Reviews (page 12 of 17)
Yep this definitely sounds like the smiths
Just okay.
- some of the most pleasant music and some of the least pleasant lyrics on the planet. something tells me morrissey did not truly know how joan of arc felt. ‘cemetery gates’ and ‘a light’ are familiar to me, of course. entirely perplexed on the point of ‘some girls are bigger than others’. overall, i do like the sound of the album, but the lyrics are just a grimace.
It's good but nowhere near as good as Meat is Murder
Wenn ich richtig zähle, das neunte Album auf der Liste, das ich schon kannte. Hatte es deutlich eintöniger in Erinnerung, war postiv überrascht, wenn man sich durch die ersten Songs durchgekämpft hat, ist es gar nicht so schlecht. Trotzdem, seine Stimme nervt und ich weiß nicht, was ich mit den Lyrics anfangen soll. Die Panflöte oder was das ist in TIALTNGO ist das Beste am Album.
Don't know why this works, but it does.
Kinda cool but I expected more
Not normally a fan of The Smiths, but this album was pretty decent.
It was aight
This album had a cohesive mood throughout but the songs varies a lot in how good they are. A few are great but most of them fall in the "meh" tier for my. Not bad but nothing I would seek out and listen to.
Awesome guitar. Great listen
good album but no more smiths please
Very much a smiths album
guitars are great throughout. It grooves, it's dancy. While I dig it a lot. But it's not "my shit", and for it to be a 4, it atleast needs to be my shit. hard 3
As is often the case in this list, I think there are better albums by the band/artist in question than the selected one.
Birth of EMO A few genre defining songs
This was a super entertaining album. It's not really rock and roll, but it's musically, I dunno, kind of weighty when paired with Morrisey's lyrics. Guitars and bass are really good throughout. And the lyrics, man, they're good. They all feel meaningful. Morrissey wailing "Oh mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head" was a peak moment for me. Standout songs were "I Know It's Over" and "Cemetery Gates" It's an album I probably wouldn't add individual songs to a playlist, but could see giving a spin when I'm in a certain mood for it. Pretty cool! 3/5
The lyrics are lame, but this has very nice instrumentals and vocals.
Pre 1989 country music! Great sound and album
A great album. Classic Morrisey lyrics and great rifs from Johnny Marr.
The Queen Is Dead is an album Ive listened to in the past because Ive seen The Smiths everywhere and like a few songs. But this album for some reason just doesnt have replay ability for me. The music is great I have enjoyed when Ive listened to the album but nothing about has me thinking about it and wanted to listen to it again. This is a great album and i respect everything jts done. Favorite Tracks: The Queen Is Dead, I Know It’s Over, Bigmouth Strikes Again
I love the Smiths. I'm the perfect age for them. I still will soon certain tunes and albums relatively often. Even back in the day though, this album was never my favorite. Apparently it still isn't. I know it's a classic and has all the hallmarks, but it has never landed with me like some of their other ones.
Not their best, but ok
Some good tunes on this but I do find the smiths a bit one dimensional. Lyrics are clever “frankly Mr. Shankley”, but Morrissey is a bit of a douche. Other fave tracks: “there is a light…”, “bigmouth strikes again”.
Its been some time since I last listened to TQiD and I still held it as my favorite smiths album because it had some greay songs plain and simple But... I think during this listen I realized I wasn't nearly as into it as I remember being, I mean it has There's a Light that Never Goes Out, Bigmouth Strikes Again, the title track and Some Girls are Bigger than Others, but the rest of the songs just kinda come and go or come, sound annoying and move on (Frankly, Mr Shankly and Vicar in Tutu should have never been on this album). Is it good? Obviously, but I guess I still struggle to care about Smiths' ALBUMS compared to their songs
“The Cure! Now with 10% More Self Loathing!” I hear a lot of The Cure here. Which makes some sense, considering this album was released several years after Cure’s debut. The name, notwithstanding, I would almost think they were a Robert Smith side project. I was never really into the Smiths. I recognize the talent, but never vibed with their music. That hasn’t changed, but I can see why some would place this album on this list.
I’ve had several dalliances with Morrisey on this list and I always dread them. And the. I listen and come away thinking this is fine. The same thing happened here, I just wish it sounded a little better? Something about this album wasn’t as good as the others. I think it’s too much of a bummer?
Huere schad wie do de lead sänger sini stemm isetzt. Eigentlech hätt är e huere gueti ond eigeti stemm wommer au dörs Albom döre ghört ond i The Smiths e eigete touch ged. Leider send alli songs öppe so ufbaut, dass t Instromänt vorallem en onderstötzigsrolle vo sinere Stemm speled. Das esch eigentlech au sehr guet well är jo guet cha senge wenn är nome es bez meh Melodie wörd inebrenge. I fascht allne songs tönt sini stemm rächt monoton. Wäg em Ufbau vo de Musig konzentriert mer sech jo au of die ond so werd s ganze Albom au chli monoton. Dass das ned e so mues si zeigt är i gwössne songs es bez aber nienet so guet wie i "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out". Klar es send au do ned riise intervall, es ged aber es paar stelle wo är plötzlech merklech höcher werd. Das macht s lied grad vel enteressanter. Natürlech darf au ned ehri Könscht z chorz cho. Es esch huere guet gpellt ond t Melodie esch scho au huere geil. Wär do nome ned das Potenzial ...
