars. However I find Morrissey too much at times and I tire of his delivery. This could be The Smiths best release, but I do not share the opinion that it is an all-time great. Another time we need a half-star. It is Monday morning and I am feeling generous.

a better version of what we heard yesterday, but not really my personal taste. I'd give it a 3.5 if possible but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Highlights: The Queen Is Dead, I Know It's Over, There's A Light That Never Goes Out

Enjoyable.

The timing of today's album; lol. This was pretty great. I need to spend more time with The Smiths, and this album reminded me of that.

Good album, but I was already familiar. The first track is a bit long/meandering, and it takes a little to settle in, but then I'm very much into it. 4/5

I'm not really familiar with The Smiths apart from knowing they are post-punk legends. Was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. Memorable songs and awesome production. Bass playing is sick too.

I like The Smiths, but I've never been a huge fan either. Listening to Louder Than Bombs from time to time is more than enough for me. That being said, it's still a great album, no real flops and some incredible highs.

Feel mainstream to listen to this album this week, when the real queen just past, but also fun to rediscover this classic album.

Classic album that is musically almost perfect. The songs are so smooth, but uplifting and grandiose at the same time. They sound indescribably refreshing, even to this day. Morissey's interpretation sometimes seems a little forced out or too much "I want to be special", that's the main point that prevents me from giving it 5 stars. Also, there are maybe 2 songs that seems more to be fillers.

Listened to on 9/9/22 4/5 Favorite song: cemetery gates, there is a light that never goes out Getting this album the day after Queen Elizabeth’s death felt a bit too ironic and aggressive. The album feels sad and lonely but there were a few hidden gems that bumped it up to a 4

the gall to choose this album on the day following queen elizabeth ii's passing!!! (i'm hardly offended, it's just amusing that our fearless leader chose the same album for all listeners.) this album. in a word, it's moody. i hadn't ever listened to the smiths before, but i understand now how teenagers can easily gravitate toward the smiths. one big reason has to be these lyrics--they're so descriptive and i couldn't help but being drawn to them. they're not completely pleasant ("mother, i can feel the soil falling over my head" from "i know it's over" or "to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die" from "there is a light that never goes out") but they're full of so much feeling and emotion. there's some unexpectedly catchiness in here. that upbeat tune in "frankly, mr. shankly" or "cemetry gates" grabs your attention, despite the darker subject matter. it's interesting to pair a weird song like "vicar in a tutu" with a beat that's bumpin'. somehow the album flows well, a credit to marr. some songs here were great! some missed the mark for my own tastes, but half of the album was just so strong, strong enough that i already can't wait to listen to those songs again. i do love those heavy, emotional songs. oh yeah, following what other reviews have said: fuck morrissey.

I was among the folks that had this album come up the day after Queen Elizabeth II's passing. I appreciate the morbidity, Alexander, but what have you done by subverting the random nature of this project? Surely this will cause a cataclysmic ripple effect across our universe with unpredictable and disastrous consequences! This album is moody and there is some dark yet catchy guitar work to be found here. For these reasons, this album really borders on something gothic, even though it and the band was never considered to be so. When it comes to post-punk alternative music like this, I always find that I enjoy listening a lot of it, but I don't often seek it out. That said, I enjoyed listening to this but probably wouldn't run back to listen to many of these songs outside of the context of the album. I think The Smiths probably have some other, more catchy individual songs. Still, a worthy inclusion!

I liked the feeling of melancholy it gave and the word play. I know Morrissey became a caricature and then a shitshow but i'd listen to this again.

This is the album is where it all comes together and works for both Morrissey as a singer/songwriter and the Smiths as a whole. It's mostly sad, a little bit funny, and the title track really starts out the album with a bang. I hadn't listened to it in a few years, and I liked it even more than I remembered.

Ah the 1001 Albums Generator again at it's finest, nominating this album the day after Lizzie has popped off this mortal coil. I feel any review of The Smiths/Morrissey need mention that Morrissey himself is an utter bell-end, but now that's out the way we find a solid album, containing some of the band's best material - Bigmouth.., There is a Light..., The Boy with the Thorn. Some of the other tracks don't hit such high notes, hence it's a 4/5 from me.

timely

A rigged algorithm to serve us a deceased monarch the day after our monarch deceased. That aside it's a excellent album fronted by a whining whinger.

