The Queen Is Dead

# Playlist track - Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others # Notes - Probably one of the first CDs (yeah, the physical disk) I ever touched. I didn't like it that much, back then. I was like 10 or something. - Album starts a bit slow, but REALLY picks up with "Bigmouth Strikes Again". From there until the end it's absolutely amazing. - Even the well-worn "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" stood the test of time beautifully and it still is a great song.

definitely on the rox playlist

Love these guys

Hate the player, not the music. Exquisite.

missing ava

Such a banger of an album

Genius lyrics Genius guitar and bass and drums and production. I always wondered how The Smiths weren't more famous than they are after this album.

"So I broke into the palace, with a sponge and a rusty spanner. She said 'I know you and you cannot sing.' I said 'That's nothing you should hear me play piano!'" Say what you want about Morrissey, but he can laugh at himself while penning a great lyric. This is the strongest Smiths album in my opinion. It's also great if you're having a bad day. Listen to this and whatever your troubles are will seem like nothing compared to Morrissey. Feeling down? Hearing "Oh Mother I can feel the soil falling over my head!" will make you feel better. "I know it's over, and it never really began, but in my heart it was so real." sounds worse than most relationships I've seen. Liked Songs Added: The Queen Is Dead I Know It's Over Cemetry Gates Bigmouth Strike Again The Boy With The Thorn In His Side There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

5/5 - Big fan of this album, not surprised this held up tbh

ну база да, великое

Albumi #109, 14.11.2024 The Smithsin kolmosalbumi vuodelta 1986. Briljantti äänite, kuten kaikki muutkin The Smithsin studioalbumit.

9/10

I've always scoffed heavily at terms like "male manipulator music," and I wouldn't say the fact Morrissey is uniquely, viscerally repellent to so many whilst retaining a melodramatic, borderline whimsical self-awareness about it is the MOST interesting asset of this record per se, but let's just say I do understand the urge to canonize this record in this way. It's basically the blueprint for morose, outcast, wimpish dickheads who wish to have their moment in the sun.

Solid album. The guitar playing is standout for me. I like my music with a bit of melancholy and The Smiths deliver.

I was pleasant surprised by this album. I had never listened to the Smiths despite being an 80s guy. Very good!

During this last listen, on the ipod no less, my oldest kid wanted to ask me a question but I asked her to wait a minute so I could focus on the instrumental section of 'Big Mouth'. I realize that might sound mean, but I meant no ill will. I guess The Smiths are "dad rock" in this house and this is easily one of my favorite albums and very influential in a lot of ways. Earnest and beautiful in its eccentricities with very excellent, intricate guitar work. This doesn't get old. RIP Andy

A great record. Too bad about that lead singer dude.

So you’re saying that this is one of the best albums of all time? Certainly that means it doesn’t have any silly songs on it. What?? Four silly songs?!

Omg the smiths!!

I hate Morrisey, but I can’t help but love this album.

Classic for me, an album I've loved for a long time. I love the shimmering guitars, the quality Morrissey's voice. Great basslines.The lyrics are clever, or at least they try to be, and even when they border on being pretentious, I can't help but find them charming. Such an ENGLISH album, and such an 80s album. Fav tracks: Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

I would have never thought to click on this album and at first I was not found of it. My original Review over all was a 3. However, after hearing it on repeat it grew on me. Now after listening to it for more than a year I give it a 5. This in my opinion is the order in which I liked the songs. 1. I know It’s Over 2. Vicar In A Tutu 3. Bigmouth Strikes Again 4. Frankly Mr. Shankly 5. There Is A Llight That Never Goes Out 6. The Queen Is Dead 7. Never Had No One Ever 8. Cemetery Gates 9. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side 10. Some Grils Are Bigger Than Others

Ive done most of my Smiths listening via a comp downloaded from Kazaa in 2004, but it really says something when a comp includes 9 of 10 album tracks. This album would get a 4 for "There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out" by itself, but i knew going in that it would be a 5.

So che Morrissey è una brutta persona ma non mi farò l’autolesionismo di cercare perché

mai più avrei pensato di sbilanciarmi sulle cinque stelle, ma se lo meritano. il mix di irriverenza e depressione mi ha totalmente conquistata.

Mi dispiace, su questo album pochi commenti critici o unpopular opinion, solo banali ovvietà. Amo l’oscillazione costante tra ironia dissacrante e disperazione profondissima. Parliamo di crateri di disperazione. Con Frankly, Mr Shankly e Cemetry Gates (che tra l’altro penso sia una delle mie preferite, nonostante la brevità) ridi tantissimo, mentre brani come I Know It’s Over (un altro dei miei preferiti) prendono il tuo cuore, lo tritano con un mortaio e poi lo buttano nell’inceneritore. Nel senso: “It’s so easy to laugh, it’s so easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind, over, over, over, over […] Love is natural and real, but not for you, my love, not tonight, my love […] Oh, mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head.” È vero che forse a volte gli Smiths sfiorano l’autocommiserazione (secondo me, per esempio, in Never Had No One Ever un po’ succede), ma glielo abboniamo, dai. E niente. Tra tutti gli album che ho ascoltato degli Smiths, per ora questo rimane il mio preferito. È privo di difetti? Sicuramente no. Ma ormai abbiamo capito che al 5/5 non si comanda.

I have been poorly exposed to the Smiths music other than the singles which I liked. Not sure why as they influenced so many of the bands I liked. It may be because Morrissey seems like a complete twat! Catching up on 3 of their albums together and this was a the stand out album and it is a belter. I am sure many will find his voice annoying but it is perfect for this sound, and the music and lyrics work well together, and is very poetic in places. This has a few of the hits but has at least half a dozen top tracks. All hail the Smiths!

no critiques - perfect

Perfect record

Great album full of all classics. No filler whatsoever

I genuinely don't understand how someone could rate an album a 1 for simply being sad. Wild stuff out here man... Favorite song: I Know It's Over Least favorite: Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others Knew before: yes - an album that has shaped my music taste

Bigmouth Strikes Again The Boy with the Thorn in His Side Personal Favourite: There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

The critics weren't lying

The Smiths are finally clicking for me. It took a couple of listens just focusing on Marr’s guitars and then by that point Morriseys vocals meshed much better against the music than the first time I tried this album. Rating: 4.8

The Smiths is one of those bands that, every time I listen to them, they get stuck in my head for the rest of the day. Although this album is considered one of the best of all time, I think that’s a bit overhyped. It’s a really good album, but most of my all-time favorite songs from The Smiths are from different albums.

Poor Huw

Reminds me of the singer Morrissey

Rating: 10/10 One of the greatest albums of all time, what an absolutely breathtaking album. Incredibly beautiful, lush instrumentation and amazing production. A timeless classic. Favorite songs: pretty much all of them. Least favorite song: Vicar in a Tutu.

A classic of 80s indie rock that still sounds fresh today (unlike a certain man's political views)

It's The Smiths at the height of their powers. I Know It's Over is great, especially the second half. Cemetry Gates is a lively short one with great guitars and bass. The energy levels stay high as it transitions into Bigmouth with its memorable, jangly riff. The next riff, coming in with the verse, is even better. It's a frenetic, breathless track. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out must be the best song here, gloomy even for Morrissey, but with incredible vocals and strings bringing everything together. Some Girls is a brilliant closer too. Their best work? Maybe.

