Reviews (page 11 of 15)
awful. guitars ok.
Banger. An amazing album from front to back. This is possibly one of my favorite albums of all time, and in my personal ranking of these albums so far, it’s a 93/100. Morrissey’s vocals complement the instrumentals so well, and he’s the king of ‘80s jangle. This albums deserves a 93/100, or a 4.65/5. Fav: “I Won’t Share You”, “Girlfriend in a Coma” Least Fav: None
Weird, gangster crooner
I disliked this album even though I have come to terms with liking both the Smiths and Morrissey’s solo work. This is self aggrandizing taken to ludicrous extremes and comes off childish at times. Morrissey also sounds ill on several tracks.
Meh...not bad but not exciting either. 2/5
Instrumentaal goed en erg muzikaal, maar niks springt er echt uit. Overall helemaal niets mis mee.
Comme toujours, la voix de Morrissey est mise de l’avant. Après avoir entendu plusieurs albums, je la trouve geignarde et irritante… Je voudrais écouter plus attentivement les musiciens derrière
Was a fan from 84 - 86-ish, but I'd moved on a bit by 87 and didn't listen to this back then, although I remember the singles. As for the songs that were new to me, Morrissey's sad /funny /clever words and singing style no longer have the same impact at my advanced age, so I wasn't always engaged with what he was singing about. What hasn't worn off, though, is everything else. I still adore the sound of Marr, Rourke and Joyce. I like Stop Me. And even my wrinkly heart melted at Last Night. There were some gorgeous instrumental passages. In fact, if you just take the instruments, the Smiths' sound is sublime. I don't think they released a bad album, but I'll remain stuck in the past and say that I still prefer their first two. I wonder if they're on this list. Need a 7/10 but will round up.
Didn’t like this anywhere near as much as the other albums of theirs I’ve heard and much as I can appreciate Johnny Marr’s guitar, Morrissey’s voice meandering around trying to find a melody really puts me off. That said, the first two tracks were great; it just really went downhill from there for me.
Oh blimey listening to this. Manchester was so bleak in the 80s. It's hard to realise it now. A fellow uni student I knew was thrown out of the window from the top deck of a bus. Another mate had all his top front teeth punched out for him because he'd dared to stray away from student nights and had gone up to town on a Saturday night. I love that Johnny Marr still plays these tracks and Morrissey is surplus to requirements these days. "Girlfriend in a Coma" has always irritated me but I love "Stop me" which is brilliant live.
This was good
Dope
I really don’t know how to feel about The Smiths. The songs are exquisitely well crafted and executed but Morrissey’s arrogance just radiates through every second of them.
The songs kind of sound the same. More of a songs artist than an album artist I guess.
Ok fine the Smiths are good. I said it.
Just another Smiths album, I swear they all sound the same to me. Never really understood the hype over this band.
Liked it.
Dont' really get the Smiths. And I do know what Strangeways is.
1987. Really , how quickly time has passed. Still a good album
Nja…! Not so great.
Never liked the Smiths. I liked this album.
Awful and forgettable
Strange, but interesting. 4/5.
This is the longest short album I've listened to yet. This is airy and uneventful across the board. I'm bored to tears I think, and I'm not unsure that's what they were going for. Fav tracks: N/A
Fine. A couple catchy songs. But (copied and pasted from my review of a different Smiths album in this project): another situation of great artists, possibly terrible person?
I’m going to sound like a broken record with all these Moz/Smiths albums, but it’s true. I do love this album, but the man’s awfulness knocks it down a star. There’s some great stuff on here, though. Sorry Johnny! Nothing personal.
Not as good as our last Smiths. Better than the last Morrisey. I think I’m good on both. How much more could possibly be on this list?
This was a great album. There's something special about this Smiths I think that makes them completely relevant and great music for 2024, but also Somehow you feel like you're in a dorm room in 1985, and Morrissey is the only one who understands you.
Aika mid. Ei nyt sillein erityisen huonoa, mutta ei kappaleissa oikein mitään koukuttavaakaan ollut. Semmoista kevyttä britti rockia. Ei oikein parhaitakaan.
This album is an absolute joy.
A rush and a push is really good. I overdosed on the smith's a long time ago so it's generally something I don't listen to much. If you're a newbie though give them a listen
Love some Johnny Marr guitar and Morrisey’s voice. Probably one of my favorite albums of theirs. There is something about the British story telling that the Smiths produce that is very melodic.
Morrissey has the elagance as almost a hockey player skating on ice. He makes sad songs not seem that sad
Very enjoyable 4. Really liked Morrissey’s voice and the juxtaposition of his floaty voice and happy feel to the song with the somber and macabre (at times) lyrics. Very much liked the guitar was great overall just very solid album.
Really enjoyed this album. Morrisey’s voice can take the serious lyrics but put a poppy twist on it. Enjoyed instruments & mix of sounds
Never used to like them, he wasn't my cup of tea. This was reinforced by seeing Johnny Marr deliver blistering versions of his tunes, sung properly, at a festival. Not sure any of them were off this album though - it's OK, but won't be listening again
I always think a Smiths album will be painful and then the rhythm section saves me once again thank god. Still am not a big fan of the way Morrissey writes and sings a lot of the time but oh well
I like the quirky nature of the Smiths. The songs are almost ironic because of how playful they make serious topics sound. When these 3 years are up, I may go back and fit them into my listening carousel.
Boring voice
Meh
Notable tracks: all of it
This album shows The Smiths can be as boring and predictable as anyone.
Nope
It’s not a red flag to say I liked a smiths album. The singer has a nice voice and I liked the vibe
Good listening to this.
