Reviews (page 5 of 18)
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yummy! I love the smiths
Een van mijn favorieten. Fijne stem en melodieën, mooie teksten en heel goed gitaarwerk. En vreemde fade-ins en fade-outs? Highlights: I Know It’s Over, Bigmouth Strikes Again, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Morrissey may be an absolute Pollock but it can't be denied that this is just an outstanding album.
i've listened to some smiths songs before and enjoyed them fav song: Frankly, Mr. Shankly
If you were at high school/college in the UK during the late 80's, and were one of the weird kids, this is your nostalgia. It's been on my shelves since the late 80's. Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ ★★★★☆ (8/10) Total reviewed : 223 Already owned : 51 Purchased : 11 To buy list : 3 Nope : 158
I kind of feel like the Smiths are just always an average band at best. Even their name kind of suggests that, Smith being a super common average last name. Low end of a 3/5.
Maybe I'm just in a mood that's good for this album, but I'm liking this a lot more than I remember when I first listened to it a couple months ago, and like it more than the Morrissey albums I've gotten so far. Mostly what I don't like about it is Morrissey's vocals, although they're not bugging me much here, aside from some annoying riffs he does. And at first I wasn't enjoying the very empty room production it's got going on, but finding myself liking it as I listen to it more. Overall, really good album. Think my standouts are Bigmouth Strikes Again and Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others. I fear Morrissey might be growing on me. Fuck.
Good songs, but depressing as hell. I was in the mood for it though. 8/10
ok we can probably agree that morrissey is a miserable person but this album is so cunt
Probably the only totally essential smiths album, the rest of their best songs are scattered across compilations and albums with lesser tracks. Love the jangly guitar of a lot of the tracks, and lyrically I do think it's all fantastic, very witty My fave tracks are Frankly Mr Shankly, "Cemetry Gates" (sp) and Bigmouth Strikes Again, all songs which happen not to be total downers and are all quite funny. Cemetry Gates is probably my favourite overall There Is a Light is obviously great but it's almost too iconic to highlight. I think they probably should have ended it with that track rather than "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others" which doesn't do much for me really, but they probably weren't thinking too hard about track placement. Something about the way the volume fades out and back in at the start really pisses me off for some reason
didnt hate it as much as i remembered hating it from the AM top 100, but still not sure how much i actually enjoyed it i think its just not my thing 2.5
Good album. I am sure there were a lot that I liked more from the 80s but I am going to have to listen to this one through a few more times to see why so many people think this is the best album of the 80s
Morrissey wails into a drainpipe for the best parts of this album. It's good, but at what cost?
One of my all time favorite albums. Hits every emotion perfectly. Sad, funny, angry, the best.
The Smiths have a way of making me start tapping my toes. The arrangements here are vintage Smiths, with Marrs' fantastic guitar weaving in and out with Morrissey's vocals and sarcastic lyrics.
Even though Morrissey's a cunt this is the easiest 5 stars I've given out so far.
Favorite track: I know it’s over
Interesting lyrics. I already know some of The Smiths. I had higher expectations. Morrisey’s droning got a little old on some tracks.
C'était vraiment cool
Je m'attendais à mieux
Very solid album very enjoyable mellow rock
YES YES YES YES YES YES OOOHHHHHHHHH THE FIRST LP I BOUGHT I LOVE THE SMITHS OMGGG BUT FUCK MORRISSEY EEWWW god its such an interesting album: interesting vocals as always, interesting guitar, interesting lyrics. The album cover is so incredibly iconic omggg By far my favorite smiths song is Frankly, Mr Shankly such a vibe. Made my lovee the album. I Know Its Over gave birth to Jeff Buckleys versions and I will be forever thankful for this.
Much better than the Smiths album I got last week. This one had a lot of energy to it while still keeping the over-mopiness that Morissey is known for. Cemetery Gates was a really good standout to me, I just liked the instrumentals. Much like the other Smiths album I got, I don't have a load to say about it, but this one was pretty good.
Några riktiga alltimers på denna!
Faktiskt så bra som det blir.
Stundtals toppklass, stundtals märkligt men överlag hög kvalitet!
Helt okej, inget speicellet
Blev inte lika övertygad som av det där andra Smiths-albumet vi hade, men nog är det väldigt bra!
oavsett om det är smiths bästa eller inte så är det här onekligen fruktansvärt bra
All the positives of the album are dragged down by Morrissey, and I say this in the most "Separate the art from the artist" way possible. On most tracks I cannot stand his melodramatic wail, and he often tries so little to make sure he's singing along with the beat that it borders on being on-pitch spoken word, and not in a good way, Jim Morrison of The Doors does a similar style much better. Johnny Marr and the rest of the band do an admirable job providing the trappings for the general sullen yet upbeat post-punk that the Brits best invoked in the era. Favorite Track: "Cemetry Gates" Least Favorite Track: "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others"
As an American, the longevity and consistently high quality performances of British rock singers has always been something of note. Which is why it came as a bit of a shock to me when Morrissey more or less ruined this album for me. Like, I pray I never listen to him wail over the end of I Know It's Over again. I don't think I've ever consciously listened to The Smiths before, but I'd heard of them. I knew they were pretty influencial to the rock scene across the pond. I can understand why, as there's a lot to appreciate from Joyce's drum fills on The Queen is Dead and Never Had No One Ever to the ironically upbeat Cemetery Gates. Marr kinda shreds across a lot of the album to a variety of vibes and tempos, and it feels like a contemporary indie album (especially on say Bigmouth Strikes Again). But I really cannot stand Morrissey's vocalizations. I don't think it helps that The Queen is Dead, the opening track, is probably the worst offender. But I find him to be such a detraction from more interesting instrumentals on basically every song.
Johnny Marr is doing absolutely everything on this record. The rhythm section is tight too. Musically, it's really well-crafted. The problem? Morrissey. His voice sits on top of these gorgeous arrangements just moaning. You can hear a great rock album underneath if you squint past the vocals. "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" almost gets past it, and "Bigmouth Strikes Again" has enough energy to carry him along. But too often it's like watching a brilliant band get held hostage by their frontman.
Never got the whole morrisey thing, so not for me
Beautiful album, full of great songs and memorable hooks. Morrissey sings at his best here and Johnny Marr made some brilliant hypnotic tunes. There's perhaps a bit of a lull on the start of the second side, but the album starts and ends great. Quite a bit of variety between calm and uptempo songs, ballads and rockers. Great album.
Yeah it's great. Deal with it, Morissey haters.
I've gotten plenty of exposure to the Smiths (and Morrissey by extension, so much Morrissey) simply by following this list. One kind of knows what to expect after a handful of albums. Here in "The Queen is Dead" however, things just feel more personal. Like on an emotional level. There's a sense of melancholy and surrealism all throughout, which is a testament to not only the polarizing presence of Morrissey on vocals, but also the efforts of Marr, Rourke, and Joyce can't go unnoticed either. The Smiths are masterful at painting a sorrow scene with a bright color palette thanks to the prominently jangle-like sound paired with rhythmic drums and bass, and I think that is as present as it has ever been for the group here. "Cemetry Gates", "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side", and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" are the best examples of what I'm trying to describe, and thus were the standouts for me. Not bad...am I beginning to like the Smiths?