5/10 - every song sounded like a worse version of the most popular smiths song. I don’t love that song so these ones were just ok
its fine. theres something about this band that irrationally pisses me off I don't what it is
Its alright. Lots of catchy songs but no real solid theme or vibe or idea, just lots of complaining with britpop vibes.
I want to hate it because Morrisey, but it’s not awful.
Sometimes I love The Smiths, sometimes I hate The Smiths. Averages out to a 3 for me.
All around a solid album. Cheery at times and somber at others. Album flows very well and there are no tracks that I am itching to skip. That said, the Smith's most upbeat and fastest songs do not come off this album, with the exception of There is a Light That Never Goes Out.
I see the goth inspiration and how important it was. It didn't really catch me until the last 3 songs though. Not my favorite The Smiths album but still good.
I do know Johnny Marr is a genius, I get how important this album is, but I wish I could be someone who enjoys this. I just don’t get it. There’s something wrong with me maybe
Not as bad as I remember, actually kinda liked this album tbh
Thought this album was cool! I dunno. Favorite track - some girls are bigger than others 7/10
Seems like every Smiths album I hear has at least 3 or 4 really upbeat songs and then a bunch of slow crappy songs. I guess I like jingle jangle pop Johnny Marr guitar better than depressing Morrissey stuff. So it seems to be the case with The Smiths. Good album, I just want one album with all of my favorite upbeat Smiths tunes on it. Maybe I should make my own compilation. 3.4/5, couldn't get to 4 stars. Don't miss these songs: Cemetery Gates Bigmouth Strikes Again There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
I ended up liking this despite not being excited about it once it started. It won me over... yeah the guy is mopey and sometimes it's not fun to hear someone whining about stuff when you're in bad mood, but the music is pretty good.
Much better than last one 3-4 stars
It's an alright album and felt very 80s British to me. Spot on.
fun energy.
I mean, it’s okay.
For the second time I didn't hate a Smiths album. Ew.
Not great, not terrible. Certainly hyped, and that explains some of the hate. But overall is just an ok British rock album. 7/10
Pretty nice background music. Not very entertaining. Voice is good but feels disconnected from the instruments. As if it were recorded over a finished beat, not matching exactly.
Okay introduction to The Smiths and their sound. 'There is a light...' had what's been a favorite, but nothing else stood out of initial listen
Hate his vocal style. But musically it's the best Smiths album yet
There is some interesting instrumentation on the album, but ultimately spending time with this music is corny & annoying.
It was ight!
OK I guess
Some people who's musical opinions I respect are big Smths fans. I am not, I don't dislike them they just don't move the needle for me
fun listen
how tf is bigmouth strikes again in the same album with vicar in a tutu bro. or every other song really
3 - started good but overstayed it’s welcome
The Smiths are a band I pretended to like in high school because I thought that cool kids listened to the Smiths. Luckily I no longer have to pretend; their music, aside from a few random songs, just isn’t for me. That’s not to say it’s bad, I just don’t really like it. I do like Johnny Marr’s guitar playing, but I much prefer it in Modest Mouse.
Can see why it’s on here but not my cup if tea
Solid enough album. Not much from the Smiths has really ever grabbed me. 5.5/10
5/10…madchester / britpop
This album is actually quite good. The first and only The Smiths album I've listened to to date. I enjoyed it. Bigmouth Strikes Again and Frankly, Mr. Shankly are my two favourites
3.5
Some bangers. But some twee rubbish as well.
“Bigmouth Strikes Again” is good, “Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others” and “Franky Mr Shankly” are grating
Lori- 5 Mike- 4.5 Michael- 7 Miles- 5 Cole- 5
3 y gracias
Fine album nothing really stood out except for the song about fat bitches
Pretty sweet album.
Schöne Melodien, aber unregelmäßiger Gesang, der mich etwas stört
Enjoyed it but didn't think much more of it than that. I like the beats though!
The *idea* of The Smiths is so much better than The Smiths actually are. A little bit of musical ennui goes a long way. Maybe I’ve just outgrown them.
Never been a big Smiths fan (I think Morrissey's pompousness comes through in his lyrics) but I do appreciate that they were talented, which really shines through in this album. Didn't personally jive with me overall but a lot of good songs.
Some real classic tracks.
I would listen to this again.
Morrisey is a miserable bigot but some of the music is catchy.
Morrissey's voice is tolerable at certain frequencies. Unfortunately, he often ventures beyond those frequencies. Otherwise ok.
Interesting.
Very good singles off of this album but the b sides could be better
It's Morrissey
Again I find The Smiths to be a decent listen, but I would never seek them out on my own. It’s enjoyable enough, and at around 37 minutes, it doesn’t stay past its welcome
solid classic. “there is a light that never goes out” still one of my favorite songs 🙏
Smiths are not really my jam, all due respect to Johnny Marr
Enjoyed listening but couldn't tell you which song I liked the most. Reminded me of The Tragically Hip, The National sometimes.
Band an album where all new to me. But it turns out for me that the frase "one of the greatest albums of all times" is uses a bit inflationary. Nonetheless I really like this one although there is no outstanding track on. favourite: "Cemetry Gates", "Bigmouth Strikes Again" 3,5
Frankly Mr Shankly was a bit of a surprise. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, but in the _I want to be moping around while driving my car and smoking a cigarette_ kind of way despite having stopped over a decade ago.
Music good. Morrisey bad.
Just ok
Perhaps my favorite Smiths album. I had a very good time with this, and it came close to 4 stars. The vocals are just a little too affected for me to really, really dig this.