Probably a 2.5. It just doesn’t grab me.
I always thought I hated The Smiths, but found myself enjoying this.
Good Smiths album, but not my favorite (that would be The Queen Is Dead). Girlfriend in a Coma is great though. It’s still very Smiths-y with a little more flourished instrumentation (making their music sound as dramatic as their lyrics), with the typical Morrissey-isms and Marr-isms. The songs and lyrics don’t hit me as hard as their previous release, but not sure if that’s due to the quality or me being less familiar with them. Still a strong album and good listen, just not their top in my opinion.
3.5 Not sure if the Smiths are just growing on me, but I like each album more than the last. Probably my favourite one of theirs so far. Kinda hope three is all they get on this list though
A few standouts, but overall nothing special.
Love the Smiths. This isn't their best album at all, but still a stone cold classic. 4.5/5
I know it’s controversial now because of Morrissey’s words and actions. But I love The Smiths. This is no exception. However this isn’t my favourite album of theirs. Still solid. I can groove to it. But it doesn’t feature what I consider their absolute best. I still love it, though. 4/5
Very funky, very fun.
did not finish
Good music, Bad morrissey:(
אלבום מצוין! אני לא מבין איך לא יצא לי להאזין להם עד עכשיו
Just the right amount of sarcasm and great musicianship. I really enjoyed this album. Morrissey can sing.
Too nice for punk, too indie for easy listening, too silent for rock. Not impressive for me.
The Smiths - I like them
A couple of weak tracks (Paint a Vulgar Picture, I Won't Share You) near the end keep this album from being a 5.
I did not realize how polarizing the Smiths were! I liked this album. Great musicality.
Geil halt
Morrissey's voice just has that sad, depression sound that works perfectly with The Smiths sound.
I enjoyed it. It was good.
Great album
Really good, need to relisten.
not their best work
Nope
Not really a smiths fan. Morrissey’s voice just annoys me. Not even bc he’s evil.
Loved it.
Great album Smiths don't get enough love
Excellent arrangements and song structures. Textured and layered sounds. Really lovely listen. Very short album.
Fun, and emo record
Try hard
it was groovy like other smiths stuff I've heard and liked but he makes a few choices with his vocals that were just jarring to me. it was ight
Never heard of this group but I liked the music.
It's ok I guess. Whomever created this list is a bit of a Morrissey fan boy though, because there's too many albums on here of his. Love me some Marr though.
The influence from the White album is apparent throughout, resulting in a dynamic and varied Smith's album. A shame to see them go so soon, but a great final album from the Smiths.
Girlfriend in the Coma and Last Night I dreamt my favorites
First time I actually enjoy the Smiths! 3/5
Didn’t hate it , but wasn’t taken by it either 2.5
Not a good smiths album. Not a good album.
Goddamn, Morrissey is such a little bitch.
The biggest whinging Pom who ever whinging Pommed. Also very witty. And the smiths are a great band. Even if I’m a bit … suspicious of them. Steven can write lyrics, even if they do seem to moan and whinge. Marr is an excellent player and it’s a solid solid rhythm section. But, something about them irritates me. I’m sure that Manchester was quite miserable - try Dubbo NSW growing up. If I could afford a train ticket the most interesting place I could get to was Sydney. From Manchester a couple of hours on the train to London and then you have Europe. I prefer Springsteens epic vistas that cover economic and social oppression. But as I grow older though the smiths do make more sense. 3.5 rounded up.
I liked the first track and feel, but the effort to listen to a while album was too much. Probably fair to say I like the Smiths, maybe a song at a time. I really really can't do a full album. It evokes too much irksome awkwardness after a while and if I have to explain you won't understand.
Not nearly the best Smiths’ album. I really like Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before. It’s classic Smiths. Girlfriend In A Coma & Paint A Vulgar Picture both contain terrific Morrissey lyrics. It’s an easy album to listen to, without being riveting. They never made many albums & never made a bad album. But they were usually more interesting than this.
I was a teenager while the Smiths were an active band, and their singles were inevitably played of Triple J radio, the local public alternative station. So I was aware of the Smiths while they were happening. I remember someone asking me (age 16) if I was a fan, probably because I seemed like the kind of person who would be (read as: miserable sod). But I wasn’t really a fan. I had friends who were, but the music just didn’t grab me. Morrissey’s odes to a fabulous loneliness just didn’t appeal. I might have been a miserable teenager, but I aspired not to be. And, while I have picked up a few Smiths LPs over the years, I rarely play them (How Soon Is Now excepted). I’m going to quote from Tom Ewing’s piece in Pitchfork (https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12385-the-sound-of-the-smiths/): “There are two big problems with performing misery, though. First, it's easy for it to set into self-parody. By the time the group split, singles like 'Girlfriend in a Coma' were setting these alarm bells off-- frothy, fun, but nowhere near as striking as the band's best work. Secondly, it really helps if you have the star power and natural charisma of Morrissey: Bands with less of a frontman could find themselves in a trap, glamorizing a loneliness they could have fought. Your reaction to the Morrissey cult of personality is still likely to determine your reaction to the band as a whole-- grotesquely unfair on guitarist Johnny Marr though that is. It's thanks to him that everything the Smiths did is worth hearing, even when his lyricist is having an off day. His range and ambition as a composer widened through the band's life, and his contributions remained consistently stellar.” Truth be told, as time has gone on, I have less and less tolerance for Morrissey. He’s a an arrogant, unlikable, judgmental, racist prick. I can admire the songs, but I completely understand why a lot of people find it far more palatable to listen to Rick Astley’s (reputedly excellent) Smiths tribute shows, because Rick is 1) a terrific singer and 2) a genuinely decent human being. But I admire the work of the band, especially Johnny Marr. He has said that this album is the band’s best work, and I tend to agree. Some of the production choices have dated poorly (drum machines and cheap synthesizers), but the arrangements are stellar. I particularly enjoy last 'Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me'. I’d really enjoy a version where the drum machines were stripped out, real orchestrations replaced the synths and the whole thing was re-mixed a bit more sympathetically. And there are some cracking songs, if you can stand Morrissey for a few minutes. It’s witty and clever, with some surprising imagery, and an occasional good tune (when Morrissey breaks out of his three-note melody thing). And then there is ‘Paint a Vulgar Picture’, which is completely prescient of the Smiths post-breakup career; constantly re-packaged and re-sold. Hanging a lampshade on it doesn’t make it any less exploitative. And, despite your lyrics, Steven, your hateful public statements will taint you in my eyes.