Probably the album I'm most familiar with so far in this project based soley just on the company I keep. Unfortunately I have the extremely lukewarm take of disliking Morrissey the person but being quite fond of the music he's made... But you will not catch me admitting to that in person. Johnny Marr is going crazy on guitar for this whole album, especially Bigmouth Strikes Again oh my god. Vicar in a Tutu is definitely a sleeper hit although definitely a black sheep on this record in terms of its sound. Unfortunately I do really like the Smiths, even though I like their self-titled more than The Queen is Dead
A thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. I don't think I'll ever fully understand this band's appeal but I liked this more than I thought. Favourites: Frankly Mr Shankly, The boy etc, The Queen Is Dead
Unknown band. Not too bad. A good album.
Frankly, my Morrissey bias struck when I had this one proposed. I was about to blindly give it a one star withe the usual f*M*... But then I remembered that The Smiths was not only Morrissey, but also a very capable band, most noticeably one certain Johnny Marr. And luckily, I gave it a spin. Musically the record is simply great. Well produced, well played and arranged. And, the lyrics are surprisingly good and there is not one nuance of the later self-indulgent whiney and political distastefulness of said lyricist. It's all about the deepest loneliness, expressed in deep and true streams of consciousness and even a touch of humour. While I still don't like the overall nature of his voice, the delivery is personal and the phrasing is really really touching in places. Absolutely recommendable. Consistent and, yes, a great record. Apart from that, M. can shove it wherever it's itching. He was once great where he now is a sad flatearther, or whatever.
I never realized how humorous the Smiths were. This is my first time listening to an Album by this artist. I know some of their singles, and 'There is a light that never goes out' is saved to my liked songs on Spotify- from a time when I Shazamed it on a movie 😅 I really enjoyed this.
It's ok, I guess. Just a bit repetitive.
Yeah it was fine. About what I expected from what little I know about The Smiths.
I'm not a fan of Morrissey, generally. Left to his own devices, he's just too depressing for me. But Johnny Marr's beautiful, melodic guitar work makes this album palatable and, at times, even fun.
Reminds me of 2015 tumblr dayz
I've never cared for The Smiths, but I've warmed up to a lot of 'post punk' rock music in recent years, so I went into this with an open mind. "Cemetry Gates" and "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" were my favourite tracks, and I liked "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others". That said, I did not enjoy the overall album. The vocals were slightly grating after a while, and while the music is good, no particular chord stuck with me. "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" is a generally good song, but bloody hell have I heard it plenty over the years. A 2.5 rating would be more accurate, but since people who like this hate everything I enjoy, I'm not going to be generous :p
pub anglais on se tient par les épaules
si il faut que les reines meurent pour faire un si bel album, alors vive la monarchie
I've actually never listened to a Smiths record before this one, which is a HUGE blindspot for me. Deliberately avoiding spoiling my opinion and trying to listen to it mostly blind, although I am already aware (at least I think) that this is usually considered their magnum opus. It comes out the gates really great, but kinda lost me at track 2 and didn't really pick back up to what I was enjoying until the back half. I think this is really a taste thing, and maybe I'd feel different on repeated listens, but I'm not grabbed at all by the next few tracks. I just don't really care much for slow introspective sadboy guitars. The stuff I do like is great though. I think I'm comfortable putting a 4 on this. I think I have to sit with it a few more times to know what I really think about it, but I suspect it's the kind of thing that grows on you with a little time to gestate. It's been brought to my attention that Morrissey is a shithead, but as much as I can avoid it I'm not here to rank the moral character of 1001 musicians.
it's like a 4.4 for me? great sound, tremendous opener/second half, lags in songs 2-4...ultimately it's a liiiiiitle too samey for a 5, and all of the songs are very accompished, without being completely *fun*
It does have one of my favourite songs in There Is A Light That Never Goes out, the rest doesn't necessarily get me goin but I do like it!
I usually think of Morrissey as an Ezra Pound figure whose misanthropy/disassociation with other people fueled even his his pre-shithead art, but there's some genuinely touching, kind stuff on this record. Bigmouth Strikes Again and Light that Never Goes Out are classics
The final three songs (Bigmouth Strikes Again, There is a Light That Never Goes Out, Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others) are great. The rest plods along and it didn't feel like there was enough variety to warrant a 5.
It's too bad about Morrissey being a famed asshole about immigration, but this album is both very good, and has had a huge impact. 4 feels like where this belongs. The Smiths are clearly singular musically, and the writing is very clever and humorous underneath the sad boy melodrama.
Meh, it was a 3 untill it started turning country. Wont remember it in a month
Only slightly better than Meat is Murder, but by a long shot not good enough to enjoy.
An album that really just kinda didn't leave an impression on me. It was fine, nothing actually bad but a little boring.
The whole Smiths discography is really solid with loads of great non album tracks on top of great albums. I think that none of albums alone were quite perfect, but they all are really good and Queen is dead is definitely one of the best. And of course any album that include one of the best pop songs ever ("There is a light...") earns 5/5
While I don't dislike Morrissey, he does get a bit on my nerves. I listened to the album on sort of autopilot, but noticed the music a few times just due to it poking just over my irritation threshold.
8/10 album fuck morrisey
Loved the first track, but was not as impressed with the rest
I wish a double decker bus had crashed into me while listening to this shite 1 ⭐️
really makes you feel the soil falling over your head. 5/5
Beautiful album with some songs having a detached vibe, similar to what I like.
While it's unusual for an entire band to exist just to showcase the guitarist, you really couldn't pick a better one than Johnny Marr, and The Queen is Dead showcases him like none other. Without Johnny Marr and his loose, jangling, texturally rich guitar the 90s would sound entirely different. You can feel an entire new era of rock roiling beneath the surface of this album, dark and emotional and experimental. I...think there was someone else in the band...his name escapes me.
Fuck the Queen, fuck Morrissey, this album rocks. Best Song: There Is a Light that Never Goes Out Rating: 9/10 Stars: 5
I have never listened to a smiths album but this was great.
I get that this is probably The Smiths' best album, but it's not my favourite. Also, Morrissey, ugh. But also Johnny Marr, yay. Sounds like it was recorded in a broom closet, but at least those killer basslines are mixed up where they should be.
As with all of the Smiths content I’ve come across, the secret ingredient is Morrissey’s timbre. He’s able to create such a mood and pull on your heart strings. It works well with 80s, often jangle pop, guitar backing.
Not the hugest fan but this was a decent album
Um bom álbum, acho que fica um pouquinho repetitivo do meio pra frente, mas um dos grandes do indie rock, faltou um pouco de replay value. Mas as músicas são boas e ditam um tom perfeito, um pouco melancólico, com bons riffs e muita personalidade. nota 7/10
This is an all time favorite album for me. I could say so much about why I love this album, from its rollicking bass, jangly guitars, sardonic lyrics, Morrisey’s enigmatic voice, how many of the songs I listen to on a regular basis. But instead, I’ll close with this: “It's so easy to laugh, it's so easy to hate // It takes strength to be gentle and kind.” How can the man who wrote that beautiful lyric go on to say such hateful things?
I know the album before, listened to ut anyways. Love the smiths and the album!!!
Great album
No my thing, but catchy in a weird way. Very sleepy and depressing. Question why this is a must listen to album and so critically acclaimed. No songs added to playlist.