What are the odds that I get this album the day after Elizabeth II dies? I'd say not great. Had a buddy of mine who's also going through the list check to see if he got the same one. He didn't, but he did get an album by . . . Queen! Good on you, 1001 Albums Generator team! Anyway, this album is good stuff. I never really got into the Smiths when my friends in high school did. In fairness, I don't think they really liked them - they just thought it was cool to say they liked them. For me, I'm glad I didn't really listen to most of their stuff until I was older. I appreciate it more.

Really.

There was a time when I really couldn't stand The Smiths and maybe that was because I saw myself as someone who listened to louder, cruder, harder stuff. And also because I hadn't listened to any Smiths. This is a hard one not to like! You have to buy into the ridiculousness of the songs to an extent and once you have, it's a little party. The dark humor and emoishness mixed with the popishness, it all works for me now. These songs are good, that's all.

Too soon. Or wait - how soon is now? I don't know what I'm talking about, but I do know I enjoyed this album. Good solid way to start off a Monday. I don't know crap about the trajectory or release order of this band's material, but this one sounds like the type of album that would be praised as a band hitting their stride. Okay, just checked and it's their third record so that makes a ton of sense. I will be listening to this again. Soon. Too soon.

Yup, solid Smiths content, and the timing is appropriate. It's maybe slightly too twee in places for my tastes, so I don't rate it as highly as their other albums. Fave track - "There is a Light That Never Goes Out"... One of my favorite Smiths songs overall.... Do I know it best from a cover, perhaps? Or maybe it was included on a mixtape I treasured back in the before times... 🤔

Most of my favourite Smiths songs are on here. You really only need this and maybe a best of or singles collection.

Perfect timing! "God save the Queen" no tf he didn't. Anyway Morrissey's a real piece of work but this album's solid. Favorite tracks: There is a Light, Cemetry Gates, The Boy with the Thorn, The Queen is Dead (REAL) (NOT CLICKBAIT). Album art: Quite boring innit. Washed out to hell, Morrissey post-wank. 4/5

Too soon!

Of all The Smiths albums, this was the least known to me, but listening to it today confirmed it as yet another near perfect record. "Bigmouth Strikes Again" is one if my all-time favorite songs.

Bangers

Funny timing moment

Honestly some of their best and most melodic songwriting!

Love The Smiths, good album.

really good :3 made me feel like i was in the 80’s

The Smiths- The Queen Is Dead Genre: Indie Pop Score: Strong 8 Favorite Songs: The Queen Is Dead, Frankly, Mr. Shankly, I Know It’s Over, Never Had No One Ever, Cemetery Gates, Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, Vicar in a Tutu, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others

I don’t know if this was intentional or some really crazy coincidence but either way I love angst

I'm glad I got exposed to this. Definitely wish to return to it, but not in too much of a hurry. Reminded of the Talking Heads if they were worst at some points. Cool songs and a really solid project. I thinking a 7/10.

Pretty good!

Absolute classic

Got this on the day Queen Elizabeth the II died. Actually loved it. Most of the lyrics read as poems and some of them are really interesting and thought-provoking. Loved “Frankly, Mr. Shankly” 4/5

Sehr melodisches Indie Album. Gerne mehr von diesem Sound!

Decent. Better than the other smiths one i just listened to. Also gas timing lads. Very funny

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Love new wave but this isn’t my favourite Smiths album. I know. Controversial. There are obvious highlights but it isn’t of absolutely consistent quality.

Definitely a vibe but not something I would listen to.

very ironic timing

Well, you know

I like The Smiths :)

I write enjoyed this. Nothing amazing but with the listen.

very good album some songs are a lot better than others

The best one to me so far. Will probably listen to it again. There wasnt any boring moments or skips for me. Still dont feel like a 5.

Good stuff 8/10

i had heard music by the smiths before a few times, but this was my first time listening to a real record by them. it was surprisingly good, and despite the smiths not being my style of rock, i found the album to be very consistent and enjoyable as a listen. i would listen to this again

Good album that I think will grow on me with more listens. "I Know It's Over" is beautiful. I love the bouncy guitars, bass, and drums on most tracks.

Good! Love the smiths

Too short.

So the person that runs the album generator has a bit of a dark sense of humour. I can assure you this is their doing, not mine! To my knowledge, I only know one song by the Smiths and it isn’t on this album (it might even be by Morrissey on his own, I’m not actually sure). It’s hard to not go in automatically wanting to hate this, based on him saying many somewhat controversial things in the past. But let’s try to separate the art from the artist… Songs I already know: didn’t think I knew any, but I did recognise There Is A Light That Never Goes Out Favourite after listening: Frankly, Mr. Shankly Overall: 7/10 I think I’m right in saying people think Morrissey is an excellent lyricist… “Cause there's always someone, somewhere With a big nose, who knows And who trips you up and laughs When you fall” Really? Their music is catchy, I’m sure I’ll be humming some of the songs through the day today, but the lyrics are silly and the singing seems to just be rambling on about things 13 year olds get sad about. I might come back to a few of these songs one day, but I can’t see me listening to the whole album again.