Maybe it's the stockholm syndrome really taking full stride, but this didn't suck. Morrissey's voice is probably the least annoying here out of all the Smiths albums, even if it does still make me a little angry. There were some I hated, but it's a net positive in my brain. Favorites were Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me, and Death of a Disco Dancer
I really liked this. Super diverse instrumentation. A short and concise listen. Favorite songs were I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish, Girlfriend In A Coma, Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me, and Death At One’s Elbow.
Up there for the best Smiths album. The range of songwriting on here is fantastic and more expansive than anything the band had done previously. A fitting last album
Silly lyrics. Short fun album. Didn’t hate.
Not bad. Really dug girlfriend in a coma. Overall not a huge smiths/morrisey fan but it was good for what it is
last night i dreamt somebody love me is one of the best songs ever by the smiths it is my love my one and only if i could marry this song i would HOLY SHIIITTT IT HIIITSSSSSS the background oh my god this is literally on par with i know its over it is so beautiful I LOVE LAST NIGHT I DREAMT SOMEBODY LOVED ME OH YM GOD
Booooooring.
a bit depressing
There's something about their tone and meter. It just blurs until every song sounds the same.
vas a caer morrissey *cancela el concierto*
Taba bien, más allá de problematic fav que se puede decir
Based on the kinds of things he says, I always considered Morrissey as a kind of a jerk. I have a hard time enjoying something where someone seems so awful. The Smiths...ok...not earth-shattering or anything. Hardly worth the hype.
not their best. shimmering production and weaker-than-usual songwriting make for a boring listen.
Morrissey is a douche but this is pretty good
Initial impression is 3 out of 5 which likely won't change over time. That's not because the album is bad. The appeal is understandable, but the novelty feels lost listening to it in 2024.
Really interesting sounds
Never heard of these guys before. Rather liked them. The lyrics of Unhappy Birthday made me laugh
I think this is a decent album and I can see how the smiths/ Morrissey have influenced music. For me personally, I wouldn't go out of my way to put this on and it kind of faded more to background music instead of actively engaging me.
This felt really one dimensional... Not sure if I'll come back to it much
From the macabre to the comedic, this album makes the uncomfortable seem ordinary. A good listen.
A very atmospheric and memorable album, liked it a lot.
First listen Saved 5/10: I Started Something I Couldn't Finish Death of a Disco Dancer Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me Unhappy Birthday
I never loved the Smiths, never loved the combination of Morrisey's voice and their melodies although I can admire his voice, some lyrics and the band's playing. This album didn't do anything for me.
Incredible
Admittedly I am not a huge fan of the Smiths, but I did enjoy listening.
That was pretty good, rather mellow.
Good 80’s music album.
Not really for me. A little to melancholy.
Smiths. Unmistakably specific sound, like in Unhappy Birthday.
Standard Smiths fare. "I wish you an Unhappy Birthday, 'cause you're evil and you lie." Okay. Sure, Morrissey. "Death At One's Elbow" was a nice change of pace, though. And the first song "A Rush and A Push and The Land Is Ours" was pretty good, but the rest was just bunch of whining Morrissey. Nope, not needing to hear it again. NEXT.
It doesn't quite have the highs or big tunes of The Queen is Dead but it's more consistent. And it is quintessential Smiths, even if Johnny Marr didn't want to have a jangly guitar sound all the time. Side one is great. A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours has what sounds like a jangly piano, and some powerful, guttural Morrissey vocals. I Started Something I Couldn't Finish has some strong guitar riffs, more guttural Morrissey, and perfectly clever/witty lyrics and delivery you come to expect from him - my favorite part being where/how he sings "And now 18 months hard labor seems...fair enough." Death of a Disco Dancer has some lyrics that seem to have a deeper meaning (like common folk want to live in bliss and not talk about controversy...but who do disco dancers represent?). It also starts with a neat sharp sound (piano keys?) and ends with some heavy drum work from Mike Joyce; really solid. Girlfriend in a Coma is my favorite - another quirky death song that sounds cheery given the poppy musical accompaniment. A classic Morrissey and Marr combo. Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before sounds like soaring songs by The Smiths and yet there is something different and cool about it. I didn't love side two as much, though the opener Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me (except for the too long intro) was beautiful and despairing. Just wow. I Won't Share You was similar in its despair; not quite as good but solid. I find myself becoming a fan of The Smiths.
