Strangeways, Here We Come

You should’ve seen the look on my face when this record got assigned to me this morning. I was ecstatic. After only 320 albums, I was about to cross The Smiths off the list. I’ve listened to the other two and this was the last. That meant the next 700 albums I had to listen to would be free from Morrissey’s dreary wrath. What a great fucking day. A few minutes later, a realization set in: “That fuck Morrissey has a solo career, too.” So I went over to the 1001 Albums Wikipedia page and looked at the “Artists” section. (This a good resource for when you want to feel like shit about how many more Elvis Costello or, in today’s case, Morrissey records you have to endure). “There can’t be more than one or two of his solo records on the list…not ideal, but it’s manageable,” I thought. There’s *four*. And I haven’t listened to a single one of them. Fuck. Someone put me out of my misery.

I don't want to sound hyperbolic, but I think I regret the years I spent hating on The Smiths more than I regret some of the bad relationships I've had.

I love "The Queen Is Dead" as much as everyone else but this is their best album. Also fuck Morrissey

Every moment I hear Morrissey makes every bone in my body go in to attack mode and it upsets me

some folks here are saying that he sounds like a whiney wanker. I can't disagree

Hey, this is the first album of this project that’s made me want to write a novel!! Death of a Disco Dancer may have just changed my life? Every song on this album resonated with me in some way. I was superficially acquainted with The Smiths before and always enjoyed what I heard, but listening to an entire album from start to finish has hit me so much harder. I can hear SO many ways they influenced so many of my favorite bands and artists, especially from my Brit pop/rock days in the early 2000s. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized that most of my favorite songs and sounds are at least a tiny bit dark (i.e. Susanne Sundfor, and some of Radiohead’s and Punch Brothers’ more experimental stuff). And while the songs on this album are very catchy and upbeat, they still have little dark underlying tones of melancholy, sadness, and disillusionment (not just lyrically). I favorited this album on Spotify, will absolutely revisit it, and look forward to exploring The Smiths’ discography more extensively!

Was never really a Smiths fan, but now I can appreciate the musicality of the band. I still think that Morrisey is one of most overated singers of all time though.

Jangle Pop wankery. Sounds like an expensive 4track cassette demo, and i will never understand people's obsession with Morissey. Even Johnny Marr couldnt save this mess, and if this is heralded as the BEST Smiths record, I shudder to imagine what the other ones sound like. No standout tracks. Id give it zero stars if I could.

The third Smiths album on this list and thank god this shit is done and over with. I've concluded I just do not care for this band. They write the same damn song over and over again and Morrissey's singing never changes. Once you've heard a couple of songs you've heard them all. For such an acclaimed band I was hoping that maybe they had variety but they found one thing and did it pretty mediocrely. Only thing I don't look forward to is there are 3 more Morrissey albums. Seriously why do people fellate this group and members so much? They are one trick pony. I would give it two stars but Girlfriend in a Coma is a great Douglas Coupland book so that's a plus in my book. 2.5/5

A meticulously crafted masterpiece of melancholy.

I loved this and no longer know who I am.

You can never be quite sure if it's overly serious, just regularly serious or actually making fun of everyone and everything. However, you can dance. It's about death, but it's catchy.

Every song is great and about half of them are perfect. The Smiths can never be 'cancelled'.

A fantastic album, from the vocals to the layered instrumentation everything fits together so well. Truly ahead of its time and certainly laid the groundwork for countless musicians to follow.

I love this album. Great guitar lines and riffs, drum fills, orchestration and production, and interesting lyrics. Flows well from beginning to end noting their influence on future britpop bands and their own 60s influences, I love this album.

Well, turns out I don't like the smiths. at least now i know

Just felt very pretentious all the way through. Can't stand Morrisey's voice. Hard pass.

Fantastic way to end an all too short run.

Really good! Not what I expected. Is this New Wave ?