Classic.

Album flows really well and several great songs. Love that this album was picked for the day after queen Elizabeth died

Jesus christ

Quite the coincidence that this was chosen randomly as queen Elizabeth actually passed away yesterday, first song “queen is dead” is actually really good though. Vocals are unique and bass and guitar work is great. Love the solo at the end. Album is very British, “I Know It’s Over” sounds like something that would play in a hazy pub while playing pool with the boys and the football game is going on lol.

I’ve heard this album before but I was happy to give it another listen. Enjoyed this a lot.

Shockingly good. Dramatic, emotive, ironic. I get it and I’m mad about it

Unexpectedly good

Another reason why the smiths still stand out as one of the best bands to grace th earth. Smiths at their best. There is a light that never goes out

Good album. Very timely. Amazing songs.

she certainly is dead. Great album but morrisey is racist so it's one of them isn't it.

You know, it has some quite good tunes that's lasted the years, despite old big head.

Hell yeah

4 Stars probably, quintessential highschool album of the ages. Fuck morrissey. Even though the specific references were arcane to me as a teen, I liked the obvious rebellion. Also the first time that I heard Oscar Wilde's name. 4 stars

unbelievable comic timing 9/10

Never liked the voice and style, but still a good album.

The Smiths are a band that I only knew by name before listening to this album, so I didn't knew what to expect. Honestly, I quite liked it, it is clearly punk/new wave, yes, but it also has a certain early indie feel to it. Unfortunately, the album is far from perfect, and many of the songs weren't my thing, but I really liked the title track

Had good parts, I appreciated the songmanship in parts and Genna’s favorite Smiths song is in this album.

I can't believe the timing on this 💀 Anyway, I am already a pretty big fan of The Smiths but the only song on this album I was familiar with was There Is a Light The Never Goes Out. It was interesting to hear some of the other stuff they've done

rip queenie

Morrissey is an ass, but these songs are still good. Bigmouth Strikes Again and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out in particular. Classic.

Love The Smiths <3

Really? today??? 09/09/2022 I'll listen to this record every day if necessary.

It's good, but it's not really for me.

I cannot fucking wait until Morrissey Dies

Topical.

On the day after the queen died, either funny algorithm, or pure coincidence.

Awesome. Didn’t expect such good bass riffs. Guitar portions were unique. Whinny British 80s music never gets any more unique that just that. Good voice but god this person is a teenage girl. Catchy tunes. Great breakdowns and great quality recordings

I only have two artists blocked on Spotify, and Morrissey is both of them. Unblocked just to listen again. This one is at least better than Meat IsMurder, but I'd much rather live my life without Morrissey being in it in any way

I think its really weird for a genrated album site to give me an album with a title corsponding with a current news event but this is just a thoght . Now I enjoyed most of this album because of moressey lyrics, even if the song VICAR IN TUTU is one of dumbest ideas for a song ever. Something else about the queen is dead is each song has its know identiy

Good 👍

johnny marr!!

Excuse me? Today? The queen is dead?