Like the other two albums by The Smiths on the 1001, this one is definitely a 5. Couldn't tell you which is my "favorite" given that this one is too new to me, but this one seemed the most immediately accessible. I'm not sure if the three albums differ that significantly from each other: The Smiths have a certain sound, it works well, and they definitely milk it across their albums. IMO Meat is Murder had the best Johnny Marr guitar lines and The Queen is Dead had the best emo lyrics (I Know It's Over, Cemetry Gates, There Is a Light and it Never Goes Out). Strangeways seems like they've mastered what makes The Smiths great - clever emo lyrics over rocking and/or jangly indie rock music. Side One starts the album off with a cool vibe on A Rush and A Push and the Land Is Ours. I Started Something I Couldn't Finish is a great swinging rocker. Death of a Disco Dancer has a perfect slow build. Girlfriend in a Coma is a perfect example of Morrissey's dark sense of humor. Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before is another good rocker, with another overly long name. Side Two gets darker (which is always saying something for The Smiths). Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me is a great song that continues the long song title trend and the depressing lyrics trend (not really a trend - it's apparently part of The Smiths' DNA). Unhappy Birthday is an upbeat song where it's clear that Morrissey is very very very bitter, followed by Paint a Vulgar Picture which is an upbeat song where it's clear that Morrissey is very very very bitter about the music industry. This brings us to the rockabilly (and of course depressing) Death at One's Elbow. Finally, we end with I Won't Share You, in which The Smiths float peacefully and depressingly into the sunset.
fun and dancy. Feels like I'm the main character
I get it now
Loved some of the standout tracks, not huge on the rest but good listen.
For whatever reason, I liked this record well enough. Maybe because it's the one I'm least familiar with?
I liked this one a bit more than I thought I would. Catchy Runes, Dark Lyrics, the oddly playful tone with the songs, it’s great. The 80s sound actually sounds good here. Also fuck Morrissey.
I nearly turned it off after the 2nd song, but then it really get going, disco dancer, girlfriend in a coma and stop me, back to back, was plodding about the kitchen like a mother fucker, lovely stuff!
Grew on me as the album played on, but not as polished as I like my 80's music.
3.Track erinnert mich an Anfänge von Lenny Kravitz. Vorbild für ihn? Mischung aus 80er Sound, Punk, New Wave.
Day47 - it’s a good album and the smiths are great but morrisey is such a a-hole it penalizes the rating
Majestic. Probably my fave Smiths album. There is really no more to say - a no brainer
Excellent start, A rush and a push and the Land is Ours is awesome, excellent composition and lyrics. Kind of lost my interest in the middle, then came back strong with Paint a Vulgar Picture which is also strong lyrically
Can't go wrong with the Smiths
I've heart good things about The Smiths in the past, but never listened to their music. After hearing them, I can say that they are pretty decent easy listening music. Love anything from the 80s. Although maybe I'm missing something but overall they are just "Ok" in my opinion.
To me, The Smiths are a bit like U2: there's nothing technically wrong with their music; I just don't dig it, apart from a few songs. Maybe both bands just take their music too seriously. Not sure. Either way, it's a perfectly middleground 3/5.
Marr 5+ Morrisey -5 Songs - 3-4
A Rush and a Push and The Land Is Ours - 8.5/10 I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish - 8/10 Death of a Disco Dancer - 8/10 Girlfriend in a Coma - 9/10 Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This Only - 8/10 Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody - 8/10 Unhappy Birthday - 8/10 Paint a Vulgar Picture - 8/10 Death at One’s Elbow- 7.5/10 I Won't Share You - 8/10 TOTAL - 81/100
I mean it's Alright don't get me wrong but I feel that there could have been more.
ig: @musicwithnessa
I quite like their sound. I feel Morrissey has only one type of singing, but the instruments brought a good variety. There were some interesting choices in instruments used sometimes like a marimba.
Hey tghs was pretty good! Nice to hear something new that I enjoy
Extremely Brave and Iconoclastic Middle-of-the-Road Review: The arrangements and guitar playing are kinda nice, but wow, Morrissey is annoying.
The smiths are always a nice listen. I'll admit I'm not the most active listener when I listen to them and this album doesn't seem to have as many tracks that hit as the queen is dead or louder than bombs. I still like stop me if you've heard this one and death of a disco dancer for sure though and they don't write bad music generally.
This is one of those excellent artists I feel like I've heard OF, but never heard. Very captivating
Well, here it is, my third and final Smiths album to review, and Strangeways might be their best work. The overall sound is bigger than their previous releases, with some great string and horn arrangements, but the album still maintains that signature pop sound that The Smiths crafted. The lyrics are just as deep and slightly ambiguous as always, full of political and social commentary and themes that explore relationships. Every song was great, and the end result is a strong album from start to finish: “A Rush and a Push” has an urgency to it, and I wonder how much the impending breakup of the band contributed to that sound. I loved the guitar at the beginning, and the ‘love as colonialism’ allegory in the lyrics. “I Started Something” has some great horn arrangements, and the lyrical theme about putting yourself out there as a gay person was great, and something that anyone can probably relate to. “Death of a Disco Dancer” has some great guitar work at the beginning; it really gives the song a haunting sound to match the dark lyrics about the AIDS crisis. The song has a great outro too, with the organ/synth and piano and booming drums. “Girlfriend in a Coma” might be my favorite song on the album. Great vocals, great strings arrangements leading into the chorus, and fantastic guitar playing. “Stop Me” has some great guitars, and I really like the tinkling percussion sounds. “Last Night I Dreamt” has a great dream like feel to it. The opening piano and screaming, coupled with the distorted whooshing sound really sets the tone. “Unhappy Birthday” is so joyful sounding, but contrast so strongly with the hateful and mean lyrics. Usually, Morrisey’s digs at people are a bit more roundabout, but I love the directness here. “Paint a Vulgar Picture” has great, biting lyrics, and great criticisms of the record industry and how predatory it can be. The horn arrangements in the background are really great too. “Death at One’s Elbow” has some great bass playing, and I really enjoyed the upbeat sound. I loved that this song had a bit of a rockabilly sound to it. “I Won’t Share You” has great guitar playing, and it was a great way to close out the album, and essentially shut the door on The Smiths’ time together as a band. This was a fantastic album, and I’m sad that this is my last Smiths album to review. I’ll definitely be returning to this album.
