Reviews (page 4 of 15)
Very quickly wearing out their welcome. I continue to really enjoy Marr's guitar tone and style. Some good piano too. I find the lyrics less engaging than on the Queen is Dead. With a different singer this might be a 4 or 5 star classic. I like the song construction. I just find that my Morrissey tolerance goes down and down. I'm giving it 3 stars because of Marr, and to leave room to give all the solo Morrisey albums 1 star. I do enjoy reading the reviews of people realizing how much of this music is on the list, it is mind boggling.
It was okay. The middle tracks are best. Morrisey is kind of a slimeball and my friend Michael can’t convince me otherwise
Esta bueno, nunca lo habia escuchado
This has been my favorite album from The Smiths since I started listening to them in 2021. Maybe I should start listening to The Smiths more again.
Different from their others, more soft-edged in production, and some of the songs more anthemic are almost Beatlesque (Last Night eg), so perhaps not classic Smiths, but a fine album.
intro chula disque unhappy birthday
A good album from one of the 1980s’ best. Probably strongest in the middle with Girlfriend in a Coma and Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before, which are great examples of their perfecting of the ‘80s indie sound and creative lyricism. The band make an effort to evolve their sound (a somewhat odd priority given that they knew this was their last album, but there you go), and I’m not sure they fully pull it off. A good listen, but maybe not their best.
The Smiths' swan song sees them branching out musically, with strings and keyboards playing a more prominent role. It works well, not least because the record contains some of their strongest songs, although these are mostly front-loaded into the first half. 'I've Started Something I Couldn't Finish' and 'Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before' might well be the finest songs the band ever made. The second half is less strong, however, which is why I'm giving this a 4 rather than a 5.
A strong final outing from the Smiths, though I definitely still prefer ‘The Queen Is Dead’ overall. The production/arrangements are lusher and more varied than on their previous albums, with keyboards, synths and strings making frequent appearances. ‘A Rush and a Push…’ is a solid opener, but ‘I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish’ and ‘Stop Me…’ are the clear standouts for me, along with ‘Last Night…’ and ‘Girlfriend in a Coma’. As this suggests, the first half is quite a bit stronger than the second, but there’s still enough quality over the course of the album for 4 stars.
Espectaculares las letras
Least favorite Smiths album. Just not as original as the others. Still, I really like Stop Me and Unhappy Birthday.
Not every song is a banger, but super solid record.
It was fine.
Good album but not close to the Smith's peak, 3.5 rounded up
Morrissey is awful obviously (which was entirely unpredictable based on, you know, every song he ever wrote), and this is very much mid-tier Smiths. But... yeah... I still enjoyed it quite a bit!
Don't really care for Morrissey. The rest of the band is fine though.
Not exceptional but good smiths
Gear: Grado Hemp Artwork: 📷😏🕰️ Production (2011 Remaster): 😐👍🆗 Music: ⛹️🎶🗑️ Rating: 🚮/5
Den her var fornøjelig.
Not their best
One of the weaker albums I've heard from The Smiths. Quite forgetful and one that wasn't the easiest to sit through. 1-0 to the Cure.
I haven't done a total deep dive on The Smiths, but they have long been a band that just doesn't quite do it for me. And this confirms! I did, however, listen to this on my commute during a rainy, gray morning, which seems appropriate.
Perus
No outstanding tracks, all sounded like any other Smiths song, but not terrible
*Nice sounding album, just nothing that wows me and I'm not a big Morrissey guy.
Must have been in a good mood today because not even Morrissey could ruin it. Not sure if it's genuinely the best Smiths album, but it's the one I've tolerated the easiest.
raro, siento que por más que lo escuche no me acostumbro.
Would be 5 if not for Morrissey
me gustó bastante, diría q entra en un top 3 de mejores álbumes de the smiths. Mejor tema girlfriend in a coma 7/10
Its not the best Smiths album, quite a lot of it sounded very dull but it had some classic songs
This is great, but Morrissey is such a terrible person these days, openly fascist, that I rarely think to listen to it. So this project was a good excuse to give it one more chance.
I quite like the smiths however they have better albums and tracks this isn’t I feel is mid not bad but nothing special
3.5/10
man i just cant stand morrissey.
I Was afraid to become a Smiths fan but that one does nothing to me. Girlfriend in a Coma is a bop, but that's about it.