Ok, getting this album the day after Queen Elizabeth died cannot be a coincidence. - The Queen is Dead – Drum intro is fire! The song is a parody of media’s fascination with the Royal Family, when they’re irrelevant at best and relics of colonial imperialism at worst. Bass line is really good. Really didn’t need to be nearly 6:30 (at least the last 1:30 is entirely unnecessary), but it’s a very good song. - Frankly, Mr. Shankley – Title and tone immediately indicate it’s a joke song in a very British style of humor, filled with self-deprecation and cheerful jibes. It’s essentially a public request to their record label head asking for more money. It made me chuckle. - I Know it’s Over – Softer sound led by slow bass and cross-stick drum patterns. It’s a desperate loneliness ballad, drawing special attention to the speaker’s ego and self-destruction. Effective deconstruction of a mindset represented still today by incels and everyone else who blames the world instead of themselves for inability to find a romantic partner. Not a fan of the outro, though. The vocals get a bit overdone and aimless at that point. Still a good song, though probably not one I’ll save. - Never Had No One Ever – Very bleak lyrics over a melancholy song. Also kinda stalkerish. My least liked song so far from this album. Gets repetive and very whingy. I actually like the outro from 2:10 on more than I like the song itself (and it’s still only decent). - Cemetery Gates – Chock full of references to other poets, specifically a take on Oscar Wilde’s quote “talent borrows, genius steals” as a refutation to allegations of plagiarism. It’s a pretty cleverly written one, though not one I’ll save. - Bigmouth Strikes Again – Love the acoustic riff in the intro into the drum lead. Some great guitar work in here. Great track! Only part I don’t like are the weird occasional pitch shifted squeaks saying “Bigmouth”. It deals with Morrissey’s reputation as a Bigmouth and the consequences thereof, half-sarcastically comparing himself to Joan of Arc. - The Boy with the Thorn in His Side – Morrissey is the boy and the thorn is the music industry and everything else that held him back. This one is less self-aware/more egoistic than the others, so it gets a down for me. The end is especially repetitive. - Vicar in a Tutu – A weird song supporting nonconformity and taking jabs at the institutions of organized religion. No my thing, but it’s kinda fun. Ending is weird. - There is a Light That Never Goes Out – A song longing for social interactions and connection. Also expresses some casual suicidal ideation. It’s a good song. I like the alternative instrumentation. It’s in general a cry for help for rescue from adolescent loneliness and despression, a sentimenta s relevant as ever today. - Some Girls are Bigger than Others – Interesting effect at beginning with the music opening, fading out, then fading back in. The song as a whole is a mockery of people’s fascination with breast size, as if that concern is somehow central to the human experience. It’s a silly track but a decent one. The outro is really good! Listening to Suede and this back to back, it’s even more stark how much of a ripoff of the Smith’s Suede was. This is better in literally every way, from the vocals being tolerable to the better instrumentation, songwriting, and lyrical content. There’s a few tracks I’m not fond of, which is why it doesn’t quite get a 5, but on the whole it’s got a lot of great songs and creates a great listening experience individually or all together. Top Track: - The Queen is Dead – Great drum intro and solid concept. - Frankly, Mr. Shankly – Funniest track on the album. - Bigmouth Strikes Again – Rockiest tune on the album. - There is a Light That Never Goes Out – Great loneliness anthem.

Got this album on the morning after the queen died lmao. It's their London Calling, in that the cover looks great on a shirt, if you mention the album, it's in order to look cool, and you never want to listen to the whole thing for how goofy the non-single-or-title-track cuts are.

hahaha obviously

Top 3 Songs: 1 - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (9) 2 - I Know It's Over (3) 3 - Bigmouth Strikes Again (6)

This appeared the day after Elizabeth II died. Random my ass.

The queen is dead. Rest in peace.

Love the wordsmith skills. I want this LP

Inappropriate irony to recommend the day after the monarch for 70 years passes.

Haha very funny

This is a really solid collection of songs. Some are pretty funny and silly, and some really romantic and sweet. Lots of great guitar/bass/drum grooves that are jangly and fun. The vocals are consistently melodic and fun. Nice album.

I can’t believe I never heard of the Smiths before undertaking this project. Remarkable music, both for its inventiveness, sensitivity and power. Will be listening often!

It used to be my favorite Smiths album, w but it gets harder to listen to as Morrissey becomes a bigger twat.

j'aime le style!

Classic album

some 5 star tracks but some filler as well

Look, I’m far from a fan of Morrissey (both his voice and his personality), but even I must admit the Smiths are a good band. The instrumentation is tight and the lyrics have a poetic quality.

👍🏻

Weirdly got this album on the day or the day after the Queen passed. Spooky. This album took a while to get into, I haven't really listened to The Smiths before but know of Morrisey. There's some fantastic tracks of this album. It really took a while to get into this but that may be me just shifting from what I've been listening to.

I enjoyed the quicker pace and conciseness of this one. There was a nice little groove to most of the songs and while nothing blew me away I was at least entertained. Had to dock points for Robert Smith's overly British vocals though.

Topical boppy goth music

Really like this. The singer has such a sweet voice.

A little depressing but beautiful music and lyrics

I mean it’s a pretty good album, nothing more to say then that

nice album! didn’t expect to get it the day that the queen died, but i did enjoy it.

a rainha morreu ontem kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk 9/9/2022

Had a listen to it for the time in ages. Still an outstanding album, but verging on being " very of its time". Nonetheless, not a poor track on it! And a coincidence it appeared today? I think not!

Expected sadness from the smiths/morrisey- many songs I knew but didn’t recognise from this album. Poignant has was my to listen album when we heard the Queen had died - so bravo random albums generator!

Great album

the witch is death

Solid Smiths album that most consider the best. (I think I prefer Meat is Murder) Morrissey is an arsehole but well not judge the album on that. A set of strongs songs from an iconic band.