all the songs sound the same and they aren't particularly fun or interesting. almost indistinguishable from Morrissey's solo works
I absolutely love The Smiths, and like their other records, this is another five out of five for me. Strangeways, Here We Come is an incredible album and, sadly, their last. It captures a band at the height of their creative powers. The songwriting feels expansive and confident, pushing their sound slightly further while still keeping that unmistakable Smiths identity. There is wit, melancholy and drama running through the whole record. Johnny Marr’s guitar work is as inventive as ever, and Morrissey’s lyrics feel reflective and sharp in equal measure. It sounds like a band evolving, even as they were coming to an end. Favourite track: A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours. A bold and unconventional opener that sets the tone perfectly. Least favourite track: None. Every song earns its place. Album artwork: Striking and stylish. Elegant, slightly mysterious and unmistakably The Smiths
Love the smiths and the last one doesnt disappoint either
I’ve never cared for Morrissey’s vocals!
Gut! Wieder eine lohnenswerte Neuentdeckung für mich. 5/5
Es un buen disco de the smiths. No me escondo, me ha gustado. Lo volveré a escuchar.
Girlfriend in a coma; I know, I know, it's really serious. I love it! 😆
Banger
It tails off a little toward the end, but there are some really good songs early on.
Not my thing
I really loved this. Never listened to much of the smiths but this one will be played again for sure.
Meh
Not my group
There's a lot of Morrisey on this thing
This deserves another listen to, but for now, I must move on.
Unhappy Birthday is really funny if you imagine it being written by an 11 y/o
I enjoyed this much more than I expected to, some moments of genuine beauty.
2.5 stars. Boring, nothing really caught me.
3.5
You know what? For all Morrissey has done to tarnish their reputation, they have two of the best albums ever made, and I'm still there for it. This is one of them (the other is The Queen is Dead.)
I've never likes The Smiths - I can't bear Morrisey's voice, but I did manage to listen to this and could appreciate some of it musically. I'm really not a fan though.
Everything I expect from The Smiths
not my vibe
Good, but not as good as their previous work.
I thought this was a Morrisey solo record for a long time, it's not. It's fuckin dope.
I do like The Smiths. I was impressed how consistent Strangeways is in the quality and in maintaining a mood. The tracks easily fit together as a whole while still being distinguishable from one another. Compared to other albums by The Smiths’ Strangeways doesn't have as many individual stand-out tracks, but I could easily put the album on again for a re-listen. My favorite track may still be "Girlfriend in a Coma" because of the odd combination of morbid lyrics and a buoyant tune. I do have a harder time with the potential misogynistic view of the lyrics, but there are lot of lyrics from The Smiths that I just don't pay attention to. I'm not into being mopey, but I do like how the music comes together. "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" and "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" were my next favorite tracks, and "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" approaches being only "okay".
"Strangeways, Here We Come" by The Smiths falls short of expectations, especially for newcomers like me. Because this is the first time I am listening to a whole Smiths album and its a very rough introduction. It lacks the innovation and depth that their peers had in that time period. While some tracks hint at their potential, the album overall feels bland and uninspired. I can see why a lot of people like them, but this is just not for me.
It's just not The Queen Is Dead. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me and Paint A Vulgar Picture are the stand out tracks for me.
A meticulously crafted masterpiece of melancholy.
"Strangeways, Here We Come" by The Smiths, released in 1987, is the band's final studio album, and it reflects both their musical prowess and internal tensions. The album boasts Morrissey's distinctive vocals and Marr's intricate guitar work, evident in tracks like "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" and "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me." While containing some standout moments, the album is perceived by some as lacking the consistency of The Smiths' earlier works. It wrestles with both brilliance and a sense of fatigue, as the band was on the verge of dissolution. Awarding it a moderate 3/5, "Strangeways, Here We Come" is appreciated for its musical merits but falls short of the band's earlier heights, making it a somewhat bittersweet conclusion to The Smiths' discography.
Meh. It all kind of blends together. Even for artists I don't like I can see the appeal, but here I don't see why people like Morrissey and his projects like this.
Overall -it sounds like when people figure out how to use photo editing softwares and completely over do it because they can -if they pulled back the electronics it would of been better -the songs alone are good, as an album this is not it -the guitar is far stronger than the melody’s -the back half is a lot better -I am torn, it’s probably a 3 but I struggled so hard to make it to the good stuff A Rush and a Push and the Land is -it’s kinda giving EDM vibes? Like a hint of Avicii in the beginning I Started Something I couldn’t Finish -kind of jazzy? death of a disco dancer -it’s like giving big 80s slow dance energy -i like the guitar girlfriend in a coma -brooo what’s the through line here -oh shit the violins -ok the strings fuck Unhappy Birthday -I am HOWLING, this is iconic Paint a Vulgar -the guitar is fantastic
This album feels like a really interesting bridge album. I can hear the echoes of the synth heavy British rockers like Sonic Youth and even a little bit of glam rock like The Cure. I can also see how the indie bands of the 90s like the Goo Goo Dolls and Gin Blossoms will build on this to make the iconic sounds of the late 90's to 2000's indie summer. I don't know how impressive of an album or a genre it is, but it sure does scratch that nostalgic itch.
