Strangeways, Here We Come

Gonna lose some feminism points for this

Really not bad, but it tailed off about halfway through. Would love to hear this with a real singer supporting the band

Surprisingly ok for the smiths

I used to listen to "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" a lot, and I loved it. Maybe my rating for the album is mostly because of this track. The rest were ok, but I'd need to get back to them again some time to listen more carefully and decide if they're on par with "Last night..." for me or not.

Le daré un 4, por tener el megahit Girlfriend in a coma, pero me ha aburrido un poco.

I know it’s ignorant to say “all this dance music sounds the same” but I don’t think Morrisey has a very interesting career trajectory. For the 7 albums on here, does really all that much change from Meat is Murder in ‘84 to You are the Quarry in ‘04? At least Elvis Costello is evolving and reinventing himself. Every year his sound has developed, so the next album has a different sound. You know who else has a really interesting evolution? Sting, but the Police have two albums on here and no solo albums. Today I listened to Nothing Like The Sun from 1987 and really enjoyed it. You suck Dimery. (My views on The Smiths have already been expressed multiple times elsewhere).

Grappig, origineel, en mooi.

Another exercise in suffering.

Starts out better than previous Smiths material I've heard, with a couple tracks I can almost call "upbeat". But takes a turn fast. Death of a Disco Dancer is completely awful to me, just depressing and boring. Girlfriend in a Coma is laughably terrible. I still HATE Morrissey's sad, crooning, melodramatic voice (hate him as a person too). Stop Me might be the first Smiths song I actually like! The rest is mostly shit. Did I mention Morrissey sucks? I did? Good, I didn't want to leave that out.

I mean it’s The Smiths. You know what you’re getting: Morrissey is annoying, the rest of it is fine, whatever

2/5

Some great tracks on here, but Queen Is Dead is the better record. Also forever fuck Morrissey.

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

Third Smiths album I've gotten. Really like their kind gloomy minor vibe.

I was a pretty good listen, but falls into that category of I probably won't go out of my way to seek it out again.

Not bad bet mid

there are FOUR MORRISSEY SOLO ALBUMS on this horrible evil list so ill have plenty of time to hash things out with him eventually, but at least ive been eased into it with what was when i last listened to their discog the smiths album i Got the most. still holds up to me as pretty good with some unique charms that help me connect with it over their other material, with a thick impressionist almost dream-poppy style. and ive gotta say that even tho on the whole the band's melodic style does not blow me away or stick with me, i no longer find it Utterly Bewildering which i guess is the best i can hope for atm. theres a couple moments here that extend things out instrumentally, not a Jam or whatever but theyre p striking anyway. the vibest smiths album which for someone not sold on their music or lyrics means it pretty much has to be their best

Classic Smiths. No new ground broken on this one but still enjoyable.

I loved this album—not quite as much as The Queen Is Dead, my favorite Smiths album. But listening to it was pleasantly familiar, even though I had only heard about half the tracks on the album. Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar work, Morrissey’s literary references and strange, morbid British humor—it all reminds me of car rides with my dad. Some of the lyrics made me laugh out loud. This was the Smiths’ last album together, and most of the band agreed it was their best. It takes it title from a famous prison that was actually called Strangeways, which I guess is where the band felt they were headed.

There are some nice tunes here from the band. Surprisingly listenable for a typical '80s synth-infused rock.

4.4 - Quite liked that I just hadn't listened to this album that much, think I've listened to the queen is dead too much. Some really great tunes

Fave Tracks: A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours, Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before 3.9/5

Not my favorite Smiths album but there are some great songs on here. “Unhappy Birthday” is fantastic and I hum the lyrics all the time. There are couple skips on this album just because they are too long and slow for my taste. If I would have grown up listening to this one more I maybe would have a better view of it but this was not one The Smiths albums of my childhood. Solid album which some great variation of songs but just not on the same level as their other albums. 7/10

No real connection to any one song but overall good album.

Setting all prejudice and the fact that Morissey is a prick aside, this album really isn’t all bad. The ska rhythms of the opener threw me for a loop, and was really good! However, Morissey’s way of phrasing hos vocals get old and tiresome rather quickly, so otherwise decent tunes turn annoying (Stop me if you think…). Paint a Vulgar Picture is the only other song I liked enough to take notice of. 5/10

Pitiful self-pitying jangle fest from a racist. I know the 80s were bleak but there’s no excuse for this.

jamais écouté cet album, un peu déçu, ils ont fait beaucoup mieux je trouve je trouve surtout que Johny Marr aurait pu faire de meilleurs + Last Night I dreamt that Somebody Loved Me - tous les sons sont au même niveau

Starting to believe that the only Smiths record worth listening to is the Queen is Dead. This is meh at best.

3/5 ? écoutable

The Smiths are a band that never disappoint and each and every listen is usually enjoyable. This is probably their worst project, but it's still incredible. ''Strangeways, Here We Come'' is the fourth and final album by The Smiths, one of the most influential and recognizable bands of the 80s. It was released when the band had already split up, but the recordings were basically finished. Why for me is it the worst album of theirs? Easy, it has a lot of songs that feel more poppy on purpose. You don't feel the connection that you do on their other projects. Songs like 'Unhappy Birthday' or 'Girlfriend In a Coma' are songs with pretty mediocre writing, while 'Death At One's Elbow' has one of the cheapest beats the band has ever delivered. But hey, it's still a good album.... These low peaks it has are compensated with too many high peaks like 'Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before', one of the band's most intimate songs that made me get emotional. Death of a Disco Dancer' seems to me a song with a very catchy and hypnotic rhythm. The latter is also important. The production doesn't seem to me the neatest but without a doubt one of their most hypnotic productions ever made. Each track has a catchy rhythm that will catch you in the end.

ha, die morr en marr... you started something i couldn't finish... ik heb jullie raad opgevolgd : stop if you think you heard this one before...

I kind of wanted to not like it, but it was okay

A nice listen but no real stand out songs and sounded a little dated without the nostalgia factor for me.

Big smiths fan here

4/5. A better produced and wall of sound album with each instrument being prominent. The songs are catchy and yet dark, as is the Smiths aesthetic. There were more songs I enjoyed on here than not, which surprising for the Smiths, and the extended instrumentals for the songs definitely has influence of many of the 90's and 2000's indie bands. This was a great album once concluded, made me want to put it back on but only when I can handle Morrissey's voice. Best Song: Girlfriend In A Coma, Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me, Death Of A Disco Dancer

Look, Morrissey has a great voice, and with the music polished up, this is a Smiths album worth listening to.

Not as goood as the others

perfect smith album!

i love the smiths! sorry? i said i love the smiths !!