Its kinda funny. People have been telling me for literally years to listen to the Smiths and here they are, on Day 4 of a 1001 day challenge, to let me know how much I've missed from not listening to them over the years! A real outstanding album. The instrumentation is spot on and the lyrics and melody dance between serious and tongue and cheek from song to song. I was going to list all my favorite songs from the album but then realised I was just typing out half the album. I will say after my first two listens through the album, my favorite is probably Last Night I dreamt that Somebody Loved Me. But yeah, def got some Smiths catching up to do now! 5/5

I remember going out purchasing this for my 14th birthday in 1987, a couple of months after it had come out. I was already a big Smiths' fan and since it had been announced that this was to be their final album, I had all the emotions when buying it. The whole ordeal must have really left an impression with me because I can clearly remember everything about the experience, including bringing the vinyl home and putting it on for it's inaugural listen. "Girlfriend in a Coma" played almost every week on MTV's 120 Minutes that summer, along with "Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before" and I was anxious to hear the rest of the material. I've listened to it on the regular since that day. I deeply love this album. The songs have imprinted themselves on me forever and, while a definitely brooding and sad album, it usually puts me in a good mood. It's one of those albums that I really need to just listen to the whole work instead of piecemeal songs. Top Tracks: *Death of a Disco Dancer (one of my favorite songs of all time) *Unhappy Birthday *A Rush and A Push and The Land is Ours *Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me

Love The Smiths, but fuck Morrisey's stupid ass. Great album.

know it backwards, grew up with it and love it

How good is Johnny Marr?

One of the greatest album titles of all time and unlike many other albums, something truly unique. "Stop me if you've heard this one before" is all time classic material but "Girlfriend in a coma" is Moz and Marr at their bleak, melancholy best.

Surprisingly, this album lacked the non-sensical rebellion of their earlier work. Maybe because Morrissey was just sort of along for this one, a way less self-absorbed version of him perhaps? Regardless, the album is actually decent in the background in a much less "What's that noise?" way and more of a 'Hey, what's this?". When the realization though that it is a Smiths album comes across, the reaction will be more surprise than borderline disgust at least.

I can’t believe this album made a list of albums I must listen to before I die. I think this album actually brought me closer to death. As some vocalists have a range of approximately 3 to 4 octaves, Morrissey has a range of about 3 or 4 half steps on the chromatic scale. Shoot me now.

I hate the smiths

This plays every time I have to use the Leeds ring road,Traveling to a doctors appointment were they ask me how many Units of alcohol I consume a week. I say 14 units...We both know this is a lie! As I wait to hand the pharmacist my prescription, I am behind a man in his 60s, Flat cap, brown leather gloves and a navy blue windbreaker. He dose not hand in his prescription but has some questions about it! Your insides sink with the sound of Loyd Grossman plummeting down a well with 1/6th of the Earth’s gravity....Your day from this point is going nowhere...Your day from this point is a Smiths Album

I think this is the best Smiths studio release, though it seems to generally be considered their worst. Johnny Marr and Morrissey are both at their best, the lyrics are at their most humourous and self-pitying (which, let's face it, is what Morrissey does best), and it has some of the best hooks in the Smiths discography. Johnny Marr's guitar playing on Death of a Disco Dancer is a real highlight. I think it also has more experimentation with their sound compared to the others, which makes me think their next album would have been something somewhat different, though unfortunately we'll never get to hear that. I can see why others would dislike this. Some of the songs are a bit weird (like the country rock song that's under 2 minutes), and Morrissey is definitely at his most dramatic and excessive here. Also credit to Andy Rourke, the most underrated Smith, for his bass playing.

For me this is their best album. Where it all came together. I've never been the greatest Morrisey fan, or even the Smiths to be honest but I like a few of their tunes and this one has the best number of their hits concentrated. Well put together and quite slick in places Plus I think people like to kick Morrisey which is unfair.

Depressing as always.

Tedious indie drone

One of the greatest bands from the UK or anywhere else in the world. Ever. In the same league as The Beatles (The Beatles are still way better!) The Jam, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Bowie, The Small Faces, Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Fall and The Cure. No one writes lyrics like Morrissey at times as good as Bob Dylan & on occasion (however rare) better - they read like great literature- you know the Penguin stuff, orange spines, eternal (?) yeah, like the Cambridge/Oxford 700-page bangers but in just a few minutes- like 3:47. This is as close as the world will ever get to having Oscar Wilde front an indie pop/rock band. Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce are all on fire- just like the hairdresser. This is why God gave you ears, a heart and a soul.

The core of the album is nothing short of sublime, featuring some of the band's best work. 'Girlfriend in a Coma' feels like the perfect band performance - you can listen to each of the band and be astounded, from Morrissey's blackest of comical lyrics, to Rourke's glissando-ing bass, to Marr's beautifully picked guitar line, to Joyce's irresistible intro (with the offbeat tom) and brilliant transitions from chorus back to verse. From here into 'Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before' which is the Marr/Morrissey partnership in imperious form - guitar hooks, and superlative lyrics ('and the pain was enough to make a shy, bald Buddhist reflect and plan a massive murder'). The brilliance continues with 'Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved Me'. After what must be one of the most evocative and depressing intros to any song, it symphonically bursts into a self-pitying, 50s-reminiscent ballad of unmatched proportions. For those alone it's a 5.