A clear ten out of five. Maybe even twenty out of ten. This is not just one of the best albums ever made, it is probably in my top three albums of all time. From the opening of the title track you get everything that makes this band so special. Sharp, fearless lyrics. Powerful, melodic music. Johnny Marr’s guitar playing is extraordinary from start to finish. The riffs are unforgettable. They are the kind you try to copy badly on a guitar in your bedroom because you simply have to play them. Every song feels essential. There is not a wasted moment. The melodies stay with you, the words mean something, and the whole album flows perfectly. It is packed with classics, and genuinely every track could have been a single. Favourite songs: Cemetery Gates and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out. Although you could make a strong case for any song here. Least favourite: None. Every track is a ten out of ten. Album artwork: Iconic. Instantly recognisable and perfectly in keeping with the band’s aesthetic

Oh my… One of the best albums of my late teenage years. I found myself crying to it often, especially to the hauntingly beautiful “I Know It’s Over.” Morrissey’s poignant lyrics, Johnny Marr’s catchy melodies, and Andy Rourke’s intriguing bass lines make this album a masterpiece of the alternative genre. Every song hits the mark perfectly. P.S. The cover features the iconic Alain Delon. What could be better?

I was a the Smiths fan back in the day (when I was an angsty teen like everyone else) so this one is unfortunately a 10/10 for me.

I don't know how they did it. They could say they had a 20-year-long bad dream, that they had no one ever, that dying by your side would be such a heavenly way to die, and somehow it's not cringey. It's amazing. This album is melodramatic, it's angsty and full of longing, it's packed with resignment and resentment, hopeless love and hopeless living. All the good stuff. I'd probably skip "Vicar in a Tutu" but otherwise every song is a banger. Love The Smiths. This album is incredible.

Loved it!

Goddammit. After all this time, I still know all the words. 500,000/5

I couldn't turn it off great album

GOAT

Quite literally a perfect album.

Likely the best Smiths album. There is a Light… especially. 9/10

Not nearly as bad as I had expected, my biggest prolonged exposure to The Smiths was David Fincher's The Killer and I didn't mind it there but wasn't sure if it was something I would go out of my way to listen to. On my first listen through which I tried to avoid interrupting, I was definitely left with the impression that the album was mostly a sad and mopey affair towards the middle and end of the tracklist. When I was going back through and paying more attention to the individual songs my opinion changed a little and felt that there were definitely some songs that added a bit of levity to an otherwise delicate and moody album. Even with the few songs that did sound like already treaded ground, the songs themselves were not bad. There was also a lot of humour in the album, morbid or otherwise which was fun. That line about the double decker bus was certainly something. Highlights - The Queen is Dead The titular track fucking rocks, felt distinct from the rest of the album with just how traditionally Rock & Roll it felt compared to the rest of the album (Bigmouth is maybe the only song I feel was in line with this track). Why couldn't Sonic Youth have the same restraint this song does with using the whammy bar to close the song out? - Frankly, Mr. Shankly "I want to catch something that I might be ashamed of" Was Morrissey a bug chaser? Goofy fucking song (not derogatory) - I Know It's Over Probably my favourite of the more moody side of this album. Morrissey has an interesting way of singing, he has this voice of a cunty yodeler. The kind of thing you would expect some obnoxious bard you're not supposed to like to have in some fantasy setting. But have to begrudgingly appreciate his talent - Never Had No One Ever Again, kinda getting into familiar territory from this point forward but still a nice song. The part with the whistling was nice and eerie - Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others BBW/Architect Anthem. The Guitar on this song is fantastic and had me jamming out to a track I would probably otherwise just laugh at. I suppose that's not necessarily a bad thing, it was nice to end on a more fun track too.

Everything I listen to this album it's like the Vince McMahon meme, where I'm like, this is what a 10 sounds like, no wait this is, no wait this is. With each song until Vicar in a Tutu. Crazy that this ain't even their best imo. 10/10 Fav tracks - All - 1 Least Fav - Vicar in a Tutu

A fantastic listen from start to finish, The Queen Is Dead gives an opportunity for every member of the band to stand out. The lyrics hit me right, the vocals are next level, Matt’s guitar work is only matched on Strangeways. The Smiths made four albums and they’re all solid gold. The songs that I find are weaker (Frankly Mr Shankly and Vicar In A Tutu) are still supremely listenable. Giving this 5 because it would be a pisstake for me to try and dig this down to a 4 for the sake of ‘critique’, I can listen to any of these songs ten times in a row and not get sick of them. I really don’t have a whole lot to say other than I love this album. Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others is one of my favourite songs ever, an anthem for tit guys.

My 6th form sound track.

Still a wonderful album.

Once I made a mistake and took 'The Queen is Dead' CD to a car. Songs about dying in a crash make terrible driving sountrack, I do not recommend.

Every time I listen to The Queen Is Dead, I learn to love it more. When I first heard it in early high school, I was a bit too closeted and immature to appreciate it, but as songs like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” became hipster chic, I slowly came around to the singles by college. By my mid-20s, I could fully admit that this was a classic, very good album, with a couple sour spots. Today, though, I think I might fully be in love, 110%. Like, it might be one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. Ignore Morrissey’s flamboyant, obnoxious lyrics, even though I unfortunately have to admit I relate to them as a flamboyant and obnoxious individual myself. The music on this album is masterful. The way Johnny Marr composes a song is elegant, with no moment of excess. It’s intricate and detailed, and while those terms get thrown around a lot in pop music, I think the songs on The Queen Is Dead not only warrant their use, but are the textbook definitions of those words. It goes beyond “the perfect pop song” and just enters into “the perfect song.” It helps that The Smiths have an incredible, *incredible* rhythm section – so in sync, perfectly supportive yet still interesting bass lines, dynamic drums with unexpected but fitting fills. And then back to Morrissey – this album is so goddamn good, I almost don’t give a fuck that he is who he is. Does “Vicar in a Tutu” almost invalidate the praise I’m vomiting here? Potentially. But it’s not a bad song, or maybe not even a lesser song; it’s just a hokey song, and like, okay, that’s ‘80s era indie music for you, y’know? Plus every great album has one bad song, right? (See Example A: Thriller) Everything else on here is an 11/10 song, though. Like, some of the greatest songs I’ve ever heard. At this point, “There Is a Light…” is probably my least favorite song on here, and it’s one of the greatest songs ever written. This is just one of those records where you find a new favorite every relisten. Today it’s “I Know It’s Over,” but last year it was “Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others,” and before that it was “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side,” and next week it’ll be “Frankly, Mr. Shankly.” What can I say? This is flawless, and has only gotten better with time. I love it, and I feel no shame admitting that.

Late to the Smiths party, I’m glad I finally got there in the late nineties. Lyrics & music that’s instantly recognizable. Stevie & Johnny burned bright, moody & all.

Great one

already know this one and it's good.

Thoughts before listening: I really like the Smiths although Morrissey has become a bit insufferable over the years. All of their albums tend to run together to me, so I don't really have any thoughts on this one in particular, but I know its really good. In general the Smiths put out some of my favorite 80s albums. Review: Morrissey's lyrics and singing style gets all the press with the Smiths, but I really love their music. Johnny Marr was a very inventive guitarist, and the bass lines are high in the mix doing a lot of heavy lifting on the melodies. There are some absolute classics of 80s alt rock on this album including "The Queen is Dead", "Cemetry Gates", "The Boy With the Thorn in His Side", and "There is a Light That Never Goes Out". 5-stars

Pure gas!!! Better than MIM.

Peak Smiths. Shame about Morrissey

Uno de los mejores álbumes de los '80s británicos sin lugar a duda. El sucesor del LP "Meat Is Murder" está lleno con algunas de las canciones más icónicas de la fugaz carrera de The Smiths, en 37 concisos minutos de puro pop introvertido y alternativo. Para algunos, el mejor álbum de la banda. Sumamente recomendable e indispensable, sobre todo para los seguidores del subgénero del jangle.

One of my favourite albums of all time. Every tracks works. Morrissey’s lyrics and vocal delivery are deliciously hilarious. He’s a comic genius like Marilyn Monroe and Maggie Smith.

