Reviews (page 2 of 18)
My friend Molly loaned me this cassette. She never got it back.
Ain’t no way this was randomly generated today. This was your plan all along.
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.
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.
great album. funny it’s came up at this time.
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!
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
10/10
Thank you for recommending this the day after Queen Elizabeth died
amazing album, listened to it like an hour after hearing that the queen died. 9/10
Rated 5 only because I got this fucking album in the very day queen Elizabeth II died. God bless the Queen. And RNG.
The smiths are one of my favourite bands, and I've heard this album countless times - an effortles 5 from me. Funny how the generator 'convieniently' gave me this album a day after it was announced the Queen died. I always used to get a kick out of the"TQID" song, but now she's actually dead it isn't particularly enjoyable anymore. Not because I'm grieving over the Queen(news of her death produced only indifference from me). But because the song has lost its edginess now that she's actually gone. This album will always be great, the perfect album to introduce someone to the Smiths. People who hate on Morrissey are total bores.
Magnificent. The best Smiths album. Morrissey is at the height of his maudlin melodramatic lyrical superpowers. It’s just so sonically delicious the way Marr and Morrissey’s different strengths compliment each other. I’m addicted to it, I can’t get enough, I can listen endlessly. You discover something new and fascinating with every play, their music is just jam packed with nuance and pithy potency. The Queen is Dead and The Smiths are too, but I do so wish they’d ride again.
"The Queen is Dead" is the Smiths' 3rd studio album and was primarily recorded in the second half of 1985. Produced by Johnny Marr, Morrissey and Stephen Street, Marr said he was heavily influenced by the Velvet Underground, The Stooges and the Detroit garage scene. I honestly don't think I would pick any one of those bands given 20 guesses but, hey, the music is great is so...Speaking of great, Morrissey's lyrics are pretty much brilliant - satirical, self-deprecating and personal. He covers the monarchy, record industry, loneliness, relationships, plagiarism and social commentary on the female anatomy. At times, I thought Marr's music didn't match up with Morrissey's lyrics. Maybe, they were going for a dichotomy of lyrics and music, a la Dylan's "Rainy Day Woman." I don't think that anymore; the music matches up really well to the lyrics and may actually suggest dual meaning to some of these songs. No duds on this album. Morrissey's lyrics and Marr's melodies make all songs worth checking out to some extent. "The Queen Is Dead" starts the album with a sample from a 1962 British film and the band kicks it in with their most rockin song on the album. Marr had worked on this song since he was a teenager and the lyrics are apparently about the disconnect between the royal family and reality. The second side begins with two songs about the record industry and happen to be their two singles. "Bigmouth Strikes Again" was inspired by the Stones "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and has some pretty self-deprecating lyrics. I always loved the acoustic guitar chorus and electric guitar breaks. "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" happens to be Morrissey's favorite Smiths' song and about the difficulties dealing with the music industry. My favorite song on the album and maybe my favorite Smiths' tune is "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out:" a lonely person that gets happy and could care less if they died right then and there. At first, a song I thought the happy music didn't match the idea of getting run over by a bus. But, this actually is a happy song in a Morrissey sort of way. It's always great to revisit this album. To me this is The Smiths' best album and deserves its place among the top albums of the 80's.
This is the best album from one of the most influential bands of all time. The Smiths are the quintessential indie rock/British post-punk band. This album shows the Smiths at their most mature. Morrissey manages to deliver his message in a way that doesn’t come off as heavy handed as he did in ‘Meat is Murder.’ The songs themselves are crisp, melodic, and impeccably arranged. Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar is simply iconic and is textured wonderfully with the bass and drums to leave songs that feel filled out despite still communicating a sense of alienation.
Undoubtedly The Smiths finest moment. The Queen is Dead is where they go balls to the wall with their sound and ambition. Just when you think they have peaked with one song or two (the title track, Never Had No One Ever), they go ahead and whack you with another set of songs (Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Boy With the Thorn in His Side, There is a Light That Never Goes Out) that just obliterates whatever your preconceptions are of what's possible. This is rightly considered to be the absolute best album The Smiths ever made and it's an essential album of the 80s.
What makes an album? Is it themes: musically, lyrically or narrativly? Is it a bug idea split into chapters like a book? Or is it simply that every song is great in it's own right and deserves a place on the album? This album does that, every song is amazing lyrically, musically the lot. Still a bunch of despicable twats though!
If there ever was an album prescient of and apropos for Quarantimes, it is The Queen is Dead. Just as Schitt’s Creek was, surprisingly, exactly what many of us needed in the dark winter of 2020-2021 (YOU fold it in!), this album is just what I need as this Bullshit Period of Time takes a spiraling turn. There IS a light and it NEVER goes out. If David Rose were to write an album, this would be his album. In fact, David Rose reminds me of Morrissey. I know, I know—Morrissey is a little like crappy whiskey: syrupy, trying to be something bigger/more important than he actually is, hard to swallow, too much of him gives you a headache. And yes, he is 100% Brit-dick of the ages. (see: https://www.spin.com/2017/11/morrissey-defends-kevin-spacey-and-harvey-weinstein-saying-victims-shouldve-known-what-could-happen/) But early/mid 1980s Morrissey was a kinder, gentler version. Kind of like how David Rose—and Schitt’s Creek overall—evolved into a kinder, gentler version of himself. And this album, for me, reminds me of when I, too, was a kinder, gentler version of myself. Just a few notes from me: -The opening drums! My beloved They Might Be Giants once made fun of the Smiths for their “boom-chick” drums—The Queen is Dead stands in opposition to that critique. -Cemetry Gates is one of the songs that inspired me to learn the guitar and still one of my favorite little riffs. “A dreaded sunny day” portended my eventual feelings about living in Los Angeles. -Johnny Marr's technique and melodic lines and expressiveness shines here. And I think shows the signal that he's ready to move onto bigger and better things like The Pretenders. -His alliterative references get me every time. Loud, loutish lover. Monkish monsignor. Ten ton truck. -Randy Jackson would most certainly comment on his “pitchy-ness” throughout. But rather than try to be all fancy with my rare reviews, I’ll just let the lyrics speak for themselves as certainly relevant for this turbulent time. Since you’ve asked you are a flatulent pain in the ass. Some girls are bigger than others, some girls’ mothers are bigger than other girls’ mothers. (True? Yes. Relevance? None.) A vicar in a tutu, he’s not strange; he just wants to live his life this way. It’s so easy laugh, it’s so easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind. Life is very long when you’re lonely. #covid #quarantimes Take me out tonight Because I want to see people And I want to see life There IS a light and it NEVER goes out.
I was only thinking walking back from work today, I hope I get a Smith's one on the album thing, so I can just splurge on how much I love em. WE CAN GO FOR A WALK WHERE IT'S QUIET & DRY & TALK ABOUT PRECIOUS THINGS.
4/5. The Smiths are quintessential college radio indie ‘rock’. I couldn’t escape their music past sophomore year of high school. Had bought the CD of their debut album and spun it in my car many times back before streaming became the norm. Alot of their stuff carries a similar style and sound throughout their discography; however, the Queen is Dead album is their most experimental outing Id say.
I like the smiths but this is not their best
Loved this album when it came out. Although the music holds up, it’s hard to go back and listen now hearing it through the lens of who Morrissey truly is.
Morrissey seems self-centered and pretentious, but this is all pretty great. Maybe I'm just too old for this?
i hate you morrisay but this shit bangs
It''s so easy to laugh, It's so easy to hate It takes strenght to be gentle and kind
It’s popular but I think it’s not that good Maybe I will change my mind soon 7.5/10 2025/12/24
Someone should check-in on their singer. He seems sad.