The last "Smiths" album before the Morrisey and Marr egos butted heads sufficiently to put the last nail in the coffin for the Smiths. The album had some class track titles... quirky enough that you'd remember them, and the tracks themselves, showed more of the journey Morrisey was in, and where he would continue to grow post "The Smiths." I grew up with this music, and it brings back many happy memories, I really enjoyed this album today, have played it 3 times already.
Its ok.
I’d only listened to the Queen is dead (which I liked). This felt like a great progression. While Morrissey is a cunt, I can’t deny the Smiths were a great band
Masterpiece. I can’t give less than five stars.
For me this album had its ups and downs. The first song really had me invested but the following songs did not live up to my expectations. In my opinion, the pacing for singing and the music was not pleasing to my ears. The singing seemed either too fast for the music. It makes me feel annoyed while listening because I’m waiting for either the music or the singing to pick up the pace but it never does.
These guys are known to have all their songs sounding the exact same, so imagine my surprise when some of the songs were not painfully alike their other music. Tickle me pink! I found myself wanting to listen to the words, wanting to know the meaning, and wanting to be enveloped in the instrumentals. I love their more popular music, but I was so confused about how they are such a. beloved band. I get it now. I want this album as an IV.
Solid. Johnny Marr is great, but Morissey can definitely suck a chode.
First we have to say that this album is the follow up to one of alt rock all time best album of all time: The Queen Is Dead, so its a hard album to macth I never listen to it and i'm not a big Smith fan but i'll try. I think is one of their tradmark but the song tittle are very long, i coudn,t remeber one by heart To be honnest i wasn't impress by this one, none of those song really make a mark on me and yeah kinda disapointed but i know they are a great band but they have better reccord.
Nice
Much less whiny than Your Arsenal, but this album mostly is better because it is short.
Bah comme d'hab c'est bien mais c'est un peu toujours pareil, l'impression d'avoir écoute une longue chanson quoi
I love the Smiths 👁️👁️
Really great album. 4.75
Definitely the weakest Smiths album. None of these songs really croon or grab like their other albums. Still pleasant.
nope
Excellent, classic "the Smiths"
Already a fan of the Smiths - great album. Right up my alley, very similar to the Cure, chill melancholy sound with a sort of underwater/muted guitar tone & emo british guy vocals. I prefer the Cure but hey, memed rivalry aside, so far this is the best album in the list.
Good sound, just not my style
Am I missing something when I listen to The Smiths? I mean their sound is… fine. High quality, yadda yadda yadda… but to me, it sounds like a British lounge singer crooning for a sad teenager letting them know it’s ok to feel that way and everything is going to be ok. Throw Depeche Mode and Morrisey in that category as well (from the music I’ve heard from them). Let me make this clear: there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. There is definitely a market for that. When I hear those in the know speak very highly of The Smiths, I am expecting something life changing. Maybe I’m just hearing it from former sad teenagers. High 3
Not my favorite Pavement record, but better than I remember. It’s good, but not their peak imo. It’s a little all over the place, which might be part of the appeal for some but for me a couple of their later records pull it off better.
No real melodies or hook. Slightly over produced. Meh
Average album. Nothing bad or good stood out.
I just couldn't get into this album. Absolutely nothing and that makes me feel sad, or maybe it's the music made me sad.
His voice is so unique. I've not heard this album or any of the songs on it, so this was all new to me. I enjoyed it.
I know nothing of the Smiths, other than I know some people with that last name. 1987 was the year the Cards got beat by the Twins in the World Series. Song 1. OK, Brits. Its pretty catchy. The little growl before he says 'rush' is neat. So far so good. Song 2. Some electric guitar to start. Definitely something I am a fan of. This does sound like music from the 80s/90s. Maybe this album was suppose to be the start of something. I definitely didn't get the Smiths growing up in the middle of nowhere. Snuck some growling in. You know I like that. Song 3. and some other songs. This hasn't been terrible. But nothing has grabbed me. Maybe I can't work during these listens. But I get going on something and then it just sort of hangs back there. Aaaand done. It really did slip by me. Not a terrible listen, but not really a jam. And nothing that I'd put on any regular play.
Didn't dislike, but won't revisit.
7/10
Enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would! But still very annoying in parts
I like The Smiths but this is fine
Very good album, I really like Morrisey's vocal on it, the music is entertaining, all around decent record. I was never a fan of The Smiths, but maybe I need to change that and listen to few more songs and albums. Very solid.
El cantante tiene singles en películas como este: https://youtu.be/IrJbwmDl2Hs?si=TVXosBTs7WnOjEDD
It’s much more experimental than the other smiths albums and I find that really good each song flows together beautifully and makes it easy to listen to for everyone
I wouldn’t say this is their best album.
Not a smiths fan
So lovely
I find Morrisey irritating on many, many levels but, musically, I found myself quite enjoying this. There is the persistent whining and uneccesary gloom ... but it's actually quite a pleasant listen. That would all be Marr's doing, I guess?
Not bad.
I do love me some Smiths. But also v melancholic
Enjoyable and some songs brought a smile to my face.
Didn't love it 2 or 3 songs ok. Morrissey is a flower
The Smiths aren’t my usual brand of 80’s alt/new wave but this was nice. Every time I listen to Gorillaz’s The Now Now my mom thinks it’s Morrissey and I think I get why.