Don't know whether to laugh or cry at the irony since The Queen did in fact die last night. Methinks someone tinkered with the 'randomised generator' for this? I've always struggled to be over the moon with The Smiths and never got beyond the hits despite thinking there must be something i've missed somewhere- Marrs music and Morrisey's lyricism are epic but both are a bit grating after a bit. Still, I played this through again and increased the 'enjoyment factor' a tad but still never enough for me to put them on again.

Cheeky

Yeah, the music here is all really good. Minimal dreamy sad music for the 21st century made in 1980's UK

Best Song: There Is a Light That Never Goes Out. Something about the specificity of the chorus ("double-decker bus"), and the way the rhythm and rhyme matches up, is pleasant to the ear. Angsty, perhaps, but enjoyably so. Worst Song: The Boy with the Thorn in His Side. Morrissey's strengths are in his lyrics, so him scatting the melody alongside the guitar did little for me. Overall: Morrissey's soft, silky voice works here with the vaguely dark and introspective lyrics. The real star here might be the rhythm section, which gives most of the songs an upbeat bounce to it that provides a counterpoint of life that juxtaposes well with Morrissey's understatedness.

Heard a lot about the Smiths, but never listened an album. I was not disappointed! Great sound, love his voice. Sometimes a little bit repetitive, but overall a great album. Also the timing of this album in my list can’t be coincidental ;) Favourite songs: - Frankly, Mr Shankly - Cementry gates - There is a light that never goes out

Long live the king!

Very good album. Had to take away one star because Morrissey's voice is so smooth it's creepy.

Good album, long love the Queen!

Back in the days when he was merely a great musician. What a shame he became the person he is now

What an album. I discovered the Smiths just after I started my first job after uni. Still sticks in my mind

the bot gave me this album on the day the queen died.. i mean, can't be argued

A fun re-listen and I'm guessing this album was pushed because of the death of the queen.

Interesting to see how bands can become mainstream after 30-40 years.

I had a weird mental block with The Smiths for a very long time. This album definitely broke that block. Loved the album. Not my favorite album ever, but plenty of bops.

so great

The one that got away was a big Smiths fan so I became one myself, I even got this on vinyl. Truth is, the record is pretty mid but has to earn an additional star for TIALTNGO that is a song for the ages.

HL: I Know It’s Over, The Queen is Dead, There is a Light… September 9 2022 :0 you sly dog

Classic.

sheesh what can i say a classic album with 4-5 songs with huge meaning to me and are great. that being said the rest are quite similar and are a little borrow. but the guitar is always A1

morrissey is a pleb

Never listened to The Smiths before, but it's a good album, very enjoyable and classic.

Great album that I didn't know yet. Cemetery gates, bigmouth strikes again and there's a light that never goes out are real joys to listen to, as are the catchy Frankly mr Shankley and some girls are bigger then others. Some other songs are just okay though. A lot better than Meat is Murder imho.

Pretty classic

Very English 3.5/5

Morrisey's a piece of doodoo, but damn if this isn't some of the finest doomer music to come out of a country besides Russia.

85/100: Very funny move giving this album on the day the Queen died, but oh wow is this an incredible album. I absolutely love The Smiths, so this review will obviously be biased. I don’t see how anyone could dislike this album, though. When I first started listening to The Smiths, I didn’t think much of Morrissey’s voice. I liked the music, but didn’t think it was anything all that special. The more I listen to them, though, the more I realize how truly special it feels to listen to Morrissey sing. As a singer, it’s such a hard line to balance between having a unique “sound” that helps you stick out without that uniqueness being distracting. There aren’t many examples of this balance being struck perfectly—Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder, Freddie Mercury nearly exhaust the list. Morrissey absolutely belongs in this category. As soon as you hear a song by The Smiths, you immediately know who it’s by because of that voice and I think that’s really cool. The other great aspect of a singer this talented is how their voice can create beauty within simplicity. None of the songs on this album are very complex, most are very straightforward; however, they all have incredible replay value because of the beauty contributed by Morrissey’s voice. This is a fantastic album and I would (and certainly will) listen to it again.

Not a coincidence but still I enjoyed this one, not a crazy fan though

Not entirely sure why some regard this as the best album. Still a good listen though.

RIP

I love this album, but I think we can all agree Morrissey is a twat.