Not my favorite but i do like knowing how joan of arc felt
Top melancholy album
My initial impression of the album was betrayed by my difficulty listening to song lyrics. Reading the lyrics opened up a whole other world to me, one where I saw the album's melancholy, its witty, often dark humor, and a still-poignant criticism of the British society, in its full colors. I can say I'm still not done with this album, and it's exactly what defines a 10/10 for me: something that's not just incredibly well-crafted, but also has lots of layers to it, the layers that entice coming back to the record all over again and make it ever better the more you peel them off.
This album just feels correct, like staring out the window and realizing this montage leads nowhere. It is cynical, dramatic, self-pitying and understands emotional intensity as a lifestyle choice. For us who are soft, dramatic, over-thinkers, but still pretend we’re above all.
good. been distracted by the next door neighbours kids screaming as the flop around in the pool though.
I can hear the influences the Smiths had on so many bands I love the more I listen to this record.
Bangers abound. You literally can't go wrong with any song on this album. An absolute melodious triumph. Favorite track: Bigmouth Strikes Again
I love the first song. This production is great. Everything sounds really clean and crisp, each instrument shining through. It has a really cool new wave feel to it that I enjoy... and then, the next song. Some bullshit fake ska/sea shanty shit, but this third track is growing on me as it keeps playing. As I continue on, I can hear some connections between this and some of the emo/gothy bands that came a decade or two later. Big AFI vibes on tracks like "Never Had No One Ever". That vibe carries over onto "Bigmouth Strikes Again", which along with the title track sound like really interesting U2 b-sides. This album came out a little later than I expected, and contextualizing it as a 1986 album, the germs of college rock being planted here are evident and welcome. I expected Morrissey's vocals to wear on me eventually, but they never did. They really fit the sound. I don't know how often I'm going to listen to this in the future, and the second + third song were a real letdown after that killer opener, but all-in-all, I enjoyed this more than I expected.
A classic
Lyrically impressive, music that transcends into poetry, I could just read the lyrics and enjoy it as poetry. Their blend of indie into pop is inspiring. Some of the best sad boi music I’ve ever heard. 3.7
Been waiting, let’s see if it lives up to the hype. It’s beautiful. For what it’s worth I like morrisseys vocal delivery, melodies, most of the lyrics?, but I can not stand him. This is my favorite guitar album from the class so far, Johnny Marr kills it on this one. I don’t know how to explain that I think even if I didn’t hate morrissey I would still hate him with no previous knowledge. This album is pretty perfect honestly. I’m struggling to say much about it because I just wanna shit on Morrissey. Take this 5.
After getting two Morrissey solo albums, it's great to finally hear him in his best form. The rest of The Smiths really elevate his lyrics and compliment his voice so perfectly. Funny, cutting, bittersweet and mournful.
there's not much to say about this album. this is as 3-material as it gets. i "like" it.
I’ve listened through this whole album for the first time during my freshman year of college. Somehow I spent my “formative” high school years I knew what all the good music was, then I grew a brain and a heart. The rest is history. It really shaped little moments and memories a lot more than I would care to admit. I would drive my roommate crazy by singing the chorus from “Some Girls Are Bigger than Others” over and over again, and I danced in the middle of the country road to “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” with the love of my life during the first summer we met each other. “I Know it’s Over” cradled me through heartache and pain, and “Bigmouth Strikes Again” gave me the extra boost I needed to complete my senior project for my philosophy major. Music floods my heart and ears like a warm tidal wave.
Never really listened to The Smiths but I really dug the vibes. The lead vocals are so smooth and satisfying to listen to. Listening to this made me feel like I was a teenager in the 80s in England laying on the floor romanticizing my life.
I feel like I should like The Smiths more than I do. “There is a Light…” is wonderful but overall not an album I’d listen to often
I did not care for the music at first, then it began to grow on me. Interesting musical ideas and thought provoking lyrics!!
It’s difficult to listen to the Smiths impartially, because Morrisey is just a dick and his (Smiths era) vocals have been parodied so much it’s hard to take them seriously. That aside the Queen is Dead is a strong start and relatively enjoyable. Unfortunately the track is on the too long side and feels like it has outstayed its welcome. Frankly, Mr. Shankly has an upbeat backing but suffers significantly from those vocals and lyrics. From here we get just dull Smiths sounding songs which musically are good but the vocals ruin them for me. When you reach Bigmouth Strikes Again it feels a real turning point with the rest of the offerings being relatively enjoyable, especially the obvious standout, There is a Light that Never Goes Out. Overall an ok album but i still dont get all the fuss about them
Generally, I avoid listening to The Smiths due to an almost visceral dislike of Morrissey - so this is the first time I’ve actively sat down and listened to them (compared to just hearing on the radio, or in films etc.) That dislike of Morrissey hasn’t gone away, to be honest - even if some of his lyrics are quite amusing, as are his song titles. They probably are the first of the “jangly guitar bands” that I hate so much, but Johnny Marr is the talent / brains behind the whole operation, and makes the whole thing more bearable than I thought. “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” is one song by The Smiths that I’ve always tolerated, but I also quite liked “Bigmouth Strikes Again.” Some songs have not aged well. Some could make the most bubbly person down in the dumps, and some are quite amusing to listen to, like “Frankly, Mr Shankly”. All in all, I can see why The Smiths are held in such high esteem, particularly amongst those indie types. I probably won’t rush to listen to a track again, but maybe I don’t hate them quite as much as I thought I did.
First, full disclaimer, I think Morrissey The Person is a ginormous dickhead. It's extremely clear that he's descending into becoming a bitter old man who is angry about his lot in life, treats his fans like shit if he can't be arsed to play a show and generally thinks he's better than everyone else... and they're the least of his transgressions. I am now attempting to ignore all that and focus on Morrissey The Singer. I don't particularly like Morrissey's voice but he's not awful - it's very grating over a full album though. The actual instrumentation is much better than the vocals in my opinion, but much like Talking Heads, I get that for fans his voice is 80% of the attraction. Johnny Marr deserved better though. My highlight is probably The Boy With A Thorn In His side (the fact someone has transcribed the outro "lyrics" on Genius made my giggle). Ending your album with a song about boobs is probably the low point. This should be a 2.5. Rounding down because of the annoying voice. 2/5
I think the most The Smiths thing I can say about this album is that I get it. It’s Morrissey singing cripplingly sad songs about love lost and words and dirt and pubs and stuff. That’s until you pull it apart and realize that none of it is meant to be taken seriously and the joke is on you. Johnny Marr and the band provide a jangly undercurrent for the one-named-wonder and his painfully self-aware lyrics. The intro to the closing track even fades in and out to start as if they aren’t ready to play the joke on the listener yet. The Smiths hate the aristocracy and can see through the phoniness of your quoted poetry because they have done their research. Their tunes are catchy and fun. They leave you asking yourself, “what made that seem so important?” At the core, they make great music and it’s a joy to listen. Now you need to tell everyone. The Smith are the brilliant barstool poet and you’re lucky enough to post up next to them for a pint. They’re better than you and you know that because they told you so. And you can’t stand it, but they’re right
While I don't agree with Morrissey's political views at all and just don't like him as a person in general, I still can't deny that this is a near perfect album. I have always loved The Smiths and I believe this is their best album. This album is beautiful from start to finish and it never gets old. Stand out songs for me: I know it's over, Frankly, Mr Shankly and There is a light that never goes out
Such a clear peak for the band in every way. Every song is distinct and feels just more meticulously crafted than the last, from Marr's sparkly guitar layers (Boy With a Thorn, There is a Light), to the constant, pumping rhythm of drums and bass (The Queen is Dead, Big Mouth). It sounds like they wanted to prove something to themselves on this one, and they came out with a near perfect album.