Despite some winyness, a much better album than Meat is Murder.
absolutely a 5/5 musically. docking a point for morissey being a dick.
Probably my favorite of all the smiths albums i’ve listened to so far
By far, one of my favorite smiths albums. Love almost all the songs on the album.
"The Cure make you want to kill yourself. The Smiths make you wish you'd never been born." Removal of one star because Morrissey is such a wanker.
This isn't my favourite Smiths album, although there are a lot of standout tracks. Some of the songs are fairly mean spirited / the humour is misdirected
My favorite album of theirs. Still incredible.
It's all good, but There Is a Light That Never Goes Out blows the rest of the songs out of the water.
I always heard people talk about The Smiths with reverence and after we got our first Smiths album, I was like eh I don’t get it. We just got the wrong one first, this album was really good
I never went all in with the Smiths, always suspected he might be a nazi and possibly responsible for the cardigan craze of my youth. However this has four genuine classics, great for a mix tape and always had time for marr's jingly jangly riffs. Some dross on here though that can't be excused.
As a follow up to Meat is Murder and Hatful of Hollow (which are kind of the same but different) The Queen is Dead hits all the right notes. You have Johnny Marr's jangly guitars turned up plus Morrissey's morose whining tuned down. Some songs, such as Cemetary Gates and Frankly Mr. Shankly, are downright upbeat. Even the sadder or angrier songs, such as Bigmouth Strikes Again or The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, are fine tunes. While there is no giant of a song like How Soon is Now?, it is full of great songs and better production. Definitely an album any Smiths fan, 80s fan, or music lover should have.
I’m not a fan- but it’s still good.
Not exactly what I was wanting on a bright and sunshine-filled Friday morning - dreary moody emo rock from Morrissey and The Smiths - but I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting to.
Every song had a way to pull you back in before changing it. At times this felt like a 3 while others it felt like a 5.
Surprisingly upbeat at times with the classic Morrissey/Marr sound.
Great album, found the lyrics to be hilarious at times and the musicianship top-notch. The Smiths aren’t the best band that ever came out of Manchester (that would be The Fall) but they are pretty damn good.
the cure may be the better band, but this is the best project between the two. morrissey's best vocals and songwriting coincide on this album, coming together to create a whole bigger than its parts. however, the album does lack consistency, with some of the songs not nearly reaching the highs of tracks like there is a light that never goes out or i know its over, enforcing the smiths' reputation as a singles band. also, crazy that the queen is actually dead now.
Jangly guitar in all its glory. Great melodic bass lines. But Morrisey's lyrics are the star here. Sometimes he's clever, sometimes he's a petulant child, usually he's moody as all hell, but always he's compelling. "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" laps at the shores of genius.
She sure is!
Generally good songwriting. Some good melodies that stick. Interesting production. Not a huge fan of the vocals. But I get why people like it.
Morrissey is quite the cunt, but it’s not bad.
Suprised myself by actually quite liking this. Good voice and lyrics though pretty depressing and despite Morrisey being an arse
dude is just moanin & groanin every song. nice.
I don’t dislike this album but, between The Smiths and Morrissey’s solo projects, this is the fourth time for him to come up. I think I’ve got it; we can move on.
I like the smiths better than anything else Morrisey has touched but that’s not saying much. Moody pop masquerading as mod.
I'm a big fan of Bigmouth Strikes Again. A cool song and a cool fella but more importantly the album was a solid listen. Some of the track had the same formula to to it but it was still fun to listen to. Top 3 Fav: Bigmouth Strikes Again, There is A Light That Never Goes Away, and The Boy With The Thorn In His Side Top 3 Worst: no bad songs 3.50/5
Short but was very enjoyable.
Not my thing but love Johnny Marr
Reminds me of High School and the kids who loved dockers and rolled up jeans. The Smiths are very good clearly maybe not exactly for me. This is still a good album clearly.
Grew on me. First few tracks were dull but by Cemetary Gates I was in
I don’t hate this album as much as I used to, even if morissey is still way too whiney. This probably hit super hard if you were a British teen back then. The instrumental composition is really good. The fact that this got a 3 out of me is saying a lot. It just makes me want to listen to Brand New. Similar amounts of whiney crooning
It’s too bad morrisey is a piece of shit
Thank god for whoever worked on that remaster, because the original mix was so flat and tinny that it was unbearable. Now, I can finally ignore Morrissey's cringe lyrics and deep self-importance to listen to some relatively decent backing tracks in peace.
The amount of irritating headlines I've read about Morrissey is higher than the number of The Smiths songs I have heard. It's a shame because some of this is quite good, particularly the sad songs for sad boys and girls. The rest are okay, bordering on mediocre though. Such is life when an artist is hyped up as much as these guys. Maybe I'll listen to the title track and Cemetry Gates to help drown out all the insane things Morrissey says
British emo
I liked the production and grooves. The really unique delivery of the singer often sounds like singsong narration rather than melody. Sometimes that's cool, but it's a little much for a long listen, even on this short-ish album. The lyrics are also really literal and expository rather than esoteric and poetical. It's strange feeling: to be surprised, by the thought, that this is unusual!
Reveals how much Smiths songs need a gimmick, not to mention a kick up the arse. The evidence is I Know It's Over, Never Had No One Ever and The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, which slump too comfortably into their favourite armchair. But everywhere else, they land on something unusual to give the elliptical storytelling, bummed-out vocals and chipper guitar the lift they need. That's a win for form. As for content, only time will tell if I can find any sort of emotional communion with Morrisey. For now, I'm happy to chuckle at his prickly phrasemaking.
I Cannot Fucking Wait Til Morrissey Dies [FLAC, 2018] (5/10, quite tame)
A sad, forlorn, and frankly delivered album from the mid-80's that is just as catchy as it is critical of humanity. Must be The Smiths.
I used to hate the Smiths, mainly because I'm not a fan of Morrissey's maudlin vocal stylings, but I've grown to appreciate them over the years. Still not a huge fan of the vocals but I liked the music on this quite a bit. 3 stars.
Fun little jingle jangle songs that sound happy, lyrically sad, but all in good humor. Not quite my style, but I do appreciate the sound they create. Good for a melancholy mood that needs to be fixed.
Morrissey's crooning is so over the top, and his lyrics toe the line between cheeky and earnestly cheesy. But it all somehow works. Favorite Smiths album for me.
Never listened to a full smiths albums, just random songs here and there. In general, I get why. I feel like the Smiths are a band made for the compilation. Good songs, album is ok? IDK.
I understand why "There Is A Light..." is so appreciated, it's a fine song. But nothing superlative as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, the sonic landscape is consistently good, a little melancholy but still pop. The pitch-shifting is fun.
Some decent stuff by Johnny Marr, but just can't stand Morrissey's whingy, monotone voice and (some) appalling lyrics! Really fail to see what the appeal is. Another one for the 1001 albums not to listen to again before I die.
I once knew this guy who was whiny and soft and I didn’t like him and he loved the Smiths and now when I listen to the Smiths I can’t tell if I don’t like them because they remind me of him or if it’s because I just don’t like them but I think it’s because I just don’t like them because they too are whiny and soft.
I don't like the Smiths.
Ok. Don't like the voice or vocal effects
I’m no monarchist, but The Queen is Dead has me reconsidering that stance. Surely, a benevolent dictator, unfettered by democracy, wouldn’t allow an enterprise as soul-draining and limp as The Smiths to run amok in their kingdom, would they? Johnny Marr’s guitar is The Smiths’ only saving grace in my book and it’s great here. The rhythm section is ok and the production is a typical 80’s mix. Everything about Morrissey sucks. Hard. He easily ranks amongst the 10 most insufferable people on the planet, and that was before revealing himself to be a Grade A bigot. If you like songs about how it would be great to be run over by a bus and killed, this is the album for you. Usually after I finish one of these records, I either listen to it again or listen to something similar in my collection for the sake of comparison. Today, I took off my headphones, unable and unwilling to do either. This record has (at least temporarily) made me hate music.