I would really like this if I’d gotten into it in middle school

None of their best songs but still a very good album

It's fine, but nothing really stands out. Highlights: "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" (midtempo pop), "Girlfriend in a Coma" (nice strummy pop song with cool string parts, although the music seems a bit too upbeat for the subject matter) Notable: "Last Night I Dreamed that Somebody Loved Me" (the first half basically sounds like a hellscape of chaos then Morrissey comes in with his overdramatic Morrissey thing), "Paint a Vulgar Picture" (wow, those lyrics)

Aside from a few songs here and there, I never gave The Smiths a thorough listen before going through this list. Politics aside, this is a very good album. Particularly like the guitar work of Johnny Marr, who has a way of making a simple riff sound very impactful. Great balance of rock / pop / something else unique that makes them stand out. And as an album, this one feels more cohesive than Meat is Murder, which is the only other Smiths album I’ve listened to in full.

Still no love for the smiths

a rush and a push and the land is ours

Classic smiths. Beating women, being an asshole and unable to control it, general male sadness. This time with some prog rock echoey intros.

It's fine, but I really fucking hate Morrissey

Another great album by the smiths, just not as good as the queen is dead in my opinon.

This was fine. I didn't love or dislike it.

Turns out I don’t hate the Smiths like I thought. I don’t love them, but also don’t hate them.

Oh excellent! The glorious final album of The Smiths before Morrissey’s insane egotism and extremist nonsense tore them apart. But it sure was fun while it lasted. Any Smiths record is an undeniable 5 -star affair for me. I just can’t get enough of the jangly uptempo guitars and melancholic lyricism. It’s a delicious combination. But, moderation as they say. You can’t have too much of a good thing. And this is a very very good thing.

Not really my favorite Smiths album and I'm not entirely sure this album needs to be on the list when their better quality stuff is here also, but the Smiths are also consistent and Strangeways, Here We Come is consistent Smiths. 3/5

"I said I love The Smiths" ma nel mio cuore non mi sento di poter dare 5/5. Comunque super bello, dinamico e orecchiabile.

My third Smiths album. It was fine, didn’t really change my world or anything. By this point, I think I have an idea of what they’re about.

2.9/5 listened 1x

Morrisey loves to take the piss. Unhappy birthdays and joyful glee at his girlfriend being in a coma. Decent tunes though

ok album i never have to listen to it again

This is admittedly quite dated, but it is still a really enjoyable album by one of the most important British bands of the 80s. No Smiths = no Britpop. No Britpop means this list is probably half as long ...

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.

Every song sounds the same. I need to be in a very specific mood to enjoy this type of music and it was just not hitting today.

Enjoyable enough alternative Rock. Will relisten.

Morrisey is a xenophobic ass

Not something I'd normally listen to, but glad I did - very good.

Oh boy here we go

Love The Smiths. Good album, a lot more theatric than what I’ve heard before because of the production. I prefer the other sound, but this is still good. Good final album for them. Standouts: Death of a Disco Dancer, Girlfriend in a Coma, Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before, Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me, and I Won’t Share You.

7/10 kinda like the cure except not and the cure is better but it’s still good 👍

Muy bueno

This is one of The Smiths albums that I haven't given much time to in the past. It's pretty good, Johnny is a master as always, rhythym is tight, and Morrisey is just as sarcastic, detatched and English as always. Hopefully there are other Smiths albums on this list, because this isn't their best album.

Pretty good. Too bad Morrissey is a grade A arsehole.

Morrisey is a great man who wants nothing more than England to preserve its culture. His warnings have now come true and the entire world is suffering destruction from the inside. This might be my favorite of his solo works, his music is dreadful but this was ok

Rendu là je ne sais pas quoi dire de plus sur l'art de The Smiths/Morrissey. Ce n'était pas mauvais, mais ce n'est clairement pas mon band préféré de cette époque/de ce genre. Ce n'est certainement pas aussi mémorable que The Queen Is Dead (qui d'ailleurs avec rétrospective mérite un meilleur score). 6/10

okay

Pretty much the same dreary Smiths as always, except for the last song, which actually ends on a happy note.

This album contains many of the type of Smiths songs that I don't like (In the vein of Frankly mr Shankley, girlfriend in a coma). But it also has some that work very well and touch the appropriate receptors.

Really idiosyncratic and well-penned collection of tunes. Not exactly my cup of a tea aside from a few gripping stand outs. The beginning of the record is hard to listen too as Morrisey sounds extra whiny and the affect he puts on his voice is unbearable. It’s great for the smiths, it sounds like a really solidified sound at this point in their discography not as urgent as their first 3 records but maturely produced.

Nett als Hintergrundmusik.

Fantastic

i listened to this one prior to generation and actually the last the smiths album i needed to listen to except for the live album. initially, i wasnt really much of a fan of this and thought of this as another meat is murder type album where the songwriting is just lacking something for me. after listening to the tracks a couple more times, i feel like i warmed up to some of the tracks, especially last night i dreamt that somebody loved me. really hit when i felt down and became my favorite track on the album. 4 personal favs: girlfriend in a coma, last night i dreamt somebody loved me

Uuhhh

nochmals The Smiths. mir gefällt es, aber es ist schon schnulzig .. sehr sogar!

Ziemlich 80's: viel Schmerz und wenig Variation. Gefällt aber fällt nicht auf.

I don't get why The Smiths are legendary. Born too late, I guess.

Very nice!

Male manipulator core

Nice eclectic mix of instruments and tones, not bad!

New fan here

Paraphrasing this from somewhere else so don't lay claim to it: Imagine being Johnny Marr, you've just laid down one of the most sublime guitar lines of your career. You come back to studio the next day to find that Morrissey has warbled on some Carry On Nonsense about his imaginary girlfriend being in a coma. That sums up the Smiths. I still like them, still appreciate them even though is a bit of a part these days. Perfect escapist pop for all the lonely boys and lonely girls of the world to unite together

First time listening to a Smiths album in full and really liked it. Had a softer feel with some great tracks with my favorites being "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" and "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me"

89/100

Good, solid, classic work from the Smiths.

Not a huge fan of the first two tracks but it picks up from there The lyrics from GF in a coma are so sus and concerning Smiyttyhtob is a classic obviously I enjoyed Unhappy Birthday quite a lot Final track was good too

It’s the Smiths not knocking it out but solid

Oh the Smiths. Not one of my preferred albums of theirs, it’s just kind of there. But then “Girlfriend in a Coma” comes on and there it is.

Used to listen to this loads as a teen, the first Smiths album I heard. Great first side then trails off

What I definitely give 5 stars to is that I'm a little under 1/5 through this project but have already had 2/3 of The Smiths' albums. So. I thought I could just copypaste my - rather favourable - review of "Meat Is Murder" here but no, they had to discover synths and strings and bells and whistles and a "lush" and "rich" production and there goes the charm. The (threeish) good songs are, well, kinda good but I'm in no mood for the whole thing. Trite. Boring. Next!