Not good for me. 2.5/5
Really enjoyed this, and wish that there was enough there to give it a 5, but it didn't quite reach that level for me. Death of a Disco Dancer and Paint a Vulgar Picture were my faves from the set. Kind of a shame that this was the band's last hurrah, since it seems that they really hit a stride with these songs. Would have been interesting to see how they transformed into the 90s, and competed with the grunge movement and even the new wave of British sound.
This is a record that comes out late at the party when things get interesting. The melancholy lyrics are the calm seas that sit atop strong currents just hinting at the turmoil that lies beneath.
Love The Smiths melancholic and mildly depressing sound. Didn’t know any of these songs but I can dig it.
Used to listen to the Smiths years ago - enjoy some of their music. Mostly the older music.
Melodic and melancholy, but also very well crafted.
Drugs would make this album really come alive.
It did not amazed me but i recognize its quality
Easy to listen and to forget.
2/5 forgettable if not for a banger or two
especially the first part is just awesome, nice new find!
I ended up adding 2 songs to my main playlist Very nice "vibes" kind of album, I can see why one of the songs was featured on "Everything Is Emo" I think my fav was actually "I Won't Share You"
Really good consistent album by The Smiths. I own The Queen is Dead but have mixed feelings about that album even though everybody considers a masterpiece. It seems quite samey in parts and doesn't feel like there's ever a true exceptional moment on it. This one surprised me because it's a complete switch up in The Smiths sound, it's almost like they're embracing new ideas and Johnny Marr is finding new ways to express himself, and as a result you have some incredibly diverse tracks and what is a great package. Probably my favourite album that I've listened to in this list so far
Nice album
Good everyday listening.
Interesting 280's song. Not sure how I missed this back in the day.
LOVE
too depressing
In context of its time probably different. Not that exciting to me.
Ahh gott að fá smá Smiths. Þetta er næst lélegasta platan þeirra, en það skiptir ekki máli því þær eru allar geggjaðar. Elska soundið frá fyrsta lagi og það flýtur vel í gegn. Morrissey er kannski snarbilaður rugludallur, en Johnny Marr heldur með Manchester City (og gæti verið elsti Gallagher bróðirinn) þannig hvor er verri???? Tónlistarmenn þurfa líka að vera veruleikafirrtir að einhverju leyti.
Svanasöngur einnar bestu hljómsveitar allrar tíma. Smiths voru nefnilega hljómsveit ekki bara sérvitur söngvari. Girlfriend in a coma er eitt af mínum uppáhaldslögum, þvílíkur texti hjá M. Platan í heild frábær og rúllar ótrúlega vel. Þetta er svo gott stöff. A rush and a push, Stop me if you think you heard this one before, Last night I dreamt somebody loved me. Endalaust af yndislegum lögum með súrum textum. The Queen is dead er vissulega uppáhalds Smiths platan mín, en þeir eru aldrei að fara að fá minna en 5 stjörnur frá mér.
80s angst Smith’s world. Works for me.
Wooshy 80s rock, what more can I say? So much reverb. Liked it okay. Favorite track: Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me.
Lead singer less annoying than I expected. Good harmony between the two guitars
Good album, but depressing lyrics.
Not my favorite
it's fine
Maybe not my favorite Smiths album but it’s pretty great
Never heard of this group. Good clean British sound from the 80s Not sure I'd listen again, not my cup of tea🤪
Good Smiths album, knew what they were doing by this point. Stop me and Girlfriend the biggest and best songs
esta bueno para estirar en una clase de danza
Ist zu wenig düster. Ich hätte stattdessen "The Queen ist dead" gewählt. Lässt sich trotzdem sehr gut hören.
Classic smiths sound, with the talk-singing and a matching slow drifting guitar and drum ensemble.
Interesting one. I'm thinking about adding "Unhappy Birthday" to my playlist.
Solid music writing for its style. Good bass.
Great album, smiths at their peak.
Unique sound but not so much my type
Didn't ever care if lyrics were meaningful or not. I suspect this music has some kind of lyrics. Do not want to listen to this voice and sappy music.
really good, forgot how much i liked them. saved almost all songs
Not great but more my era of ,music growing up
90s sounding brit rock
Não sabia o que esperar desse disco, pois foi meu primeiro contato o The Smiths. E não poderia ter ficado mais satisfeito. Disco excelente, boas melodias, letras interessantes. Desde a primeira audição já foi possivel gostar de muitas músicas. Destaque para as faixas: 1. A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours 2. I Started Something I Couldn't Finish 3. Death Of a Disco Dancer 6. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me
solid 3/5
I have heard of the Smiths, the album was pretty good, even though in my personal opinion, the singers voice is pretty monotone. Solid album overall.
I am LOVING Unhappy Birthday
the orchestration and production are great, but I'm not going to. remember this album
Strangely strong strumming
Good
Started out great, bored me a little by the middle and then turned around again. Loved some of the songs but wouldn’t buy the album, though. [0101/1001]
The swan song of The Smiths. A bit more poppy and better produced than their previous albums, but with the same quality. Johnny Marr is in form, and adepts many new styles on this album without it ever becoming anything other than The Smiths, Morrissey has kept his working-class intellectual lyrics that are as sharp, funny and biting as ever. Tragic stories in one sentence ( “Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me / no hope, no harm, just another false alarm") typical Smiths cynicism ("“And if you think peace is a common goal / That goes to show how little you know”) Or funny while describing the pain every man can feel when he sings it (" I crashed down on the crossbar / And the pain was enough to make a shy, bald, Buddhist reflect / And plan a mass murder") And please don't forget bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce. They are both in perfect form on this album and complete one of the few perfect albums. Yes, we all know what a douche Morrissey became (or already was?) but even assholes can be very talented. An album I gladly keep singing along to.