Sidleds wild for this one lol. The Smiths present a challenge to my practice of rating sus musicians: Morrisey got 1 star for a solo album, and the 2 Michael Jackson records I’ve gotten were fairly rated despite his actual crimes. I guess there’s no rhyme or reason, so the Smiths will get a normal rating as a group but any future Mo album gets 1 star. Anyways, great stuff right here. Super catchy and worms it’s way right into your heart. 4 stars

Did everyone get this album today?!?!?

THE QUEEN DIED YESTERDAY This is a banging album and I really like the smiths musically and not at all as people

A compact gem.

I rate the Smiths, this project has opened my eyes to them, not just their reputation.

I enjoyed this more than Meat is Murder, and part of that might be that I spent more time with the lovely lyrics this time. A song about plagiarism in a cemet'ry? Okay! Morrissey is still whiny, but I get and appreciate the humor and I enjoyed most of the album apart from "I Know It's Over."

The ghost in the machine forced me to list when the queen had died. As much as I am sick of all the new wave BS on this list, The Smiths are still hands down the best at it, and make everyone else seem like pale imitators. This is probably a 3.5 for me, but I want to really put some distance between it and all the rest of the new wave crap.

I had never listened to the Smiths before now, despite hearing some raving reviews from fellow fans of alt and indie rock. From what I'd heard, I expected their music to be a bit... weirder. I see now how they inspired indie bands for decades to come and laid some of the groundwork for emo-rock. The album is marked by clever lyrics, sprawling vocals, impeccable guitar work, and a delightfully morbid feel. I will absolutely be returning to this album and venturing deeper into their discography.

first experience w the smiths. Apparently l Morrissey sucks and I shouldn’t like him but this album was cool. Indie rock jangly guitars blend of styles cool voice super British. I like the stuff that they influenced but not really super into this like obsessed. this hit pretty nicely though. Rest In Peace lizzy

Great, and 37 minute length is too good

Maybe a bit too folky for me at times but otherwise i thought this was pretty solid. If i was in a wind down mood i could see myself putting this on again at some point.

8th September 2022 The Queen passed away. And this album showed up. It had to be coincidence. I really have no feelings towards the queens death. Its no malice or sympathy. Its just an incredibly influential lady died, whose policies have affected me but also its not like she went. Im doing this because of Hazel Chia. She did it because she was probably racist and exploitative. But she also lead England out of a decolinization period. I wonder if she just made the best of the terrible choices infront of her. Im so influenced by my friends and familys thoughts so its wild to think about moking a decision with a country looking at you. Anyhow, The Queen is just a Queen, she isnt the PM who is actually making decisions. Anyhow the 1st human anatomy clas i had was fun. Im really just using this as a journal But thats okay, i will like that in the future

Already heard

After getting a Morrissey album a few days back I get this. Of course, I got this on September 7th, 2022 but I didn't listen to it since I was travelling and what happens the next day? The actual Queen died. I saw it was given as an album for everyone the next day which is a fun little thing. As I wrote in my other Smiths review, I don't really care for this band, but relistening to this album after some time reminded me of all the songs of the Smiths I loved are on this album. So for that reason I enjoyed it a lot more.

I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would!

Very cool

Some classic songs on this album.

My favourite Smiths album. Marr and Morrissey at their peak as songwriters and performers.

I am not sure this album would resonate like it did at the time and I am bringing my old biases to it, but was always a bit of a fan...and I still enjoy hearing it...almost all of it.

Immediately listenable with 'fun' lyrics. Pretty good really!

Loved it - the music and lyrics are all written so well.

4.25

Genuinely enjoy the Smiths

I'm not into The Smiths, but have always been a bit curious (an innuendo befitting of Mr. Morrisey). They are good and this album is good. Johnny Marr does some good work arranging the music and Morrissey's lyrics are at his cryptic and/or tongue-in-cheek best. This shines through on the hits - Bigmouth Strikes Again (my personal fave), The Boy With the Thorn in his Side, and There is a Light that Never Goes Out (one of the cheeriest ugly death songs you'll ever hear). Of the lesser knowns, Frankly Mr. Shankly is a fun tune that takes a wicked dig at someone, and I Know It's Over is a musical and vocal triumph of emotion - it is just so captivating, it might even be better than Bigmouth. A few songs don't quite hit the heights of the others, but this album will definitely make me keep exploring my Smithuality.

