The Queen Is Dead

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

I just can’t listen to Morrisey whine any longer!

First of all - randomly generated album of the day? Really? To quote SNL Alexa Silver - I don't know about that...As for the album, I really liked it. In spite having grown up in the 80's, my 80's music listening often falls into the "80s hits" playlists or the "80s on 8" on Sirius. And let's face it - 80s hits are awesome. But I always feel like there's this 1st Wave, New Wave, Whatever Wave undercurrent that I'm just not that familiar with. Yeah, I know. There are channels for that. But every time I listen to one, invariably some Cure comes on after 30 minutes, and I think to myself "Dang, I like the Cure", and we're back to a Cure playlist. I feel like the Smiths were one of those groups that were always just out of reach - at least for a kid in Huntington WV or suburban OH. I like albums where you can hear the sound transitioning - this wouldn't be obvious at the time, of course, but with the benefit of hindsight, it's there, clear as day. Like the Ray Charles album that previewed the coming Rock n' Roll storm, there are songs on this album that are SO clearly mid 80s (the title track, Frankly, Mr. Shankly), but then there are tunes that could easily be early 90s Toad the Wet Sprocket if you lost the over-articulated British accent (Never Had No One Ever) or a male cockney version of Natalie Merchant in early 10,000 Maniacs (tell me that if you heard Natalie sing Cemetery Gates you wouldn't say to yourself-"Yep, that's classic Maniacs"). Of course, both Toad and 10,000 Maniacs got there starts just a couple of years later, but I was too wrapped up in C&C Music Factory and Cathy Dennis (remember her?) to notice. But I'm there for anything that sounds like a low-key version Bizarre Love Triangle meets Hey, Jack Kerouac. 5/5

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.

She is indeed dead. Favorite track: The Queen is Dead

An unbelievable album. Vocals are superb, enjoyed the bass work throughout also. Consistency through the whole album is amazing. Fav song: Frankly, Mr Shankly

Fuck Morrissey tho

Can't believe I'm rating a Smith's album this low

nothing means nothing means nothing 1/5 dont much care about the queen

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

not my cup of tea. nors yra geru kitu gabalu.

Couldn't bring myself to listen to M*rrissey unfortunately.

Wow really fitting album for today! Also I love Morrissey and The Smiths!

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.

Muy oportuno postear este disco un día después de la muerte de la reina. ¡Un gran detalle!. Sin dudas, "There is a light..." es una de las mejores canciones de The Smiths, aunque su letra no dice mucho más que otras canciones., pero en el texto de "The queen is dead" se va un poco más allá y quizás sea la mejor letra del álbum, y un detalle no menor a tener en cuenta es que es la única canción del disco en la que Morrisey no participa de la composición.

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

Mediocre rock

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.

Oddly specific for the timing. Easy listening, not stand out though.

I mean with lyrics like this, accompanied by a flute, how can one not give a 5? "And if a double-decker bus Crashes into us To die by your side Is such a heavenly way to die And if a ten ton truck Kills the both of us To die by your side Well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine"

Not my thing.

I have a hard time deciding which Smiths album is my favorite but it's usually the one I'm listening to at the time. Also, my daughter would be angry if I didn't give this a 5. I was a sophomore in high school when this came out—it's been part of the soundtrack of my life.

One of my favorites, one of the best albums of the 80s.

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

Not my thing!

This one gets one less star than the last album by The Smiths because there were a couple songs I wasn't a fan of. I still don't love the singer.

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

Musically great, some very good tracks the whole album flows well. However, I feel the whole thing is ruined by Morrissey's whiney vocals and inane lyrics. I couldn't see why the Smiths were popular at the time and still can't see it now.

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

Excellent album, classique de The Smiths encore plus d'actualité!

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

witty af. brilliant opener.

Nær perfekt

fuck morrissey but unfortunately this album smacks

I’ve really tried to like this multiple times and it is just fine. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out is the only song I really like and there are some others that are enjoyable but overall I’m just not a huge fan. There’s times Morrissey’s voice sounds really cool but the random moaning throughout is weird. This is still at least a 3 despite the harsh comments but just for an album with such high acclaim I don’t understand the raving about it.

This album is the 80's for me.