I really, really, really don't care for Morrissey. For the most part the album was ok if I didn't focus on the whiny lyrics.
Nothing special.
Pretty average album in my opinion. 3 stars or C+.
very depressing but hits when youre depressed
Surprisingly fresh, it has a good groove that's still fun to bob your head to.
The Cure and The Smiths on back to back days. Cemetry Gates and Bigmouth Strikes Again stuck out as favorites. 3.5/5
Pleasant, inoffensive album. Decent tunes, some interesting melodies. Overall pretty good but nothing mindmelting.
Nope... Maybe
ominous death wishes brouht to you by the smiths they want the queen dead, and you + your lover girl/boy und wie wönds das? doppeldeckerbus straight id fressi hey richtig hard core was die da verlanget, aber mit dere softe engelsstimm würdis glaubs fast no mache - zum glück gits in basel kei doppeldeckerbüs, glück gha das album hett en sehr bestimmte lovesong vibe, da gspüri früelig, sich verliebe, dumm ih de gegend umegrinse und das ganze schöne züg leider ischs wetter grad gar nöd früelig und niemert vo eu hett 500 days of summer gseh, drum machemer dene hammer boys 3 strikes uf heisse eisen glonk glonk glonk
Likes : Frankly, Mr. Shankly Bigmouth Strikes Again Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others
Hearing the voice, all I could think about was that double-decker bus that crashes into us. Good album.
High school emo kid me is so satisfied right now. Adult me is less impressed.
Never Had No One Ever // The Boy with the Thorn in His Side // There Is a Light That Never Goes Out //
I like the Smiths well enough, but I think I got this album on the wrong day. Several tracks are part of their Spotify top 10, including their #1 ‘There is a Light…’. Just wasn’t feeling that dreamy sort of new-wave sound today
All righty then... I tried. I really have, multiple times over multiple years... and made harder, I have felt victimized as well by those that "don't like" my favored bands because "they don't like the lead singers voice." Yet, try as I might, I love the genre, the lyrics are great, the melodies... but ... Argh! I just don't like the lead singers voice and all these years and all these tries and retries and approaches to this band have all but failed. Nope. Just don't like the lead singers voice. And it is all so ... so lyric heavy, so important to The Smiths very style. On the other hand, I know that I have been bothered by bands I like being dismissed for this reason and won't say that lyrically, musically, and in that alternative genre that The Smiths don't have a well deserved place at the table. They do! And in that sense they are pretty great actually. IFF I liked the lead singers voice I would be raving about this album in all fairness. Only if...
There is a light that never goes ouf
The Queen is Dead is an alright Smiths album. Listened to this a bunch when I was sad, which is what the album is made for. I feel like this is very loser rock-esque. Could I listen to this album on repeat now? Absolutely not. That’s the reason I would rock it points, is after a while the songs morph into one another in not such a great way. The more the album plays on the more I see why this is alright and not “good” 3.5/5
Good, not great. Some good grooves.
Helt ok!
I thought this was a pretty quality album. Lots of great rockin going on!
Am I right that all the songs are within one octave? and I believe about 90% of the notes are between A3 to D4, which makes the album sound very dull. Apparently this album influenced Oasis and Britpop in the 90s, so it has some value. 2.5 / 5.
It’s alright. Feels like a lot of Morrissey’s work isn’t as essential as this list maker seems to think it is. They obviously just love him. Ik it’s the Smiths this time but it didn’t really feel much different than his other albums. I still enjoy the actual music and his singing style is fine for a while but it’s feels like overkill at this point. It’s hard to actually consider any of it great because he has the same approach to every song. He’s made an observation and coined a metaphor, and then he’s written a song about how mundane it is. Which honestly gets pretty fucking boring after a while. Even the upbeat stuff is bitter in one way or another. It’s hard to unsee the personality once you realize you don’t like it.
Some good songs, some meh songs, but nothing great or terrible. Classing 3 star in my opinion. I also feel a bit conflicted now that the queen actually is dead.
Nice rock album with a classic 80s vibe, but to me it feels reminiscent of a lot of styles from that era that I've grown a bit tired of.
More of a Louder than Bombs guy personally.
Yeah I've really given it my best shot. I just don't really like his voice. The music is fine, but I will not be coming back because of his voice. This is a soft 3.
7/10
The beginning is very boring and goes nowhere, but it picks up a little bit in the second half.
Not terrible. Music is OK, not too exciting but listenable.
I mean it's alright, I guess. I just find it kinda bland and not really as incredible as people say it is. 10/10 according to Pitchfork. more of a 6,5/10 for me.
Pallar fan inte Morrissey, vilket är synd på Johnny Marrs fantastiska gitarrer. Trea
Oh boo hoo. Some good stuff here though.
Some of this old rock music has great ideas, but they somehow always manage to fuck it up
Enjoyed this album. Not fully my taste but no doubt some good songs.
Definitely the first Smith's album I've listened to It's giving the Conjuring 2 vibes Overall, would listen to again as background music
I agree with most of the good things said about this album, just not all that passionately. The tonal disconnect between tracks 1 and 2 always irritates me. The lead guitar, bass and production quality are all awesome.
I did not use a private session of Spotify. Spotify was trying to make me a Morrisey/Smiths fan for a while, but it didn't take. Morrisey had an interesting voice an it's used extensively even when there are no lyrics. Speaking of lyrics, they are quite morbid. This doesn't suck, but I will always take The Cure over The Smiths.