I came to the Smiths well after the party had wrapped up, so they don't have intense personal whathaveyou and etc for me. But they are really, really good, and their combination of pop craft and loopy idiosyncratic strangeness adds up to real artistry. At the same time, I pretty much only listen to them on curated lists because the great songs almost without exception sit beside the clunkers. They are truly consistently inconsistent. This album is obviously anchored by Girlfriend in a Coma, a great song. For me, the other two great songs here are Death At One's Elbow and Rush and a Push. (I love the way the song titles are usually either ridiculously short or cumbersomely long and unwieldy.) It seems that other listeners tend to value some of the other songs more. I think I listen to the Smiths through Johnny Marr and then secondarily whatever Morrissey is doing, and I suspect others tend to focus more heavily on Morrissey. That might account for the difference in assessing this album as well as others. What was cool here was hearing the Other Songs again and realizing that most of them are better than I had remembered. Odd, meandering, but finding their way. This is a better album than I had thought. (Thansk, 1001 Album Generator!) That said, Johnny Marr's heart often doesn't seem to be in it. (Which may have literally been the case; they broke up shortly after htis album came out, and I believe he initiated the breakup.) The music often sounds perfunctory, just filling in around whatever Morrissey is doing. And the sound / production is generally flat, even by their standards. On that note: The Smiths' recordings were dogged by inferior sound quality throughout their run. There is a box set, Complete Smiths, that addresses that problem effectively with remasters that are much more dynamic and alive sounding. Also, this is a band that recorded lots of singles and released many compilations -- the songs are scattered all over the place, often repeating, often in alternate versions. It is confusing and frustrating. On Complete, you get a song once and there it is. Much better way to go through the catalog.
I'll never publicly flog the Smiths. I listened to "Fear of Music" on one side of my TDK tape, and "How Soon Is Now" on the other, over and over in 1985. The Smiths were healing music for my tender heart. That said--this isn't their best effort.
This was an album that was very important to me in high school. My brother loved the Smiths and had already seen them on tour. I remember a lot of sitting in my room listening to their songs and wallowing in my depression. It was actually great for me to listen to right now again and not feel that way about it. I really loved Unhappy Birthday. I also have vivid memories of seeing them on tour at some point at Great woods. I even remember what I wore. I wish Morrissey hadn't turned out to be such a douche.
Somehow, this was the Smiths album I listened to the most, although it came kind of at the end of their popularity in my circle. It's unfortunate that Morrissey turned out to be such a shit, because I hate to give him any of my money nowadays, even the 1/12 of a cent or whatever he would get from my streaming a song of his. Back in the day he was also a shit, but a snide funny shit with a knack for acidic yet delicious phrasing. "Nothing's changed, I still love you, only slightly, only slightly less than I used to, my love." Woof. I haven't listened to this record in 30 years, I would guess. When listening to the first cut yesterday, I found the words a bit chilling. Now that Morrissey is out bitterly ripping on immigrants, Muslims, Chinese people, etc., should I really sing along to this song, even if I somehow remember all the lyrics quite clearly?
not my favorite Smiths album, a few great tracks, mostly a little boring, 2.5
Love that sound.
Not the Smiths most interesting record, but still amazing singing cool production and good performances, and a banger opening track as always
4.75
Morrissey can be a pretentious and annoying twat, but the Smiths were a fantastic band and I love this album. 5/5
Enjoyed but not my fave smiths. Paint a vulgar picture I hadn't heard before and enjoyed
Decent enough, typical Morrissey singing
LOVED IT
An album of his time. Very good singer, good melody!
I love The Smiths. I can listen to Morissey for hours. This is not my favorite album though.
Back in the day, I hated The Smiths for some stupid reasons I don't even remember anymore. And now that I can listen to this record and really see how great it is, it turns out that Morrissey is a fascist. The world conspires to break our hearts.
После их предыдущего прослушанного мной альбома этот показался значительно лучше. И Морриси не так мерзко поёт. Жаль что это их последний альбом.
I LOVE the smiths and was so Haby to get this album!!
Album Review 097 Strangeways, Here We Come by The Smiths (1987) Rating: 4.5/5 Arguably the band’s best and most refined work, though listening to it today requires an effort the size of Morrisey’s ego in separating the art from the artist. It’s much easier to get through if you stop viewing Morrissey as a relatable outsider and start seeing him for what he is: a self-enamoured, narcissistic twat with an Oscar Wilde obsession. Whilst the album gives a fascinating character study in pettiness and bitterness, it also gives us the chance to appreciate the talent of Johnny Marr, who in his nature and sound is everything that Morrisey is not. His arrangements are deep and layered and move far beyond 80’s Manchester indie into something much more grand. It’s a brilliant musical goodbye from one of the UK’s most important bands of the 80’s, and you can appreciate the genius of the composition while acknowledging the singer is a dick. Oh, and the other two in the band do ok too.