"Sounds like the Smiths". As with Tori Amos, I struggled a bit with my own tendency to hear an overall sound that I associate with the artist/band, rather than to really listen to each track, let alone to imagine a time when this sound was new and exciting. But a few stood out for me: "Cemetery Gates" got my attention - brighter sound, really engaging lyrics. "Bigmouth" was one of only two tracks I'd heard before: a great sounding pop song, but with truly troubling lyrics. There is a light that never goes out has one of the best Romeo & Juliet type lines ever written ("...to die by your side, oh the pleasure and the privilege is mine"). But will I come back and listen to it again? No, probably not for the whole album. So 3.5 stars. P.S. The timing of this album hitting our playlist is either the most marvellous coincidence, or else the feed is not truly random (in which case, kudos to the site managers for intervening in this way).

What a great record. From Marr’s aggressive guitar in the opening track, the band never lets up. Morrissey provides some great lyrics (although I can’t get Frankly, Mr Shankly out of my head). And the hits just keep coming. Cemetry Gates has always been a favourite, and from that point in the album, it’s just one great track after another. No filler on this. Can’t believe I don’t listen to The Smiths more often.

A deliberate choice by he 1001 albums project to send out this album today, 9 Sept 2022, on the news of Liz II's demise? Maybe. This is tough. While not a massive fan of the Smiths in the 1980s, I have come to appreciate Johnny Marr's playing (especially) and the dry wit of the lyrics, which stop the songs from being _too_ maudlin. The clever humour throughout, and especially when paired with the surprisingly muscular musicianship, makes this a classic album. I think the title track, Bigmouth Strikes Again and There is a Light That Never Goes Out are all classic songs, and the rest of the album is very strong. But. And this is a big 'but'... Morrissey's increasing and unapologetic racism and right-wing politics make this unpalatable for me. I just can't get the bad taste out of my mouth when I hear Morrissey. His words and actions after the Smiths have sullied and tarnished the Smiths' legacy. To quote Billy Bragg: “whenever a Smiths track comes up I flip on … I just can’t … I love Johnny Marr, he’s the nicest man I ever met in pop music. So I really feel for him that the great work that he’s done should be tainted in this way.” (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/may/30/bigmouth-strikes-again-morrissey-songs-loneliness-shyness-misfits-far-right-party-tonight-show-jimmy-fallon). So, I recognise how great this record is, but it just leaves me feeling uncomfortable and slightly dirty listening to it. Sorry Moz, you stuffed it up for me. 5 stars for Johnny Marr, minus a bunch for Morrissey being an abhorrent racist.

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

This was probably hugely influential, but I can't stand Morrissey.

I didn't hate it. That's progress.

I was hoping, given how much I enjoyed Vauxhall and I, that I would have a newfound appreciation for The Smiths. Sadly, that's not the case. I connected with a few songs. Bigmouth is now stuck in my head for the rest of the day. But for the most part, I just found myself getting impatient.

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).

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

I enjoyed parts of this album, but a lot of it just melded together in my brain.

I'm shocked by this album. I thought I would HATE The Smiths. Morrisey is allegedly a Nazi/White Supremacist, so I was sure his music was awful. Unfortunately, this is a time where you might need to try to separate the art from the artist. The Queen Is Dead is an actual masterpiece. I LOVED IT! They do the 80s right with some present but not overpowering synth and dreamy vocals. I think this is one of the best albums of the 80s. Best Songs: The Queen Is Dead, Frankly Mr. Shankly, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Worst Songs: NA

I’ve listened to this album before. I’m not a huge fan of the smiths, but there were a couple of songs that were good.

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

Easily within the top 5 most listened to albums in my life Would always pop this on and rip cigs while I lived in Europe Morrissey is such an asshole / Morrissey is hilarious Johnny Marr is one of my favorite guitarists The Queen Is Dead opens with a banger drum solo Cemetry Gates has TWO great choruses Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others is absurd Shoutout to I Know It's Over, Bigmouth Strikes Again, and Frankly, Mr. Shankly There Is A Light That Never Goes Out is one of my all time favorite songs

This record doesnt sound bad by any means. It sounds like its on the verge of a great breakthrough but it just never comes. Maybe I'll have to try a later smiths album to see if they put it all together but this just didnt sound full to me. I was just missing something. Some good songs on here though. RIP Elizabeth 4/10

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

Decent album, listener friendly. Cheery.