Feel like I should appreciate and enjoy The Smiths more than I do. Alt 80's should be in my wheelhouse. But for some reason they never hit for me. It's fine. But not earth shattering.
Enjoy the Smiths but not a huge fan. This was solid and definitely the Smiths with their very distinctive sound.
Kinda fun, actually. 3.5 stars.
According to The Smiths, "Meat is Murder". Listening to Morrisey's rants is also murder to listen to. This album is quite good though. Morrisey himself is an alright singer, but not great. The rest of the band does a fine job. 3 stars for "The Queen is Dead".
Very English sounding vocals, good musicianship. Morrissey is a sad boi. Highlights: "Frankly, Mr. Shankly" (jaunty tune, caustic lyrics), "Cemetry Gates" (upbeat tune, depressing lyrics), "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" (pretty music) Notable: "Bigmouth Strikes Again" (the altered high-pitched Morrissey voice is silly)
I've never really listen to The Smiths before, so this was a good introduction. Not really my style, but it definitely sounds familiar and iconic for the 80s. Good knowledge, but probably not one I'll return to very often.
I quite liked this. The singer's voice is unique in a good way and the overall vibe is quite good. None of the individual songs really rose to the point of being bangers, so I'm between giving this a 3 and a 4. Given Morrisey is a bigot, I'm happy to err on the side of 3
Alright songs. Fuck Morrissey with a rusty screwdriver. 6/10 album 1/10 dude
En riktigt bra låt
An interesting listen. Good music. Vocals aren't too whiny to enjoy.
Morissey is such a mixed bag. Marr is consistently great.
Pretty cool!
Haven't heard this in a few years - some good tracks on here!
Morrissey has kind of an atonal quality to his singing where he often sounds flat. In an odd way it works for him as well as against him. I didn't love this and didn't hate it but I doubt I'd seek this out again on my own.
Jaime: 4 Nuria :2/4. La famosa famosa me gustó pero bueno no sé.
The Smiths es un meh, pero que suenan bien y hacen letras de linda depresión. The Queen is Dead es bueno, y Bigmouth Strikes Again el único tema que me gustó mucho. Nota: 2.9 pero pongo 3.
Nettes Gedudel was man im Hintergrund hören konnte, aber werd glaubsch kein Fan von denen. 3 Sterne
langsam aber sicher bin ich fan von The Smiths .. melodiös , gitarren und der doch spezielle gesang von Morrissey. Finde jedoch dieses album eher etwas schwächer als Meat is Murder, daher nur drei Sterne.
Die Platte ist hörenswert aber für mich ohne grosse Highlights.
3.8/5 Great tunes … bigmouth strikes again, there is a light that never goes out A few weaker tunes
I am so curious to know the story behind Vicar in a Tutu! It was a fun song on an album I hadn’t listened to previously from a band I never put a lot of stock in. True, I was really young when this album came out but the Smiths were described to me a a depressed Cure, which says a lot. I was mistaken, as this album was pretty good, though thematically it does appeal to a specific demographic. There is a Light… feels like it was a movie soundtrack at some point, while Cemetery Gates was surprisingly upbeat. I could listen to this album again, and probably will soon.
I always thought the Smiths was a downer band just through stereotypes. This album was more jaunty and slightly more upbeat than I expected. I could see how people got into this. I think if I let this one soak in for several listens I could become a fan. It is weird how these albums and listens hit different than if I lived the experience directly and listened to this when it was new and exciting. It definitely still has musical value but I would feel a lot more affinity for this music because I was part of the original experience. Not all bands are constrained to this, some can overcome this divide more easily (I'm thinking the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Nirvana). Anyway, just a random observation while listening to this one. Need to listen again.
If you don’t like The Smiths then there’s something wrong with you.
Maybe I just don’t like the Smiths nearly as much as I thought.
This sounds like a guy who really wants to be a big ballad singer. Nice enough, but nothing exciting.
Fine
Yeah ok, better than I was expecting. Songs I knew from my youth and have heard on the radio. The ones I didn't know weren't too bad.
The Smiths get old fast, but the first listen back in a few months was quite enjoyable. Won’t be in rotation though
There’s a lot of hype around the Smiths and this album in particular, and I’m mostly on board with some of the songs melodically, however, most of them sound identical when it comes to the “texture” of the song - including both the instruments used and Morrissey’s voice (the sound of which I can’t seem to get on board with in any case) - not a lot of contrast throughout individual songs or between each song, and with contrast comes anticipation, which I was lacking. But other than that, it’s a pleasant enough album.
Same as what Grace said
Eu conhecia algumas músicas, mas algumas músicas me surpreenderam. É bem The Smiths mesmo. Mas além de Bigmouth Strikes Again e There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, eu gostei de Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others e The Boy With The Thorn In His Side.
eu quero dar 3,5 que odio de não ter meia estrela nesse app
I think I "get" the Smiths at this point since we've had three albums worth and other than a few songs, this may be the worst of their albums. The title track and "Cemetry Gates" are the best ones - the others are either seemingly wacky (Frankly Mister Shankly, Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others) or cursed by that Morrissey maneuver of cramming a bunch of extra words in to a sentence to make it sound like rambling. At this point I know it must be intentional. I wouldnt' say this was bad, but I really only enjoyed the first track, like something I would listen to again. The rest can stay on one play.