It's only getting an extra point because the queen finally fucking died.
not bad! i agree with the "sad music for sad people" review
Watching the one video from this album (The Boy With The Thorns In His Side), I remember why I don't like The Smiths: Morrissey is just a whiny little s**t. He just... tries to hold himself like he doesn't know what to do with his arms. He is no Jim Morrison, I can tell you that. And that whole jangle-y guitar. Gah. Just... irritating. Next.
I never dislike the Smiths, but it does all run together for me. Fairly clever lyrics, and I certainly see the impact on alternative music.
Meh.
Ew, morrisey. You're not getting my stream-pennies. There are so many good covers of smith songs, plus johnny marr solo work that I'll listen to before I support morrisey..
My response to The Smiths is always the same - sounds like a first year beat poet is trying to make contact with his cetacean people. 1 star because you can't vote 0.
Didn’t like them then, don’t like them now
Of all the bands The Smiths is somehow one of them. Like The Ramones every song is basically the same formula. Unlike The Ramones they are dreadfully boring.
Never got the whole morrisey thing, so not for me
The incessant quaker oats adverts on YouTube provide a welcome break from the nasally droning of the Smiths.
oh ffs... theres more than one?
fart shitty indie bullshit rock
Really tried. He sounds whiny
The Smiths. I’ve reviewed one of their other albums on here. Still not heard anything to change my mind that they’re just not very good. Mare’s guitar about the only bright spot in an otherwise dreary landscape. Did not enjoy.
I hate this band
I fucking hate the smiths
Mid
Dull music for people who think they’re interesting.
GOING IN: Neutral - I liked some of their stuff FAMILIARITY: Know a song or two SKIP RATE: Light skipper (1-2 tracks) REPLY VALUE: One and done DISCOVERY CURVE: Never clicked ALBUM ARC: Weak start, side B is better VERDICT: Bit underwhelming FAVOURITE TRACK: Cemetry Gates
nid so mis
it was awful. Some good music on their and talented musicians then that soppy flat monotone starts and ruins the lot. I hate his voice and anyone who says they like this sort of crap is just too scared to say they dont
Don't like the smiths at all
Woof. Are we still supporting Morrissey?
Generic Metal. Nothing to write home about.
No
Nah. mostly boring, with a couple of tunes that I recall from my youth, but not my thing
"Hello, is this the suicidal hotline?"
Both the music and the musician suck
See my comment for the Beatles
Why he so sad 3/10
Thought I would hate this. I didn't like it. But it wasn't as bad as I assumed. Doesn't sound like poor punk garbage by any means. And that's sort of what I assumed.
This is my introduction to the Smiths. I dreaded listening to this as I figured it wouldn’t be my taste. I was right, but I still tried to remain open minded as I like to prove myself wrong. Unfortunately, not a single song on this album is memorable nor worth going out of your way to listen to. While it’s possible that the Smiths have music/ albums that are my taste, I’m not inclined to look into them. I also wouldn’t recommend this to anyone as a must listen to album. There’s much better music out there.
Pass
The 1 Star is for me putting up with this drivel - reaffirms my loathing of Morrissey.
Fuck Morrissey, the arrogant cunt.
again, trying too hard to be like the cure. But it was the 80's
Was not a fan of this, there were only some moments of 2 star quality for me but overall a 1
No, Morrissey, you don’t “know how Joan of Ark felt.” You are not that important, or important to culture or history at all. You’re super-self absorbed, and it shows in your singing. Really too bad your lyrical delivery obscures the rest of the band, which actually sounds great. Smiths without Morrissey might be a 4. With Morrissey, it’s a 1.
Repeat listen
This album is better than I expected, I give it a solid 1 star.
Not my bag, baby. I tried.
boring, uninspired
I don’t like solemn British new wave bands. At all.
0/10 I despised this. Only listenable songs were frankly Mr shankly and some girls are bigger than others
I've managed to never intentionally hear the Smith's for my entire life thus far, and I will not begin now. Morrissey is a proper c**t.
Mwh
This album sucks and so does Morrisey. Pretentious bullshit from the 80s
This guy, whine whine whine. A different singer and maybe but blah.
Slightly better than the last Smiths album but wow, I don't think I like Morrissey's voice at all. It sounds like he has a toad in the back of his throat at all times. I found myself slightly enjoying.. parts.. of songs, but didn't have one I could listen to all the way through without cringing.
How was it a surprise to anyone to find Morrissey is an insufferable twat?
This is the 86th album I’m rating. I’ve heard that Summer really likes this shit but I’ve never listened to a song. Adding to my Playlist - Vicar in a Tutu and There is a Light that never goes Out. Not Adding to my Playlist - The Queen is Dead, Frankly, Mr. Shankly, I Know it’s Over, Never had no one Ever, Cemetry Gates, Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Boy with the Thorn in his Side, and Some Girls are Bigger than Others. The Queen is Dead - Summer was wrong. Vicar in a Tutu - I actually like this it feels very fun and energetic but maybe it isn’t cause I’m not really listening to the lyrics. There is a Light that never goes Out - I can’t stop thinking about Summer’s version. All in all I liked 2/10 songs. Wow The Smiths suck everybody lied when they said this album was good.
ass
Boring
I was happiest before hearing this album, and second happiest when it finished. Fuck Morrissey.
Ts sucked bro. Full stop
Day 90 - March 1st, 2025 Reasons why I hate British people: - Beans and tuna on baked potatoes - Morrissey
There's some decent music on here, but it's ruined by the fact Morrissey sings on every song. I don't like his voice, and really don't like him as a person either. That's not the rest of the band's fault, but it pushes me away from them regardless. If I'm going to listen to The Smiths, I'd rather listen to covers than hear him.
the first song had be like "okay, this actually might be a Smiths album that I enjoy and can vibe with" that definitely ended after the first song.
Dull and long. There’s an argument for a 2, but I’m tired of this sound on the list!
Another smiths album??? Wtf
"The tracks on this list are not available" Thank you Spotify for saving me from having to suffer through any of Morrissey's voice.
Morrissey is nobody's friend. If Morrissey were an ice cream flavor, he'd be pralines and dick.
скучно
I don’t like heavy British accents being the whole point of the band
Based on the previous smiths, not interested in this.
I disliked this very much. I think that if I was a South Park Emo kid I might have been more into listening it while smoking behind the gym.
This was always going to be a difficult one. I have always disliked, no hated the smiths since they came onto the world. It’s that whiney little fuck that sings for them., he makes me feel like I want to punch someone or stick sharp objects in my ears. This is the 1st time I have gotten through a whole album of this simpering, grey Manchester sky of a man, and no it wasn’t any better than I thought. - stayed away from others and sharp objects. I know it’s humour behind the act but doesn’t lessen the blow for me. I know people who actually like this, who say listen past him to the music -and if he would just turn the I’m sooo miserable schtick down for I moment but he is there front and centre being such a miserable , not that’s enough. Music should be for all emotional scope and if this is your thing good for you, I do get why they have such a cult following, but this hasn’t changed anything for me still hate them.
I really tried to like this, but just couldn’t.
Droney bollocks
it was ok, not my style really
The Smiths would be a decent group if it wasn’t for that twat and his dreadful voice and worse opinions.
Miserable music for miserable people.
4 songs were enough. Cannot handle the vocals. Please get out the MIB neuralyzer and make me forget this album and the Smiths. More Sex Pistols and Clash please.