A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours // Death of a Disco Dancer // Girlfriend in a Coma // Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before // Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved Me //

This was quite a pleasant listen, although it's a little light for my taste. It's very well-produced, they get an excellent and varied sound. The production does an especially good job with Morrissey's voice, which I've never liked, but with enough echo it works pretty well here. That said, the songs are quite simple, they're not a virtuosic group, and while the tempo is upbeat throughout, it feels kind of low-energy, I think partly because Morrissey's voice just sounds so distant. And it's very short too, which helps make it an easier listening experience. I liked it well enough.

I didn't know this smiths album much but thought it was really good. More melodic than other smiths, good johnny Marr sound

Turns out i like the smiths

Their best album? Probably not. Are all my favorite songs on this one? Yes.

Bigger and more atmospheric than the last Smiths album, though I don’t feel too differently about it. This is succeeding at what it wants to do, I think I’ve just learned I’m not the world’s biggest fan of what the Smiths want to do. Best song: Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me

Awesome album. Forget all the "derp fUcK MorrISEy chuds.". More Morriseys, fewer Billy Braggs.

Je connaissais le nom du groupe, sans y associer de morceau. Cet album me permet de faire la liaison. Une originalité : la partie instrumentale finale de Death of a Disco Dancer, ... mais globalement l'album est peu marquant. Heureusement il est plutôt court. => 2/5

Third best thing Morrissey has done after "The Queen is Dead" and shutting the fuck up. As the only person on the planet who considers this to be better than their debut, I say "hell yeah".

a rush and a push and the land is ours i started something i couldn't finish girlfriend in a coma stop me if you think you've heard this one before last night i dreamt that somebody loved me unhappy birthday i won't share you

Terrific album. But fuck Morrissey.

YASSSSSS SLAY MORRISSEY 😍😍😍😍 (for the record I know he's racist, this album is good though)

Four great songs balanced out with the rest of the album, which felt fairly nondescript. I think "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" is my favorite on this album.

I don’t have much exposure here and I’m torn between being predisposed by the reputation of the music and the reputation of morrissey, but I enjoyed it

I think I got the Smiths mixed up with another group bc I thought I didn't like the Smiths. I really liked this though! I enjoyed the songs and the lead singer's voice. I would definitely listen again. I was very surprised.

Amazingly, for all the time I spent listening to The Smiths, I think I spent it listening to the other albums and not this one. I was vaguely familiar with "Girlfriend in a Coma" but not much else. I assume this one just wasn't around the stores I went to in high school and then I moved on. Enjoyable. Not my favorite of theirs.

I was never a Smiths fan, but wanted to give this a go, as I only knew them from their singles.... I haven't changed my mind.. music to slash your wrists by !

A lot of moaning without emotion. I never believe the words Morrissey sings. That being said, the writing, lyrics, production, instrumentation, arrangement, and structure are all solid and I enjoyed a couple songs. 3/5

I remember liking the other Smiths albums more. This wasn't bad by any means though.

That's not my taste in musik. But ok.

é um album do smiths, igual todos os outros

This is my introduction to the Smiths and Morissey. I have certainly heard them before but have never dialed in. I found it to be an interesting album that keeps you on your toes and holds up to contemporary standards. Morissey’s voice and style are super-unique and tap into an introspective mood that others don’t. I particularly liked “I started something I couldn’t finish” and “I won’t share you”. I was consistently left pleasantly surprised by a jam that featured keys or the accordion.

Oh look more Smiths! Or is this our first? It’s hard to tell when I see English rock because they all blend together at this point.

Another from the Smiths, really not much else to say aside from that. They have a style they make music in, when you've heard one Smiths album you've kind of heard them all. That "Unhappy Birthday" song made me laugh out loud, it was just stupid. Other than that, decent album, I'll keep a few. Favorite tracks: Death of a Disco Dancer, Stop Me If You Think, Paint a Vulgar Picture. Album art: Is that Morissey? I've always assumed it was, but looking again I'm not sure. Regardless, it seems to be a rather ancient picture of a nondescript man looking down. That's about it, pretty boring cover. 3/5

Amazing. Really incredible. Very easy to like.

The Smiths is one of my comfort bands and one of my favorites of all time. I know all the songs off the tip of my tongue. It's always a pleasure to listen to The Smiths. Strangeways is an album that I've learned to love a lot over the years and it's a shame that they stopped at that. For me, they were at their technical and artistic peak. But some bands are just like that: They pass through our existence like a comet, a true phenomenon that leaves its mark on anyone who comes into contact with this music. Morrissey, Mars, Joyce and Andy were the voice, heart, pulse and soul of an entire generation!

I was unfortunately a Smiths Fan as a tween so I feel like I need to give this one 5 stars.

The last album by The Smiths, not powerful but containing good songs!

87/100

Important band, good album. This list probably has 100 Morrissey albums on it though. Queen is Dead and we're good; chuck some more hip-hop / women / non-western artists in the next rewrite?

Far inferior to The Queen is Dead (still would give it a 4.5 if ranking today), but better than solo Morrissey (probably rated those too high). Can't really decide if anything is worth saving, which maybe isn't a good sign for a smack dab average rating, but I guess I'll go with Girlfriend in a Coma and I Won't Share You.

Eher lame

Pensavo peggio: piacevole!

Despite the blurb, I can’t imagine anyone arguing that this is the best release by the smiths. Girlfriend in a Coma is a huge hit and is a great song but the whole album is a more poppy departure from their earlier stuff. Still a great record though. Loved Paint a Vulgar Picture.

I generally can't stand Morrissey and the Smiths, but I have to admit that this album is ok -- much better than I expected. Not as morose and depressing as most of their music. Still not my choice but not a bad listen.

This was more Beatlesy than I expected! Melodic and poppier than other Smiths I’ve heard. Not my fave but not bad!

Pleasantly depressing.

Almost the best Smiths studio album.

Not as depressing as I remember. I never took to The Smiths but as I’ve got older, I am less resistant to them, especially as I think Johnny Marr is pretty cool.

Le daré un 4, por tener el megahit Girlfriend in a coma, pero me ha aburrido un poco.

Good 80‘s Pop (postpunk?) music with a nice voice and lyrics… 6/10

This is what’s wrong with this playlist. Another forgettable Smithd album.

listened to this album countless times before, but still an absolute classic

I was originally introduced to the Smiths through a Hispanic cover of This Charming Man. Sorta mid, sorta not Favorite Song: Paint a Vulgar Picture Rating: 2.2/5

Nee, New Wave ist nichts für mich.