кажется я перешел в стадию, когда просто ставлю троечки за нормик альбомы...
Not their best, in my view. I loved their first album and Meat Is Murder but truthfully it was getting a bit blah by this time. I know it's revered, but apart from a couple of great singles I'm not mad on this one.
Good album but middle of the road for me musically. Also can't listen with fan due to name + lyrics
Not their best album, but still good. Fuck Morrissey.
12/9/24. I have a good idea of The Smiths and Morrissey at this point, it's always an enjoyable listening experience. Well-crafted pop-like songs that you can revisit again and again.
probably the strongest Smiths album here but I need to relisten
Kinda pretentious lyrics, good melodies and riffs all around. Not super easy listening but easy enough to do on a walk. Highlight is definitely the instrumentals but it did feel too old for its time
Not familiar with this band at all. Pretty unique feel, no real distortion on the guitars, pretty groovy basslines, and the singer's voice is pretty nice. Slapback delay on all vocals gets old. Kinda new-wavy, but without any electronics. Overall pleasant, but nothing standout.
Nothing special, just sounded like every other British post-punk band of the time.
I wish I could get more into this album, because it has one of my favorite songs of all time on it (“Bigmouth Strikes Again”), but I generally find the record to be just fine. Morrisey occasionally has a great lyric, but just as often he sounds annoying and overly whiny.
Pretty good
some of the songs are undeniably exquisite but there really is, in general, a distinct lack of melody
Listening to this album made me feel like I was right back in high school, when this album first arrived on the scene. That alone makes me biased in any review because the music of those years always holds a special place in my heart. There is clearly a lot of talent in the way the sum of the lyrics, music, vocals, production somehow add up to more than what they should. But for whatever reason, I never really feel like I "get it" when I listen to the Smiths.
Generally solid music, but Morissey can sometimes be too Whitney or trying too hard. I wished he grooved with the music more. A couple of these songs I love, eg “Bigmouth Strikes Again” but I can’t recommend the album as a whole.
Would be 4 stars, except for Morrisey
Not a fan. I am a kid of the 80s but this was not my jam.
Not bad
I knew one of the songs and I kept thinking "it's this one" all the time because all of them sound fucking identical. Stand-out: Bigmouth Strikes Again
I have a complicated story with The Smiths. I used to listen to them a lot during my dark days in high school, specially this album which I have on CD (it was a gift from a friend), yet I can't remember anything about it besides I Know It's Over and There is a Light. I despise Morrissey and I refuse to listen to anything with his name attached to it, The Smiths being exceptions. I don't even listen to The Smiths anymore because there's a sort of stigma related to their fanbase which I don't want to be associated with, and because they make me remember of those dark days. With that out of the way, the album is very mid and Morrissey's voice is annoying. The exceptions being I Know It's Over, Bigmouth, and There is a Light. I can't believe that the same people who love this shit slander Robbie Williams' Rudebox, and objectively superior album Go fuck yourselves.
Good The Smiths album
Not my kind of music at all. But, I kind of like the lead vocals so I'm being generous with the stars. Not sure why I like the vocals, but I do.
I don't really understand why this is so polarising. To me it sounds alright but I probably won't listen to it very much.
Haven't listened for some years and this has horribly dated. Twee, Lloyd Cole clones. If it doesn't age well it isn't a classic
The hits are huge, the filler tracks step into novelty at times.
A band I have never really listened to much. I gave this album a number of listens over the space of the day and it grew on me each time. Whatever may be said of Misery, he has a great voice and Johnny Marr’s guitar work is fantastic. Overall, deserves to be on the list and a must listen to album by the Smiths
I’ve never liked this band, but this album was better than I thought it was going to be. Just don’t like the singer.
My first time listening to The Smiths. I really quite enjoyed it. Might even listen to it again…
Decent. They sure do got a signature sound
Was interested to hear this and research them - was Morressy part of the smiths? Where did they start, how many records etc. Well I don’t really care. Boring record, not my favorite production. Second half was certainly better. Not sure why I see this record on so many best of lists. I had higher expectations.
Ugh. I wanted to love this album since I have always loved the song about being hit by a double decker bus. That song is a 6/5. The rest of the album didn't really do it for me. A couple funny lyrics but it was just the same sound the entire time.
Typical 80’s alt
It wasn't offensive. Morressey is still annoying sometimes.
Melodically and rhythmically entertaining meets lyrically and vocally deficient. I wanted to like this album with its musical strengths but the monotone vocals and depressing and often just plain stupid lyrics got in the way. “Some girls are bigger than others … some girls mothers are bigger than other girls mothers“ is just plain stupid.
US=REM UK=The Smiths
I didn't like them when I first heard them and I don't like em now. They seem a little full of themselves.
Melodramatic british folky rock. It's fairly forgettable, but "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" is pretty good
I hate morrissey
I'm not a massive fan of any of the individual Smiths albums, and if I was in the mood to listen to the Smiths this isn't the album I would select. Not bad or anything, just very middle of the road.
Not my kind of music
A pegada melancólica desse álbum é muito boa.
sorry sean, i kinda like the smiths
Cemetary gates y Bigmouth strikes againe han gustado mucho, pero las otras no tanto, han sido más meh
Great album, witty songs beautifully played and arranged great album.
Still some playfulness in the band, a sense of mischief, and "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" is wonderful.
Hate Morrisey, music is okay though, 3/5
It was fine. A lot of songs had a similar sound to them
2.5 pyöristyi tänään ylöspäin, vaikka edelleenkään en nauti Morrisseyn laulusta.