I was looking for a job and then I found a job, And heaven knows I'm miserable now Oh wacht, verkeerde album. The Smiths hebben een unieke formule: Vrolijke indiepoprock tunes met zang die Spotify beschrijft als "a keening, self-absorbed croon, embracing the forlorn, romantic poetry of Oscar Wilde". Vocalist Morrissey bespreekt zware onderwerpen op poëtische, vaak absurdistische en/of humoristische, manier. Deze mix geeft een bijzonder resultaat, wat erg aan is geslagen bij millennial hipsters. Zelf werd ik er eerst niet heel warm van, maar toen ik beter naar de teksten ging luisteren begon ik het steeds meer te waarderen. Ik snap wel dat dit zo populair is onder introspectieve intellectuals die boeken schrijven in coffeeshops (of mensen die zich zo voor willen doen). De lyrics zijn gelaagd, belezen, creatief, cheeky, en heel makkelijk om pretentieus over te doen. De tunes zelf zijn leuk, goed, maar voor mij niet super bijzonder. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out is wel iconisch (zowel instrumentally als lyrically). Liked songs: Cemetry Gates, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
Ik vond dit persoonlijk wel een leuk album. Niet echt nummers die ik zou downloaden maar het werkt wel echt samen als een album. Frankly mr shankley was mn favoriet omdat het nummer de sleur van het album doorbreekt zonder afstand te nemen van thema van het album. Wel weer -1 voor old British white guy music.
Niet een hele uitgebreide review maar ik vond het wel een prima album. Het raakt voor mij weer aan het criterium je mag het opzetten, maar ik zou er niet zelf keer op keer naar luisteren. Daarmee komen we wederom uit op een 3/5. Ik kende zelf het nummer Bigmouth Strikes Again al vanuit social media en grappig genoeg kende Marije het nummer There Is a Light That Never Goes Out voldoende om stukjes mee te zingen, echt totaal geen idee hoe. Lekker kort album.
I can't stand morrissey but i really liked thiiiiis
Solid
Unique indie rock style that you can very much tell hails straight from the mid-‘80s.
It''s so easy to laugh, It's so easy to hate It takes strenght to be gentle and kind
vrh. shvatio sam da ne slušam baš čitav album, sada jesam. čak i meni slabije stvari (prva/naslovna, "never had no one ever" i "the boy with the thorn in his side") u stvari su jako dobre, a ostatak je odličan. možda najdraža mi je "cemetry gates", pokušao sam izdvojiti nekoliko najboljih, ali ni ne mogu jer su sve na istoj razini. jebeno
One of the good ones! saved <3
Great album, second to meat is murder only as far as I’m concerned
Ooh I love The Smiths! This album is one of their best. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out was the first Smiths song I ever heard.
Meh
masterpiece, sometimes I think I. like one of their other albums more. Though ultimately this is just magnificent
ez egy trip volt, ertem ratty healy gyokereit, jo vibeok, remek hosszusag, erdekes/fura dalfelepites, nagyon vicci szovegek. f fav: cemetry gates, v fav: frankly mr shankly, vicar in a tutu
My wife loves the Smiths, so I have heard all of these songs before, but had never listened to the album as a single experience. It's pretty good. I'm not into them but really liked the variety and innovation it shows.
Clássico roque inglês. Queria dar 4,5 estrelas
Brabo e curto
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out sinistro de bom. Por enquanto o único álbum que eu tinha escutado alguma música antes na vida
Some girls are bigger than others 🎵🎶
The incessant quaker oats adverts on YouTube provide a welcome break from the nasally droning of the Smiths.
It's pretty good but there's not much here that sets it apart from other indie pop and it's a little boring
It's the best Smiths album. In fact, it's probably the best album of its kind. I went through a period of loving The Smiths in my younger days, but they didn't have the staying power for me. Still plenty of bangers I'll gladly listen to again, but soured by the fact that Morrissey is now a bit of a twat.
ok
Ja, det är onekligen en klassiker och ett helgjutet album. Det är imponerande med vilken extremt hög lägsta nivå Morrissey/Marrs låtar höll. På fem år lyckades de nästan få ur sig närmare 100 perfekta poplåtar. Helt oöverträffat. Min favoritskiva är louder than bombs med 20 singlar och b-sidor från 86-87, ett styrkeprov. Egentligen gillar jag sista skivan ”strangeways here we come” ännu mer, men det är detaljer de gå ju inte förbise ”the Queen is dead”.
*Might need a relisten* Heard some Smiths before. But this just didn't connect with me. 2/5
I’ve heard some songs by them that I liked, but I thought the were gonna be in this album, but they were not. I didn’t quite really connect with the songs, but it was entertaining.
Strong rock album, I enjoyed listening through the entire album.
4/5 jolly tunes with very sad lyrics. some songs are repetitive though best: there is a light that never goes out
Masterpiece. One of the greatest
8.5/10
Cool de bons sons juste pas toujours mon style
It’s the smiths dummy!
Whimsical
De mis álbumes favoritos sin duda
I'm listening to this with open ears......Fuck Morrisey but maybe this will be ok? I fucking hate this. The lyrics from Bigmouth Strikes Again are fucking awful. The guitars/band are fine, Morrisey can suck it. 3/5 for cultural relevance. The first song that played after this album finished was Just Like Heaven and gd if I didn't need that perfect pallet cleanser! Thank you for you kindness, Robert Smith:)
I love quite a lot of the songs on this album but it is not quite a five for me
Mad as hell that I fuck with Morrissey…
Love it kinda like the Beatles
Solid vibes, kind of repetitive but very Smiths ridden
really really good. second half of the album was right up my alley, i’ll def do a relisten soon
Love it
Sort of 'one note' in terms of execution... like, every song sounds like it could be one song - extending into various other sections, rather than, say, a whole lot of new tones/textures/vocal stylings per track.
2 good songs, rest nothing special
oh ffs... theres more than one?
Top Songs: I Know It's Over Cemetery Gates Bigmouth Strikes Again There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
She sure is. Quite enjoyed it
top preferiti: I know it’s over, the boy with the thorn in his side
Grandissimo album. Non è un 5 perché il 5 è riservato solo agli album in cui ogni pezzo è perfetto, ma è un 5-
Listening Notes Morrissey's lyrics are hilarious Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke are too good on this Standout Tracks "The Queen is Dead", "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" First time? Yes Will it go into your rotation? More please
Wish Morrissey wasn't a dick
Classic moody Smiths. Still like The Smiths’ music even though Moz is a douche. This album was reminiscent of my 80s-music listening phase in college.
There’s times when I realize a song is by steely Dan and I think maybe I do like steely Dan. And then there’s times I realize a song is by steely Dan and I think mane I don’t like steely Dan. Maybe that’s what pretzel logic means.
Some smiths are better than others
Such a good album. Despite all his faults, Morrissey is one of the greatest lyric writers of the 20th century, although the music doesn't always live up to them. Just shy of a 5 star album.