Nah

Was this a coincidence on the album choice?? Maybe they should have played Sex Pistols, God save the queen, the day before this?? Smiths is one of those bands I was never able to get into their vibe. I did like a few songs like the Queen is dead, Big mouth strikes again and there is a light that never goes out. There were a few songs I was thinking WTF, like some girls are bigger than others. Thought it was just kinda, meh. 2

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.

5 Wtf they really gave us this album the day after the Queen died... wild. Anyway, one of my all-time favorite albums by one of my all-time favorite bands. Probably their best, but one of three I would give a perfect score (the others being their self-titled debut and Louder than Bombs). It's no secret I think Moz is an all-time great lyricist, and he shines brightly on this record in particular - though I also have to give kudos to Johnny Marr for writing some brilliantly unique and catchy riffs here that complement the vocals nicely. The title track is one of favorite opening tracks to any record ever - it gets me hyped up straight out of the gate every time and in my opinion is one of the band's most criminally underrated tunes. I Know It's Over is one of the most honest and vulnerable songs I've heard (a Smiths specialty), and encapsulates depression in a way I feel few songs have. There's a lot of other great songs here as well, but I have to give a special shoutout to There Is a Light That Never Goes Out. Truly one of the greatest songs ever written, it captures love in a beautifully macabre way I've never heard another song approach, and I never fail to get goosebumps from the synth outro. An all-time great. Admittedly, I do think Some Girls are Bigger Than Others isn't the strongest closer in the world, but it's still a decent track and the rest of the album makes up for it tenfold. Love The Smiths and Morrissey (only musically speaking) always. RIP Queen Lizzie Favorite songs: There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, The Queen is Dead, I Know It's Over, Cemetry Gates, Bigmouth Strikes Again, Frankly Mr. Shankly

The first Smiths album I ever heard or owned. So many great songs that I play often even today.

No

Very sad boy music. I didn’t hate it!

more appropriate then ever hell yeah

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

The Smiths are the 80's for me.

Like our experiment's dear leader, I also found the timing of this album highly suspicious given the recent passing of the female monarch. Listening to The Smiths when I am not wallowing in depression is tricky because it can pull me down into a depressed state or annoy me quite easily. From the opening track, the ending lyrics "life is very long if you are lonely" resonated with me. Musically, my favorite song was bigmouth strikes again.

Very oddly specific timing for this album... I didn't really like it that much, and these Monday reviews are tough because my memory of the experience is usually gone. Suffice to say, it wasn't memorable other than the timing.

I love the smiths - they’re clever and listenable, melancholy and light hearted, serious and don’t take themselves too seriously- and this album has all of that. It’s at least a top to smiths album for a band that’s at least top 20 favorite band of mine. Recommended for: poking fun at monarchists. 5/5

Sorry still just not there yet. Willing to keep at it but had time getting through the whole album of dudes voice.

Hits front to back. Classic album. 100/100

Amazing album.

A go-to album for any playlists that I make. Not a weak song on the album. Favorite track: There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

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

I enjoyed this one more than Meat is Murder. Once again I'm finding the guitar is my favorite part of The Smiths but the dramatic lyrics add a lot as well. There are a couple songs that I thought were slightly weaker than the rest but overall this is solid start to finish with a few really catchy songs. Favorite: Cemetry Gates

Queen Elizabeth is dead 9/10

Some catchy songs on this one. Not really my favorite but it grew on me during a second listen. I enjoyed the dark tone and lyrics. Reminded me of The Cure.

I never really listened to The Smiths but I did enjoy this album. I thought it was well written and especially liked the tone and feeling of the lyrics.

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.

Omg one of the goats i love this so much also the timing lmao

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

It's interesting how people cannot hold two conflicting ideas in their minds. It's possible for BOTH "The Smiths are good" and "Morrrissey is a prat" to be true. One has nothing to do with the other in the context of a review. Review bombing is the hallmark of sad, simple minds. If you don't like Morrissey, boycott his work. But no, that's not enough. You have to use what puny bit of power that you have to try to influence others to not listen to him. Pathetic. Anyway, this album is average. Three stars. And Morrissey is a prat. Still three stars.

Stone cold classic. "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" was the walkout music at my wedding. 'Nuff said.

Smiths records always sounded bad to me but the 2011 remaster goes a long way to improve that. In my mind The Smiths are a singles band to the detriment of their albums. The Queen is Dead is a good enough album with about half of it being singles-worthy cuts.