Nothing great about this one
dont care for this
It's fine, but I agree with some other reviewers - it's too melancholy for my taste.
The Smiths passed me by when they were around, so i don't have any real teenage nostalgia for the songs. The album is absolutely fine, but not noticeably incredible. best track - Bigmouth.
Morrissey is a mood. I like the guitar work. I didn't love it, but appreciated it.
I really disliked Meat Is Murder. This is… better? Somewhat? More tolerable, I suppose. My issue with Morrissey and The Smiths is that most of their songs are overdone, overindulgent, and whiney. Plus Morrissey as a human is so repugnant that I have a hard time even attempting to enjoy anything he’s done. This is probably the best it’ll get for me with The Smiths. I actually enjoyed a few of the songs on the album - “The Queen Is Dead,” “Cemetry Gates,” and “The Boy With The Thorn In His Side.” I’d like to give this a 2.5, but I’m rounding up against my better judgment.
So we've reviewed another Smiths album and a Morrissey album. I can't say that any of it felt more than luke warm to me. Nothing terrible but nothing but a few hits that stood out. This album seemed a bit better than the other 2 but not by a lot. The singing didn't become tedious and showed a bit more range than in the others. I came up with REM as a comp only not as interesting or catchy. I gave the Morrissey a 3; should have been 2.6. This is a 3
another british vocalist. but this time i only find the vocals mildly irritating. the best part about the smiths was always the drums and the bass, they really pull the band together. anyway i didn't listen to this album too much anymore cos morrissey is one of the few artists were i struggle to seperate the art from the artist cos he's so fucking prolific in every project he was in. tried not to let that influence the rating tho cos the music is still pretty good listening.
First off; Is that a motherfucking big mouth reference!? Look overall this was fine, sure there are some stinkers like the skankly song. Rest are not too bad, knew a couple songs from here and there, like the instrumentals more than the voice thats for sure but I don't hate this. Tbh when i saw Marko preping to get crucified for his love of these guys i was like damn they must truly suck ass. But Its fine so idk. Didn't really stand out to me on a deeper level either was just 80s synth rock kinda beat which i don't mind but think i have heard better from the genre. 3/5
Not bad
good vocals, as always with Morrissey.
3 - Some tracks hit: Cemetry Gates, I know It's Over, second half of There Is a Light That Never Goes Out. Despite this, many are very forgettable or just mid. The harsh transitions between tracks can be jarring. I was mostly impressed that the album kept me mostly engaged throughout the run. It definitely benefits from being a short listen.
The struggle is real. The Smiths in general make albums that sound like one long song. That’s not to say I don’t like them! My wife with a Morrissey voice is a hilarious way to enjoy a weekend afternoon. Their music is good. Their vibe is solid. This isn’t a 4 star album. Peace be with you.
This will be a tough one, I HATE Morrisey or however you spell his name. I do enough of The Smiths to believe that I may like them. I guess that’s a good thing because this is NOT the album you want to listen to if you are curious about them. Maybe this is their sound and it doesn’t get any better. I really like How Soon is Now? Which isn’t on this album. Shame. I can’t give this a 2 star because it is instrumentally pleasing, it’s just not catchy . It’s not experimental or storytelling to me either so I’m not just sticking to one preference. It’s not even that gloomy and I thought the Smiths were supposed to be one of the kings of gloom. Whatever, I will give them another listen one day. This just didn’t make the cut above mediocrity. Choice cut: Big Mouth Strikes Again
This is good, especially the 3 singles, but not as good as Meat is Murder, the lp before this one.
I liked this more than I thought I would. More uptempo than I assumed the album would be. Still not my favorite style of music but I enjoyed this. 3.5/5 Might listen again
Мелодичный. Спокойный. Прогулка одному. Не зацепил.
actually enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would
I liked it, would listen again
Cool record and band except for Morrissey. I find him to be the most annoying musician so it's hard for me to give this 4 or 5 stars. He's just so whiney. No thank you.
Fuck Morrissey
Sadhappy
Good album, didn't stick with me.
It was decent
Not bad but not very memorable
There is so much Morrissey on this list and it's like being forced to visit your racist uncle on a regular basis. At least at this point he was still married to Auntie Jonny Marr who is supremely talented and bakes you guitar based cookies of the highest quality. I'm so glad they got divorced so Auntie can go off and live his best life and uncle goes down a YouTube rabbit hole and becomes a sad old man that shouts at clouds and black people. 3 stars out of respect for Jonny
morisey luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku luumukurkku -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- -.- the quen is dead
This was fine for what it is. 2.8
i liked the big song on here! the rest was just okay.
Frankly Mr. Shankly The Boy with the Thorn In His Side Was a chill album. Easy to listen too and get lost in but I’m not in awe and need to listen again. One was enough. The sound is kind of a magical aura feeling.
They have such a distinct sound. I actually enjoy it...for about half an album then it starts to get old. But at least now I know that some girls are bigger than others I guess.
Same review as the last one, I suck. Remember not being particularly wowed though by something with as much esteem as this album gets.
Also liked this more than the other Smiths album we had. Morrissey has an interesting voice and I don’t love it, but it’s growing on me
I didn't know this album at all. It has the same kind of sad-80's vibe as The Cure, though less goth. I kind of got into Bigmouth, but on the whole the album didn't especially hook me.