Enjoyed this one, heard quite a lot of The Smiths but never a full album
Masterpiece and classic.
I never really got into The Smiths and this album has done little to change my position.
A lot can be said to describe this stroke of geniusness (is that a word ) in an album Personally love the smiths but never truly got round to listening to any of their back catalogue so it was a treat to listen to this gift of a record Track by track review : The queen is dead - Loved the toms intro into the atmospheric guitars of the great Johnny marr you get lost in the wall of sound and morriseys beautiful storytelling of I believe from what I can gather going to murder the queen and hearing about it in the news astounding from the get go Frankly mr shankly - very whimsical , loved the bass line clever word play again from morrisey I know it’s over - my 2nd favourite on the whole album I just fell in love with this lovely 6/8 feel going on almost reminded me of a love ballad from the 60s very righteous brothers like , the bittersweet lyrics and heartbreaking Melodies from morrisey make this such an atmospheric , tragic song you can hear the pain in his voice but yet sung so beautifully and the build up towards the end with Johnny Marr building the guitar with chorus effect really drove it home Never had no one ever - Again great song another 6/8 feel very atmospheric and building of the guitars Cemetery gates - great feel on this song Big mouth strikes again - fantastic , love the middle bit that builds on the snare , the guitar effects really give it charachter and love the lyrics of Morrissey again what a wordsmith The boy with a thorn in his side - again some lovely guitar playing from Marr , bass is complementing the riff , it reminds me of the cure this one , I’m sure they must have had a lot of inspiration from this band Vicar in a tutu - a bit daft lol probably a filler for the album A light that never goes out - just so happens to be one of my fave songs of all time this is quintessential Marr some lovely chords up the higher register , morrisey singing about the love of his life to quote the chorus “and if a double decker bus crashes into us , to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die” One of the best choruses of a song ever imho Some girls are bigger than others- genius enough said some great dynamics and very well written Melodie’s
favourite song - i know it’s over
It started out good but then became very repetitive. Then you have to consider Morrissey is a bigoted fuckwad.
Literalmente estaba escuchando hace una hora una canción de the smiths y pensé “debería escuchar más the smiths”. Y considerando que este es uno de mis propósitos, creo que se me está dando ya que tuve que ver un tiktok para llegar hasta acá, para llegar a este álbum.
Wie The Cure in halbwegs spaßig. Summe gerne mit, selbst wenn ich die Tracks nicht kenne.
I SAID I LOVE THE SMITHS UGH Listen I know the singer is a horrible jackass, this truly is my yellow flag😭 There is a light and it never goes out is literally my favorite song ever
fart shitty indie bullshit rock
Cool
ganz cool
Slow start but strong finish
I need to listen again 3.5
Good album! Will listen to again
Morrissey really grates my nerves. Excellent guitar work though.
What a wonderful album. The lead singer’s voice is truly one of a kind, with a style that is both melodic and warm, yet somehow carries an intense sadness and deep inner turmoil. Supported by music with dark, brooding tones, that voice feels gently pushed deeper into the listener’s mind, hiding behind places where light can barely reach, and there’s a light that never goes out. I’ve known The Smiths for a long time, but I never really paid attention to listening to a full album, only their well-known singles. This is the first time I truly sat down and listened carefully to their music. An album called The Queen Is Dead, released on June 16th, and coincidentally, that date also happens to be my birthday.
Summer >"I'm going to ruin your life' Tom >*mumbles* "Hi" Summer >"I Said I love the Smiths"
Its not terrible. Sonically, it sounds good. The acoustics and upbeat tone were fine. The lyrics I was a bit confused, its almost like is this satire? Other times I couldn’t really make out what they were singing. Its decent, but don’t think its a repeat for me.
I liked a few of the songs. Morrissey’s voice got to be a lot after a while. Not really my thing but I kind of get some of it.
Love it!
Not what I typically listen to but ok
It's not as horrible as Morrissey's solo albums
Really tried. He sounds whiny
About as perfect as perfect gets.
8/10
9/10 Frustratingly, despite Morrissey, this is damn near perfect.
i frickin love the smiths yipee
Sad boy British. Aesthetically into it but I just struggle to care what these boys have to say
The opening track is a phenomenal way to start an album, this was right up my alley (even the silly genre changes mid album), the lyrics were fun and melodramatic in the best way. I would have been insufferable had I heard the whole album in high school.
7.8/10 my fav def bightmouth strikes again
I was feeling particularly melancholy today, a result of a rainy commute home and lingering existential crisis from New Year, so this album kind of hit the right spots today when otherwise it wouldn’t really have been my jam.
Some good singles, but overall not great. 3.0
As always, I should theoretically love the smiths but they always leave me cold
High Water Mark for the Smith's sound, still not feeling it
Ahh The Smiths huh, I've had them in my rotation for a short time, not really into them, but I do like them anyway. I had a Morrissey album months ago and now this, bit of a mix-up, but whatever I think I'll enjoy this one. Mm apparently there's lyrical humor here, I'm more hooked now, ik it won't be easy to notice tho, plus I don't read lyrics and listen simultaneously. First song, weird ass start. Great continuation, mm liked it but I hope it doesn't all sound like this. Second song, daaam instant goodness, the jestery sound is rare. Third song, less good, I do appreciate slowness, but it's usually not my style, it does progress better throughout the song but still misses the spot. 4th song, better, more dramatic and I guess relatable too, the whistling being the bridge was nice. 5th song, sounds like yacht rock, tropical or however it is called. If it weren't smiths and his voice I'd think it was someone else's. 6th song, hate and kinda love how sonically it's one of the best song and the voice.. the voice ruins and makes it worth it too.. dunno, maybe I'm biased about it, cuz I did hear it once for someone voice was eughh, and I do see that, though it is very unique and good to hear, just mhh. 7th song, not bad, the permanent waveness of it all is kinda monotonous. But again, the band is amazing, he's just repetitive with the vocalisation, which isn't exactly a bad thing, just something that happens too much. 8th song, agaainn the band is just too good for this man, get me wrong or not, but that band would have sounded much better with the right singer.. idk if I'm hating on him, but maybe this isn't the right fit for me in particular, anyway good song. 9th song, this is the most known one. Thing is I will like his voice at the end of the day, but initially I have to say this rn, cuz maybe I won't agree to myself, that band deserves better loll. Saying that cuz the voice fits here amazingly, but I've heard this song for enough times to get used to it, mhhh. 10th song, somehow the voice fits here too. This is another samesy song off of them so I'm not gonna talk too much rn. Off to the conclusion, this is definitely a 4 star album for me, would have gotten perfect score if it wasn't for the sameness and his voice (maybe I'm overreacting though), but either way I did love this, and expected nothing more nor less.
5/10 Nothing too good but not a bad album
Smiths are not my jam but I do appreciate them
Yeah, liked this one alot. Further investigation required.
I really want to like the smiths more than I do. I love the music, but Morrissey's lyrics (not voice or melody) get in the way too often for me. Although it is self aware, his melodramatic main character energy is too much at the start of the album and I think how I'd avoid getting stuck in a 1:1 conversation with him at a party. The main offenders for me are at the start of the album. Cemetery Gates onwards feels more balanced (and playful) and bring the enjoyment back up.