Frankly Mr Shankly is a twee monstrosity that had me reaching for the skip button. I know it's over actually got me pressing it. Never had no one ever is a dirge. The bass line for cemetery gates has my interest. Yes. This is actually quite enjoyable. Best track so far. Bigmouth strikes again has some cracking drums. And again, the bass is highly engaging. I don't like the backing vocals, which seem to have been pitch shifted up. The boy with the thorn in his side is The Smiths at their finest. Simple, Morrissey's vocals fit absolutely perfectly and again the bass lines are just wonderful - if there's anything to criticise it for, it's the 8-stone weakling of a finish. Vicar in a Tutu seems like a return to the twee mess of Frankly Mr Shankly, however the bass keeps you interested. Not interested enough though - my mind is wandering to how that bass could easily be the backing for a hootenanny. There is a light. Wow. Yes, so THIS song is The Smiths at peak. The imagery of the lyrics. The soaring strings. This just works. Some girls are bigger that others. Well this is all kinds of question marks about Morrissey's attitudes to women, sexuality and, frankly attention to detail. Thankfully, this is a quite a short album. There are some genuinely timeless classic tracks on here. But overall I can't really get past the twee filler tracks. Would I listen to some of these tracks again? Absolutely, 100% yes. Do I think that The Smiths were a supremely talented act that deserve recognition? Yes. Would I listen to this exact album again, as an album? Nope.

A really solid album. Several really great tracks, and also Vicar in a Tutu.

I give The Smiths 5-stars as a band (four albums made Rolling Stone's top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list). Yet, each album on its own doesn't quite hit the 5-star mark for me. That said, "The Queen is Dead" is probably the most well-rounded of all their non-compilation albums. 4.5/5

Yeagh I enjoyed that

For once, I don’t know what to say about an album. I’ve somehow managed to avoid listening to The Smiths in my 36 years, except “How Soon is Now?” (a great song). I expected to like this and I think I did? Maybe? I actually listened to it twice because I couldn’t tell after the first time through.

I love this album (mostly). Melodic guitar pop delivered with witty lyrics. Music that makes being miserable fun and not so bad as it seems. With the exception of Frankly Mr Shankly. I feel sorry for Marr, Rourke and Joyce to have written the music to this only for Morrissey to add some of the worst lyrics ever. I find it hard to listen to the Smiths since Morrissey turned into an embarrassing racist uncle but strangely enough I listened to the Queen is Dead the day before this came up on my list. You have got to love happenstance

4.5

I really wanted to hate this, but it has some good songs and Morrissey’s odd voice gives the songs a lot of their character.

Some obviously massive tunes in Cemetery Gates, Bigmouth Strikes Again and There is a Light which are kind of let down by some of the weaker tracks

Pretty solid Smiths album. Great if you like the Smiths, not if you don’t.

Good. Best Song: Cemetry Gates

As much as it pains me...I gotta say I like Morrissey.

rätt gött. något gnällig sång samt att det är något med gitarrsoundet som jag inte gillar supermycket. men det är ju ändå ett bra album med många bra låter. samt att detta är drömlängden för ett album. så det får dom ett stort plus för.

Freakin Morrissey, the original sadboi. This is some jangly emo shit right here, bringing me back to high school. I love how even the up-tempo songs still have a dark subject matter; re: "Cemetry Gates" (not to be confused with Pantera's "Cemetery Gates"). A clear favorite track for me is "Bigmouth Strikes Again". Definitely an influential album for many sadbois and grls.

I like how this album starts with some energy and keeps it up. Even the third track, "I know it's Over" which is a little slower and somewhat ballad-y, has a drum and bass groove that keeps it moving. Morrissey just has such a great evocative voice. It's sensitive and yet still has a touch of tough-ness to it. Hearing this full through has given me some new tracks to put in my current rotation. I never really gave The Smiths the time of day but I really enjoyed this!

This is really upbeat for a Smiths record. Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others is a certified banger!

Kyl mä vaan nautin tästä levystä vaikka solisti on yks perse! 😂 Tosi melodista ja melankolista. Kaunista rockmusaa. 4/5

Olipa nautinnollista! There is a light on toki klassikko, mutta tykkäsin myös Frankly, Mr. Shanklysta.

Dankzij deze site eindelijk eens wat meer van The Smiths gaan draaien en dat bevalt prrrrrrima; Niet alleen de hitjes zijn goed!

Ik bleek al zeker de helft van de nummers op dit album te kennen, en de rest is ook top! Echt een verrassend goede plaat! Ik hou echt van de Smiths' sound.

Low 4, good but not as good as strangeways

I loved most of this album but there are a couple songs that really don't grab me so it falls a bit short. 4.5/5 stars

The original kings of emo. Morrissey can be a little melodramatic, from envisioning himself being buried in a grave, to wanting to be involved in a fatal car accident, but his voice and Johnny Marr's reverb-drenched guitars add a certain morbid romance to the whole thing. Shame Morrissey's a massive cunt! Favorite tracks: "The Queen is Dead", "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out", "Bigmouth Strikes Again"

Enjoyable.