A couple of 5-star songs, but most songs are 3-star dragging it to a 4-star album. Then -1 Star for Morissey being Vegan Ted Nugent these days.
If you can't include compilations/best of albums like Louder than Bombs, than Strangeways is definitely a better album. I still liked the songs I remember liking (Big Mouth, There is a Light That Never Goes Out), but the rest mostly drifted into the angst-y whinining I know the Smiths is know for but come on (I Know It's Over, Never Had No One Ever) or jangly attempts at rockabilly that don't quite land (Vicar in a Tutu).
Better than I remembered it.
The same Smiths. Enjoyable but repetitive.
A lot of nostalgia listening to this album. I was never a huge fan of the Smiths in the 80s but they were mixed in with the new wave stuff I was listening to at the time. I used to think they were depressing and whiny, but now I found the lyrics hilarious and the guitar relaxing. Not sure about the whole album, but there are three songs that resonate - Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, and There is a Light That Never Goes Out. Ironically, one of these songs is on a Viridian Spotify Playlist.
Solid...not great.
I hate you Morrissey.
Moderately entertaining.
I would like The Smiths a lot more if Morrisey wasn't so irritating. Last time we were made to listen to a The Smiths album, I think I reluctantly enjoyed it and was saying it was a shame Mr M. turned out to be such a prick. This time I was reminded I also find his voice and the whole twirling-a-bunch-of-flowers-whilst-wearing-a-diaphanous-shirt thing annoying. I actually like the music. Having said that, this album has more filler than hits. But some classic songs. The Smiths fall into the "Love the hits, the rest is shit" category for me. 3 stars
Standouts: I Know It's Over, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out Overall a really chill album. I'm not too sure what the meanings behind some of the songs were as they did seem quite odd from the occasional glances I gave towards the lyrics. However, just listening to how it sounded, it was really pleasant. I think my favorite was "I know It's Over" and I will definitely listen to that song more.
Still pretty good, although I don't really listen to The Smiths now Morrissey is out as a horrible racist. Best tracks? Cemetry Gates, Bigmouth, There Is A Light.
High school me would have loved this. I'm not quite as emo anymore but still a fun listen.
it's ok
I liked this album. The music is upbeat and I liked the vocals. A nice voice. None of the songs jumped out at me as being fantastic, though.
Classic the smiths. Good album.
The Smiths are an excellent band and very easy listening. Enjoyed listening to this album over the weekend while doing yard work.
Obligatory “fuck Morrissey” but I honestly didn’t hate this.
Words are clear and can be understood, story-like telling album.
Bigmouth Strikes Again is an amazing song. Musically the rest of the album is great, but Morrissey's blase singing takes away from quite a few of the tracks.
- Not sure I have ever heard a Smiths track, well enough a whole album. Not surprised that this is what Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are fans of in "500 Days of Summer." - Not a fan of britpop, which this apparently influenced, so not a shocker that I felt this was fine. The sound is fine. The tones are fine. I would not turn it off, but I would never seek it out either. - Marr's jangly guitar is fine. Morrisey's vocals are take or leave. - "Cemetary Gates" is clearly the best track, though somebof the backing on "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" is interesting.
🤡
Typically a highly rated album on most critic’s list but I just feel like this album alright. A moody Morrissey is heartbroken. Lyrically and musically this album doesn’t seem to push any boundaries.
I still enjoy Strangeways, Here We Come more than this album, but there’s some great songs on here. Stand outs for me are “The Queen Is Dead”, “Never Had No One Ever”, “Bigmouth Strikes Again”, and my favorite on the album “There is a Light That Never Goes Out”. All the songs here are great and I wouldn’t skip any, except maybe “Vicar in a Tutu”. The first three Smiths albums have a rawness to them that I can completely understand why people might favor them but for me I love how they refined their songwriting, performances and production for their final album Strangeways. For that reason I give this one a 3.5.
Hey look, another The Smiths album! No need to repeat what I have already said about them. There is a Light That Never Goes Out is my favorite on this one. I look forward to listening to the rest of their albums in the coming weeks, lol.
I feel like this album and the first one we'd listened to were pretty similar. I really like the guitar sounds on this one as well, and Morrissey sounds like Morrissey. Some singers can morph and sound a bit different from record to record while still maintaining their vibe....Scott Weiland, Anthony Kiedis, Chino,.... Morrissey so far just does his thing,.sounding like himself. Again nice vocal tones, but I still feel like there could be some more variation given all the cool backing parts he is being given. I feel like the guitar parts on these Smiths albums really jump out at me and are really the core of the band. They really set the tone for everything else, and it's like Morrissey is almost a co pilot to the guitars rather than standing out front of them. I feel the same way with how Maynard fits into some Tool songs. This seems like an album where one would have to be in a certain mood to reach for it. The standouts to me are Frankly Mr. Shankly, Cemetery Gates and Big Mouth Strikes Again.
The Queen is Dead isn't a bad album by any means. Johnny Marr's guitar work shines, especially on tracks like "The Boy With the Thorn in His Side" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out." These songs are catchy and beautifully melancholic, capturing that classic Smiths vibe. However, Morrissey's lyrics can be a slog to get through. His signature mopey persona gets old after a while, and there's a pretentiousness that wears thin. Frankly, Morrissey sucks the joy out of some of these songs with his constant negativity. So, it's a mixed bag. Great music, bummer lyrics. For that, The Queen is Dead gets a decent 3 out of 5 stars.