Obviously this albumn is gonna be here, pretty often consider as one of the best album of all times. The Smiths here perfectly manage their status at the times, with a veryu controversial album (Meat is Murder) an take that hype to create a more pop oriented album but still very outsiuder and provocative. The iconic cover is a picture of Alain Delon in a movie called L'insoumis, and i think its their best cover. The album started with the title track The Queen is Dead and is an anti-monarchy song wich was pretty controversial at the time, On this song, the drums is really the cornerstone of the song in my opinion. Frankly Mr Shantly is pretty different of the other track, with a happier sounding musicality, but honnestly i dont really like it. I know its over is another constrats with the previcous track, more slow and about loneliness and desperation. pretty good No on ad no on ever show the Smiths at their best, when they are sad and desperate. Cemetery Gates, despite its title is pretty happier, again the smithsd are not always good when the songs are happier, but its not bad either. Bigmouth Strike again is also pretty up beat and have pretty cool lyrics The boy with the thorn on his side is a prefect Smiths song for me, and up beat riff, lyrics about loneliness, despaeration or desire for love in this case, with a very long title. On of the best on the album, apparently on of Morrissey's favorite. Vicar is a Tutu is an enjoyable track, happier with lighter lyrics wich is not always good for them, but in this case is pretty good. Even tho i'm not sure what the song is about. There is a light that never goes out, is another perfect Smith song, for the same reason, but time time its just their bes of all their discography i think this song is their best. Just of the chorus, Johnny Marr Guitare and Morrissey voice is so great, a song about and love and death and depression is just exaclty what the smiths are. Some Girls Are Bigger than other is my favorite on the album, just sarcasm/humour in the Smiths manner, the riff is the bets on the album. I alwats like the fade effect in the intro, i don't know why but i like it. I think the song mock the mans way to percived woman in all of history. This album is mostly due to the genius of Morrisey and Johnny Marr song writting, and his voice and the other guiate make it a truly unique album.

my favorite Smiths album although I usually listen to Louder Than Bombs which is their greatest hits. Several of the songs on here are also on that.

Sensational. What an album. The unique vocals of Morrissey, brilliant lyrics and that fabulous guitar sound that Johnny Marr produces. One of my favourite bands and always will be. Simply brilliant 👏

Wow. The Queen is actually dead.

Look - I get the Morrissey hate. He’s a massive wanker to use the UK parlance of our time. BUT - this fucking record slaps. Not a bad note in it. Really just mopey hit after mopey hit.

Another perfect album

one of the albums of all time sorry

own

I personally would include ALL their studio albums on this list. This may be their best.

morrissey has only become more crazy and polarizing with age, but damn I enjoyed this album. this is peak smiths for me - the songs are sad boy new wave on the surface but have some interesting lyrics and moving tracks. there is a light that never goes out is my favorite song of theirs and I'm glad to finally spin into this album. favorites: frankly mr shankly, I know it's over, cemetry gates, bigmouth strikes again, the boy with the thorn in his side, there is a light that never goes out, some girls are bigger than others

The Smiths is one of those bands that, every time I listen to them, they get stuck in my head for the rest of the day. Although this album is considered one of the best of all time, I think that’s a bit overhyped. It’s a really good album, but most of my all-time favorite songs from The Smiths are from different albums.

Already listened to this one! "The Queen Is Dead" is an indie classic. Some of The Smiths' best performances are on this one. Morrissey is an awful person outside of music, and that's a shame, because he is an cool singer. Johnny Marr is one of my favorite guitarists. That album cover is classic. Most of the tracks on this album are fucking fantastic! First time I heard the album, I didn't give it that much praise, but after 2 or 3 listenings, I finally get it and I fucking love it! The title track opens the album. I love the usage of "Take Me Back To Dear Old Blighty" at the beginning, but most of the song is cool, from that drum intro, to Morrissey's baritonal vocals, to those lyrics. This is a favorite of mine. "Frankly, Mr. Shankly" is a short one, but I like its meaning, and I like the part from 0:39 seconds. "I Know It's Over" is my most favorite song on this album. I love the vocal progression. The lyrics are so meaningful to lots of people out there. "Cemetry Gates" is an up-beat one, but the imagery of the lyrics is a dark one. It was my most favorite for a while, it's still a favorite of mine. I fucking love "Bigmouth Strikes Again"! That's all I can say "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side" was the first single for this album, and for good reason. It's a dance-y one. (And I apologize to the people reading my reviews for not being that good at giving reasons on favorite tracks) "Vicar In A Tutu" is a little underrated. I love the meaning of "living life however you want". "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"...what else can we say about this one? Other than that it's a classic! One of the best love songs of all time! One of my favorite songs of all time! The most popular Smiths song, but I am not mad at it! It absolutely deserves it's popularity and praise! And here is the album closer, "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others". I like this song, it's energetic, and I like the chorus. Overall, fantastic album! A representative album for Manchester! Near perfect album, but "Never Had No One Ever" is my least favorite. One of the best 80s albums. My favorite Smiths album (just like other people's favorites)! An album worthy of it's praise! You get something from these 10 tracks in nearly 40 minutes. Each song is it's own world. Check this one out if you haven't yet! -favorite songs: all of them (except "Never Had No One Ever") -least favorite song: Never Had No One Ever

I am a much bigger Johnny Marr fan than I am of Morrissey but Morrissey has some of my favorite moments of his on this record. The hooks they wrote on this album are incredible and this is a constant listen for me.

Really brilliant musicianship - I'll average it out as 5* because it is really impressive. I think I preferred meat is murder, but that's a taste thing. Also There is a Light That Never Goes Out is worth a star by itself lol.

Amazing album that transcends genre. A+

Difficult to overstate the cultural significance of this album for people of a certain age. The slow burn influence was the normalisation of homosexuality. These were gay love songs that nonetheless resonated with straight listeners. It’s one of the all-time great albums because it changes the way you see the world. Not a wham-bang instant revolution, but a gradual integration of gay and straight emotional life. I know it’s currently fashionable to hate on Morrissey, but he created the more tolerant world that we’re now living in. All the songs are amazing in their own way, but the standouts are: Cemetry Gates, Bigmouth, The Boy With The Thorn In His Side and There Is A Light. If I had to choose a Desert Island track it would be Cemetry Gates, but if I had to pick a single track to encapsulate what this album is all about it would be The Boy With The Thorn In His Side.

Lovely

Morrisey descubre que existen las watonas PD. CABROS LA REINA ESTA MUERTA RWAAAAAA!!! PPD. Frankly Mr. Shankly besto song

Go to sad gay mood album

I could not be more familiar with this amazing album. I’ve been listening to it for nearly 40 years.

Great fucking album, top 10 of my all time list. Just perfect to me. The Smiths are one of my favorites bands ever, and this album was the main reason for it. Fav Songs: Almost Any of Them Least Fav Song: Vicar In a Tutu

THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS HE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS THE SMITHS

Perfect

Excellent! The Smiths never made a bad song.

I really liked that part when he said “Queen Elizabeth with die on September 8th 2022”. Such a visionary. This is a fantastic album.

Top tier incel music! 5/5

Magnificent

One of my favourites albums. I get why a lot of people can't get behind Morrissey's vocals (let alone how much of a prick he is) but this is one of the few albums to me that have no skips. 'Frankly, Mr. Shankly' is underrated and I'll die on this hill.

This 5 is for Johnny marr I promise!!

I wasn't around in the 80s so I have no idea why everything thinks Morrissey is an asshole, but man do I like The Smiths. The lyrics are surprisingly clever and laced with a dry sense of humor. My favorites on this album got to be There is a Light That Never Goes Out, The Boy with the Thorn In His Side, and I Know It's Over. The music in the background also goes pretty hard with the guitarist and bassist casually crushing it. It's easy to overlook, but the last 60 seconds of Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others accentuates this musical talent. Great album.

Freakin love The Smiths. LOVE this album. How can something be so melancholy yet so full of whimsy? Such clever music. Morrissey is a prick of a person, but it's a case of having to separate the art from the artist, because my god, his voice and lyrics are incredible.