Never been a fan, don't understand their appeal at all
Nope to Morrisey
Overall: 1/10 I'm happy for the people that enjoy this but I've always hated The Smiths with a passion and listening to this album in full didn't do anything to sway me. I truly think that Morrissey is a godawful vocalist and the music behind him bores me to tears. I think it might be mostly the guitar tone, it's like nails on a chalkboard for me. One of the easiest 1 stars I'll ever give out, and if I hadn't promised myself to give every album a chance, I'd have completely skipped it (and I'm wishing I did). Fav Song: Cemetry Gates (They're all garbage but the bass is actually pretty great in this song) Least Fav Song: Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others
Before starting this album journey I knew who the smiths/Morrissey was but had never listened to them. After their first album I thought I could understand why they were recognized for what they did. After the 5th or so album, I don't get it at all. Fuck Morrissey and Fuck the Smiths. Actual nonsense music that would sound the same if a wailing donkey was singing. The only good thing about this album is that it's under 40 minutes and doesn't drag out the torture.
I do not get the smiths and I am at peace with that
1.5
i hate morrissey you do NOT know how joan of arc felt
Pretty good not my kinda music kinda boring
Too melodramatic for me
Meh
Is she ?
Simply terrible assembly of musical notes
I fell asleep listening to it, so I think that tells you what I thought of it.
Steve is so full of himself and probably depressed. He try’s to be deep but comes off as pretentious.
Really. First Belle and Sebastian, now this. Once in my twenties I took some acid. After ditching my friends and skateboarding through puddles in a shopping centre carpark for an hour I went home. There were Smiths film-clips playing on a night time music show. I sat down on the couch and watched 8 or 9 Smiths videos to give them the benefit of the doubt. I was equal parts intrigued and dismayed. Don't do drugs, kids. Vivat regina. 1 star..
More of this fella? I don't get it. Never have
Zero Hate Morrissey
Couldn't finish tbh. This album sucks
I hate this album and music
One of the most sinfully boring albums I’ve ever even attempted to listen to.
This album was written by an energy vampire. It sucked so friggin bad. If I could give a 0 / 5 I would
Once again: Too nice for punk, too indie for easy listening, too silent for rock. Not impressive for me.
Ugh... Another one that is tough to separate from opinions I formed a lifetime ago. A single track here that borderlines on wanting to rock, but mostly it's all sad-boi jangly bullshit with some nonce crooning over the top. Never understood the hype here. Oh, and lest I forget, fuck Morrissey straight to hell.
I know I'm supposed to love it, but I just don't get it
Again having to rate the performers for being terrible people. 1.
Yikes
Sounds like a typical 80s album but was not very enjoyable. None of the songs were truly bad they were all just mediocre
Didn't like The Smiths in the 80s and I still don't like them. The title of their 1984 single "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" sums up how I feel after listening to this album. Pretensious self-righteous twaddle. Anyone whinks that The Smiths were great should listen to "Frankly, Mr Shankly" - surely, they're taking the piss.
Not bad
I can't stand Morrisey's voice. I understand this is is significant album, but I will never listen to the Smiths and not feel overwhelmingly bored.
Not my cup of tea
[09/09/2022] I see what they did here, the queen dies and the next day everyone gets this album recommended to them. And I thought I was gonna enjoy it because it’s The Smiths and even though I had never listened to them it was always the nerdy kids that liked The Smiths and I’m a complete nerd. But I just really didn’t like it!! I don’t have much to say because I couldn’t manage to pay enough attention to know what it’s about… Maybe I’ll try again this weekend.
Holy Moly - and that's today? The Days the Queen died? But anyway, I was never a Smiths-Fan..... boring.... to me...
This is objectively terrible. I'm only on the third track and I really can't finish it. It's just bad.
This is unbelievably bad and repetitive.
not my jam
Fuck Morrisey
awful.
The smiths are depressing.
Ironic the album generated today...never been a Smith fan but shame on me trying to listen to them before my morning coffee.
Did not care for.
Im personally a post-punk fan so I actually kinda wanted to give this album a chance (sorry mom). First song was okay enough and everything kinda degraded from there. honestly i would totally be into the smiths if it weren't for Morrissey's voice. I have a soft spot for crappy vocals but Morrissey is an exeption.
Not for me.
I tried. I really did. Please don’t make me listen to him again. DNF.
Not a fan. Most of the songs sound the same. I did like the energy of the title track.
I really wanted to like this album and was enjoying it in the beginning but it lost me by the end. I hate to say it but I just couldn’t get past the drums. I can’t pin-point if it is a feel, tone, production, stylistic thing, or just the player but it just didn’t feel just right for me.
While Ironic that this album plays the day after the queens death, that doesn't save the fact that I HATE The Smiths.
I don’t hate myself enough today to listen to morrissey whine about all the the things in his life that he hates.
Bolitas.
Johnny Marr is great. Morrissey can go pound sand.
Not a smiths fan also really? LOL that album title today????
Omg this sucked
Well, naming-wise it was an excellent choice for today, perfect example of situational humour. I would rather have it totally randomised, but I really won't complain. So, all in all, that would be it in the positive section of this album. The Smiths is a soft rock/indie band, with a very apathetic instrumental section and a monotonous voice of Morrissey. When I was listening to the album, I felt like no one wanted to participate in this experience - not me and definitely not the band members. It was a real struggle to survive those 35 minutes. It felt like being trapped on that water planet in Interstellar - 10 minutes of listening to the album is few days of time in real world. Time that will never be returned to me, lost "like the tears in the rain". The Queen is Dead has some redeeming qualities, despite all of its faults. For example, lyrics to the songs are pretty clever, even funny at times, they just have to be read by someone that can portray at least one more emotion than total boredom. I didn't want to be too harsh to this album, but it has to join my, so far short, list of records that I will never reach out to again. English punk and post-punk scene is a big disappointment for me.
Every song sounds the same and I don't like Morrissey's voice or manner of singing. 3rd Smiths album I got and there's also 3 Morrissey albums on this list? Ugh. Might be time to switch to Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
On the first day of mourning for the late great Queen, I get "The Queen Is Dead". A little on the nose, album generator. Anyway, I hate Morrissey and I don't fully trust anyone who claims to be a Smiths fan.
Very poor taste!
How ironic, the day after the queen dies this album pops up in my selection. This album only serve to reinforce just how I felt about Morrissey The Smiths, I find him vulgar and shameless and having managed to avoid The Smiths for so long it’s only reinforced that old feeling
NBz No playlist add. Not feeling this at all.
Totally not for me. Thought his voice was bad and he was singing about silly stuff. Just all around bad.
Extrem generisch
Oh no. Not looking forward to this...I listened to a few songs when Mike played the vinyl but I just don't like them. This probably makes me a bad music snob.
Fuck Morrisey- I refuse to listen to him. I prefered the Primitives and Cure then and still do today. I don’t know why anyone would even want to cover it. #old
Durchgehört, obwohl zwischenzeitlich schwer erträglich, schließlich sind The Smiths ein Name. Wohl kaum eine Band ist derartig überschätzt wie The Smiths. Vielleicht muss man damals dabeigewesen sein? Es spricht für Morrissey, dass er sich für seine späteren Solo-Alben (die mir ja zum Längen besser gefallen haben) bessere Songschreiber ausgesucht hat (denn kreativ ist das hier alles nur leidlich ansprechend), aber er gibt auf dieser Platte auch überhaupt keine gute Figur ab.
mr johnny is a talented man. mr morris is a cunt.
Didn’t need to listen
God I hate The Smiths.