Moz is an asshole, just getting that out of the way upfront. But he’s not w/o talent, and incredible wordplay. Plus Johnny Marr is amazing. Going into this w/ fresh ears. I always found the Smiths interesting in that they seemed to exist like New Order, where their singles were huge, but didn’t appear on the albums. And yet the albums were amazing and sold very well. That’s a fascinating, I guess, strategy? It only works b/c even the non-“radio hits” are just incredible. I saw Morrisey live at Riot Fest in 2016. He managed to convince a major festival in Chicago to stop selling sausages and other meat products about an hour before his set, or I guess he wouldn’t go on. He played 45 minutes of weird YouTube clips before he took the stage. His voice still sounds great, but fuck that guy. Smiths are always 5, regardless of his bullshit. I might not be so kind to his solo albums ( though I’ve heard good things about the first few). Whatever, this is a music review site, so I’ll review the album, not just politics. But FUCK his politics. Sorry ass bastard, he sounds like someone that’s never been laid

About bloody time. The final studio album from the greatest band of the 80s. The marriage of Marr's riffs and Morrissey's lyrics here are some of their best. Its probably my second favorite Smiths album after queen is dead. But there was a happiness when it popped up this morning that only a truly great album can give you. No Skips on this one. Maybe it could be argued that the last two tracks aren't quite up with the soaring heights of the rest of the album but its getting a 5 anyway from me. 5/5

It’s good music, but it’s sad boi music for sure. I enjoyed it but thank goodness I didn’t listen to this as a teenager or I would’ve been INSUFFERABLE.

I discovered The Smiths by youtube recommendations, so I had no expectations going in. I loved them from the start. From Morrisey's insecure vocals to the introspective lyrics that cover social themes that we can all relate to. Absolutely love the rock sound that is not overbearing, leaves room for the vocals to take lead, and varies with each song to provide a unique experience. Of all The Smiths albums, this last one is their best produced piece that demonstrates their variation and talent. All the songs are great, but I did prefer songs from the rest of their catalogue that dive deeper into the narrator's conflicted emotions.

To quote another song: I've never been through a smiths phase. That doesn't feel like changing. I don't exactly dislike it, but I can't really fathom the clamour. I've heard better indie bands, I've heard funnier bands, I've heard better self deprecation in music. Morrissey has an interesting voice, Johnny marr has some nice guitar bits, but I don't feel like shouting from a hill about it.

While I rather enjoyed the lush melodies of the songs, that stopped whenever (1) Morrissey started singing or (2) when the song abruptly ended because these all felt like demos on a mini disc from the early 90s.

meh

I am not listening to this Nazi prick and his shite band. Never have (even changing the radio station if they come on) never will. I hate this band, especially their arsehole of a singer, and I always will. *googles* how to give a rating below zero

This has been my favourite Smiths record for some time. Better production and more widescreen than what went before. I heard Morrissey's new single the other day and even his staunchest defenders will find that a hard one to swallow, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a delightful record.

Love The Smiths, not a fan of Morrissey

Oh how I dislike Morrissey… Bloody brilliant album though.

Love love love morrissey’s whiny little voice

great, another Smiths album, another album of cool guitar music and Morrissey whining and bitching about everything. Love it.

A fine swansong for the best band of the 1980s. well the best band from the 1980s that comes from Manchester anyway...

I already knew and enjoyed a couple songs by The Smiths, but none of them are on this album. Regardless, I enjoyed the whole album a lot. It's just really nice and relaxing in a good, mellow, quality darkish synth-pop way. After it finished, I gave it a second spin right after. Great for an otherwise stressful day.