It's aight

The worst of the Smiths albums but still an absolute banger. Ridiculous band. The fact that neither of them achieved nothing great afterwards showed how much it was lightning caught in a bottle. Well done.

Jangly pop rock, I guess? Instrumentation is more diverse and produced than previous Smiths records, which I believe improves the sound. But Holy Smokes, Morrissey sucks big time. Just an absolute bland, tuneless, nothing voice, singing like he’s making it up as he goes. The lyrics are equally lackluster, subtracting from the record. How does this guy have so much representation on this list?

Didn't finish it bc I was too excited for Modest mouse + pixies concert but the smiths are fiiiiire chill bros

I just don’t like the Smiths.

Wasn’t a huge fan of this one. It reminded me of a sad break up album that just kind of kept going.

I fee the Smiths have a really unique sound. It’s sort of both upbeat and creepy at the same time, but I dig it. I honesty liked every single song on this album, and would gladly listen to it again.

Good 80’s vibes. Blended together for me for sure, but I didn’t mind it. Quick and fun listen.

I like The Smiths, but even though this is usually considered to be their best album it’s not my favorite of theirs. I know they’re an acquired taste, but I still think it’s a decent album. Nothing bad, but nothing to write home about.

I listened to this album on Friday, and I'm writing this review on Sunday. I couldn't tell you a single thing about the album. Inoffensive, but unremarkable.

Reasonable listen but nothing stuck out other than the lyrics, which were downright funny at times. Girlfriend in a Coma was the most enjoyable!

Enjoy

ok, typischer 1980er Britpopstimmen

3.6

"Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" Urgh, Morrissey. The original incel?

They were okay. Don't think I'd listen again.

This was pretty pleasant to listen to, but there wasn't a lot of range. The songs all blurred together a bit for me, and no single verse, chorus or song really grabbed me. I wouldn't mind listening again, but I also wouldn't really miss it if I didn't.

I’m liking this. Not normally an 80s music fan, but this is pushing early 90s sound. On the forefront. A bit endless by the end Felt longer than it was, a lot sounded the same 3 star

Good stuff

Morissey Bad but Album Good

I love the Smiths. A few great tracks on here. Very good album, rivals 'The Queen Is Dead'.

I've heard of the Smiths. Never listened to much of their stuff. I do believe this is the beginning of Emo music. Not really my style. I do respect the Smiths and know how popular and legendary they are.

Long time since I’d listened to this…it holds up well!

I don't have a lot to say on this one, but I liked it all pretty well. Morrissey really sounds like Kermit sometimes, but it works.

Very solid album, they really blow me away with the breadth and depth of the music they make, this album has just as much wow factor as the queen is dead. I will say I think this album feels a bit messy, there can be some awkward flow between and within songs. Some of the tracks also have some longer, more experimental bits that miss sometimes for me. All of these are minor points against it though. They are absolute masters of their craft, every instrument sounds so perfectly composed and energetic, and the lyrics are enigmatic as always.

Wat een interessant en best wel funny album. Teksten zijn ontzettend sterk met hits als "My girlfriend is in a coma, My girlfriend is in aaaa comaaaaaa" en "I wish you a unhappy birthday" Geweldig. Verder lekker nietszeggend,maar de humor zorgt er voor dat ze naar 3 sterren geupgrade worden. Mazzelpikkies! FAVO: Girlfriend in a coma, Unhappy birthday

Didn't love it. A bit more serious than I was in the mood for on this listen - maybe another day it would have felt a bit better?

ganz nett und kann man sich mal wieder anhören

A fine swan song. Very baroque and keyboard driven but maintains lovely indie pop and great melodies

Enjoyable

It was OK, a lot of songs I didn't know

I've never intentionally listened to a Smiths song before, and now I won't actively avoid them.

Very 80’s. Very sad.

3.6 Good but not their best by a long shot. faves: I wont share you, stop me

MANCHESTER PRISON MENTIONED

Pish

Nice collection of morrissy misery

I liked this album a lot. I've listened to various Smith songs from playlists and liked them, but the only time I listened to an album (not this one) I didn't find the whole to be that great. Not so with this album.

There is a song called I started something I couldn't finish, I thought it was pretty relevant to my situation with this album