80s British Rock album with no hits. Fine.
Ah, time for the Smiths debate (and I suspect this won’t be the only album on this list). So, Morrisey himself is obvs a massive bellend, but he is a wonderful singer and lyricist and for me is everything good about The Smiths. Without him I think they would be utterly middle of the road forgettable 80s indie and no-one would ever have heard of Jonny Marr (genuinely don’t understand why he is rated at all), let’s face it the music itself isn’t really very interesting. Given this I’m not a massive fan other than the more well known numbers. This album only seems to have a couple of those on it. Bigmouth Strikes Again is quality so I’ll give this album a generous 3.
Not much on today and this album didn't prompt me to get going either. Bigmouth Strikes again has an oddly tiktok-y nightcore voice going on which was entertaining. I enjoyed it but not as much as Adam would approve of oops
Good album.
its fine, nothing special. also fuck Morrissey
This was OK moody 80s synth-pop. My first full listen to anything by them.
Je pense sincèrement que The Smith, avec leur cousin consanguin The Cure, sont les bands britanniques les plus overrated ever.
Good effort 3.4
6/10. Beginning of the album was boring and not my thing. Was leaning 3-4 at the beginning of the album but it picked up. Enjoyed some of the later songs that were higher paced and slightly different singing style.
morbid, and sometimes samey, but i liked the songs i knew
Always a classic love the smiths, I know their discography well but had never listened to it unskipped.
It’s like a album composed of many different versions of a song
3.5 *
Pleasantly surprised by this album. Morissey still sucks though
Some songs I really liked, and others I really didn't. 3/5
The first Smiths record I’ve actually liked. Good hooks and clever songwriting with a reach that doesn’t exceed its grasp.
Titel en jaartal lieten me al in elkaar duiken toen ik het eerste nummer opzette, maar... mwah, dit is eigenlijk nog best te trekken. Jarentachtigmuziek, lijzige zang, maar toch wel met enige muzikaliteit gemaakt. En sommige meiden zijn nou eenmaal groter dan andere.
We hebben het hier vaak over jengelende Britse zeurstemmen. Morrissey is er daar een van. Wat een ongelooflijke zeiksnor is die gast, met zijn jankerige stem. Het overheerst compleet de muziek, waar op zichzelf niks mis mee is. The Smiths is zo'n band waar je het beste de verzamelaar van kan luisteren denk ik. Ze hebben prima hitjes namelijk, maar de overige liedjes op de albums zijn over het algemeen maar opvulling, niemendalletjes, vergeetbaar. En als we het over vergeetbare muziek hebben, dan komen we vaak op een vergeetbare 3 uit. Dat komt wel voornamelijk door het tweede gedeelte, want daar zitten dus wat hitjes, die het zeer matige eerste deel compenseren.
Not for me
ni me acuerdo de este album pero al voz del vocalista siempre va a ser un embole
Some really great tracks on here (“I Know It’s Over,” “Never Had No One Ever,” “Cemetery Gates,” and “There is a Light That Never Goes Out”), but some of the others were meh (“Vicar in a Tutu” “Frankly, Mr. Shankly”).
"There is a light that never goes out" is one of my favorite songs to come out of the 80s. Perfectly captures the air of desperation and despair that can be a backdrop for love and friendship. To me it carries the album and what a heavy load because unless you are a Smiths fan, the rest of it can sound pretentious, flat, and unremarkable.
Standard disclaimer that I can't stand Morrissey - however, he and the rest seem to be taking themselves less seriously on this album. The result makes it better than the rest of the Smiths/Morrissey output that I've been subject to on this list so far.
-I love the smith - sorry ? - i said I love the smith Bah Tom mon grand ton album est chouette mais de la a avoir le coup de foudre bof Pardon mais on en parle de ''some girls are bigger than others'' ?? C'est ça le lyrical prodigy ??
I just don’t know I can’t get into the smiths
3.5 Okay, The Smiths might have grown on me since Meat is Murder. Much more enjoyable album and Morissey's vocals didn't annoy me as much here. Should listen again but wouldn't come back to The Smiths outside of this project
Mid city
This grew on me. Liked it more than I expected. The drums were awesome in the first song.
Thought this was much better than it was. Saw them with my sister in the mid-80’s in Massachusetts. Maybe it was another of their albums I quite liked. This was decent, just nothing spectacular. Sold my copy of this in July of 2017 for $40.
good vibes but every song sounds the same
Not terrible, but quite monotonous and jangly. best I can do is 3 stars and probably won't listen again.
- the queen is dead is i don’t remember/10 so probably smth like 5.5/10 - frankly, mr shanklybwas decidely unpleasant 3/10 - i know its over is 7/10 everything after that was an average of 6.5/10 giving a total of something like 6.1/10 which is 3/5 stars
Going to be a bit of a hater here but not really for me it was alright but not really my sort of jam and i didnt really enjoy it to much overall id give it a 6/10. I know a lot of people like this one but its just not really for me which is a shame. Ill try and come back to this at some point it may grow on me. Sorry joe
Another album that was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Vocals can be pretty whiny Brit-pop at times but a solid and unique album. 6/10 (3/5)
I really like the Smiths. I feel like when I think of the 80s I think of this band. This album was super short and sweet. All the songs are fun and move along pretty quickly. I wouldn't say it's anything revolutionary for me, but it still was great. Favorite track was Bigmouth Strike Again. Did not add to my Spotify library.