Unpopular opinion of preferring Strangeways and the not album proper Hatful of Hollow. Love this though. High 4
Smiths at their peak
The Queen is Dead is the height of both Morrissey and Johnny Marr’s collective and individual creative efforts. Part of The Smiths’ genius comes from how thick and fast they wrote songs (this is just one of 4 albums written and released in 4 years). Never is that more true than on this LP where at points Marr sounds like he is in a hurry to get all of his riffs out, notes falling perfectly into place on conception. This rush of creative inspiration is beautifully captured by Stephen Street. Nothing overconsidered or overwritten. Morrissey’s vocals are at their most fluid and his lyrics are their most balanced. Of course you have the usual floral notes of tragic nostalgia and self pity but they are offset by plenty of outward-looking humour (occasionally harsh but more often just absurd). Nowhere else does he sound quite this playful, allowing his voice to take him to unexpected places. Its an all time classic!
My fav smiths album and one of my all time fav albums
First of all, fuck Morrissey but the cunt can carry a tune. Coming into this, I had some expectations but was immediately humbled. The Queen Is Dead - the toms, the wah wah (gorgeous effects on that guitar), "Her very Lowness with her head in a sling/I'm truly sorry, but it sounds like a wonderful thing", the noise of it all - what a fantastic opener (is that a xylophone toward the end?) - This might be my favourite track of this project so far (day 9?) Frankly, Mr Shankly - the smiths wanted to write a ska song here but were too scared to use a horn section. obviously very self-deprecating with some lyrics that haven't aged well but is two minutes of a fantastic bassline i know its over - didn't like this at all on first listen and while I still think it's the weakest track on the album, it does have it's charm! flirts with 80s ballad territory toward the end - not a fan at all of fade out as song enders never had no one ever - the drums, the bass particularly on this are so up in the mix, feels like the first track to really bare down on the vocals, almost suffocating it, a really heavy soundscape considering the lyrical content. a slow dance for sadness (lmao wankiest thing I've ever written) cemetery gates - standout track for me. "a dreaded sunny day" and the me vs you themes of the lyrics over the almost calypso instrumentation is just beautiful juxtaposition, great mixing for the guitar, snare and especially bass, a really great song, big smiles all around for me bigmouth strikes again - just a really, really well written song (the hi-eq backing vocals are such a weird touch that works so well) the boy with a thorn in his side - yeah obviously a great song but from 2.00 onwards is the real beauty of this track for me (vocals hitting that na na noo on the 3/4, great) vicar in a tutu - sense of rockabilly about it, vocals wander over the beat trying to match the hi hats at points (but soar with range), abrupt ending i dont like though (unrelated to the music, when I was part of the church, I saw my vicar in a tutu, religion doesn't have to be so rigid) there is a light - gorgeous, obviously iconic, will be remembered for the lyrics and vocals but the snyth/strings in this are so beautiful and really elevate the whole thing, especially a syncopated woodwind (??) bit at 1.46 "to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die" c'mon man leave some poetry for the rest of us some girls - the fade in then fade out then fade in, lovely stuff. the riff is gorgeous (very echo beach) while the bass at 0.33 reminds us it's not a one or two man show. 4.75
This album went by pretty quick. Easily the best Smiths album I have heard.
Oh good I thought I was gonna miss today's entry but I already know and love this album. Favorite Track: There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
10/10
This album is a classic. No it's not just for teenage girls in black eye makeup with quizzically styled hair in asymmetrical spikes. No its not just for teenage boys who eschew sporting events in favor of their dank bedrooms, curtains shut tight against the light, and a musty volume of Baudelaire stashed where other boys might stow a well-worn copy of Beaver Shots. Has there even been a more bathetic, pathetic three minute wallow as Never Had No One Ever? If there is, I'd like to hear it. The album opening is iconic. We fade in on some music hall matron leading the boys in a rousing what-hey, stiff upper lip, Bob's your uncle pub pageant. Then Morrissey comes zooming in on wings of wonder and we're off. All aboard, we're on a road to somewhere.
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.
distinctly british in a way that was lowkey too much for me lmao, very much what i expected from the snippets i've heard on tiktok. there were a couple of songs i liked straight off the bat and i could see myself maybe listening to this album every now and again. i think it'll take some time to grow on me tho,,
,,the queen is dead“ itself is a good song and I definitely like the sound of the smiths. But not fully my genre.
Some albums are better than others…
a very consistent album with similar instrumental yet quite emotional and perfectly crafted genius lyrics would have appreciated more variation in the vocalisation morissey's voice is also not really interesting or engaging to me sounds rather unique from other British albums of that time?? idk you tell me melancholic and symbolic lyrics, clever rock instrumental combined with jingles surprised that the cover is alain delon lmao
I love the smiths
Jeg er ikke den største fan af the Smiths, men jeg kan rigtig godt lide den instrumentale del af dette album. Jeg tror altid jeg har været thrown off af Morrisseys sangstemme, men dette album er stadig nydeligt.
Morrisey somehow makes the whiniest music ever and it’s still great.
Ok, existing thoughts about Morrissey kind of put me off.
I just can’t seem to care about The Smiths…
Achei um bom álbum musicalmente falando, as letras pode ser discutíveis.
The Title Track Is Not The Best Opener Here As In My Experience It Doesn't Reel You In to The Rest Of The Album But The Rest Of The Album Is Better.
No skips except the last song is kinda goofy. Maybe it’s supposed to be deep but idk. Just seems goofy when side by side with I Know It’s Over. An iconic album and definitely one of their bests.
was pretty good
The Queen Is Dead - LOVE this one. It has the same feel as much of my favorite other 80s music. If it wasn’t so long it might be an instant add to my regular playlist - it might still be. Frankly Mr. Shankly - Fun! Nothing mindblowing but it’s definitely a pleasant listen. I Know It’s Over - Big tone change, but not unwelcome. Probably my least favorite so far, but the bar is VERY high, so that’s not saying much. I really like the part where the chorus hits. Never Had No One Ever - Another slower one, which tends to be a type of song I like less, but this is still a good one. Haunting little slow jam. Cemetery Gates - Another tone change, and way more upbeat than I expected from the title. I really like this one! Bigmouth Strikes Again - Oooh I really like this one. The feel of it is really nice. Might be another favorite on this album for me. Yeah I REALLY like this one. The Boy with the Thorn In His Side - I don’t think this one is really clicking with me. It’s nice, I just don’t think it’s exactly my thing! Vicar in a Tutu - This is also a jam! Not my favorite, but a nice listen. I really like the upbeat sound of it. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out - I like this one. Also not a favorite, but feels nice to listen to. Really enjoy the lyrics. I think I may have heard this before or seen it referenced? This is rising up my favorites list the more I listen, too. Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others - This one is a little weird and repetitive to me? I like the sound of it though. OVERALL: This was a good album, just a lot of it didn’t fall into my particular tastes. I would give it 3.5 if I had half stars but I don’t. My favorites were The Queen Is Dead and Bigmouth Strikes Again.
8.8 = 4.5 sterren = 5 sterren? Matig rating systeem die 0 tot 5 sterren
Het is een legendarisch album met nummers die ongelofelijk tijdloos zijn, maar Morrissey is een aars. Dit album was voor mij wel één die ik echt vaker moest luisteren om meer te voelen en begrijpen. Hoewel ik het echt een mooie plaat vind hit het me niet de hele rit lang. Desalniettemin, 1 reet
Ben te brak om the smiths te luisteren
I mean iconic maar niet 100% mijn fav soort muziek
This rules. Also fuck Morrissey.