### In-Depth Review of "Strangeways, Here We Come" by The Smiths #### Introduction "Strangeways, Here We Come," released in 1987, is The Smiths' fourth and final studio album. The album marks the end of an era for the band, as it was completed amidst internal tensions and before their eventual breakup. Known for their distinct blend of indie rock, jangle pop, and poignant lyrics, The Smiths crafted an album that has since become a significant piece in their discography. #### Lyrics Morrissey's lyrical prowess is a central feature of "Strangeways, Here We Come." His ability to weave melancholic themes with wit and literary references is evident throughout the album. - **"A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours"** opens the album with a somewhat cryptic take on desire and belonging, underpinned by a haunting piano melody. Morrissey's vocals reflect a sense of urgency and existential pondering. - **"I Started Something I Couldn't Finish"** deals with regret and the consequences of impulsive actions. The chorus, "Typical me, typical me, typical me," captures the self-reflective nature of Morrissey's writing. - **"Death of a Disco Dancer"** touches on themes of disillusionment and societal decay. Its repetitive structure and escalating intensity mirror the bleakness of the subject matter. - **"Girlfriend in a Coma"** is a darkly humorous take on morbidity and detachment, where Morrissey juxtaposes a catchy melody with grim subject matter. - **"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me"** presents a more straightforwardly sorrowful narrative, exploring unfulfilled desire and loneliness. The track builds from a minimalist opening to a dramatic crescendo, underscoring the emotional weight of the lyrics. - **"Unhappy Birthday"** employs sarcasm and spite, featuring lines like, "I’ve come to wish you an unhappy birthday, because you're evil and you lie." The song's bitter tone is tempered by its upbeat rhythm. - **"Paint a Vulgar Picture"** criticizes the music industry with lines that address posthumous exploitation of artists: "Re-issue! Re-package! Re-evaluate the songs…" - **"I Won’t Share You"** closes the album on a poignant note, with Morrissey singing about personal boundaries and the refusal to compromise one's self-worth. #### Music Johnny Marr's guitar work, combined with the rhythm section of Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums), creates a sound that is quintessentially The Smiths. - **"A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours"** features a prominent piano line, deviating from the band's typical guitar-driven sound. This choice sets a tone of experimentation for the album. - **"I Started Something I Couldn't Finish"** showcases Marr's jangly guitar riffs, coupled with a driving beat that propels the song forward. - **"Death of a Disco Dancer"** utilizes a repetitive, hypnotic guitar pattern and builds to an instrumental climax that emphasizes the song's dark themes. - **"Girlfriend in a Coma"** is marked by its brevity and catchy bassline, a stark contrast to its morbid lyrics. - **"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me"** begins with a lengthy, atmospheric intro before launching into a powerful arrangement driven by Marr's guitar and Rourke's bass. - **"Unhappy Birthday"** and **"Paint a Vulgar Picture"** are more straightforward in their musical approach, featuring classic Smiths' jangle pop elements. - **"I Won’t Share You"** is a mellow, introspective track with a gentle guitar line that complements Morrissey's plaintive vocals. #### Production Produced by Morrissey and Marr with Stephen Street, "Strangeways, Here We Come" benefits from a polished yet organic sound. The production balances clarity and texture, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing Morrissey's distinctive voice. - The **mix** is clean and emphasizes the interplay between Marr's guitar and the rhythm section. This clarity is particularly noticeable in tracks like "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me," where the layers of instrumentation build effectively. - The use of **studio effects** is subtle but impactful. For example, the echo and reverb on Morrissey's vocals in "Death of a Disco Dancer" enhance the song's haunting atmosphere. - The album's overall **sound** maintains the essence of The Smiths' earlier work while incorporating slight innovations, such as the prominent use of keyboards and piano. #### Themes "Strangeways, Here We Come" delves into themes of existential angst, disillusionment, and societal critique. Morrissey's lyrics often explore personal and social issues with a blend of introspection and sardonic humor. - **Existential angst** is a recurring theme, particularly in songs like "A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours" and "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me," where Morrissey reflects on longing and identity. - **Disillusionment** with society and the music industry is evident in "Death of a Disco Dancer" and "Paint a Vulgar Picture." These tracks criticize the superficiality and exploitation inherent in modern culture. - **Personal relationships** and their complexities are explored in "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "I Won’t Share You," where Morrissey navigates themes of love, detachment, and self-preservation. #### Influence "Strangeways, Here We Come" has had a lasting impact on the indie and alternative music scenes. The Smiths' ability to combine lyrical depth with accessible melodies has influenced countless artists. - Bands like **Radiohead** and **The Stone Roses** have cited The Smiths as a major influence, particularly in their approach to integrating introspective lyrics with innovative music. - The album's blend of **jangle pop and alternative rock** has inspired a generation of guitar bands, including **R.E.M.** and **Oasis**. - Morrissey's lyrical style, characterized by its **literary references** and **emotional honesty**, has left a lasting mark on the genre, influencing lyricists such as **Jarvis Cocker** of Pulp and **Brandon Flowers** of The Killers. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Lyrical Depth**: Morrissey's lyrics are intelligent, witty, and poignant, offering listeners a rich tapestry of themes to explore. - **Musical Innovation**: Johnny Marr's guitar work and the incorporation of keyboards and piano add new dimensions to The Smiths' sound. - **Production Quality**: The album's production is polished, allowing the intricacies of the music to be appreciated fully. - **Consistency**: Despite the band's internal tensions, the album maintains a high level of quality across all tracks. **Cons:** - **Lyrical Obscurity**: Some listeners might find Morrissey's lyrics overly cryptic or alienating. - **Repetition**: Certain musical motifs are repeated across the album, which could be perceived as monotonous by some listeners. - **Emotional Weight**: The heavy themes and melancholic tone might not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking more upbeat music. #### Conclusion "Strangeways, Here We Come" stands as a testament to The Smiths' unique ability to blend lyrical sophistication with musical innovation. The album's exploration of complex themes, coupled with its polished production and influential sound, cements its place in the pantheon of great alternative albums. While it may not be universally accessible due to its introspective and melancholic nature, it remains a vital piece of The Smiths' legacy and a significant influence on the music that followed.

Inconsistent but still great.

This is fine. Nice hearing them expand their sound a little, adding a bit more life to Moz's infamous moaning. Interesting hearing them at the end of their career with a lament about the state of the music industry.

Not that bad Unhappy birthday was dumb

The album is ok. It is nice but nothing more.

Что-то в этом есть от дипишмот. В целом приятная музыка, смиты были неплохи, но не могу сказать что меня зацепило.

Really enjoyed the production on this one. A fitting swan song for The Smiths.

It was the Smiths, so at least a 4 from me. It’s that melancholy sad boy shit that I like.

Last one of the Smiths! Brilliant songs, Morrissey's poetry is sharp, and he has not yet turned into a neofascist. Johnny Marr's guitar work will quietly influence thousands of wannabes in the decade to come. It's my favourite Smiths record, not necessarily the best, but the first that I truly listened to (in several road trips, like all records should be listened to). In a strange way, I share it with my mom who absolutely does not listen to this kind of music. But she was trapped with me in a metal box for hours that weird time in 2003 and there was only this tape and one by Pavement. So I know this pretty much by heart. Now if only Morrissey could have gotten his act together and become a decent human...

I always found this album to be a bit of a disappointment, squeezed as it is between the superior 'The Queen is dead' and Morrissey's ridiculously good post-break up debut, 'Viva Hate'. However, it's still a good album despite the overblown 'Last night I dreamt somebody loved me' and the pedestrian 'Girlfriend in a coma'. However, it does contain some absolute classics, from the hilarious 'Stop me if you think that you've heard this one before' to the unsung 'Unhappy birthday'. However, my favourite is the poignant closing track, 'I won't share you', something that always brings a tear to my eye as it was the last new material released before their untimely demise 37 (37!!) years ago. Great album!

2-3, мн меланхолия

Último álbum de estudio de los Smiths cuando la relación entre Morrissey y Johnny Marr amenazaba ya la existencia del grupo, y más que digna despedida. No alcanza el nivel de su predecesor, The Queen Is Dead, pero aun así consigue consolidar el sonido de la banda con temas de rock alternativo de altura. Es el caso de la enérgica canción sobre el arrepentimiento "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish"; la emotiva y romántica tragedia "Girlfriend in a Coma"; de nuevo el remordimiento por acciones pasadas de "Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before", la canción que más me gusta del disco; "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" sobre la soledad y el deseo de amor frustrado; o "I Won't Share You", sobre la individualidad y la fugacidad de la vida.

It's fine ha. Some weird songs man. Girlfriend in a coma

The Smiths are rad. This was rad.

This isn't the kind of music I thought The Smiths made, I thought they were a lot more punky. This was an inoffensive but uninteresting album to me. I liked a few of the songs, "Girlfriend In a Coma" and "Death at One's Elbow". All in all I wasn't very entertained, but it wasn't bad. I'll give them a 5/10, leaning towards a 6/10.

The Smiths are not for everyone, but they were/are for me. For added bittersweetness, this was a very fine swan song that holds up well over the decades.