Garbage
The Queen Is Dead starts out strong. The backbeat on the title cut is overly insistent, but the dense web of Johnny Marr's guitars makes this tune compelling, if overlong, and Morrisey's vocal is at least not offkey. Things swiftly go downhill from there. The ghastly oompah-pah beat of Frankly Mr. Shankly dooms it out of the gate. I Know It's Over is an update of 50s doowop, a nothing composition with a with a melodramatic delivery by Morrisey; he's constantly threatening to go out of tune; it's fucking awful. But what really sinks The Queen Is Dead is the uncreative songwriting; it's a compendium of cliches without a wrinkle of originality to be found anywhere, at least musically speaking. I didn't really pay attention to the lyrics. It didn't take me long to start to really resent Morrisey's melodies, though. They cycle through similar strategies. In particular, he's fond of endlessly arpeggiating between the tonic and the third of the song's key. Every song's melody is approached in this modal fashion. It's beyond boring. On Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Smiths find a new way to be annoying; the harmonies are sped up to sound like the Chipmunks. On the evidence of this album, it's a mystery why The Smiths had any sort of career. Wait, that's right, it was the 80s, possibly the biggest nadir of popular culture in the last 60 years. They fit right in. Other than my praise of the title cut, the only nice thing I can say is that the awful synthesizers are kept in the back of the mix and the production doesn't stink of the late 80s.
Claro que no
For noe jævla møl
Absolute banger. Nothing left to say
Probably is the best The Smiths album. Great rocking intro. I Know It’s Over is morbidly lovely. You could make an argument for Cemetery Gates and Big Mouth being their best songs. Not bad song on it really. If I’m being critical Vicar in a Tutu lets the side down a tad. And I know Morrissey is known for his daft lyrics but he could have come up with something different on Some Girls. There Is A Light probably would have been the perfect ending. 4.9/5
Ay 5/5. I reckon id be wearing flowers in me back pocket and glasses if i were around in 84. The song queen is dead is just ace. Lyrically its morrisey at his best. I still think i prefer meat is murder. EY and nobody gives any love for Andy Rourke. The bass is really good on loads of em
I remember buying this on cd and playing it on the bus....the good old days them! Was once my favourite album when I was like 19, and 18 years later....we'll it isn't anymore but is still brilliant and the smiths best album. Queen is dead and light that never goes out a great! Cemetery gates, i know its over and the boy with the thorn in his side are personal favs!
Hard to go wrong with the Smiths.
Such a masterpiece, one of the best albums of The 80s & all time
Easiest 5 star I’ve given out. This is a classic album that I’ve heard countless times before.
It's a brilliant album. I got into the Smith's around 1999 and saw my first Morrissey gig in Dublin in 2002 maybe. Have yet to see Johnny Marr regrettably. Actually rarely listen to full Smith's albums anymore so this is genuinely a nice treat for a Monday morning. This is such a great album, great lyrics and vocals and sublime guitar playing. Brilliant rhythm section of course. I'm a big fan of Andy Rourke's playing anyway and Mike Joyce sounds great on this record too. Perfect Smiths album, they are at their very best in this album. 5/5.
It's no secret that I'm a big Moz fan, and The Queen is Dead finds him at his sardonic Smiths best. Marr's hooks are life-giving, with not a single unnecessary note. Where I think The Queen is Dead really shines is in the often thankless jobs of Mike Joyce on drums and Andy Rourke on bass. Their dynamic contributions add so much depth to what's already a nearly flawless record. This is The Smiths firing on all creative cylinders and one of the most vital and vibrant records of the 1980s. What's all the wilder is that it isn't even my favorite Smiths release!
Por álbumes como este es que arranque en esta página. Cancion fav: Bigmouth Strikes Again Lo volvería a escuchar? sí
can't give them more than 80 all time classics
Marvelous album. Was so glad to see it on the list and to be prompted to listen to it again (it had been awhile). This record is pretty much perfect. The Smiths set the gold standard for indie “jangle pop.” Listening to this reminds me of just how influential the Smiths were. This kind of sound wasn’t really around before them. Marr’s guitar is simple and so lovely and melodic. Morrissey’s crooning and lyrics match perfectly with the songs. Lyrics are clever, and sometimes downright funny even though he’s singing about serious topics. No one else like the Smiths; and this record may be their best. 5 stars easy.
Number: 250 Familiarity: Extremely (5) Rating: 5 Before: ======= This is probably my favorite album from The Smiths. I suspect I'll rate it a 4, though it's conceivably a 5. After : ======= I see Morrisey getting a lot of hate from reviewers here. I have nothing to say about that other than I find it kind of sad. Anyways, on to what I think about the music. I'm rating this one a 5. It's probably one of my top 10 albums from the 80's and would most likely be in my top 50 essential albums of all time, maybe even top 20.
Hits!
Classic… liked the music; his voice wears on me over time. There is a Light and Frankly Mr. Shankly are really good.
Tracklist 1. ❤️The Queen Is Dead 2. ❤️Frankly, Mr. Shankly 3. ❤️I Know It's Over 4. ❤️Never Had No One Ever 5. ❤️Cemetery Gates 6. ❤️Bigmouth Strikes Again 7. The Boy With the Thorn in His Side 8. Vicar in a Tutu 9. ❤️There Is a Light That Never Goes Out 10. Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others Avis - Je comprends les critiques comme quoi c'est très "weepy". C'est vrai ça l'est mais ça reste super bien écrit. C'est même parfois drôle / humoir noir (*Frankly, Mr. Shankly*). - Même si les arrangement sont simples, ça va pas chercher midi à 14 heures, les mélodies sont diablement efficaces, comme dans *There Is a Light That Never Goes Out. * - Concrètement je pourrais aimer toutes les musiques je pense c'est assez immersif comme atmosphère, je réécouterai ça tous les jours sans sourciller. - J'ai hâte d'écouter les autres albums !