Fantastic album by an iconic group.

super

great!

I see the smiths I rate 5

Peak smiths. Varied music and brilliant funny and poignant lyrics.

Love it. "I Know It's Over" is one of my all-time favourites by The Smiths. Of course, "Big Mouth Strikes Again" and "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" are classics too.

Can't get enough of The Smiths

Idk about some girls are bigger than others, just gonna pretend it isn’t about boobs. But still freaking great.

I mean come on! One of my favorite bands of all time

Perfect

Not my favorite smiths, but too many bangers for it not to be a 5

My favorite Smiths album. It comes out roaring with the drums and bass of the title track before going into the bouncier Frankly Mr. Shankly. Nice guitar work from Marr throughout, ranging from aggressive to jangly. Good basslines throughout as well. Some classic songs here, particularly “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.” It’s got sad boy emo but also silliness and lightheartedness to it. Morrissey actually has a good sense of humor here with a tinge of self-loathing. The Smiths at the top of their game.

first album i feel like i have trouble rating not because i love it so particularly much in fact ive never listened to it in full before but because i have so many emotional associations with the songs i HAVE heard it's hard to tell if i love them or hate them. 4 stars really but for the sake of myself age 17 i'll say 5.

Something about this album catches me in the right way, and the vocals are very appealing to my ears.

Iconic album that served as a template for so many bands that came later. I don't think I ever appreciated how much the Stone Roses took from this for example. There's some very, very high points, where I'm tempted to stick a gladioli down the back of my pants and sway around a bit. There's a few lower points where it doesn't quite work, but this is possibly because the good bits are just so extremely good?

Facile.

Always loved this album. This was before Morrissey became insufferable. Really strong guitar and bass throughout. Lyrically every song has at least one brilliant zinger.

I love this album and have done for a while. It’s the smiths at their best creating the most melancholy atmosphere with such awesome songs. I do not like some girls are bigger than others though. That’s the only one

loved ut

His ass will never know how joan of arc felt…

AND IF A DOUBLE DECKER BUSSSSSSS Fav Tracks : I Know its Over Cemetry Gates The Boy With the Thorn in his Side There is a Light that Never Goes Out Some Girls are Bigger Than Others

Great album from start to finish, not my favourite Smiths album but there isn't much I don't like by the smiths

The Smiths will always have a fond place in my heart. The romantic crooning of Morrissey embodies my high school angst. What I appreciate most is their melodic instrumentation, as opposed to the synth'd, electronic 80's sound. They capture the vibe of the decade while playing traditional instruments. The Queen Is Dead features some favorites, including Frankly Mr. Shankly and Bigmouth, but the pièce de résistance will always be Some Girls are Bigger than Others. In its stark simplicity, Morrissey states his neutral observation of the female form... and its a damn catchy tune.

Completely unexpectedly loved this album! Got into it from the first track and everything that followed was brilliant.

I really enjoyed this album! I would give it a 4.5, round up.

honestly, despite the fact that this is unequivocally a classic i wasn't expecting to like it as much as i did. i've heard an adequate amount of the smiths, but i never bothered to really dive into their discography- the only full album i've heard of theirs was probably this one, a few years back. bigmouth strikes again helped me get into music seriously, but a lot of their stuff struck me as melodramatic and arrogant. and admittedly, that is what it is, but it's also really good! morrissey (despite being a total dickwad) has a beautiful voice, the writing is evocative, and i just love some good jangle pop, really. those strings, the tone of the guitars, and the occasional experimentation with the production, like on some girls are bigger than others- it all works really harmoniously. 9/10, fav tracks: never had no one ever, cemetry gates, bigmouth strikes again, there is a light that never goes out, some girls are bigger than others

"I know it's over, and it never really began, but in my heart it felt so real. And you even spoke to me, and said: "If you're so funny, then why are you on your own tonight?"" Upon my first listen, The Queen Is Dead torn out my heart and had me sobbing. Hell, "I Know It's Over" is directly responsible for the breakdown of my relationship. I quoted to him "Love is natural and real, but not for such as you and I, my love," and he didn't even respond. It was then I came to the stark realization that we weren't meant to be. Morrissey: Breaking up two lovers intwined since 1986. "The Queen Is Dead" is probably one of the most well-crafted albums of it's time, complete with Marr's melodic guitar melodies and Morrissey's poetic woes. An absolute masterpiece, regardless of who Morrissey is as a human being, this album is an epiphany for what I consider ultimate music: Raw and gritty, desolate, yet achingly tender and poetic.

Absolutely stunning!!! 💯 I love them ❤️

An era-defining album. When I think of British rock in the 80s bands like The Smiths and Joy Division are the first to come to mind and this is the album that I think of as peak The Smiths. That kind of haunting vocal presentation, springy basslines, jangly guitar, and buckets of reverb for atmosphere became the signature of this album, this band, and this era. Catchy and quirky hooks. Songwriting is simple and straightforward. The Queen is Dead, Bigmouth Strikes Again, and The Boy With the Thorn in his side are the standouts for me. Solid album all around and you can hear the sounds that are still influencing bands and albums to this day. Listened to in the Yanyin Mahinas through the Fiio BTR3 first time around.

“hE’s liTeRalLy mE” Objectively the best Smiths album. The Boy with the Thorn in His Side is probably one of my favorite Smiths songs.

I love The Smiths

This album reminds me of why I always say if I could live in any decade, it would be the 80s. Driving down the highway, top down with this music blasting and the purest of cocaine in my system. What a time to be alive!

Bigmouth Strikes Again The Boy with the Thorn in His Side There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Some Girls Are bigger Than Others

It took a real visionary like Morrissey to see the truth that the Queen would in fact die one day

That’s true

An absolute classic and brilliance from the drums to the bass to guitars and vocals. Even though "Strangeways, Here We Come" is my favorite Smiths album, "The Queen is Dead" is arguably more listenable for most people and repeated listening. I could listen to this album every month and not get bored with it. I absolutely love it.

Easily one of the best albums of all time. This one comes out of the gates swinging - "Take me back to dear old Blighty" quickly giving way to drums that are taking no prisoners and an atmospheric whine that comes and goes, with a bass guitar that mumbles and groans under distorted guitars. This is England in the 80s. The real one. And we haven't even got past the first track yet. Hate Morrissey all you want, but don't let it blind you to the brilliance of this album. It's not just musically exceptional, but lyrically cutting, maudlin, hilarious, devastating - the best of Morrissey's work on display. The fact it tucks one of the best songs ever written (There is a Light) at the end of the album is a testament to how packed this thing is with statements. If you don't like this one, your opinion on music doesn't matter to me in the slightest, because you frankly haven't got one.

Day 1 album, really? A classic of course and a favorite.

Bar 2 tracks, this is a flawless album. There is a light that never goes out is one of my favorite songs of all time… it represents one of the few cases when the artist’s most famous song is their best. Johnny Marr is in his creative peak here in my opinion.

Album is fantastic. Shame about Morrissey though.

Very British. Great drums and guitar. Vocals that are sinuous and extended. Hooks. More hooks.