cause youre evil and you lie

Fuck Moz, but the Smiths slap

Some nice tracks, strong start, Morrissey is a twat though. High 3

Classic

Very nice album

Spent the evening with Strangeways, Here We Come, The Smiths’ grand exit, released in 1987 just as the band imploded. It’s dark, dramatic, and strangely elegant. An album that proved they had one more classic in them before Morrissey and Marr finally went their separate ways. Even without the baggage that followed, this record feels like a goodbye, with Johnny Marr’s guitar work shimmering one last time before slamming the door shut. At its core is “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me,” the band’s late-career masterpiece. It opens with the sound of miners on strike, setting a bleak stage, before unfurling into one of the most devastating ballads of the decade. Morrissey’s voice is full of bitter yearning, but it’s Marr’s orchestral sweep and layered guitar textures that make it timeless. It’s the kind of song that makes you sit still and feel the weight of being human—proof that The Smiths weren’t just a great band, they were the band for alienation. Of course, revisiting The Smiths now means confronting Morrissey’s post-Smiths spiral into nationalism, narcissism, and outright bigotry. That’s the hard truth: the voice that once gave solace to outsiders now often reads like a parody of reactionary outrage. But here’s the dilemma—Strangeways is still brilliant, because Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce were brilliant. Maybe the only way forward is to hold both truths at once: acknowledging Morrissey’s downfall while preserving the power of the music they made together. After all, “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” doesn’t belong to him anymore. It belongs to anyone who’s ever needed it.

Mostly playful fragments with a few decent tunes to hold it together. Morrissey’s spite tilts towards parody. Fun, some jewels among the toys.

Back to my first ever album on here, for which I did not leave a review. Here goes: The slightest of The Smiths' albums, if apparently M&M's favorite for some reason. "Paint A Vulgar Picture" carries the day and sadly presages the ex-band's future commercial output.

I love The Smiths, but this felt like watching your favorite band break up in real time. And not even in a dramatic way — just awkward silence and passive-aggressive lyrics.

This album makes me want to push morrissey into a locker. That’s being said it’s still four stars, so take what you will from that.

Strangeways, Here We Come My second listen to a Smiths album after Meat is Murder last year. Similar to that one, as I have a bit of a blind spot with Smiths albums I’m not sure how this sits in their 4 album run, apart from knowing it’s their last one. All the classic Smiths elements are here, and Andy Rourke shines as usual, but Marr really seems to be on one, with more ostentatious guitar hero licks than I expected, especially on I Started Something and Noely G I think must have used some of the licks on Stop Me as the basis for his lead playing. And after listening to Meat is Murder and Death at One’s Elbow on here I hadn’t realised how much country/rockabilly influence there is in the band, but thinking about it, it makes a lot of sense. I also really like the different instrumental colours, the marimbas, synths, horns, harmonium and autoharp, and the piano seemingly being more prominent too. I Started Something, Girlfriend in a Coma, Stop Me and Last Night are obviously the well known songs and they are excellent, A Rush and A Push is great too, but I really loved Death of a Disco Dancer, it’s maudlin drone, bass line and chugging guitars are fantastic. Not sure where Smiths fans rate this but it already feels like one of my favourites of theirs. I really like the melody to Paint a Vulgar Picture, and the country inflections of the aforementioned Death at One’s Elbow, but it does feel like the 2nd side isn't as well cooked as the first, running out of steam a little, and Unhappy Birthday is one of those slightly irritatingly churlish Morrisey lyrics, that can be a bit off putting. I think I’ve still got a thing with The Smiths, I think they’re great, but they’re one of those bands that I like and admire, rather than truly love. I don’t find it that hard to park my feelings about current day Morrisey, and he was capable at this time of some fantastic lyrics and imagery, but I’ve always found his voice and overall presence slightly tough going after a few songs in a row, even before I knew much about his public character, so I guess that plays a part in my overall feelings. It's better than Meat is Murder, there are some excellent songs in the first half and it's a very good album, but overall I don’t think it quite reaches a 5, so I’ll stick on 4. 🚓🚓🚓🚓 Playlist submission: Death of a Disco Dancer

How many artists have an albums' worth of hits in them? This exercise has opened my eyes to how the construct of an album really wasn't that great for even top notch artists. Your average band/singer would have 3-5 hits in them, but was forced to put out an album with essentially filler to make up the difference. Queen, Prince, Elton - they've all been a bit mediocre when you hear the whole shebang of some of what are supposed to be their best albums. Others are pure filler around one or two decent songs (Culture Club, Talking Heads, Blur). The Smiths are no different in that the only album this list has included to date had 2 great songs - mostly familiar from singles/greatest hits albums - while the rest was forgettable. And I'd still argue that Louder Than Bombs or other collections are better than any individual album. That said, a combination of exposure (I think my mom had the CD) plus nostalgia means that even if Strangeways doesn't have any of the monster hits the Smiths are known for - I still think this is their best album. The tongue-in-cheek darkness of 'Girlfriend in a Coma' along with the music industry skewering 'Paint a Vulgar Picture' is wonderful up against the typically depressed and love lorn 'I Won't Share You' and 'Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved Me.' Break out the Prozac. Straddling this weird line of competency without fully knocking it out of the park the way 'How Soon Is Now,' 'Bigmouth', 'Panic,' or other singles happen to do on other albums (or greatest hits collections.) A solid listen with no misses ...maaaaybe 'Unhappy Birthday.'