Absolutely superb
AND IF A DOUBLE DECKER BUS CRASHES INTO USSS 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 MIIINE
Despite the Morrissey-shaped elephant in the room, this is just a damn good set of tracks. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I’m at a 5. As always, Morrissey's a dickhead. You know it, I know it; no need to say anything more. Johnny Marr, however, fucking rules, and the combination of the two here feels especially potent. The unsung third hero of this album, and one who unlocks both Marr & Morrissey further, is Mike Joyce, who puts in some unbelievably strong percussion work on all of these tracks. There’s a hell of a pulse that comes from the drums that breathes some extra life into the album, and between that drum work, Johnny Marr’s guitars & yes, Morrissey’s vocals, it’s just an unstoppably captivating album (at least until the last track, but we’ll get there). Morrissey, by this point, has begun bitching about the world. Not everything about the world, but the self-aware savior complex prick version of him with a desire for a spotlight on his plight is slowly coming to life on this album. However, unlike the bitter solo version of himself trying to prove misguided points about the world after the Smiths’ breakup, this version of Morrissey has enough tact to add lots of wit that keeps these from being too bitchy. There’s enough self-awareness here to wink to the room & induce a little bit more empathy than disagreement, and it helps that the songwriting is relatable in broader strokes. “The Queen is Dead”, for example, is a pretty strong case for the monarchy losing its cultural staying power & becoming just more cogs in the machine of life. “Frankly, Mr. Shankly” is just a desire to be known & make an impact (and to get paid, as most people want). “I Know It’s Over” is drab & dreary, comparing beds to coffins & contemplating suicide after being rocked to the core by an especially hard breakup. It’s dramatically overdone, yes, but in the broadest strokes possible, there’s something innately relatable to that initial wave of sadness & mourning if you’ve ever felt it at a deeper level. The same goes for “Never Had No One Ever”, especially if your hometown reminds you of any kind of loneliness in your formative years. This album sets its lyrical tone in the first four tracks before instrumentally switching it up for the last 6 tracks, as everything from “Cemetry Gates” onward just sounds a lot brighter & more energetic, with the composition & production work lifting up an energy that’s just infectious to the ears. This is where the drums shine pretty brightly (and a bit loudly), & it’s where Johnny Marr’s guitar work hits a higher level. Morrissey’s vocal delivery switches to glide on both more easily, and he finds a natural flow that really works. All of the wit is still there (“Some dizzy whore, 1804” is a pretty funny line, come on), & while both “Bigmouth Strikes Again” & “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side” are the most bitchy-feeling tracks on the album, they’re at least complaints centered around himself & not societal issues at large, so they’re nowhere near as annoying as they could be. “Vicar in a Tutu” is odd, but at least it’s a positive note for the outcasts of the world to live life in ways that makes them feel happy without judgement. “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” is THE monster hit here, & I see why it has over a billion plays on Spotify. The instrumentation is fantastic, and the dual interpretations of the track both work in my mind. It’s either a desire to maintain vicarious ecstasy brought upon from love even at the most mortal cost, or a desire to end it all in a place where he can at least feel good about dying next to someone he loves. Regardless of either interpretation, it’s a track that’s deeply centered around a desire to feel something, and I think there’s just an innately human quality behind it that’s relatable. While I may never quite know what the light truly represents, I do think it’s the best track here, & a great closer to a great alb- Oh, right, sorry. Yeah, “Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others” is just kinda there. You could try to sell me on the timeless nature of male fascination with the female body as the driving thing that makes the track work, but there’s just not enough lyrical potency to make that point feel more compelling. I think it’s fantastic instrumentation that just doesn’t flesh out its thoughts on the flesh enough. It’s not a *bad* track, but frankly, it’s a really weak closer after such a timeless high. It’s unfortunate. It honestly could've been fine earlier in the album. Hence, a 5. It could’ve been a little higher, but the last track just kinda pulls it down. Regardless, it’s an album that earns a lot of its acclaim, at least to my ears. The floor here is a 3.5, bare minimum, as the musical talent at hand here is undeniably alluring, even if it’s solely from everyone who’s not Morrissey. I think everything comes together here really nicely. For our last Smiths album on the list, it’s a good way to go out, as it naturally lifts up from “Meat is Murder” & fills in some of my minor nitpicks from “Strangeways, Here We Come”. It is probably the best Smiths album here from top to not quite bottom, and I’m glad it lived up to the hype. It’s a 5. I am so fucking ready to be free of Morrissey.
Listened 8/25/2026 (a relisten of course).
I thought I didn't like The Smiths because they were too depressing and boring for me (which at the time was ironic if you knew some of the other things I was listening to at the time). Accordingly, I forgot about The Smiths for many years. A few years ago a friend suggested I revisit a couple of songs on this album. Now I like The Smiths. I consider "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" to be one of the great love songs of all time.
The Smiths were arguably the best group of the 80s. Morrisey and Marr are musical gods. Morrisey writes sharp ironic while Marr arranges the music. The Queen is Dead is their best album Let’s do a song by song analysis of the album. The Queen is Dead: Morrisey pokes fun at the Royals, the Queen and Prince Charles. Frankly Mr. Shanty: Morrisey writes about his disgust of his record company President. I would feel more fulfilled writing Christmas cards for the mentally ill. I know it’s over: it’s so easy to laugh,so easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind. Never had no one ever: self explanatory. Cementary Gates: nice arrangement by Marr. Morrisey talks about how interesting and fun it is to walk through a cemetery. Bigmouth strikes again: I’d like to smash every tooth in your face. Great guitar by Marr.. There is a light that never goes out: Smiths’ anthem. Song of existential angst. Will be played at my celebration of life. Some girls are bigger than others: Morrisey writes about his obsession with big girls. All these songs are beautifully arranged by Johnny Marr. An amazing album. Five big stars.
Fuck Morrissey
The top two reviews don't even comment on the album; they are simply anti-Morrissey. Have you bothered to read that he's only 1/4th of the Smiths? That Johnny Marr composed all of these songs? And that Rourke and Joyce are simply a killer rhythm section? I honestly feel that reviews that blatantly bash artists/bands just for the sake of it should be removed on this site. Otherwise, why am I and others putting in all the effort to listen to these albums and learn about them, and provide a constructive critique? I've never been a Smiths die-hard fan. But I have always loved this album, even going as far to learn how to play many of these songs and sing along to them - which is frankly difficult to do. These are not simple structures and chord changes, though they seem as such at a first listen. With influences varying from punk, folk, chamber music, Phil Spector-style pop, and more, Marr truly dwelled into very melancholy, moody melodies here. I love how dark and intimate the songs and themes are as a result. Say what you will about Morrissey today, at the time he was at the top of his game, vocally and lyrically speaking. After all these years, I find myself smirking and chuckling at a lot of his very dark imagery and sardonic observations: "I say, Charles, don't you ever crave To appear on the front of the Daily Mail Dressed in your mother's bridal veil?" "Oh, I didn't realise that you wrote poetry I didn't realise you wrote such bloody awful poetry, Mr Shankley" "If you're so very entertaining Then why are you on your own tonight? If you're so very good-looking Why do you sleep alone tonight? I know, 'cause tonight is like any other night" "All those people, all those lives Where are they now? With-a loves and hates and passions just like mine They were born, and then they lived And then they died Seems so unfair, I want to cry" "Sweetness, I was only joking when I said By rights you should be bludgeoned in your bed" There are others, such as the chorus on "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out", but overall these are seriously SMART and often FUNNY lyrics sung in a very idiosyncratic, swooning style that elevates the heavily chorused, reverbed, atmospheric sound. Especially on "I Know It's Over" and "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" - those vocals! The percussion and bass is busy and bouncy, and the jangly guitar lines allow the songs to remain listenable and accessible in spite of the dark themes and experimental mix. It's truly sad that this band wouldn't go on for much longer - Morrissey and Marr were simply at odds with each other in terms of wresting control, but here, they beautifully compliment each other, sound-wise and lyrically-speaking. This is an all-time classic of indie rock and post punk, maybe pop music in general. We owe so much to it.
Firstly, Morrissey is a real twat of a guy. Secondly, he knows how to write damn good music. This albums is so sonically brilliant; it's a wonder how I hadn't sat down to listen to it front to back till now. The Queen Is Dead is filled to the brim with somber, melancholic beauty. Each song hits you where it should (thanks to Morrissey's belief that he truly is the most tortured person in existence). An amazing album. Fav Songs I Know It's Over Cemetery Gates The Boy with the Thorn in His Side Is it Top 1001 Worthy (is it essential)? Absolutely Yes. One of the greatest indie rock records and albums EVER. Each song hits hard, no skips found. Just ignore Morrissey as best as possible if you have to because this is a MUST listen.
Great
Loved The Smiths as a teen, they're even better than I remember. 5/5.
There were a number of songs that I remembered from a previous listen of the album with my favourite on this listen through being “Frankly, Mr. Shankley”. I thought the best song on the entire album though was “Cemetry Gates”. While there are really good songs on this album that I could listen to on their own, this album is a good example of the whole being greater than its parts. The songs together build on one another and create a quite enjoyable listening experience
An classic indie (? Alternative?) album. The songs are different, they have an exciting production, there’s a variety in each of the songs’ sounds while remaining cohesive. My favs are Bigmouth and the title track.
The Smiths is ALWAYS a 5 stars. I had this one in vinyl so I listened to it on my vinyl deck/turntable.