Amazing

Punchy, tight, and relentlessly catchy while managing to be unabashedly fractious, The Smith's 1986 release "The Queen is Dead" stands as one of the perfect examples of pop-rock and jangle pop aesthetics jumbled together to form a landmark release in 80s pop. Love him or hate him (I hate him), Morrissey's admittedly a great singer with the timbre of a Victorian-era teenage poet yearning for rebellion and companionship. This record has a subtle nocturnal vibe too as if a lot of the stories told here take place under a full moon. Whether that's him going on a walk with the prince on the anti-Royal family anthem that is the title track, or the graveyard smug-fest "Cemetary Gates" where the protagonist criticizes the shallow nature of his companion's poetry. The gorgeous, yet morbid hit off this album "There is a Light that Never Goes Out" with its incredible string-back chorus showcases the band at their most elegant and high-gloss. "I Know It's Over" is a longer ballad-type track primarily backed by gorgeous, yet skeletal acoustic strumming that builds and builds as Morrisey likens his loneliness to being buried alive. It's a slower track that builds with Morrisey's vocals near the end being some of my favorites of his. His lyrics on this track also showcase a self-aware nature with him criticizing one's over perception of their likability. I can't ignore the other members of the band. Andy Rourke's (RIP) basslines are so full and lively on all these tracks. My favorites have to be "There is a Light that Never Goes Out" and "Cemetary Gates". There's then obviously guitarist Johnny Marr whose psychedelic tone is essential in outlining this album's entire mood. Just listen to his guitar break on "Big Mouth Strikes Again", my favorite song. It's an explosive track criticizing the protagonist's inability to bite their tongue (a sentiment that has only since become more applicable to Morrisey himself). It's also worth mentioning the way the guitars are layered by Marr on the song "The Boy with the Thorn on His Side". You know, I had to listen to this album in the background when writing this because I feel like I have this album etched into my musical memory already and it just reminded me that I just love every song on this thing. That's all it comes down to really...every song on here is just really good (even the psychedelic and unsettling closer that usually gets a bad rep). Funnily enough, I can just as much understand why someone would find this album repulsive due to its, at times, cheesy nature.

1. 6/10 2. 7.5/10 3. 5/10 4. 7/10 5. 7.5/10 6. 7/10

Excellent eclectic rock. Plenty of melancholy to go around, accompanied by some truly ethereal singing and music composition. This contains a strong passion and ability to cut to the emotions.

It's easy to write The Smiths off as a sad boy band but this is an incredible album. I Know it's Over is one of my favourite songs. You can make fun of Morrissey forever but I like him a lot, think he's a great singer, and the band crushes it. The bass alone makes the album worth listening to.

Very new to The Smiths, so I was curious. The first thing that stood out to me is the bass player is just killing it on these tracks. Next was the cadence of the lyrics skipping, sprinting, walking. Cramming in the syllables. Like smoothly running through the woods not missing a stride all the while ducking and dodging. I think every song on here has appeal. Favorite song: Vicar in a tutu

Great, listen again

Sound of my youth

favourite song: i know its over i used to firmly believe that i didnt like the smiths. then i listened to this album after a difficult breakup and i finally got it. 5/5

I just love Morrisey’s voice so much. It’s so unique. I could just leave this album on all day.

fucking awesome. hope Morrissey dies soon.

been listening a lot to this. it has such a mix of thrilling melodies and dreadful lyrics. some nice ballads too. my favorite tracks are i know its over and theres a light. maybe my favorite in the whole smiths catalog.

Fabulous!

Bought this when it came out. Great album

Morrissey could easily have cost this its deserved 5... but it gets one in spite of him being a dick.

Makes me feel like a South Park goth kid.

Very bright. Very depressing. Very British. 10/10

great album.

Brilliant opening track. Goes off a bit with some slower whimsical songs but a great run of songs at the end. Bigmouth. Boy with a thorn. There’s a light. Love it.

Arguably my favourite album of all time. This band and this record changed my life, and I can't be more grateful.

Excellent album!

one of the best albums of all time, excellent songs including the great "there is a light that never goes out"

Excellent!! This is such a great album. Dark, silly and beautiful. Classic Smiths

Doesn't matter how many times I listen to it, it only gets better. Different songs start to stick out every few listens, 'Boy with a Thorn in his Side' has really been nailing itself to my brain recently. Also I don't care how silly the lyrics are, the guitar riff on 'Some Girls...' makes it a classic for me. Easy 5, incredible what they produced in such a short career.

"Franky, Mr. Shankly, I'm a sickening wreck, I've got the 21st century breathing down my neck." That's all that happened. The 21st century caught up with Morrissey. Today we think that engaging with art is some kind of "moral support" or even financial support to the artist themselves. Art is at all times separate from the artist, the artist is dead. Whatever measly few pennies Morrissey himself gets after you spin this once on Apple Music/Spotify won't deport any immigrants. And even if it did, it would be worth it for the great art. To not understand this, to disagree with it, is to misunderstand the role of art in the world. So, maybe, go listen to Sam Smith or Taylor Swift if feeling "validated" is what you need. If this is sounds bitter, it's only because I am. "The Queen is Dead" is one of the great works of art of the 20th century. These political things sully it, as well as the work of all others on it who weren't Morrissey.

Very enjoyable

Reaaal good album. Liked it a lot. Not much to say beyond that. Liked the layering of the instruments and the very plinky guitar. Morrissey has such a unique almost whingy voice that is not easily replicated, and they match so perfectly with the lyrics and instrumental, a 5 is necessary

An absolutely beautiful album. It had a very sad tone. The entire album is amazing there isn’t a single song I found bland. The melancholy tone of the album and the singers vocals (although British) are beautiful. The instrumental is also very catchy. The songs are catchy and all of the lyrics have deep meaning. It’s not hard to see why this is one of the highest rated albums of all time. Personally I’ll have to give it a 8.5-9

Excellent album. As an album from the Smiths, it’s predictably somewhat whiny, but it has such great songs as ‘I Know It’s Over’, ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’, and especially ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’, which is just purely beautiful. But why did they have to end it with ‘Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others’?

Love it love it, sounds super modern, probably because it inspired lots of modern artist. Need to listen to more The Smiths.

BIGMOUTH

4.5 stars. Often my favorite Smiths, certainly their best. Not a huge fan of the title track, but it works well as the opening track. If I had to pick a Smiths Top 10 songs, this record would be well represented.

A classic

Love The Smiths; they epitomize my love of depression rock. It was good to listen, though, as I was totally unfamiliar with several of the songs. Of these some I liked e.g. Some Girls are Bigger Than Others, and some I didn't like The Queen is Dead. It's possible a re-listening might change that but at the time, it felt to cacophanous.

Ich finds guer! Han sogar e lied (there is a light that never goes out) if mini liked playlist due. Drum und well de resch au sehr decent isch es 4.7/5

One of the best albums ever made. Banger after banger. 10/10.

yes

This isn’t even their greatest album but it’s still a masterpiece - the playing between Andy and Johnny can’t be beaten

If The Smiths would have made just this one song "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" my life would be fulfilled. What a melancholic masterpiece. Unfortunately the last album of this influencial british band.

Part of my youth‘s soundtrack.

Also a band with a distinctive singer. I like Bigmouth striktes again very much

Already own and love this record.

love the smiths

Soft 5

depressed ass song

Vou dar 5 pq fodase. Todas as músicas do Smiths são iguais, mas não deixam de ser boas.

'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' is the Smith's most famous song, but 'Cemetry Gates' is my personal favorite from this album.

So good.

Frankly Mr Shantly me fait déambuler comme une poule de luxe

Amazing album

Sorted Pokemon cards to this

Probably my favorite Smiths album, but also one I haven't listened to on the reg or in its entirety since I was in high school mumblemumble years ago, so it was nice to hear some of the deeper cuts that you don't hear in generational wrap-up lists or on 80s mixes or whatnot. Nothing but deep teen angst love for this album.

Really good, new favorite album for sure.

Everybody does love the smiths!!! There is a light that never goes out!!!

So many great songs. 5/5

Great

Love the smiths, hate morrisey

Melancholic, melodic, great lyrics and musicianship. Morrissey has evolved into what can only now be described as a massive gammon, granted, but in his earlier form him and Marr didn't half write some bangers. Doesn't outstay its welcome and every song stands up. Quality.

Ugh, I loved everything about this album. I have never listened to anything by The Smiths and this just blew me away. The amount of topics explored in this record, the production, the vocals, everything was great. Obviously, the lyricism is a big plus and it could be interpreted in various ways and with time you could try to understand them so much better, but I really liked it.