For Morrisey being one of the most insufferable vocalists I've ever heard, he's not too bad on this album. The growls he does on the first few tracks are pretty unique. Nothing crazy stands out behind any of the songs, but it's not to say Strangeways is a great pop record.
I really liked the sound on this album. I know its not a very long album but it breezed by, which may have been a detriment.
hey pretty fun rock! has a bit of a 50's vibe to it at times.
This was actually pretty enjoyable. Shoutout Perrier!
Not bad similar to Dream Weaver
Sorry Morrissey - you crazy now.
Not my thing
I do NOT like this vibe and I usually like the smiths music, very boring
Classic Smiths
I liked it but it’s generally not my favorite genre
hate morrissey but god he knows how to make music
Death At One's Elbow
There’s a surprising density here beneath the jangle. The layered guitars and dramatic arrangements give it a kind of quiet grandeur that I didn’t expect. It’s not technical in the way I usually gravitate toward, but the emotional weight and sense of structure feel very deliberate, almost like it’s building toward something bigger the whole time.
I was really ready to dislike this record, mostly because of what I know about Morissey. Unfortunately, I just can't do it. The opening track is fantastic, and the album as a whole just feels so far ahead of its time.
Not bad. Marr is good. There’s only so much Morrissey whining I can take though.
Genuinely funny and lyrically great. Guitar. Playing ain't bad
It’s alright didn’t quite get into it 2.5
Was alright, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the queen is dead, I give it a 3.5- so a 4 because when they’re good, they’re really good
It's nice to think of simpler times when you could listen to The Smiths without worrying about whether you were supporting Morrissey. This one was their final album and by their own estimates, their best one. I do get it, it's less catchy but more complete, more experimental and more expansive than their previous work. Despite tensions and drug use, they were more comfortable with one another than ever before. In previous reviews for The Smiths, I mentioned that they were (in my opinion) Johnny Marr's band. He wrote all of the music after all. Morrissey was a mere, slightly obnoxious front man. But I have to confess that it's nice hearing them together here. Morrissey, when he's more scaled back, fits perfectly with the music. Maybe he needed Marr to keep him (mostly) grounded. Maybe if they'd continued on, they'd still be making great music today. Well, we can dream. The truth is, Morrissey and Marr were two very different people who happened to collaborate for a relatively short part of their lives. But I'm grateful that they did, because they made some great albums. Johnny Marr has made it very clear that no reunion is ever going to happen so this is the final document we have of their simpler times for The Smiths.
Listening session: march 18th, while commuting to internship Listened to before: no Thoughts: I’ve never listened to this particular album but it’s a classic case of separating the art from the artist because I really like The Smiths Favourite tracks: Death of a Disco Dancer, Last Night I Dreamed That Someone Loved Me & I Won’t Share You
Люблю депрессивное нытьё
Никогда не был прям фанатом. Джонни Марр - топ, Морриси - нет
То, как на этом альбоме офигенно раскрывается весь хай класс Марра… ну мееееед. Нетленочка за нетленочкой. Прекрасный альбом, но как же хорошо, что он был у них последним. 1000000000000 из 5 ✨
Почти нет хитов, но в целом нормальные симпатичные Смитс, мне нравится.
Лучшая песня: Last Night I Dreamt Худшая: Death at one´s elbow Не худший альбом The Smiths
не буду переслушивать этот альбом the smiths 2.5
Интересно, надо ли винить the Smiths в том, что в мире наступило засилье однотипных мальчуковых индирок-групп после смерти дискотанцоров
The run from I Started Something… to Unhappy Birthday is maybe the best stretch found on any Smiths album, but the remaining 4 tracks are probably some of my least played in their entire catalogue. The highs are certainly high, but the lows are mediocre at best, at least in comparison to the rest of their work.
Didn't listen then, won't listen in the future. Nothing was even familiar.
So good I'd love to listen again to get a better feel for the songs. Can get slightly repetitive 4.5/5
I love the smiths duh. Literally crashed my car to I started something like 2 yrs ago
iako mi se nijedna pesma nije nešto specijalno istakla na prvo slušanje, ovaj album mi se zapravo baš dopao, zvuk i atmosfera i instrumenti (koji su prezabavni) su nekako svi u harmoniji jedni sa drugim i baš se lepo slažu pesme dok nisu nikako iste. sad vidim zašto ljudi dolaze morisiju na koncerte (onih 30% koje ne otkaže)
Id have been sure this was the Smiths debut from the sound of it, it feels like they are working out the sound. Morrissey sings weirdly on half of it. But apparently it's their fourth and most experimental album, shows you what I know. Was hopeful I was hearing the bass playing of curly watts, guess not. I did recognise most of the singles which I suppose is a sign it might be a bit bigger than the first album. Feels really raw and thrown together to me though, definitely not their most mature or catchy. Could be the point I suppose. In general, some good songs and the smiths sound is in there but wouldn't rush back.