Classic album, jangle pop at its supreme

Very good, some would say landmark album in post punk music, but aside from the well known songs listening to Morrisey whine and bitch gets tiring

Ord blir fattige

da besta smithsalbumet tidsaktuelt

Love the timing of this one. Solid album

tidsaktuelt

Bra til å montera seng

Looses a point because Morrissey's gone all fash

It's a real shame about the gammonisation of Morrisey but there's no getting away from it. This album is amazing. The bright, sparkly guitar tone and intricate riffs of Marr perfectly compliment Morrisey's beautiful and meandering vocal melodies. The lyrics are sly, witty, profound, complex and moving. Pretty much every song is a classic.

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

man morrissey really called it. anyways, this album is excellent and i’m always happy to have an excuse to listen to it

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.

I just don't like the Smiths (or Morrissey) at all. Too annoyingly whiny for me. I didn't hate this, but I definitely will not listen again.

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.

There’s some good songs on there but not enough to write home about.

There’s a couple good tracks on here, but it didn’t grab me like another of their albums we had on this list.

This is a flat out great album..a handful of weaker spots but the good stuff carries it through

Some catchy stuff in here.

I really like The Smiths but this album is cutesy Smiths. The sound is there but the snarkiness of the song isn't all the appealing. So much better material from his band.

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

It should work, it just doesn’t. It sounds like repetitive whining.

Listened 30x love this album. 0 Smiths seen. 1 Morrissey

Unusually talented. I dont want to like it but it grew on me. Though not my preferred genre

It's fine. A few great songs but mostly forgettable

True Love ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ I’m so glad this was assigned for the weekend since I probably listened to the album 7 or 8 times. Coincidence that we got it the day after she died? Favorite songs have changed a bit since I was young - Cemetry Gates and There is a Light.

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.

Oh wow, this was such timing. I used to like The Smiths a lot in high school/early college, but they do little for me now. Morrissey’s delivery only annoys me, as does his petluant lyrics. The musicians are solid, though, and sometimes it works well enough that I can still get behind it. C

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.

Magnificent album. The pillar of jangle pop and hymn of depressed young adults.

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

Favorites were Cemetry Gates and There is a Light That Never Goes Out. Well crafted but depressing in Smiths fashion.

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!

Quite enjoyed this but it felt very nostalgic. From an earlier time when indie bands (or at least singers) weren’t espousing questionable views and tried to write erudite and witty lyrics. I loved the Smiths when I first heard them but their albums haven’t grown with me. The band are okay and fit the songs, but not as inventive - to me - as others seem to think they are. Listening to this when I did made me sad, but it was a wistful wishing for the simpler times when I first heard this band, rather than the music itself, I think.

This 'random' album was served up to me... the morning after the death of the Queen. Oh dear. It made the listening a more poignant exercise. The songs bounce along with effortless melodies from Marr, and oddball lyrics from You Know Who. Oh how he has fallen though. I had vowed never to listen to him again - quite a statement as he meant so much to me during my teenage years. wtf went wrong? Not a lot on this album. It comes over more like a Greatest Hits package. I genuinely believed back in the day that The Smiths would end up as big as The Beatles. They're not far off on The Queen is Dead. A pinnacle ahead of an almighty fall.

A sjajno je jebiga

FINALLY PREFS: TOUT MOINS PREF: RIEN

Weird coincidence with the passing of Queen E?

Probably my favorite Smiths album and the one I listen to the most. One of the best albums of the 80's and yes an album everyone should listen to.

One of my favorite albums of ALL TIME. Johnny Marr’s guitar shines brilliantly and Morrissey’s lyrics are haunting, sweet, hilarious, and vicious.

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.

I really didn't care for the vocalist -- his voice just hit my ears wrong and his style made every song sound the same even when the music was clearly different

The Queen Is Dead and so is this album. I would have been more entertained looking at a dead queen than listening to this.

So very morose, a little tongue in cheek. It wasn't bad, but I didn't really enjoy more than 2-3 songs. 2.5 stars rounded up.

😕

Det är ett så bra album

I've always liked this album. Songwriting is great and catchy, the guitar work is cool too. Their upbeat songs are fantastic and so are their melancholy songs which they do so well. I like Morrissey. I could not relate LESS to people who hate him because he's a nationalist. American social media normalizes anti-white hatred and tries to censor all attempts to resist it. Victim mentality and bitterness are lauded as virtues. After growing up in perhaps the most left-wing US state, where so many white people I know have been guilt-brainwashed into hating their culture and ancestors, it's refreshing to know there are still a FEW people out there who like white people and the West.