Hold kæft den er fed. Første der reelt godt kunne ryge ind i min rotation. Fed britisk punk / new wave

Favourite tracks: queen is dead; frankly Mr Shankly; big mouth strikes again; some girls are bigger than others; there is a light that never goes out

I had meant for a long time to check out The Smiths so I'm super glad for the nudge. Track 1 (The Queen Is Dead) is SUCH a strong opener. I'm a sucker for the lush guitars and the long, luxurious instrumental outro. Morrissey's vocals are so lovely too -- perfectly capturing wryness and sincerity and heartbreak. Tracks that stood out to me upon 1st listen: 1 - The Queen Is Dead; 3 - I Know It's Over (god I nearly cried); 9 - There's A Light That Never Goes Out Would I revisit this album? Yes!!

great and jangly clever, ahead of it's time and outside of time and great first and last tracks

The Smiths at their most mopesome, winsome and best. Funny and terribly romantic as always. I Know It’s Over is a stroke of lyrical perfection, I love the line “Mother I can feel the soil falling over my head”. Really enjoyed this album as a whole, Johnny Marr in particular is incredible, his guitar work injects such magic into these songs.

This was the Smiths at their best, mixing Morrissey's sarcasm and dark romanticism with Johnny Marr's cleanest sounds.

WOW! So listening to this back to back with another new wave project from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark’s “architecture and morality”, this album is SO MUCH BETTER. I like the smiths but I’ve never sat down and listened to an album start to finish. Johnny Marr is so good. The drums are awesome. Morrissey is so much more entertaining. I expect to like new wave perhaps BECAUSE of what I know from depeche mode and tears for fears, but I really did not like that album. This every time. Love queen is dead, bigmouth strikes again, there is a light and it never goes out, some girls are bigger than others.

i loved it. calm but also a great beat. masterpiece.

When this generated I said "Oh fuck yes!" Out loud. Morrissey revolutionized being a cunt and this album rules. When the titular prophesy came true I texted my brother (who introduced me to the Smiths via a burned rip of Louder than Bombs) "I say Charles, don't you ever crave to appear in front of the Daily Mail dressed in your mother's bridal veil?" Savage and iconic. I haven't read much dissecting the additional layer of being queer in the '80s but I think this album is drenched in it. (Love is natural and real, but not for such as you and I, my love.)(Queens, Oscar Wilde, Vicars in Tutus etc.) I Know It's Over, The Queen is Dead, The Boy With the Thorn in His Side, Big Mouth Strikes Again, Cemetry Gates! These are all fantastic songs. There is a Light the Never Goes Out!!! Vicar in a Tutu, Some Girls are Bigger Than Others, and Frankly Mr Shankly are just hilarious. I own it on vinyl, I know all the words, it's a 5.

truly a woderful piece of music. would listen to again. Gives me a melancholy yet happy feeling and the urge to dance like noones watching

On nostalgia alone

Ммм, инцел-кор, обожаю 9/10

Fuck yeah. This is classic, and even though not all songs are bangers, the album holds up. I still remember when I borrowed this album from Nicole Lee in 1986 or 1987. It was a revelation. It is funny to think back on it - how I thought it was several years old. I did that with New Order, DM and the Smiths for sure!

The interplay between Johnny Marr's jangly hyperactive constantly changing rhythm guitar and Andy Rourke's pulsating melodic bass parts creates the distinctive signature sound of the entire Smiths' catalogue: pulsating overlapping rhythms, bright poppy chords, harmonic leads with droning open high-strings. Morrissey's may be a reactionary clown, but he was a brilliant lyricist and lead singer, crafting unexpected melodies and bittersweet anthemic choruses and delivering them with sui-generis baritone/falsetto operatic flair. It's all so melodramatic I could set myself on fire. I can never pick a favorite betwen this, Meat is Murder, and Strangeways, and in any case none of their studio albums are as good as the singles compilations which are pure hit upon hit, but there're very few albums I've listened to as many times as this one and am still excited to put on at least every few weeks. A+ material from the best band of the 80s.

Cemetry Gates and There is A Light That Never Goes Out are unbeatable and pure gems. MY BELOVEDS <3333333 "I love the smiths." "Sorry?" "i said i love the smiths." ~500 Days of Summer

Afbragðs plata! Fyrsta platan í þessu verkefni sem ég hlusta á oftar en tvisvar í gegn án þess að þvinga mig til þess. Flottur söngur, gott tónspil, skemmtilegir textar.

I grew up listening to the Smiths. I have listened to this album thousands of times. The smiths live rent free in my head. If only Morrissey wasn’t such a huge fucking twat. My favorite part of this album is how playfully aggressive the lyrics are on bordering between being a massive edge lord and a depressed boy whose just been dumped. If the Five Night at Freddys bus crashes into us, to die by your side what a heavenly way to die. The odds of getting a Smiths album after discussing a meme about the smiths is absolutely insane, let alone the song that said meme is about being on the album. The universe is looking out for us. The last song is about fat girls lol 10/10

Really liked this album.

Couldn't listen to it too often but it's brilliant mood matching music

I’ve struggled with this album for 40 years. The Smiths are a singles band and their albums are rubbish by comparison. There, I’ve said it. But this album contains one of the greatest singles ever penned. Seeing “There is a light..” on the track listing means I’ll always enthusiastically jump into this record. The title track kicks things off in a pulsating and malevolent way but barely errs from its rhythm and barely describable chorus. Whereas Cemetary Gates is nonchalant and charming. Mare’s melody is all over it and is effortlessly brilliant. “Big Mouth..” is a greatest hits encore kicking in where it has no right. Bang, bang, bang and after “Thorn in your side” and the aforementioned “There is a light” you think you might be experiencing the greatest working class best combo of an age. “Vicar in z tutu” and “some girls” done diminish this view and whereas side one contains some of the most unfathomable dross you. Ight experience that still isn’t enough to take any stars away from this 5 star masterpiece.. if collected singles of course.

The ultimate album for slightly pretentious teenagers that have a sense of just how ridiculous they are. Yes it’s a shame Morrissey turned out to be such a plank but these songs remain as wonderful as ever The jangly guitar sound is unbeatable and the lyrics are by turns touching and very funny

Good one

Fantastic

Unfortunately, I am a Smiths fan (not Morrisey okay). Pretentious, sad girls unite. But actually this album wasn't even that sad. The upbeat melodies + guitar contrast sad lyrics and make the depression quite palatable. Frankly Mr. Shankly - lol, very much relate to this after quitting my corporate job Never Had No One Ever - good sad Cemetry Gates - "weird lover Wilde" GAY Bigmouth Strikes Again - "now I know how joan of arc felt" drama queen but same Vicar in a Tutu - I don't get the abrupt ending tbh There is a light that never goes out - classic but might be slightly overrated? Some girls are bigger than others - this is a no from me 4.5 rounded up

Stone cold classic goated album will fight haters

My cool uncle, who introduced me to a lot of great music, played me The Smiths in the mid ‘90s and I thought it was the worst thing ever. I didn’t understand how anyone could like Morrissey’s voice and thought the band sounded way too ‘80s, at a time when that was an insult. Keep in mind, most of my favorite bands at the time had rejected everything from the previous decade and were fronted by cynical, aloof, angry, masculine heterosexual dudes who mumbled or growled. And they loved distortion. The Smiths were jangly and used reverb. Morrisey was camp, theatrical, a romantic, earnest, literate, seemingly humorless, and perhaps most damning of all effeminate, possibly even— gasp— gay. He actually crooned and used proper diction. It could’ve been music from another planet as far as I was concerned. It didn’t take long for me to tell my uncle to turn it off. This was clearly not a band for me. Years later I returned to The Smiths with a more open mind and discovered I actually liked them a lot. This was the album that first got me into them. I finally understood Morrissey’s sardonic wit and doomed romanticism. Some of the music still sounded a little dated to me, but I could appreciate Marr’s guitar mastery and the unsung rhythm section of Joyce and Rourke. I even came to like Morrissey’s unique voice, though it’s his lyrics that will always be the band’s greatest strength. So many quotable lines. I don’t think The Smiths ever made a perfect album. This one has a few not quite great songs on it, but the highlights are so good that I’m giving it a five anyway.