4.25

I pretty much only know "How Soon Is Now" from The Smiths, and I've heard the stories of how much of a sad sack Morrissey is. Based on that, I was pretty surprised with how energetic the first two songs were, Frankly Mr. Shankly even having some comedy to it. The Queen is Dead as an opener is pretty solid. The album only has a couple of really "sad" tunes which are I Know It's Over, and Never Had No One Ever. Most of the album has some pep and hopefulness to it. It was a nice surprise, I enjoyed this more than I expected I would. Still wouldn't go out of my way to seek it out, but it was a nice listen. Songs I enjoyed: The Queen is Dead, Cemetry Gates, Bigmouth Strikes Again

Muito bom.

A good coverage of Johnny Marr's different musical styles for the Smiths. Some of their greatest songs are on this LP.

Loved it years ago, still good. Morrisey is still, well, difficult, but this album is really good

Knocking off a star because of Morrissey

Listened to 1/25/21 4.5/5 Favorite song: Cemetery Gates Great album - very chill

I hate the fact that this is an excellent album.

4.5

Wow…. what a first. I was expecting something I didn’t know front to back. I’ve always really enjoyed this album. This was before any bias, so pure…… Frankly, Mr. Shankly is one of my favorites. I Know It’s Over is absolute shit. So it Cemetery Gates. Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others is a Ladywriter by Dire Straits rip off. Maybe this album is actually not good. It’s not bad, but I really only like about half the songs.

Por fin un disco en que las canciomes son diferentes entre si!

9/10

Very enjoyable album. The song topics are quite creative, even while being often depressing or self-deprecating. The humor in the songs really makes it an enjoyable listen for me. 8/10

I have to say I like this even though I wanted to hate it I hate Morrissey but this album is amazing actually

Gran disco!!!, que mas decir

Pretty good. Probably need more listens to really get it

Good

Love it. Not a consistent album by any means but up there for me.

Galna pangare som vanligt!

Bra grejer!

Teenage me would have given this 6 stars. Adult me wasn’t quite as captivated, and possibly conflicted by Morrissey becoming so horrendous.

It was nice and a good eye opener. Not my cup of tea.

Nice classic soond

My first Smiths album! I remember hearing There Is a Light at work and being like "what is this??" - I think I listened to nothing but the smiths for months after that. Definitely a memorable album for me.

Solid album

Fantastic songs on hear. Really enjoyed it and relistening to songs I don't listen to very often

I really do love the Smiths. I find them very nostalgic for my teenage years. This is a great album with some bangers. Only lost a star because Morrissey is a c*nt.

Leading with this to make a belaboured and petulant yet important point: Morrissey is a pitiful racist shit-for-brains asshole. now then... Morrissey was the stereotypical epitome of mopey British whiny music that I thought I loathed while I was in high school. It's likely that outside of a lousy party or three I'd never listened to more than 4 straight minutes of The Smiths. But seeing as high school was a long time ago :P maybe this means I'm now a whiny British mope? Or at least I'm able to see past the vocals because what is wrong with me...I'm now starting to enjoy The Cure and Depeche Mode and...this first song kinda kicks ass? "The Queen is Dead" and apparently so are my previously-held musical blocks because this is a great song. There's so much more variety than I'd expected on this album - the first two cuts move along nicely and then "I Know It's Over" starts in and just when you think it might be a little too slow and dull, there's just the right musical touch - the string lines, a faint clean guitar riff - that adds the perfect colour and takes the song to the next level. Other standouts for me: "Never Had No One Ever" is haunting and "Cemetry Gates" has some tremendous guitar work. I definitely overlooked this band to my detriment - the music is melodic and sad (predictable, that) and quite lovely, and for the most part the oddly-coiffed goose-stepper behind the mic doesn't sound too bad on many of these although he definitely goes off the rails or just grows tiring on a few for me. In particular the final two "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" and "Some Girls..." would have been better without him, or maybe just different lyrics. All in all, pretty enjoyable and enlightening. Morrissey can still get stuffed with a well-done steak though. 7/10 4 stars

Loved this, still evokes many happy memories of schooltime mayhem. Shame Morrissey turned out to be such a prick though.

Probably their best work - definitely my favorite of the 3 we've gotten so far. Maybe a little surprised by how catchy some of these are Already Saved: The Boy with the Thorn in His Side; There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Saved After Listening: I Know It's Over, Bigmouth Strikes Again*