Foundational band for a lot of other stuff I like today. Have listened to a lot of their other albums. Most of these songs were super solid, I just think I prefer them in slightly smaller doses. Love the A side. Stars for Morrissey’s growling on track one. Johnny Marr is such a classic rockstar too - impressive range of projects since the Smiths.

Well, on the 1 year anniversary of me listening to my first ever album by The Smiths, we have another album by The Smiths. HOW?! How does this happen?! This may genuinely be the craziest coincidence I've had in regards to this generator, and I've encountered some weird coincidences. Am I going to have to wait until October 6, 2025 to get The Queen is Dead? Maybe? I don't know. Let's move on and talk about Strangeways, Here We Come. I liked Meat is Murder quite a bit. I initially gave it a 3/5 but that was because it was the second album I ever got and I didn't like at as much as the first one I got. Since then I have gotten that rating bumped up to a 4 because I realized that the album is quite good actually. However, it's not the best Smiths album. To be fair, I don't know if Strangeways is the best one either, but it's at least better than Meat is Murder. Everything that I liked about that album is here, but it seems that the band really improved on their style in the two years after that album's release. The sound is still very unique and pleasant to listen to. Johnny Marr's guitar work is just as great as ever, as are Morrissey's vocals and writing. Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce also do great playing the bass and drums respectively. I don't have much to say about them, but I figured that I might as well give them praise since I'm doing so for the other members. There's some wonderful songs on here. "A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours" is strong opener. It really sets up a different feel for this album. "Girlfriend in a Coma" is a pretty similar song that has this weird blend between being very fun to listen to and having very sad lyrics that I kind of really like. I think "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" might be my favorite on the album. It's great. Overall, this is a strong album that really goes to show just how much talent there was in the Smiths. It's a shame that this was their last album. At least they ended strongly. High 4/5.

This is #day1 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... this is the first time I got to listen to this album back to back, and what a revelation it is to me! The Smiths' swansong... I simply loved it. Not having listened to The Smiths in a while, I think this record encompasses what the band stood out for: jangly post-punk, the melody, the witty melancholy... But it's probably the drums that make me want to remember this particular album's sound. So spacious, wow! Such a joy to have experienced it now. This is a strong 4 out of 5. I wouldn't mind a vinyl version, to be honest with you. Looking forward to #day2.

i always love singing along in an exaggerated style of morrisey so my family looks at me weird

One of those bands I knew I should listen to because of all the later ones they influenced. Excellent early alt/new wave with lyrics that inspire pop-punk and emo 20 years later

Same review as the last Smiths album: I really do love the Smiths. I find them very nostalgic for my teenage years. This is a great album with some bangers. Only lost a star because Morrissey is a c*nt.

Strangeways is a great description to this album. I like the sound of each song and they focus on very interesting topics, like hoping your girlfriend will wake from a coma.

I have come to the realization that I like The Smiths. But Morrissey solo? Nope, don't need it

It’s their distinct sound which I can only handle for so long. Great album though, it really is its own thing.

Pretty alright, a little boring

i saiD I LOVE THE SMITHS

Great band with an awful singer who also happens to be an awful person. Favorite track: Unhappy Birthday

Un énième album de Morrissey et de ses godiches de potes. Si le côté musical passe encore, le propos général est sensiblement le même qu'à chaque fois. Et vas-y qu'au fond tout le monde préfère sa propre race, et vas-y que j'arbore un badge pour un parti d'extrême droite, et vas-y que j'agite un drapeau britannique devant un décor évoquant le nazisme... Rien de nouveau sous le soleil.

Another band I am supposed to like but I've never connected with. Also, this guy is a massive turd, right?

Once upon a time, I found this page called 1001albumsgenerator and decided to give it a whirl. After about 10 albums I decided to invite a friend and start over from the beginning. One of those first 10 albums was “Strangeways, Here We Come”, so I’ve already had this album once. Apparently I gave it a 4 that time. Now I’ve listened to over 700 more generated album and a substantial part of them have been Morrissey-related. I’m just so tired of him. It’s bland, pretentious and I feel like I’ve heard this album a million times already. Please make it stop. There can’t be that many more of Morrissey-related albums left right…….? Right?