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.

Amazing album. The second side has some absolute bangers. Really enjoy the jangly sound pioneered by Marr. 5/5

timely

Definitely one of the best Smiths album. Some great tracks but some filler also.

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.

and so is this album

I love this album, and it is etched into my brain from my youth. Whatever Morrissey is now doesn't change that. Wry, bittersweet and a strong sense of time, place and state of mind.

I see what you did here, generator. Well played. The music is pretty/vibrant/wistful/savage. The lyrics are heartfelt/snarky/whimsical/funny. After some consideration, I’ve decided this is an album that lives up to the hype.

Lidt trist, men egentlig meget godt, Morrissey gør sin ting

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.

Classic Smiths album. Bit torn between 3 and 4..

This is ok, I guess - I don't understand the hype at all. Although I did appreciate the attention to detail in getting this album the day after the queen died ;)

De muziek is leuk voor op de achtergrond. Liedjes zijn prima popsongs, maar niet heel interessant en ook niet heel swingend. Prima. ***

oof 2? One star for being catchy i think especially for bigmouth strikes again.

morrisey heeft een iconische stem, makkelijk te herkennen. Leuk toegankelijk album

RIP LIZZY, wel een tof album

Life changing, from a time before everyone realised Morrisey was a complete arse. I absolutely love this album - 'there is a light...' was the soundtrack to my new life in Birmingham with Jane.

Really.

Couple of good songs. Nothing amazing on it though.

Big mouth strikes again and there is a light that never goes out are both one star songs. The rest is worth a star.

Classic

It's time for me to face the facts: The Smiths are actually really good. There is an ethereal energy that they bring when combining the booming post-punk drums and the beautiful jangly guitars. Truly, the Smiths had honed they sound in such a way that they were clearly the best in their field. Songwriting has improved from Meat Is Murder! Longing love songs that are honestly perfection. It's poetry. The Smiths show a certain consistency in their songs without sounding boring or same-y. God it's so good.

dreamy 80s rock pop with delightfully macabre, literary lyrics. poignant and upbeat, angry but fatalistic.

I can’t understand their popularity and why Morrissey is so lauded ! The album sounded the same pretty much all the way through ; monotonous melody with words. I’m voting a harsh 2*

Gallows humour with this, whether on purpose or randomly selected on this date. A couple of great songs but not enough to make me want to give it a second listen.

Man, I love The Smiths. Probably their best album. Gotta be a 5.

This makes me want to put gladioli in my back pocket and go for a bike ride in the rain. A collection of 10 exceptional tracks which fit together perfectly. Lyrically each song is insightful and sad, yet darkly and intelligently humorous (to the point of hilarity in some cases). Musically it is catchy and full of melody and emotion. Morrisey and Marr nail every aspect of this record. A stone cold, sad, funny, beautiful, classic. Rating: 5/5 Playlist track: There is a Light that Never Goes Out Date listened: 09/09/22

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.

I do very much like this album and well played by the team :hat-tip:

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... 🤔

Favourite Smiths album

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

Sounds like Kermit

I can't believe the Smiths predicted the queens death almost down to the day. I know this album thing is random, but days like this I wonder if they just pushed this album out to everyone today due to her actual passing. It would have been even spookier had this been the album yesterday. Really enjoying it though, especially the title song.

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

Listened to this on the day after Queen Elizabeth II died. And, I listened to this in Edinburgh, Scotland across the street from the St Giles Cathedral. Interesting music. Not always my preference.

🤔 The Queen is Dead. Long live the King! Charles III 3

I hate to admit it, but this wasn't bad. Good work, The Smiths. 3.5.

Too soon!

Cool but too depressing

Amazing album

Morrissey voice is a ficking vibe.

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.

The songwriting, the storytelling, this album is written so well that you don’t even notice the production expertly tuning itself to the mood of each track. Sorry if that sounds like I’m auditioning to be a music critic snob, but I really loved this thing. First time listening to it (I actually got Meat is Murder exactly before this so got really good context on the Smiths) and I’m going to need to listen to it a lot. Don’t think there’s anything I would change. I can see the influence in some modern artists I listen to and it makes sense why I fuck with this one too. Great fucking album

Kind of messed up that this album was recommended the day the queen died. Really great album though

Bangers

Funny timing moment

Honestly some of their best and most melodic songwriting!