Good, but the album is of its time. Although Marr’s riffs are exceptional, the album can get monotonous. An average “must listen.”
1/01/26 The queen is dead, The Smiths, 16/06/1986 genere: college rock, indie pop, post-punk, new wave storia: Quando gli Smiths iniziano a lavorare a The Queen Is Dead, tra il 1985 e il 1986, sono nel loro momento di massima ispirazione ma anche già attraversati da tensioni interne e fragilità strutturali: è il terzo album in studio, nasce dopo il successo di Meat Is Murder e viene registrato soprattutto nel 1985, con Johnny Marr sempre più orientato verso un suono ricco, stratificato e ambizioso, quasi orchestrale, mentre Morrissey consolida il proprio controllo sul versante lirico e concettuale, rendendo i testi più netti, politici e personali allo stesso tempo; il rapporto difficile con la Rough Trade rallenta l’uscita del disco, contribuendo a un clima di frustrazione che finirà per riflettersi anche nel tono dell’album. Il titolo è volutamente provocatorio ma profondamente simbolico: non si tratta di un attacco diretto alla figura della regina, quanto piuttosto di una critica feroce all’Inghilterra thatcheriana, alle sue istituzioni, al classismo e a una cultura percepita come immobile ed escludente, in cui la monarchia diventa metafora di un sistema ormai svuotato, incapace di rappresentare i giovani, i marginali e chi non si riconosce nell’ordine dominante. Musicalmente, The Queen Is Dead è il disco più equilibrato e compiuto degli Smiths: le chitarre jangle di Marr si fanno più complesse e cinematografiche, la sezione ritmica acquista sicurezza e dinamismo, e l’album riesce a tenere insieme ironia corrosiva (Frankly, Mr. Shankly), romanticismo disperato (There Is a Light That Never Goes Out), rabbia politica (The Queen Is Dead) e introspezione dolorosa (I Know It’s Over), con un suono che appare leggero in superficie ma emotivamente densissimo. Qui Morrissey raggiunge probabilmente il suo apice come autore, intrecciando solitudine, desiderio e identità personale con l’alienazione della classe operaia, il rifiuto dell’autorità e delle convenzioni sociali, e un umorismo nero che convive costantemente con una vulnerabilità quasi imbarazzante, rendendo impossibile separare il piano politico da quello intimo. Anche la copertina contribuisce in modo decisivo all’immaginario dell’album: raffigura l’attore francese Alain Delon in un fermo immagine del film L’insoumis (1964), scelta tipica di Morrissey, che preferisce icone del cinema europeo malinconico e outsider a immagini promozionali della band, rafforzando l’idea di un romanticismo tragico, elegante e alienato. Pubblicato nel giugno 1986, il disco non viene subito accolto unanimemente come un capolavoro, ma cresce rapidamente di statura critica fino a essere riconosciuto come il miglior album degli Smiths e uno dei dischi fondamentali della musica britannica, diventando un vero manifesto generazionale che dimostra come il pop possa essere intellettuale senza essere elitario ed emotivo senza risultare patetico; paradossalmente, però, proprio questo apice creativo segna anche l’inizio della fine, perché dopo The Queen Is Dead le tensioni interne si intensificano e porteranno allo scioglimento della band di lì a poco. considerazioni post-ascolto: conoscevo già l’album per alcune canzoni. Mi hanno stupito molto le tematiche di critica sociale/politica, per qualche strana ragione non me l’aspettavo da un gruppo come gli Smiths (mia ignoranza). Potrebbe sembrane strano ma le basi strumentali hanno avuto una sorta di effetto ninna-nanna, mi hanno rilassato ma allo stesso tempo mi hanno spronato a riflettere sul significato dei testi. È stato un bell’ascolto in fin dei conti, ottimo modo per iniziare l’anno. È sicuramente un album che mi fa pentire di non averlo ascoltato completamente in precedenza frasi preferite: “ I know it's over and it never really began But in my heart it was so real”, If you're so funny Then why are you on your own tonight? And if you're so clever Then why are you on your own tonight? … 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, it’s over) “How can they look into my eyes And still they don't believe me? How can they hear me say those words Still they don't believe me? And if they don't believe me now Will they ever believe me?” (The Boy With the Thorn in His Side) voto finale: 8,5
Good album with some great songs, tough choice 3 or 4 out of 5. Good range of humor and pathetic self pity. Big fan of Marr's guitar.
Obviously some excellent tracks on this album but the filler tracks are pretty boring
Great
there is a light that never goes out. funfun
Very swag
Love this!! I haven’t really listened to the smiths before but I loved almost every song on this album. My favourite was Bigmouth strikes again, I love the guitar in this song.
Did not enjoy the first half but the second half redeemed it. My favorite was the cemetery song
If there’s one thing worse than hearing Morrisey’s dreadful droning voice, it’s listening to his inane and repetitive lyrics. “Frankly”, “Shankly”, “mothers”, “others” - it seems like the way to write a Smiths song is to find a single rhyming couplet and then just repeat it over and over and over again.
Yeah fair play! Maybe needed an extra big hitter for the five though. Simpsons: Yes
I instinctively dislike The Smiths but every time I listen to them, it grows on me. In the end, I enjoyed this album and should definitely listen to them more.
I listened to this when the queen died. Good album then, good album now. Shame Morrisey’s a pillock
I'll never forget that magical feeling of hearing the title track for the first time - which happened to be my first song of theirs I'd heard of theirs - just the dreariness, and the savage lyrics, I was completely intimidated by their music but at the same time I was hooked and I wanted more; especially with the first song. When I came around and listened to the album a couple months later, it was a life-changing experience. The spark of the first listen of the title track has never been recreated for me, the first time can never happen again sadly. The Smiths really outdid themselves on this release, every release prior to this was (I think) building up for The Queen Is Dead. And I think The Smiths agree with that, with them changing their sound on their final release, Strangeways. The Queen Is Dead feels like a greatest hits album with the anthems that are present. I do think "Never Had No One Ever" the snail-paced song kills the momentum, and is my least favourite track here. I'm starting to accept it more, but only just a bit. I don't think there's another album that has so much quotable lyrics. I just always catch myself quoting lyrics from this album such as but not limited to: "We can go for a walk where it's quiet and dry" "I've got the 21st century breathing down my neck" "A dreaded sunny day, so I'll meet you at the cemetery gates" I would love to put down all my favourite lyrics on this album, but I'd possibly be quoting every lyric that is present on this masterpiece. Morissey, love or hate him, he is in a tier of his own when it comes to song-writing. The wittiness, the lonesome and melancholy feelings, the charm. Some closing thoughts, "Vicar in a Tutu" is the most underrated song on the album and majority of the Smiths discography. I feel that "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" should've been the closer, it just works so much better than another really underrated song "Some Girls..." This masterpiece of an album is one I think everyone should listen to at least give a good chance once. Highlight Song/s: "The Queen Is Dead", "Frankly Mr Shankly" and Cemetry Gates"
Held ég þurfi að hlusta á það oftar til að læra meta það
Politically left album, so will always align with that, but morrissey’s voices grates on me something silly. I knew less songs than I originally thought. But would listen again.