Morrissey is a putz

if you think peace is a common goal that goes to show how little you know

Rating: 7/10 This album is more of the same for them, it does not have the unique sound as their other albums do. A few great songs on here that are a bit different for them but mostly the same old song and dance. They have better albums, at least three of them. Favorite songs: A Rush and a Push, Death of a Disco Dancer, Girlfriend in a Coma. Worst song: Death at One's Elbow.

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.

Maybe the most cheerful that The Smiths has ever been. Ending things on a good note, I guess? There's still a lot of dreariness but there's also more life and melody. Thank goodness for that. Standouts are Girlfriend in a Coma, I Started Something I Couldn't Finish, and Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before.

Good instrumentals Ok lyrics

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.

It's the smiths, never could get into them. Some decent singles but was never bothered by the albums. 2.5*

Unremarkable.

Far better than I thought. Never a Morrissey fan, nor a Smiths fan. But this album did a lot. Still not making my top 100, but did a great job.

How good is Johnny Marr?

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

Much better than the last Smiths album I got. I am still not a huge fan of Morrisey’s voice but musically it was pretty good.

Very good. 4.5

That was thoroughly unimpressive. Sometimes Morrissey's weird singing lands with me. Nothing on this album really hits. Johnny Mar is still quite good, but it's overall just meh.

Great first listen. I really enjoyed the irreverent lyrics! Quite hilarious at times.

Can’t say I loved this one. Morrissey’s voice was a bit whiny, and only a few of the songs hit for me.

For some reason, Spotify really wants me to love the Smiths. They’re almost always the first song out of the queue in the “smart mix” the algorithm prepares for me. The truth is, I don’t hate them, but I’m not particularly excited by them either, and Morrissey’s voice can get annoying after a while. This album was no different.

Not a fan of the Smiths but had a few moments and not an unlistenable album.

Didn’t do much for me, but grateful it was only half an hour.

I think in another life I’d really like the smiths but I don’t need them

Not something that I loved but was listenable

Similar to my Coldplay take: I can't see why people hate the Smiths so much. Definitely an enjoyable enough listen but i don't think i fully appreciate their music the way some of their avid fans do. I could see a world where I am exposed to them more and/or do a deep dive and get a feel for why people are drawn to them, but i don't have the time or interest. Jangle Pop / new wave, proto- indie/britpop

Pretty good, b teir

I liked this, but in an average way.

It's no The Queen is Dead, but still a good album. 4/5

He just never moved the dial for me.

I used to think that this was the best Smiths album. While I still love it, I think that I was mistaken.

My favourite Smiths album

I passionately believe that The Smiths sound like The Smiths. It’s a shame Morrisey is involved in the whole Smiths thing though.

This is kind of before alternative rock really found it's footing for me. You can see where the roots came from but there's not really much I enjoy about it. Kind of bland and soft.

tnuc elbareffusni

What can I say - I like The Smiths. I appreciate the interesting lyrics where it’s hard to tell if they’re trolling or totally serious. I don’t know that it’s my favorite album of theirs, but really solid regardless. Favorite tracks: Unhappy Birthday, A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours, I Won’t Share You

Meh. This music is so sloooow. As for the lyrics, I don't know if "pretentious" is the right word, but "bad" surely is

meh I realized long ago that the only way to listen to The Smiths and have an enjoyable time is to listen to pre-made "Best Of" albums. If you do that, The Smiths are really good. If not, then they aren't.

Really vibed with some tracks, others were a bit odd.

Strangeways, here we come not.

Girlfriend in A Coma Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me

One of my all time favorites

Some people must like The Smiths. I happen think the best thing about this record is its very short length. You do you.

Hah, ok here we go... I can't help but love Morrisey, despite the insufferable turd of a child he's always been.

This already sounds like every Smith song I’ve ever heard. I don’t know if it’s the voice or that they only have a couple melodies? Track two “I started something” is way better than the first track. That voice though. Struggling with it. This album gets better and the voice gets more tolerable as it goes. The bass lines in this are killer. Way better than it started.

I've really had enough of The Smiths, but this may be their best.

passes over me not that knowtable

What's with the grrrrrrrrrrrrrowling? Sounds like weird cookie monster or some grumpy baby??? Against my better judgement I enjoyed some earlier Smiths albums I've got from this list. Not too sure about this one though.

I was so late to the party with The Smiths. I had given their music many chances through my life and while I enjoyed what I heard, they just never stayed with me. It took a scene in the 2017 movie Bumblebee where a high school kid in the 80’s is jamming out to “Bigmouth Strikes Again” while getting ready for school for it to click. I was that kid at some point a long time ago but for me it was with 90’s music. That movie helped me to transpose that feeling down a decade I guess. Doesn’t hurt that it’s a pretty fun movie that captures the nostalgia of the 80’s really well. Anyways, given my somewhat new appreciation for The Smiths and the fact that Strangeways was their one album I never intently listened to, I was excited to give it a go. Immediately on the first listen I feel like this is The Smiths album I wish I would have started with all this time. All the elements that I’ve always known about this band are here but it seems like those elements are elevated to new height's and the mix sounds incredible. While none of the songs were recognizable to me the more I listen the more I feel like this album might be their best. Johnny Marr’s guitars were an expected stand out given his reputation as a inspiring musician and songwriter and he doesn’t disappoint on this album at all. I also feel like Morrissey’s hauntingly beautiful voice and quirky songwriting are in top form here. The dreamy opener “A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours” has a solid groove, some really cool marimba melodies, interesting keyboard parts along with Morrissey doing a little growl on the chorus. Marr breaks out the distortion on “I Started Something I couldn’t finish” and it sounds incredible! This song almost sounds like a Bowie tune at times. Morrissey’s piano freak out that flows into the drum room mics being cranked at 4:05 of “Death of a Disco Dancer” gave me immediate stank face once it all came together. “Girlfriend in a Coma” is the first song on this album that shows the another side of Marr’s guitar abilities. I love how the high end of the panned multitracked guitars really float above everything in the mix, almost gives them a harpsichord type feel. This approach continues on the next 3 songs, layered with various synths creating the depth of an ocean. “Death at One’s Elbow” is the only song that feels out of place with it’s country/western/rockabilly leanings. It’s still a great song just stylistically different from the rest of the album, but I don’t mind the variety. “I Won’t Share You” is the perfect choice for album closer. Multiple listens really peels back the subtle layers on this album and I feel like that’s where the appreciation of Johnny Marr’s musicianship really shows, at least for me. I’ll happily add this to my pile of new favorites. I give it a strong to quite strong 4.

This is a Smiths album. I like the earlier albums better, but this one's not bad. All their albums do the same for me. Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before is my favorite.