ALBUM FAMOSO E ACCLAMATISSIMO, FORSE SONO PARTITO CON UN LEGGERO BIAS. POCO IMPORTA. GRANDE CRITICA VERSO UN PO' TUTTO: CHIESA, MONARCHIA, SOCIETA', SE STESSI... FATTA CON UN'IRONIA NON BANALE. LA MIA TOP 3 E' "I KNOW IT'S OVER","NEVER HAD NO ONE EVER" E "THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT". L'OUTRO DI CHITARRA E' UN ALTRO MOMENTO SALIENTE. A UN PAIO DI CANZONI DEVO ANCORA ABITUARMI, ARRIVERA' COL TEMPO. PER ORA DO 4 MA PUO' AUMENTARE COL TEMPO. 4/5 EDIT: LE CANZONI SONO CRESCIUTE TUTTE TRANNE “VICAR IN A TUTÙ”, MA PASSA A 5. 5/5
Morrissey is the Salvador Dali of music, a contrarian fascist whose work is admired in spite of his worldview. The difference is The Smiths had Johnny Marr to thank for the brilliant melodies. Morrissey wrote some cracking lyrics and performed brilliantly on some tracks, but fucking ruined others. This is a fucking brilliant album. But I still hate Morrissey.
Banger.
15 year old me would never forgive me if I gave this less than 5 stars. Nearly 20 years after hearing it for the first time this still holds up as an incredible work of art. Lyrics that range from hilarious (Frankly Mr Shankly, Bigmouth Strikes Again) to the equivalent of a sucker punch to the heart (I Know It's Over, There is a Light That Never Goes Out) to hard to decipher but still pretty cool (The Queen is Dead). The instrumentation is of course second to none. Johnny Marr one of the best musical writers out there. I feel the since Andy Rourke has died I have appreciated his bass playing more, the interplay with Marr's guitar(s) is excellent. The best band of the 80s bar none.
Amazingly untouchable.
Insane peak
I feel like this somehow sounds even better now that she is
Beautifully weird and dark record. An all time classic
It's interesting listening to this album knowing how much friction there is now between the previous bandmates. Given the amount of bands that have had this happen, it makes you wonder if that contributes to these amazing albums. The combination of music and Morrisey's crooning made for some of the most memorable, timeless songs. My teenager and I both sing along to Bigmouth Strikes Again.
Mükemmel albüm inanılmaz vokaller
WHAT ARE THE ODDS?! I just got my last Morrissey album and now I get my last Smiths album? HOW?! I can't believe this! Actually insane coincidence right there. Now, I may not have cared about that Morrissey album from yesterday, like, at all, but The Queen Is Dead? Fuck, this album is good. Really good, actually. This thing is phenomenal. Listening to this so soon after a Morrissey solo album really made me realize just how talented the instrumentalists of the Smiths really are. Like, Morrissey is still an excellent singer and occasionally an excellent lyricist, especially on The Queen Is Dead, but I really did miss the other Smiths. Johnny Marr's musical compositions on here are some of the finest of his whole career. This album has really made me realize just how underrated of a bassist Andy Rourke is. His basslines are some of my favorite parts of many of these songs. Mike Joyce's drumming also gets its time to shine on here, which is great! This album really is just every member of the Smiths at their absolute best in every conceivable way. And that's not even getting into the songs themselves, which are some of the best in the band's discography. The title track is a cool opener. This is one of those points where Mike Joyce's drumming really shines. It's pretty awesome, if you ask me. "I Know It's Over" has some of Morrissey's best vocal work laid over one of the band's loveliest instrumentals. "Cemetry Gates" does an amazing job contrasting a darker lyrical theme with an upbeat sound. "Bigmouth Strikes Again" and "The Boy with the Thorn In His Side" are just really great in general. These were the only two singles released around the time of the album's release and I can see why. But of course, there is still one other single for the album that actually wasn't released as a single until 1992. Quite frankly, I can't believe it wasn't released as a single sooner, because it is easily the best song on the album. That song, of course, is "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out." I don't say this lightly or hesitantly, so believe me when I say that this is one of the greatest songs ever written. The gorgeous musical composition is highlighted wonderfully by the strings starting in the first chorus, though the song already hooks you with the band's standard instruments. The writing has some of the heaviest-hitting lines I've heard in a love song. There's something so simple yet so powerful about a line like "To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die" that can relate to just about anyone. These lines are made all the more emotional by Morrissey's outstanding vocal performance. It really is a perfect song. As for the album? It's not quite perfect, but it's pretty close. Everything here just works, and I have no problems calling this the best Smiths album and the best album that Morrissey ever had a hand in making. It's a classic for a reason, okay? 5/5.
My first experience with the smiths although I’ve known of them for a long long time. I knew I was going to like this given all the other bands I like that reference the smiths and the people whose global music tastes align with my own but holy smokes it was great. That second last track was the high point for me and if you know what I love in an album it’s a penultimate track high point.
Before seeing this album today, I was thinking about what I would say about The Smiths when one of their albums came up. The title track is one of the all time best opening tracks on any album, with, perhaps the funniest line ever in a song: "She says, 'Eh, I know you and you cannot sing.'/ I said, 'That's nothing you should hear me play piano.'" It gets me every time. Morrissey took his gift for sardonic lyricism, and his inimitable vocal style and decided to become a world class crank in his old age. While his lyrics capture the maudlin misanthropy of many a youth, Morrissey has chosen to not grow up. But in not growing up, he's not an athlete failing to realize the game has passed him by, but a poet obsessed with holding everyone in judgment of not being worthy of his time or consideration. He judges everyone for failing to live up to his standards, without acknowledging that the problem is him. But, Johnny Marr. Johny Marr. Has there ever been a guitar player with a better sense of melody? His chord changes are exquisite: so understated, so flash-less and so in service to the songs. The music of these songs is where the magic starts. The lyrics make the music come alive and make the Smiths one of the most idiosyncratic bands ever.
Cemetery Gates, Frankly Mr Shankly, Big Mouth Strikes Again, There is A Light That Never Goes Out 🌟
Oh good another one. This is my favourite of theirs. Again it’s got a very British tongue in cheek music hall feel which is tempered by the beauty of There is a Light that Never Goes Out - in my opinion their best song. Wonderful album.
the smiths is my favorite
Probably the best album from the Smiths, absute classic
#188/1001 🇬🇧🟩 This record blows me away just as much as the first time i heard it 35 years ago. Undoubtedly in my top 10 of all time. This is the perfect album in my eyes, both musically and lyrically. Sadness, humour, drama and nostalgia despite stiĺl sounding fresh and urgent now. Best Tracks: The Queen is Dead, I Know its Over, Cemetery Gates, Bigmouth Strikes Again, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.
Exceptional album. Perfect 10/10
Charming, love-sick, dramatic, whip-smart, romantic, just silly; The Smiths contained multitudes. This is their defining moment. From front to back, The Queen is Dead is incredibly consistent in how good it is. This is where you start with The Smiths. The marriage of Johnny Marr's jangly guitar to Morrissey's silky voice and dramatic lyrics of love and longing will forever strike a chord with anyone who has ever yearned for another person, or has experienced being an awkward teenager. The music is very much post-punk, but with dreamy qualities, vaguely funky tendencies, and somehow matches and, yet, defies, the dramatic melancholy of Morrissey
morrissey is such a terrible person it’s too bad that has 20-50 amazing songs
The Smiths are usually talked about in terms of Morrisey's lyrics, performance, and vocals and of Marr's excellence on lead guitar. However, this album again reminded me of the brilliant rhythm section with Andy Rourke (RIP) on bass and Mike Joyce on drums. That holds it all together so well. Flashes of post punk on here added to the jangly indie guitar rock. This is a possible desert island top 10 album for me. 10 perfect songs combining humour, despair, absurdity, violence and everything in between here coming in at the ideal album length of around 37 minutes. 5 stars.