Some absolute gems!! But not all amazing, but pleasantly surprised!!!! If mgmt wasn’t a 3 I’d be v happy with this being a 3 x
4.5
Indeed.
Lyrics are something else. The sound though very much what you would expeft
Good just not for me
I liked it… it was not as awe inspiring as I thought I would feel with how much hype the smiths get overall…
4.2/5 Stars Top Songs: Bigmouth Strikes Again, There is a Light, Frankly, Mr Shankly
Bra! Det är verkligen ett bas album, helt fantastiska basgångar. Låtskrivandet är också bra, men det är rätt lågmält. Låtarna där de öser på lite mera är definitivt bäst, hade gärna haft mera sånt!
love
frankly mr shankly ruins it
“I said I love the Smiths” aaah album
It’s got a solid energy right from the jump, but it doesn't totally blow my mind. A nice mix of upbeat rhythm and dramatic delivery, in classic Morrissey fashion. It’s definitely got chops. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - I Know It's Over - Bigmouth Strikes Again - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
Listening to this album for a second time after getting "Strangeways, Here We Come" I actually just like the Smiths. Now not all the albums hit, but I think after a second listen this is definitely a 5
I just really love The Smiths.
I love the Smiths, and this album. I would recommend to lots of people.
Classics, but i don’t LOVE all the songs
This was an interesting album. Not all of the songs were my vibe but I did like some of them.
I already knew the better tracks off of this album but hadn’t listened all the way through before. It’s not really my thing anymore and just found it mostly whiny.
Better than Meat is Murder, but lyrically pathetic.
i love the smiths! johnny marr, mike joyce, and andy rourke! that’s it, no other members, no one else worth mentioning because the smiths were only THREE people, not four!
Other than “I Know It’s Over” I don’t have any stand out songs for me on this album. While I really enjoy the sound it’s not something I would come back to out of enjoyment for the album start to finish.
Morrissey is a putz
This album was good, a couple songs I've heard before. If I could give it a 3.5 I would.
peak
Morrissey is insufferable. Apparently the guitarist is doing some crazy shit but Morrissey never shuts up long enough for me to hear them. The songs don’t leave any space and are just jam sessions with Morrissey’s uninspired melodies.
It’s popular but I think it’s not that good Maybe I will change my mind soon 7.5/10 2025/12/24
half my food is oversalted
Obligatory Morrissey is a bell-sniff comment
I hate this band
I adore this album! I actually have it on vinyl so it was nice to revisit it!
A band I could never get into beyond the singles and this doesn't change that at all.
I fucking hate the smiths
Listened in the car on the way to Broadway for Christmas. Same kind of as The Cure, The Smiths have such a distinct sound and I'm not a huge fan. Again fine but I wouldn't put it on myself.
not of fan of the smiths but i love 500 days of summer and perks of being a wallflower
Great album, Smiths at their best.
Catchy. Listened multiple times.
I can't deal with any more Morrissey. What a miserable sounding man he is. Makes every good song worse, and every average song terrible. I don't understand the hype around this album or band, but it's not the worst thing I've listened to so gets a 2.
It’s important to separate the art from the artist when it comes to the Smiths, given what a jerk Morrissey has turned out to be. But the other creative genius in the band, Johnny Marr, is a very sound individual, and the Smiths’ music and the songs are exceptional. There are some wonderful songs on this album, particularly I Know It’s Over. It gets four stars from me rather than five only because it’s not the best Smiths album, and there’s a bit of (for them…it’s all relative) filler on here.
I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like this having heard The Smiths songs fairly regularly in my younger years when my brothers binged on them. I surprised (*) myself a little. Musically they're pretty decent which I hadn't noticed before. Unfortunately the musicalilty is spoiled by Morrissey's whining singing which makes my ears shut down so I miss the music. Surprised - as in I'm rating it as 2 when I was sure it was going to be a 1.
Great album! Energetic with good variety amongst the tracks
Ding, dong!
Morrissey unique voice in combination with Marrs riffing makes it a great record.
Love omg
Good album big fan
One of my favorite albums of all time. Filled with great songs and anthems. The guitar is beautiful. And the lyrics 10/10
Morrissey is what it would be like if all of my pet peeves assumed human form and started lecturing me about my diet
Sweetness, I was only joking when I said you should be bludgeoned in your bed.
I love the smiths! Already love this suggestion as I’ve already heard most songs but doing another re-listen to this album sounds nice!
Very british synth-pop - almost a bit too british. I can see what they're trying to do, but I'm missing a bit of build-up towards something, it kind of just plods along. As soon as you think it starts getting kind of samey, Cemetery Gates comes in and mixes things up a bit (which is probably my favorite song here).
A true classic. The sardonic morbidity of Morrissey’s lyrics combined with Johnny Marr’s jangling guitar = the Mancunian soundtrack of the 80s. I love this album.
Not to bad, but isn't my style. Like the smoothness of the music and I listened to it in the morning, while working. Great as backgroundmusic
Man. Some bangers here. Some miserable ones. A soundtrack to my teenage years when everything felt so very important. Can definitely see why the ones I heard on the Greatest Hits album made it there, and the others are the album tracks. Such a shame that I can't hear any of it without thinking about who Morrissey's become and what he represents. Standout track: Boy With A Thorn In His Side.
Bleak
Wilde style lyrics. Has a lot of gothic and melancholic vibe. Also has great storytelling. I would came back again and again for the vibe.
I didn’t hate this one as much as the other Smiths/Morrissey albums I’ve had, so there’s that.
3/10. I'm glad it's over. Parts we're kind of good but I suspect only because they've permeated music culture. I think the important things is that the band likes it. Good for them. Good for them. This was one of those albums that I had to resist the urge to skip songs, and check how much was left. This was a long 37 minutes.
For every animal Morrissey doesn’t eat, I eat 3. Fuck you, Morrissey. Man, I do not enjoy anything with Morrissey’s voice in it. Smiths, if they ever existed in a Morrissey-less form, would be great. But he just sucks so hard. It's like the rest of the Smiths are over in a corner doing cool stuff, and Morrissey is across the room and just refusing to sing anything to actually follow what the music is doing, seemingly overjoyed to sing the same meandering melody at the same trudging cadence with the same mincing vocal inflection over and over and over, ad infinitum. Again, fuck you, Morrissey, you poncy bitch. Also, Robert Smith rules. He's everything you wish you were. 2/5
A friend told me twenty years ago that I should listen to this band. I know now all of the hit songs. Yet, I've never actually listened to a whole album. I know Morissey is someone a lot of people do not care for, but I found what he had to say (sing) quite interesting. Johnny Marr's rhythm guitar work was interesting, I wasn't overwhelmed by the lead. However, it was a collection of angsty and interesting songs. 4 stars.
You’re living in a coal mining township, and the union is on strike again. It’s not the most responsible move in the financial sense, but you’re gonna drive over to your girlfriend’s place and take her to the pub for a pint. Mainly because the football is on and you want to eat some hot chips while you watch your beloved Newcastle lose 1-0 to Manchester City on a dreary day at St James. You won’t have much money left to pay the rent, but deep down you know the union will fold and you’ll be back to work midweek. Fuck you Thatcher.
Was what was expected. A plesent listem but not a ton of variety
Really uninteresting! Usually there's at least one song I like to make it a 3, or perhaps something else neat, but this is just... all the same, and it's not even a very good same. It is ok.