Like Bono, I'm also a bit over "Morrissey: The Persona!!" Luckily, I'm an adult and can look past that and take the music at face value, as all music should be. There's a particular sound I associate with The Smiths--warm, lush, jangly, blue--that is certainly on display here, but I am surprised to hear them move those sounds to various styles of music such as the upbeat reggae of the opening track and the country-blues of "Death at One's Elbow." Three tracks in, "Death of a Disco Dancer" was the first song that really impressed me with its pseudo-psychedelia off-time guitar picking and experimental piano playing. I can hear traces of The Cure ("The Empty World," "End") and similarly can hear repeating chords as a solid groove instead of boring or uninspired. "Girlfriend In A Coma" is classic Smiths. Like a great Queen song, the melody is first established, and subsequent verses and choruses are elevated variations on that theme. Though this is somewhat "second verse same as the first," it also isn't at all. Along with "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before," "Unhappy Birthday," and "I Won't Share You," this song assists in leaning the album towards a soft and melancholic pop despite whatever other variations they employ. Wow! "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is just the right playing, production, singing, chord structure, and lyrics all at once. It is cinematic, mature songwriting. Easily the highlight for me. "Paint a Vulger Picture" tells the Hollywood music executives' story of finding out their star/cash cow has died. A snide and heartless look at corporate business in general, it's an interesting story I haven't considered much before; though I found it hard to empathize with its elitist sentiment, like a song mourning the shrinkage of one's stock margins due to a bad acquisition. Morrissey is more a writer than a lyricist, shining most when completing a thoughtful paragraph in a verse rather than some repetitive phrase in a chorus. Truly, his verse is a verse. His delivery is smooth and effortless; he never dares to push his voice beyond a comfortable listening range. Every song isn't amazing, but there's not a miss on this album. Some songs in the YouTube playlist played alongside their corresponding videos, where Morrissey furrows his brow and plays schmaltzy for the camera, and I am reminded to turn away and just let the nice sounds wash over me.

Classic Morrissey, a detached, crooning baritone delivering clever, ironic lyrics like a sigh that's at turns bored, wry, wistful, and smirking. Classic Johnny Marr, taking a three-minute pop song to layered, mesmerizing, emotional, cinematic heights. All in all, a classic Smiths album, if you like that sort of thing. I do. Very British Moments: "The death of a disco dancer? Well I'd rather not get involved I never talk to my neighbour I'd rather not get involved" "And so I drank one It became four And when I fell on the floor I drank more"

So I did some math today and figured out that I've been making fun of Morrissey for a really long time. Probably since I was about 17 years old. If I remember correctly I was copying his voice in a highschool class where we had a teacher had been a little closer to us in age (early 30s maybe) and my obnoxious impersonation of Morrissey seemed to get under her skin. I think she'd been a teenage girl in her room clutching her pillow and listening to The Smiths. So the band had a special place for her. I guess all that to say that I was pleasantly surprised that I liked a lot of what I heard on this album. I found the music to be interesting and it kept me coming back to different songs. Morrissey despite a lot of repetitive intervals in his melodies has a good voice. Nice vibrato and does some interesting things over some even more interesting music. The band backing him has some pretty cool groves and song arrangement. The songs lacked strong hooks in the choruses to me because of similarities in verse and chorus, but the songs still kept my interest. These guys have a unique sound and I can see how they would influence other artists. I had to go back and give How Soon Is Now another listen. Standouts to me on this one.... Girlfriend in a Coma and I Started Something I Could Not Finish.

This popped up this morning and I was slightly excited - I had heard of The Smiths since at least the early 90s and knew that there were a lot of people that absolutely love them, and I remember seeing them cited as a very influential band of their time. I knew the music wasn't exactly my jam, but I was still excited to hear something that's undoubtedly played a role in influencing some music that I do like, having never really listened to them at all. Boy oh boy could I have not been more disappointed. This was terrible. Just absolutely brutally boring. I'm committed to finishing each of these albums in full as they pop up, but I think this one set the record (so far) for the number of times I checked to see how many tracks were left so I could be done with it. I tried to find something, anything to take away from this, but all I heard was extremely simple musical arrangements paired with some melancholy lyrics and a voice that really rubbed me the wrong way after about 2 songs. It all sounded the same, and not in a good way.

😴😴😴

The Cure >>>>> The Smiths Girlfriend in a Coma is great though.

Call me crazy, but I always preferred this record to The Queen Is Dead. I think there are a lot more impactful tracks overall here, especially on the first half. There's some killer guitar work, and ear catching melodies paired with that keep the listener invested.

Pour out some Perrier for the death of a dynamite discography.

Great indie album, I still have lots to discover.

The album started off strong and continued with that strength.The first two songs are definitely my favorites, but I also really enjoyed Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me.

It was fine. middle of the pack ok to listen to.

Nice to hear early Smiths again.

A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours 3.7 I Started Something I Couldn't Finish 4.2 Death of a Disco Dancer 3.8 Girlfriend in a Coma 4 Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before 3.5 Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me 4.3 Unhappy Birthday 3.2 Paint a Vulgar Picture 3.5 Death at One's Elbow 3 I Won't Share You 3 Score: 3.62

This most definitely was not for me. I generally am ok with darker lyrics but something about the lyrics + music + his voice = no thank you. Really waffled between 1 and 2 stars for this but this is maybe the first one where I am struggling so much to see what value this has and why it's on the list. My other 2 stars while not for me, I can understand why they are on the list.

A few good ones, still as depressing as when I first heard it.

God

Longtime favorite

When I was younger, I heard Girlfriend In A Coma sung to the tune of Tiptoe Through The Tulips on Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. Kinda ruined the original for me, but the album is still great. 1 star because Morrissey is a racist lunatic.

The esthetic sucks. The reverb is grey as a shitty coastal town. The lyrics are wack. The songs are too damn long and Morrissey's voice is just the worst. I fucking hated this shit and hate their little bitch ass pre-teen attitudes.

I guess I’m supposed to hear a lot of new wave before I die. Just ok

The final album by The Smiths, and while I'm never bored by Marr, this one does indeed sound like a band in the middle of an identity crisis. Still good though!

First of all - I really hope this is the last The Smiths album on the list. Morrissey has long overstayed his welcome by now. Side One is surprisingly good and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Side Two on the other hand starts out fine, but then goes on to become everything I really dislike about The Smiths - especially the last 3 songs are just shite.

I want to like Morrisey and The Smiths based on their influence. But I kinda hate it. Quit your British bitching.

Just feels kinda cheesy 80s music with groan-worthy edgy lyrics. Morrissey is a dick & all, but separating the artist from the art, his vocals still suck. A few decent melodies can't save this.

Ok I'm beginning to get why some people love the Smiths.

Its the Smiths, I generally enjoy their sound but it didn't stand out for me

I thought "Unhappy Birthday" was a fun song, something that I just wasn't expecting. I liked all of the song titles, they felt unique. "Death's Elbow" felt like a fun cowboy jaunt, which felt oddly fitting since I'm playing Red Dead Redemption 2 right now.