Timely with actual Queen's death. High quality of songs overall, Frankly, Mr Shankly being my favorite.

Not able to understand what is so special about this album! Average.

She is indeed. 5-7/10

Love The Smiths, good album.

I thought this album was a little boring and the songs blended together and there's to little distinction between them.

Boring guitar and a less than pleasing voice equals meh

Sweet bass lines. Kinda too sad for me, but I didn't hate it

Not a fan, no good tracks. If I wanted to kill myself id just think about my life.

One of the greatest albums ever. Music from England is the best.

My friend Molly loaned me this cassette. She never got it back.

Definitely an all time classic for me. Vicar is the only song that is a bit too corny/sing-songy for me. The rest is stellar from start to finish.

I think I enjoyed this album more because the timing was too good.

It’s okay

Decent music. Kinda hard to understand the singer

very whiney gutiar is good. comes up day the queen died pretty weird.

Not my jam at all. Singer is offtune, lyrics are weird

middddd

Not my cup of tea

Ain’t no way this was randomly generated today. This was your plan all along.

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

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

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

Very insensitive recommending this to a Brit the day after the Queen died! 5 stars obviously, The Smiths, ace

How ironic. I just listened to this album yesterday in honor of Queen Elizabeth dying. God save the King. This album is a 10/10.

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

great album. funny it’s came up at this time.

Solid Album, Its not really my cup of tea but I get how it shaped to British sound in the 80's. I also feel like I can hear A direct line from the Smiths to the arctic monkeys in vocal style 3/5

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.

Nah

Day after queen died lol. Why. I’ve done five of these and two were the smiths I’m not this much of a pick me Guy. Great album tho

Not my style

Not for me - very British and somewhat esoteric

Crooning, deep voice from Morissey. Lack of melody or true flow along with the unique voice and interesting lyrics gives a certain allure to the album. I know it’s over is one of the most sad and beautiful songs I know of. Not a huge fan of the rest of the album but giving 3 stars because of that song.

Pretty classically 80s British pop punk. Not a bad listen overall.

Do not like the vocalist

Pretty good!

Absolute classic

A handfull of decent songs but mainly just a drone tone of a album with no “umph” at all but just long droning vocals with half decent background music

RIP our girl 💪🇬🇧

Irony: the queen died yesterday. I appreciate how short this album was. Not in a mean way, if it was longer I don’t think I’d like it as much.

Mopey music. Not bad, just not my favorite. Dig the guitar effects, tho. And Cemetry Gates is a bop.

Somewhat strange to be listening to this on the day the Queen's death was announced, but there you go. I've had a love hate relationship with The Smiths; hated them as a teenager in the 00s, then started to appreciate them in my college days. When I got my first car I bought this album on CD and played it to death. Definitely my favourite of their albums. Its almost perfect, maybe not quite a 5 but close enough that I'll round it up!

Whiny sad bastard music.

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

9/9/22 - y’all did this on purpose, didn’t you? One of the best albums of the 80s, still love it as much as I did in high school. Johnny Marr, you have my heart ❤️ Fav Tracks: Queen is Dead, Frankly Mr. Shankly, Cemetry Gates, Light that Never Goes Out

I’m a big morrisey / smiths fan anyway so this a no brainier 5 stars anyway

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

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

Eh, good enough lyrics but I didn’t like the lead vocals and just wasn’t a big fan. The dreamy melodies got boring after awhile

10/10

Morrisey’s voice makes my skin crawl. Wish the person running this generator hadn’t decided to meme it up and force this hunk of shit album on me, but at least I got it out of the way early I guess. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out is probably the most embarrassing thing ever committed to tape. I’d kill myself if I wrote that and someone else read it.

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.