I never really “got” The Smiths and (unfortunately) that streak continues. Johnny Marr remains a genius, all things considered (they don’t give a signature Jaguar to just anyone)… I just don’t really resonate with Morrisey. I’m also not super stoked on the late-80s production aesthetic, either — and this record suffers from stage IV eightiesrecorditis. It’s terminal. Highlight for me was ‘I Started Something’, minus the lazy fade-out at the end.

MMMMIIIIIIIIDDDD In all honesty, I didn't give it much of a chance. I listened in the background while reading, will give another listen. Overall I liked the use of change in voice as a musical device like on the first song in the line "A rush and a push of the land", A Rush is sung from the throat. The melody in the first song is quite catchy as well but the song seems like a lull that leads to a climax that is quite tame or boring even. Will probably be returning though to "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Love Me". The title alone appeals to me and it's the perfect addition to my LMB playlist just off themes alone. What else could you ask for in a heartbreak/sadboy song. Ideal lie in bed and stare at the ceiling song. 5/10 - Not bad by any means but not my taste. Listens as quite dated; either I've been spoiled by modern music being so dynamic or it just doesn't have what I'm looking for.

Morrissey sucks and I've never vibed with The Smiths' style of indie/jangle pop.

Ish. Morrissey has such a dreadful Kermit-y singing voice. Just this splatty wimpy mess of a voice. Gross!

I don't get it, the Smiths are only boring

It's ok. I just can't stand Morrisey

Momma didn't feel it tbh

whats up with all the fucking growling at the beginning, definitely an unwelcome surprise. This was not good, not as bad as expected though. 2/5. But, we need to account for the Morrisey Multiplier. Fuck Morrisey. 1/5

Nope.

Nice recording quality

such a good album !!!! Hits all the marks and we’re jamming! Probably one of my favorite bands can’t go wrong for me

When Morrissey was good

Here's a Smiths record that I like all of, from beginning to end. All I knew up til now were the singles, so this was fun. What I've always enjoyed about The Smiths was the contrast between the tuneful music and the lyrics, and this one feels more sad/funny, cynical, and cliché-busting than ever. There's a lighthearted feeling to all of it until you pay attention to the lyrics and then it's like hang on what did he just say? Like if you hear "nothing's changed, I still love you," you don't expect someone to follow that with "only slightly less than I used to." My biggest issue with English-language pop music is all the predictable lyrics, so when a lyricist does something that messes with that predictability, I am primed to like it. And of course Johnny Marr's choices for the music are always spot on, and provide that contrast that makes the lyrics work better in context. I think of Morrissey's solo material as something one is subjected to rather than enjoyed, so it's obvious to me that the music as much as the lyrics is what gives this record 5 stars for me. 5/5

Yes! Love

Strangeways by the Smiths Surprised that there are 7 Smiths or Morrissey LPs in the list but the first year represented by the Smiths lp and Hatful of Hollow isn’t there. Smiths timeline one of slow decline from an extreme peak. Beginning with the 4 Radio Sessions and first two singles in 1983, to the debut album in 1984, onwards to Meat is Murder before the Queen Is Dead, which is their low point. Then, I think sensing the end they rallied with non- lp singles Panic, Ask, Shoplifters of the World Unite and Sheila before ending with this rather jaunty lp. Morrissey’s solo career has been a slow steady decline and his latest single (Make Up is Vile or whatever) sounds like someone asked an AI machine to make a Marc Almond song. I kind of lived this timeline passionately and then disinterestedly. I was 14 in 1983 and revising for an exam. Listening to Kid Jenson he played a session by the band and then John Peel followed on with a session recorded for his show. Went into school the next day and told everyone I’d heard a great new band. No one believed me. Anyway all the Smiths have said that Strangeways is their favourite album by the band. There is a case for that it’s certainly the best produced. I especially liked Paint A Vulgar Picture - is Moz the idol or the fan clawing at the star? Or both? I’d found new bands that were as thrilling as the Smiths or more so by the time this lp came out. But I was glad that the rockist tendencies of the Queen is Dead had been vanquished and Morrisseys songwriting was sharper on Strangeways. It felt like a last hurrah! Like they knew it was ending soon and that freed them up. And even now it feels like a glorious Ta-Ra 5 ish.

I really enjoyed every song on this album. No skip album to me if you're into The Smiths.

The Smiths are great - had never heard this album, I have to imagine there will be more later.

Love the smiths, very happy with this one! Decent

Loved revisiting this.

love it, dont listen smiths much, now ill start listen them more

I hate Morissey

virkelig godt, vil lytte til igen

Youth