In total a little bit boring. Some nice parts, but ...

I like the smiths but this is not their best work

Meh

Not one song grabbed me. They all sounded the same. Whiny nasally disenchanted droning. No wonder j never got into them.

Very enjoyable, not at all what I had conditioned myself to expect. I grew up during The Smiths era and had never warmed to their music, if any, I actually found it awful. This album was pretty good.

Strangeways, Here We Come is de ‘dood’ van the Smiths: de laatste samenwerking tussen Marr en Morrissey. De afwijking van de janglepop succesformule van voorgaande albums is duidelijk terug te horen bij de meeste nummers. Atmosferische tracks als Death Of A Disco Dancer en Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me wijken duidelijk af van het bekende Smiths recept. Marr en Morrissey hebben vaak geclaimd dat dit album het beste Smiths album is. Ik denk daar wel anders over. Meat Is Murder, The Queen Is Dead, en het debuutalbum The Smiths stijgen er voor mij alle drie bovenuit. Concluderend geef ik het album een dikke voldoende, maar ben ik toch streng, wetende dat er Smiths albums zijn die ik zonder twijfel een maximale rating zou geven. Rating: 8 Highlights: Girlfriend In A Coma, Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before, Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me

Dit album belichaamt een einde van de - hoe ze dat altijd zo mooi in het Brits kunnen zeggen - 'quintessential' 80s indie band. En je merkte dat de koek ook wel een beetje op was. Het is veel van wat ze in de voorgaande jaren al eens hadden gedaan, een soort recap van een glansrijke carriere. Naast wat verrassende blazers, en wat experimentele drones in songs als 'Death of a Disco Dancer', is het het vaste recept wat vertrouwd aanvoelt. Kan toch altijd wel genieten van hoe bad iedereen gaat op Morrissey, ook op deze site weer. Dit vanwege zijn rancuneuze en omhooggevallen persoonlijkheid, maar ook zeker door zijn 'whiny' vocalen en overdreven melancholische teksten. Dat eerste deel interesseert me niet zoveel, ben allang blij dat het een eigenzinnig karakter is in een landschap vol eenheidsworst. Dat tweede kan ik me beter voorstellen, omdat het soms echt letterlijk 'dagboektaal' is wat hij op een zeurderige manier voordraagt: I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday 'Cause you're evil And you lie And if you should die I may feel slightly sad But I won't cry Niet echt hoogstaand. Maar aan de andere kant, hij stelt zich wel kwetsbaar op, waarmee hij een masculine rockwereld toch wel deed veranderen. Daarnaast denk ik dat veel mensen het overduidelijke sarcasme in de songs op onbegrijpelijke wijze missen. Want als je de ironie in de nummers van The Smiths op waarde schat, dan wordt de persona van Morrissey ook makkelijker behapbaar. Dit album zit er vol mee, met de hit 'Girlfriend in a Coma' als hoogtepunt. Het maakt het een luchtige luisterbeurt, maar het mist toch de muzikale virtuoziteit en spanning waar 'Meat Is Murder' en 'The Queen Is Dead' in grossieren. Nummers die dat niveau wel aantikken, en zelfs op momenten doen overstijgen, zijn de mysterieuze post-punk knaller 'Death of a Disco Dancer', de upbeat indiepop in 'Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before', en de introverte, akoestische 'I Won't Share You'. Die laatste vond ik een leuke ontdekking, een ingetogen einde van een alles behalve ingetogen loopbaan. Al met al gewoon weer een solide pop-plaat, die kwalitatief toch wat inlevert op ander werk, waardoor ik toch blij ben dat het hier mee eindigde. Een ongelooflijk consistente discografie afgesloten voordat die ene laatste release komt die er één te veel bleek te zijn. 7,5/10 Highlights: Death of a Disco Dancer Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before I Won't Share You

I come to wish you an unhappy birthday. Morrissey windt er geen doekjes om en is directer dan op de eerste 3 Smiths-platen. Heb deze 2x geluisterd om echt even goed te kunnen beoordelen. Van de 4 Smiths platen ken ik deze het minste. Het debuut staat vol met bekende nummers en the Queen is Dead en Meat is Murder zijn meer mijn favorieten. Het is dan even lastig om Strangeways goed te positioneren. Het lukt me niet om de plaat net zo tof te vinden als de voorgangers, maar het heeft wel een net ander karakter. Wat directer in de lyrics, maar ook 'verveelder' in de muziek. Ik blijf op 4 sterren steken vind het niet hun beste werk, al staan er wel wat highlights op. 8/10 Highlights Death of a disco dancer Girlfriend in a coma

Better than I thought

Always liked Johnny's guitar playing but Morrisey makes me want to slit my wrists

MUCH better than their previous album. Their darkly humorous lyrics were secondary to upbeat and unique music that kept my attention.

Another Smiths album I was happy to listen to.

It's OG emo, basically.

Never really listened to The Smiths, always thought they were quite dreary but I really enjoy this actually. 8.1/10 for now

Lovely sound with some particular songs that really spoke to me. Overall, a little samey across the board in terms of tone.

We get it author. You love Morrissey

this was class again, who knew I was a Smiths fan

not my favourite smiths, feels v short and some of the songs rly pass you by. still great though

Not their best album.

I've loved this album since I was 18. And now I'm living in Manchester, which makes me feel a special pride.

I am partial to The Smith's although I did not listem to them much when they came out (odd...) Anyway - a good album with their more polished recordings

I loved a few songs but I can never really get into the smiths I apologize for my discretions musical overlords

A few misses short of a 5, but awesome. I love the smiths!!!

"The Queen ist dead" ist das beste Album" so heißt es in der Geschichte von The Smith. Nach diesem Abschiedsalbum der Band bin ich mir gar nicht mehr so sicher. Irgendwie vielfältiger die Songs. Fantastische Kompositionen.

Fuck Morrisey

It's a really well written album and I did enjoy it ... felt like it went on forever though!!!!!

non avevo mai ascoltato niente degli Smiths, mea culpa, però davvero piacevole. bravi amici Smiths.

Amo gli Smiths, ma questo album, tra i loro, non è il mio prefe in assoluto :)

“I said I love The Smiths” ma nel mio cuore non mi sento di poter dare 5/5. Comunque super bello, dinamico e orecchiabile. Non ha influenzato il voto ma spendendo due parole sulla copertina: meh

I find this to kind of drone on, despite how varied it is. Morrisey's voice brings it back to that same droning, dreary quality. His voice is distinct and iconic, for better and for worse. If I wanted to set a very particular feel for the 80s I'd use the Smiths, but I just have no desire to listen to this.

This is a very good album - is it the best Smiths?