I think I enjoyed this the most out of the The Smiths albums we've had. Girlfriend in a Coma and Stop Me If You Think That You've Heard This One Before are the standouts. The whole thing sounds fresh and lively. Not overly political and bloated like Morrissey's later work. Almost poppy. A fun and dynamic listen, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Don't think I enjoyed this as much as the other smiths albums we've had, but still very good. Highlights: 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 Not quite enough for a 5. 4.5
sounds like the smiths!
Like this album quite a bit. Some of my favorite Smiths songs are here.
É um álbum legal. Instrumental bem elaborado e vocais bem colocados. QoA Vesper.
The last dance for the Smiths. It's clear that they wanted a new sound here, breaking free of the jingly-jangly mold that they themselves had made, in favor of a more "traditional" pop-rock sound. The subject matter is still quite dark, so don't you worry about that! "Girlfriend in a Coma" is a shining example in that regard. I just personally don't think this hit quite the highs that "The Queen is Dead" did, but a fine effort nonetheless.
At least it didn’t make me want to slit my wrists
Featuring Possibly my favourite Smiths song on this album, Girlfriend in a Coma. Also pretty amused by Morrissey’s unhinged bitterness in Unhappy Birthday. Wonder how many people have wished that on him over the years.
nooooo I don't want to like The Smiths. But this album is tight and very listenable while staying interesting.
I bought this record when I was at UNi when it came out and I was kind of disappointed that the band broke up when it was released. Still one of my favourite albums. I love all the Smiths records.
Great album and arguably their best. I can’t believe I was disappointed with it when released. It clearly showed their development as artists with more variability in style and production. The second half (1/3?) is not quite as strong but still good. Probably would give 4.5 but I’ll round up!
"Death at One's Elbow" was a surprise but it isn't a groundbreaking album for me.
Loved it, Morrissey at his sarky best
See other Smiths reviews. A 1.
I cannot fucking wait til Morrissey dies
The most songs that stuck with me so far. Not the best of the smiths but definitely nice
I wish I liked The Smiths more than I do, I really do.
Ikke det beste av Smiths akkurat.
randje van weird beard
Better than I expected, not as moody or mopey… sorta surprised how rock n roll it felt?
234/1089 okayyy kinda decent for a morrissey project. faves: a rush and a push…, stop me… 62/100
Probably my least favorite Smiths album ... but that's why it only gets 5 stars.
No comment :)
khad deze nog ni geluisterd ma bombo album
Awesomeeee
Sykt mid
Jeg kan ikke fordra stemmen til Morrissey og jeg synes heller ikke musikken til bandet er noe særlig, men det var noe her og der som var annerledes enn det jeg forventer av The Smiths på en positiv måte. Svak 3'er.
I e faktisk ganske glad i the smiths. Men den her skiva skjønner i ikke at e her. E helt mid på sitt beste. Dørgenes kjedelig på sitt værste
The Smiths e en av de mest oppskrytte bandene i musikkhistorien. Girlfriend in a coma trekke opp her.
Dølt og kjedelig. 2.5/5
En av mine favoritt-Smiths. Min absolutte favorittlåt er på denne plata, Stop me if you think youve heard this one before. Også har de den på VT og har derfor blitt den plata deres jeg har hørt aller mest, haha.
Sprikende både musikalsk og lyrisk, men veldig mye bra og unikt.
I understand that people do not like Morrissey as a person, but his musical talents can't be ignored. This is a great band & I've been listening to this album all day. I know they're new wave, but they're also shoegaze, right? Maybe not. Either way, I like it.
It's good at the beginning but then it becomes boring
Overrated
pleasant
melhor opening deles, singles levemente fracos mas ainda é um álbum consistente
fuck morisey
This was not their best work. I feel like I had heard better versions of these songs from them earlier in their discography. Bummer! 5/10
Nothing very noteworhty, strummy guitar that kind of reminds me of summer. A lot of weird growls in the beginning.
Better than I thought it’d be. I was really, really ready to hate this album. Morrissey's voice is good. Marr's guitar is good, sometimes great. It jangles and I hate jangly pop but for some reason it works here. Glad I listened to it, probably wouldn't come back to it. There's nothing nearly as good as How Soon Is Now on it, but it's decent. I can't say I hate The Smiths.