Given how many times I have listened to The Smiths self-titled debut in the past, it’s surprising to me that I had never once listened to this album…and after listening I’m disappointed I hadn’t done so sooner! This album is really really good from start to (almost) finish. While this album doesn’t contain any songs that reach the heights of some of their most famous tracks, (although “Stop Me If…” comes close), it does contain 8 excellent tracks, one right after the other, and 2 thankfully short ones at the end that really should have been left off. Johnny Marr’s guitar sounds as good as always, and Morrisey mostly stays away from the daft and pretentious lyrics and grating vocal stylings that can make him a difficult listen on other albums. A very pleasant surprise.
really freaking cool, and full of personality
Boo.
- Great classic indie rock sound - Not as depressing as I thought it would be - Incredible vibe that was fun to listen to
- wow wasn’t expecting indie rock - love the guitars
Don't like them.
i listened to this album twice yesterday and while all the tracks kinda blended together into a sad boy slurry, it was pretty decent. on the other hand, fuck Morrissey. after listening to girlfriend in a coma, I'm starting to think he actually did murder that poor woman. also these song titles are like mid-2000s length fall out boy/panic at the disco length and similarly unnecessary. favorites: a rush and a push..., stop me...
It's The Smiths...again.
What’s all the fuss about
It was just ok. Nothing really stood out much to me. It did not do much for me, but in fairness I owe it another listen before giving up on it.
Five star band for sure, but not their best album. Probably their weakest, in fact. If this is the only Smiths album in this 1001 list then we have a problem. The Queen is Dead, man. The Queen is Dead.
I never liked the Smiths. I was a Cure fan, and in my rather partisan view of things, you could only chose one "side". As it turns out, I was right. Morrisey has increasingly shown himself to be a bit of a prick, whilst Robert Smith is still a cool dude. Back in the day though, the Smiths seemed to be on the side of the underdog. They make me think of young men in cardigans like Sean Hughes, or our friend Rich. I thoroughly enjoyed the recent Rick Astley and Blossoms tribute band to the Smiths shown on the BBC Glastonbury coverage, and there's always been a few songs I've liked, especially, How Soon Is Now, but other than that, I've stayed clear of them. So when it finally came to listening to a full Smiths album, I was rather annoyed to find that I liked it. I shan't be listening to it again though, for ideological reasons.
This was really very good. Mostly unfamiliar to me. Will listen again.
Like when you know something is significant yet don't understand why
Good front to back
Pretty good
First half every songs a banger. Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me is a masterpiece. Unreal
Next 5 songs played by my Spotify Algorithm: Blondie - Hanging on the Telephone The Jam - All Mod Cons The Sundays -I Kicked a Boy XTC - Earn Enough for Us Wire - Fragile
Wow, this caught me off guard with how much I actually enjoyed this. It’s a really tight, strong album. At only 36 mins, I managed to run thru it 4 times today, it’s really good. Death of a Disco Dancer is such a great tune, nervous, frantic energy, Johnny Marr does such a good job letting the song breathe and building the guitar throughout. This is the most entertaining I’ve found Morrissey, he’s got growls, yelps, whines, jokes. Ultimately, there’s so much more variety here than I would expect from a Smiths album, it still has their classic moodiness that you expect but filled out with more than just that. On Unhappy Birthday, I find the line “and if you should die, I may feel slightly sad but I won’t cry” just so funny and makes Morrissey endearing almost. Having never heard this release before it really did give me a new appreciation for The Smiths. Seeing as this was their final release, I’d say they finished strong. 5 stars
Sympa dans le genre guillerettement dépressif, comme toujours avec les Smiths. J'aime beaucoup Girlfriend in a coma, je découvrais les autres.
Beautiful album never gets boring
Decent enough effort by Johnny Marr and his crew.
Pretty Chill, I feel like more enjoyment could obtained by critically listening. But I honestly feel a little lukewarm about the album now.
Fantastic album! Never heard of the band before. Easily listen with fantastic vocals. Would listen to more by the band.
1987. I really like the sound of this album. It sounds like it could have been written to fit into a playlist of current music.
Great album, very classic rock, favorite so far death of a disco dancer
I've always been quite fond of The Smiths, with half a dozen or so of their big hits in my music collection for the last 20 years or so. I only knew one song from this entire album, and it wasn't even one I knew terribly well. This was sublime. I'm starting to find myself clock-watching during some album choices, willing the album to be over soon, even if I'm enjoying it. I often just want to get to the end so I can give my rating and move on. If I decide to relisten, then that's cool, but that first play through often drags. It's like I want to see how big my meal is going to be before attempting to eat it. I did the opposite here, hoping this would just keep going on and on, then very disappointed when it finally ended. It's just so perfectly formed, unique guitar playing, depressing but amusing lyrics, great delivery by the entire band. So many little moments that I can see copied by bands who came later, the Stone Roses, Oasis, etc. all borrowed from this much more than I ever realised. This is also about the most even album I think I've ever heard, with not a single filler, but also without an obvious "hit" inserted halfway through. I can't see how this could deserve less than 5 stars.
Fuck Morrissey but damn this album is good……. no skips
Well, it's an album.
Perfect
I love smiths. I love their style, I love indie rock. The influence of this group is difficult to overestimate. I think that “The queen is dead” is better, but this I rate on 5, because I am really into indie
I really don't like Morrissey
I'm not sure any band has better captured their own demise than The Smiths did here. Sonically, it feels like a perfect coda for one of the strongest 5(ish) year runs any band has ever had.