Love this album front to back

The Queen Is Dead, well, given the events of yesterday the whole album is of poor taste, but it was ok, probably wouldn’t listen to it again, it was a bit too long. Frankly, Mr. Shankly is not what I expected stylistically, it has a fun bounce to it, and it doesn’t drag on like TQID did, wouldn’t choose to listen to, but didn’t dislike it and wouldn’t skip it if it came on. I Know It’s Over was ok, nothing great, nothing awful. Never Had No One Ever is just a bit dreary, nothing blows me away. Cemetery Gates is again ok, nothing much to comment on. Bigmouth Strikes Again was a bit boring. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side was listenable, wasn’t a fan though. Vicar In A Tutu never interested me that much, it came and went, and I do not care if I don’t hear it again. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out is on, the instruments are fine, just don’t really care to much. Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others might be my favourite on the album, but it still isn’t great. Honestly, the whole album was a snooze-fest, Morrissey’s vocals weren’t my favourite, and nothing in the album excited me. 2/5

very ironic timing

Well, you know

I like The Smiths :)

I liked this album, but not my fave so far.

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

very good album some songs are a lot better than others

Not my taste. difficult to enjoy. The timing of the album was suggestion was probably a factor. It was recommended to me on the day QEII passed

The are bizzare to bad at times. The music underneath comes off as a little boring but it usually suits the song overall. Some decent songs, some pretty bad songs. Just meh, would give 2.5 if I could.

loved it. the throwback feel and instrumentals are amazing

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

Interesting that I was given this album the day the Queen died I hate The Smiths and Stephen Morrissey - by Ween

Ummmm was this on purpose? Cause the queen literally just died today…. Anyways. I don’t have a ton to say about this because not much stuck out to me. I thought that the distorted vocals in the back of some of the songs, like in the outro of never had no one ever, were cool. I also enjoyed the melody of frankly, mr. shankly, but not enough to add it to my playlist. I guess it’s just not the type of music that I really enjoy or that sticks out to me. I really like the instrumental of bigmouth strikes again. The lyrics about Joan of Arc in that song are also interesting to me. I really enjoyed that song. Some of the long instrumental outros were a bit disinteresting to me. Religion is a pretty big theme in a lot of the songs, and it seems to portray it in a negative light, which kind of turns me off from the songs a bit. There is a light that never goes out was also enjoyable, but not quite enough to add it to my playlist on first listen. I think I’d probably like the whole album more if I listen to it a few more times.

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’ve never really listened to the smiths before and I enjoyed this album much more than I thought I would! I’m definitely going to check out more of their music now <3 My top 3 atm 🫶💗 1. Frankly, Mr. Shankly 2. Big mouth strikes Again 3. Cemetry Gates

Not good

The Queen Is Dead- 5/10 Frankly, Mr.Shankly- 1/10 I Know It's Over- 3/10 Never Had No One Ever- 4/10 Cemetery Gates- 6/10 Bigmouth Strikes Again- 4/10 The Boy With The Thorn In His Side- 4/10 Vicar In A Tutu- 3/10 There Is A Light That Never Goes Out- 4/10 Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others- 2/10 The Queen Is Dead- 3/10

Amazing, all time classic. Opening (title) track is a banger. Perfect embodiment of typical Smiths atmosphere.

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.

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

Alright

Love this album but came to it much later. I wasn’t exposed to this growing up and started listening to The Smiths because of my wife. Easily one of the best albums of the 80s.

Thank you for recommending this the day after Queen Elizabeth died

While Ironic that this album plays the day after the queens death, that doesn't save the fact that I HATE The Smiths.

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.

amazing album, listened to it like an hour after hearing that the queen died. 9/10

The funniest album I’ve heard from this era so far

Classic.

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

I can’t handle Morrissey. Vocals are so far forward in the mix that it feels self-indulgent.

Bizarre choice. The album didn’t feel like it had direction particularly, nor were any of the tracks compelling— the last track, “Some Girls are Bigger than Others,” left me entirely nonplussed— and I feel like it was selected only because of Queen Elizabeth’s passing.

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.

Tough listen. You really have to like his voice if you're going to make it more than a few songs in. Really wears you down.

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

Some good songs, I love the Who but some these songs were weird.

Loved a few tracks on this, a few I didn't love.

Unexpectedly good

Got this album the day after the queen died. Cool. Hated the album though. 2/5

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

I don’t hate myself enough today to listen to morrissey whine about all the the things in his life that he hates.

* * * * *

Good album. Very timely. Amazing songs.

Funnily enough I listened to this yesterday evening as it seemed highly appropriate.

Rip bozo 😹😹queen Elizabeth L+ratio

OK. Not super memorable. Teen me might well have been into this deeply but now, could take or leave. Might listen again, probably won't remember I heard it before.

Rated 5 only because I got this fucking album in the very day queen Elizabeth II died. God bless the Queen. And RNG.