An album I really like. Standouts for me are Cemetry Gates, Bigmouth Strikes Again, There Is A Light... Listening to the full album I'm struck at the influence on Belle and Sebastian and I'm sure a host of other bands. Morrissey's lyrics on some tracks like Some Girls remind me of lyrical comedy rock like Electric Six.

Love it

Enjoyed

His voice is eery but good they are a band people forget about

This is simply one of the best albums of all time. I had only heard it once or twice before coming back to it today and when I did listen I thought it was a 10/10. I honestly did not remember any tracks from the album because they are not in my rotation but coming back to it it solidified my opinion about this being a 10/10. I'm not the biggest indie guy but there is something about this album that just feels so full and appealing sonically. From the baselines to the percussion this albums instrumentation just fits together like a puzzle. Morrissey's vocals on top are really appealing and throughout the album are consistently compelling to listen to. I think my favorite tracks are "The Queen Is Dead", "Frankly, Mr. Shankly", "I Know It's Over", "Never Had No One Ever", "Bigmouth Strikes Again", "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" and "Some Girls Art Bigger Than Others". Generally when I can't pick less than 7 favorite songs on an album it is pretty good. This album is a must listen and deserves all the praise it gets as one of the greatest albums of all time. Easy 10/10

Stunning album. Track one sparks into life half way through when Johnny Fucking Marr just takes over. The whole outro to the track is pure gold. For me, the album goes to another level with ‘Cemetery Gates’, the iconic ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ and the beautifully melodic ‘The Boy with a Thorn in His Side’ - 3 great tracks back-to-back in the middle of the album. The musicianship on ‘There is a light that never goes out’ is incredible. Yes, I love this album. I can’t help singing along to most of it…even after all these years, the lyrics are just burnt in to my permanent memory. I saw Johnny Marr in concert last year and he’s still very much got it. What a guitarist! Really enjoyed him revisiting the Smiths back catalogue, and it still feels fresh. Not a bad consolation for not seeing The Smiths live in their pomp.

For starters, we all know Morrissey is a bit of a dick, but, who cares? - a great album. Contains some of my fave Smith songs especially tracks 5 - 9. Love the raucous opener of TQID, the upbeat 'Frankly', then closely followed by a nice morose pair of tunes. Then the songs just take off, and the song along (for me) starts. 'Cemetery Gates', another whimsical song of death with a lovely tune. 'Bigmouth'? One of their finest, the three musicians just nailing the rush of the whole song with Morrissey nearly at his finest. 'The Boy with the Thorn'.. just beautiful, I can sing it all, word and pitch perfect, even the moans at the end! (In my head it is, so there). The bouncy 'Tutu', who ever said The Smith's are depressing?? Ah, then the next song 'Light' a wondrous sad depressing, but still upbeat tune, (leave it alone John Lewis!). To finish with 'Some Girls' the fine balance between sad and whimsical, tunefully strong, not Morrissey's finest effort lyrically, but does highlight the bands talents. Great distinctive vocals, one of the most recognisable and brilliant singers ever, one of the tightest rhythm sections England ever produced with Rourke and Joyce. As for Marr? Up there with the best ever guitarists who never had to resort to stupid solos to carry a song. As a trio of musicians, they were able to produce such a uplifting as well as some of the most depressing songs ever made, add Mozza to the mix and who knows how the irony of happy Vs sad would go? On this album I think they had mastered this style and probably their most consistent LP in their back catalogue. There's always someone somewhere with a big nose who knows that this was always going to be a middle 5.

Perfect album. Morrissey pleasantly rude throughout.

Magnificent.

Heard of the smiths. Love them.

I actually really liked this album

Cool album avec des hits bien sympa

Superb

This album is close to a work of art as they come for me. This probably means more to me because of how I grew up with this album in my teen years.

shes a hipster ih

Perfect 🖤✨️

One of the best albums ever

AGAIN ONE OF MY FAVOURITE ALBUMS, loveee the smiths and especially this one. This is the first one I listened from them and I love every song. Franky mr. Shankly was on my yearly most streamed playlist first for 2 years. ❤️‍🔥5

I love Morrissey!!!

Already knew it, love it.

The Smiths are AMAZING!

Classic

I still believe this album has no misses. The succession of tracks 5-7 are especially exquisite. Having some of Morrissey’s best vocal deliveries, lyrics, and some of the bands best instrumentation.

Now I know how Joan of Arc feels

So late writing this but Smiths are an all time great band for me and this is their songwriting at its best. Johnny marr has so many classic riffs on this one and is at his peak of writing instrumentals. Morrisey also has a ton of highs on this album with lyrics like There is a light. That one in particular is super nostalgic to me and has been an important one for me since high school. The boy with the thorn in his side and cemetry gates are probably my other two favorites on this one and have such a unique and bright sound compared to anything else at the time.

I mean what can you really say. Morissey is a goat. The things he did for insufferable art kids…unforgettable.

Not gonna try and be different here, clear 5. Light that never goes out is a timeless classic. Some girls is pretty nostalgic for me now, brings back some great laughs with the boys. Cemetery gates is very possibly my favorite smiths song and I think it’s their most underrated. It also starts off a pretty great 3 song run with big mouth strikes again and boy w the thorn. I used to think frankly mr shankly is pretty goofy but it’s been growing on me a lot with these listens. Vicar in a tutu is a weird inclusion with the country ass guitar but it’s not bad. A nearly perfect album imo Best: cemetery gates, there is a light, some girls, frankly mr shankly, bigmouth strikes again MMM: SOME GIRLS ARE BIGGER THAN OTHERS 🐄 SOME GIRLS ARE BIGGER THAN OTHERS 🐳SOME GIRLS MOTHERS ARE BIGGER THAN OTHERS GIRLS MOTHERS🦧

A certified 80s Classic. Highlight: Cemetery Gates.

Yay! I love The Smiths. Well I didn't get to this today. But I will over the weekend.

Hilarious, well written songs. Infectious melodies. No low points. Fantastic

It was amazing Really liked the songs on it Will be listening again Probably is my favorite smiths album

Masterpiece 10/10

best smiths record by far

Same preamble as before: Morrissey has turned into an idiotic, whiny racist (or maybe he always was), so fuck him. I will rate this one just based on the music and since I always really enjoyed The Smiths and the band's instrumentation. This album is pretty amazing. Nearly every track on this one is a standout in my opinion. Really incredible guitar work by Johnny Marr and great songwriting throughout. Standout Tracks: The Queen is Dead, Frankly Mr. Shankly, Cemetry Gates, Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

This popped up just 3 days after the death of Andy Rourke... and of course The Queen Is Dead now too. Wonderful album, my favourite of The Smiths, no question what its rating would be as soon as it appeared here for me. So good, I played it twice in a row.

One of my favorites

BL: this is an album I’m going to have to go into disregarding any pre-concieved notions I may have. Because truth be told I don’t like the smiths that much, outside of “how soon is now” and “I know it’s over”, I find a lot of the stuff just too gloomy and I don’t ever really want to listen to it. But I’ll give it a listen and try give as objective of a take as possible. AL: alright fine. Maybe you got me. This album was pretty good. Morrisey’s lyricism is mostly on point and incredibly cutting and intellectual. The opening track is phenomenal. The production is amazing especially for the era. I take back most of what I said before, this is a very solid album and I’m glad to have experienced it. The only track I didn’t like was the end track, thought it was a bit one note and put in last minute as filler FT: “The Queen is Dead”, “Frankly, Mr. Shankly”, “I know it’s over”, “Cemetry Gates” 5/5

Morrissey is a cunt

excellent band and album

I went through a good Smiths phase a few years ago right around the pandemic. This album was on repeat. One of the better sad boi records ever made with staying power that few albums of its era were able to capture.