Alright, I got an album that I’ve already acquainted myself with. Going in, I’d already listened to this whole album and I definitely enjoyed it, and after doing my re-listen, my opinion on this album has not changed, I still believe it to be one of the best alternative rock albums of the 80s. A lot of it comes down to Morrissey’s lyrics and delivery. Even though the guy is a huge prick and I don’t condone any of the nasty stuff he’s said, his songwriting on this album is one of its strongest assets. The range of emotions the songs go through is aided by his lyrics, as they can go from being melancholy on songs like I Know It’s Over, to self deprecating on songs like Bigmouth Strikes Again, both of which are standout tracks. The other main appeal of this album is Johnny Marr’s guitar playing, which is unlike any other band of this time. It really helps songs like There Is A Light That Never Goes Out or Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others shine, but in different ways, in the former, he uses a lot of shimmery chords, while the latter utilizes a cool riff. Although these two really make the album shine, the rest of the band have their moments, such as the drum fill that opens the title track. Overall, this is definitely one of the great new wave/alternative rock albums of the 80s, and I would highly recommend checking it out.
Siitä ei ole vielä viikkoakaan, kun kuuntelin The Smithsiä viimeksi tämän haasteen merkeissä. The Queen is Dead on yhtyeen magnum opus ja se mainitaan syystäkin usein, kun listataan kaikkien aikojen parhaimpia ja merkittävimpiä musiikkilevyjä. Kymmenestä kappaleesta kaikki paitsi Never Had No One Ever ja Vicar in a Tutu kuuluvat bändin parhaimpiin, eikä noissa kahdessa mainitsemassani kappaleessa mitään hävettävää ole. Myös "track list" on järjestetty hyvin, eikä kuuntelijan mielenkiinto pääse lopahtamaan missään vaiheessa. Morrisseyn lyriikat vaihtelevat murheellisesta ja romanttisesta haikailusta piikikkääseen ivaan, jonka kohteeksi ovat joutuneet ainakin Englannin kuningasperhe ja levy-yhtiön johtoporras. Myöskin Johnny Marr tarjoaa parasta osaamistaan helisevine kitaroineen, eikä sovi unohtaa basisti Andy Rourken ja rumpali Mike Joycen tärkeää panosta.
Despite the controversy surrounding their former lead singer these days, I must say that some of the most witty lyrics and coolest guitar riffs I’ve heard in a while come from this album. The second five star album for me on this project, and one I hadn’t heard prior!
Love it!
genuinely might not be possible for me to do justice to how much Johnny Marr's work on this album opened up my world. the guitar break on "Frankly Mr. Shankly" is transportive and magical. and yet the MVP of the album might be Andy Rourke! "Cemetry Gates" is so gorgeous and pretty. it makes it omega embarrassing that this album is like ground zero for a certain strain of male manipulator but that's my cross to bear i guess. "Bigmouth Strikes Again" is funny as hell.
A true classic
Very good.
Fantastic. Nearly flawless.
RIP the Queen dude
had it in the background so not a thorough listen, but i did enjoy it
Great
The odd track that doesn't quite do it. But when it works, it's majestic. Morrissey's soaring tenor and brilliant (never bettered by him?) lyrics rise gloriously above Marr's beautiful guitar. A generational band. 5*
An all time classic. So much variety on here - so many classics. Morrissey’s finest moment
Every country has their Legião Urbana.
One of the easiest fives. No words, pure art.
terrible time to listen to i know its over. still, one of the greatest ones.
Yeah, i love the smiths 🥰 and all… But i don’t think it’s a flawless record. Love the sound, and i have a shitty memory in general, but there’s no way in hell I fould ever forget There’s a light that never goes out. It’s just an emotional connection. So low 5
(Light 9/10) Very good indeed. The instrumentals all rock in their own jangly way, and Morrisey actually delivers wonderful lyricism and snarky humor mixed with tasteful pop and rock melodies. It's pretty fantastic.
it took me a long time to warm to the smiths. i first came to morrissey with "you are the quarry". push to shove, i might prefer his solo work over the smiths, but that's a different discussion. this album is great. the guitar playing, bass and drums are tight. morrissey is a depressed, crooning bitch, which is when he's at his best, to his own detriment as he has made a career of insipid hot takes for the media he claims to abhor. some of the best tunes of their careers: "i know it's over", "bigmouth strikes again", "the boy with the thorn in his side", "there is a light that never goes out". perfect tunes.
The Queen Is Dead es una obra de arte atemporal del rock alternativo y la cumbre indiscutible del catálogo de Manchester, un disco que ha envejecido bien como el retrato definitivo de la melancolía urbana. Desde una perspectiva formal, el diseño de ensamble es una genialidad absoluta; las guitarras tintineantes, el bajo melódico y las percusiones se entretejen muy bien bajo una producción nítida que dota al álbum de una claridad instrumental brillante y un dinamismo contagioso. El viaje sonoro está marcado por una total nostalgia que se vuelve inmediata al encontrarse con tracks inolvidables como el ingenio rítmico de "Bigmouth Strikes Again" y la belleza trágica de "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out". La interpretación vocal de Morrissey, en perfecta simbiosis con la arquitectura sónica de Johnny Marr, proyecta una fuerza y calidez que transmiten autenticidad desarmante, otorgando a la banda una autoridad superior para cantar desde el margen. Bajo su superficie de pop sofisticado y humor negro, el disco opera como un potente llamado a la conciencia sobre la alienación social y el desamor; un trabajo profundamente humano, conmovedor, crudo y real cuya impecable sensación de paz y fluidez rítmica lo vuelve extraordinario para múltiples usos diarios, destacando para acompañar el ejercicio, las caminatas o como fondo idóneo para el trabajo creativo.
It does not feature the greatest tracks by The Smiths “This Charming Man”, “Panic”, “Shoplifters” and “How Soon Is Now” it is however their greatest album!
Amazing but didn't that day's vibe
Okay I didn’t listen. But obviously this is an incredible album
This is by far my favorite Smiths album. Usually The Smiths give me a large amount of listening fatigue but this album never gets dull. Starting off somber with The Queen Is Dead and instantly launching into Frankly Mr. Shankly is an incredible tone shift. This album is the best representation of The Smiths that there is. Near perfection, 4.75 (5) stars.
So, crazy thing happened to me on the way to the stereo… I have five of these projects running. I know. That’s a lot. Do I really want to listen to 5 albums a day? Well, not on weekends. But on the average workaday, yep, absolutely. This is album 60 on my “main” project. So I have been at this for about two months. Two projects running 7 days a week. The other three are weekdays only. Now, I have had albums come up twice fairly frequently, as one might imagine. But even so, I think I have covered about 1/5 of the book so far, which isn’t bad for two months listening! Also, the double albums have been good opportunities to re-listen and re-evaluate. I HAVE changed my rating a couple of times. I really haven’t had to re-listen to something I hated, yet, so… we’ll see. The only time I didn’t re-listen was Ella Fitzgerald doing the whole damn Gershwin song book. Sorry, but my feeling on that was, did it once, did it forever. Maybe I will do it again… next year. Definitely not tomorrow. Anyway… Album 60 and this is the first time an album has come up 3 times. No other Smiths, yet. Crazy. One solo Morrissey. There are four (4) of those and… I. Don’t. Look. Forward. That one offering was pretty painful. But this right here is an example of where my rating changed. First time I gave it a 4. Really that because historically I have felt the earlier albums were better. The second time, I had been listening to a lot more of the albums on the list and, well, I love this album. Truth. So it got a 5. Today, third! Time through for the project- the 5 stands. Marr is such a genius! Frankly Mr. Shankly, I Know it’s Over, Bigmouth Strikes Again, There is a Light, Some Girls - all these work the way they do because of HIS music. Without his music, Morrissey’s lyrics, their irony and biting humor would be flat. How do I know? Listen to his solo work. We have ample opportunity. 5 Boolean: True