Long live The Queen Is Dead!

I've come back to this album many times and found something new every time - this time it was "Had No One Ever" Long time favorite: I Know It's Over. It's so brutal

Quite a coincidence that I’m given this highly rated Smiths album the day after I’m given The Smiths album that came out directly after this one. I’m quite aware of this albums presence and have heard it before but I thought it deserved a couple more listens so I could really gather my thoughts on it, and I have to say that this is even better than the previous Smiths album, it’s in a lane of its own. As I mentioned in the previous review what makes The Smiths so fantastic is the cohesiveness between the vocalist and the instrumentalists, there are only a few moments where the vocalist is intended to stand out so most of the time you can really appreciate all parts of the song at the same time. Firstly, the opening track, the title track, really takes the cake here with a killer guitar fill and a consistent drum pattern which gives this 6 minute song such energy when it’s needed. You can also hear another guitar enter about half way through with some other instruments to break up the song a bit, it’s a great opener to the album and one of my favourites. There’s also a few slightly tongue-in-cheek tracks in here, more specifically ‘Frankly Mr. Shankly’ and ‘Vicar in a Tutu’ which have the most catchy choruses of the record. The former has quite a slow opening which I think isn’t the best for the 2nd song on the album but it opens up shortly after when some deeper electric guitar is introduced whereas the former is fairly consistent and hence suits the shorter song length well, it’s probably also the weakest song on the album but luckily doesn’t take away from the rest as it fits the style really well. There are just so many great moments on this record from the slower ‘I Know It’s Over’ where Morrissey’s is made to stand out over some slow bass until the last 2 minutes where both he and the instrumental are projected outwards, to the speedy ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ where you can feel the guitar rushing through the track and the vocals slightly bringing the instrumental back whilst keeping the track altogether. Also not forgetting the true stand out track ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’ which is a beautifully smooth track that feels as if it is being played effortlessly. The only thing I would change about this album is the last song, although a good song and fitting, it almost feels like I’m waiting for a slower acoustic song to show me out as shown in the their following record. However, I can’t really complain as I like the song regardless, which makes this album fantastic. P.S. Jpegmafia - Veteran, track 16 5/5

The Smiths at their best. Morrissey is a bit of a twat but his songwriting here is impressive, and his band is A1. Johnny Marr might be one of the most distinctive guitarists, and he comes up with some of the most catchy riffs of all time on this release.

Jackson Pollock Ideas: Frankly mr shankly is going down better than usual. This is a good sign. I know its over is a lovely tune. Hmm Never Had No One Ever is kinda great. There is something slightly annoying about this voice and some keys played. Every time I think this album is about to shock me into a 5, it kinda drifts. Heading for a strong 4, like 4.4. Nice closer. Favourite Songs: I Know It's Over Never Had No One Ever There is a light and it never goes out Least Favourite Songs: N/A Overall: Three songs I really like. Others that I find pretty decent, could grow on me but don't wow me or anything. The queen is actually dead now, how about dat. I think this is a light 5, 4.6. I say this because I was about to give it a high 4, but how is a brand new album gonna be that much better. Albums need time. Really cool lyrical content, good interesting melodies. Slightly bland through the middle.

I've always liked The Smiths (at least their hits, embedded in playlists) and definitely enjoyed this album. Morrissey's vocal delivery is great and his tongue-in-cheek lyrics provide some counterweight to the dark (but never oppressive) mood of the music.

Eaaaasy 5. An absurd number of hits on this one. My favorite is probably I Know It’s Over. Morrissey may be an asshole but he knows how to write a lyric and I love his voice. If I had to choose I’d say the Smiths self titled slightly edges this out but they are both magnificent.

Believe it or not I’ve never listened to a Smiths album front to back. I thought it was very good and I could see it growing on me in the future. Very strong start with the title track and loved the finish as well. It is very verbose, which is part of the charm, but sometimes it feels like I could use maybe a little instrumental break between verses or vocals? Just a minor complaint, I will definitely listen again.

I was obviously aware of the Smiths before this (who isn't?), though I had never really done much research on the band or Morrissey specifically (most of the drama happened before my time) and.... wow. I can understand why the reviews on this album are so polarizing. I will try to separate the art from the artist for the purposes of this project. So... I really enjoyed the record. Unique vocals, intricate yet subtle guitar, and a very influential style.

rip bozo master class of the era, excellent song writing and deceptively complex instrumentation

Majestic genius - a rare fusion of incredible riffs, bass lines that are pivotal to the songs and a lyrical master. I nearly marked this one down for Shankly but, really, this is a great album from a group of youngsters who were in a extraordinary creative spurt. Cemetery Gates is a wonderful song and I still have the memory of hearing "There is a Light" for the first time on John Peel.

AMAZING

Amazing album. Marr is a genius and this is probably the only album where morriseys lyrics are somewhat consistant across the entire album

How have I missed this! Masterful. Will be listening again. The Queen is dead, long live the Queen! (Charles can get bent)

Morrissey and Marr at their zenith. I realize that I am biased as I am a fan. This album influenced so many emo and alternative bands.

I've been meaning to listen to The Smith's. I really enjoyed this album! Loved the guitar and the vocals. It was more laid back than I was expecting and in the best way possible. Was pleasantly surprised. My Favourite songs: Frankly, Mr. Shankly, Cemetry Gates, Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others and I Know It's Over

Morrissey and Marr! Magic! Not one dud moment! Can I give this eleventeen out of five? I’m just going to go and stick a daffodil in my back pocket.

rich

beautiful

Incredible album

erg koolio

Love it. It fits the autumn vibe.

The perfect blend of unusually classic, disruptive comfort, fun, and ache

An appropriate album given that The Queen has actually died.....

It's an all time album for me. Morrisey is in top form. The sound is simply timeless, it will always sound modern imo.

God save the Queen

Peccato che Morrisey sia un fascistone

Amazing

Excellent album overall. Great mix of melodies, and not a bad song in the track list. Also, the timing of suggesting this album right after Queen Elizabeth died feels particularly ominous of the shuffling algorithm.

Extremely ironic that this was the album the day after Queen Lizzy died - anyway love The Smiths xoxo

The generator gave me the album THE DAY AFTER THE QUEEN ACTUALLY DIED. 5 stars just for that

Hahahaha literally the day after the Queen dies! Listened yesterday because of, well duh! Love it. There is A Light That Never Goes Out is one of my all-time favorite songs.

Totally biased here. The music of my youth. The Smiths had such an incredible run in the early-mid 1980s! The songs range from the typical Smiths' songs with incredible guitar work, and quirky lyrics to ballads which invoke the lonliness and sadness of teenage 1980s. Not a bad song on this album.

Awkward timing but then that’s the essence of adolescence, which this album captures so sweetly.

So this was the album selected the day after the queens death, and just seeing the cover gave me a little trepidation. I’ve always loved this album but I was worried that it would have new meaning now. Certainly, the title track left a little bad taste, but the way Morrissey delivers the references to Charles dreaming of taking over didn’t feel quite as bad as the track title. The rest of the album remains as the Smiths best work. I’ve struggled with the Smiths over previous years due to the views of Morissey, but I’m glad I listened to this again, I’d almost forgotten how special the smiths were

Great album. Very influential album still relevant to this day. 5/5

A passable album, not my favorite, but not bad

Literally came on the list to listen to the day after the Queen died... Automatic 5 star