Rating: 4.6/5 Short Review: A dramatic, slightly surreal farewell that pushes The Smiths beyond their jangly comfort zone. It’s lush, strange, and emotionally theatrical in a way that feels both triumphant and exhausted. Favorite Track: Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me. The long, haunting intro builds unbearable tension, and when Morrissey finally enters it lands like a quiet emotional collapse.
As close to a 5 as you can get without getting one. A few songs towards the end are a bit weaker but the run of first 6 are excellent. Girlfriend in a Coma was always my favourite The Smiths song when I was younger.
Woulda been a 5 if it ended at unhappy birthday
More of a 3.5 really Least favourite of the smiths albums
You know, His lyrics make it obvious of his unwokery. Get over it. He didnt kill anyone. Despite his many mentions of it. *worried look* Great album. Does lag a little at the end mind
Decent. Can’t go wrong with the smiths
Given their universal acclaim I'm embarrassed to say this is the first Smith's album I've listened to go to woah (singles compilations notwithstanding). Shocker - it's really good. Remarkably ahead of the game for an album released in '87, a lot of it sounds like it could be released today. Smiths, Pixies and REM really were the Ur Indie bands of the late 80s hey. This didn't hit me as a masterpiece of a album, but a collection of very good to very very good songs. Bring on the next one, I'm sure there are more on here.
Being a big fan of Depeche Mode, I'm not sure how I've never heard of The Smiths. It's a more acoustic vibe, but they're very similar styles otherwise. Looking forward to their other albums on this list
Sure. It’s the smiths so it’s good. Not spectacular
Morrissey sounds like Greg Gonzalez (or vice versa) but Morrissey's growling is very off-putting.
I have this album and do go back to it a lot.
The Smiths’ most experimental and strangest (sorry) record. But every twist on the formula works. The harpsichord, some synths, different song structures, some simpler guitar work, etc., doesn’t take away from the incredible melodies and songwriting. Moz is still mopey and funny. A band for the ages, and a worthy send off to their run of excellence.
I gave this record 3 listens. The first time around it seemed it might've been my favorite Smiths album. During the second background listen, I could admire the musical maturity. Then for that third dedicated listen I gave way too much attention to the lyrics and we stepped back down a few notches. Morrissey ruins this for me, again. It's not a terrible listen. Just not something I'm going to listen to on purpose. 2.8/5
So morrissey was a genius once. I came prepared to hate this but I loved it.
no soy tan fan de los smiths, pero la verdad, es un buen disco, ningun tema no me gusto. perooo nada del otro mundo. lo puedo escuchar perfectamente, no me genera nada muy especial (estuve distraida, debo admitir)
Honestly, quite boring. I adore the Queen is Dead but this was much more maudlin album that lacked any standout catchy singles.
love the smith’s but this one has some forgettable songs and some faves!
4.5 stars, cool
Really liked the album, I am not familiar with much smiths music but enjoyed it
Another impressive Smiths album. I remember I'd never heard much of them until Perks of Being a Wallflower and thought they seemed pretentious... Once I got over that I've enjoyed pretty much all of their music.
3. The Smiths - Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) Вывод: Исповедь человека, который твёрдо стоит на своих принципах, но внутри - сплошное смятение, неуверенность и одиночество: последовательное разрушение позы моралиста. Этот альбом один из самых любимых у The Smiths - Он последний и как мне кажется, наиболее критикующий Моррисси в своём репертуаре, человек в себе, оторванный от общества, этакий супер честный человек с гражданской позицией Роберт Смит не очень любил, а Моррисси и про политику говорил, и веганом стал ('Meat is Murder' лучшая агитка: никого не убеждает, но музыка шедевр) Strangeways, Here We Come действительно ощущается как прощальное заявление группы Альбом начинается с песни, где есть частично стихи матери Оскара Уайльда и имеет политический республиканский оттенок: призыв к республиканскому восстанию против английской власти в Ирландии. Моррисси вбросил это в 1987-м, когда Тэтчер ещё правила, и всё звучит как тихий, но ядовитый плевок в сторону монархии и империи. В песне нет гитар, только фортепиано и оркестровая аранжировка, что нетипично для звучания группы И начинается он с неё не зря: Моррисси мастер говорить красиво, как-то непривычно просто и метафорично о важных, комплексных вещах и о более насущном-бытовом с небывалым пафосом Не без доли иронии, все время кажется что он то ли шутит, то ли просто существует в позиции 'я знаю лучше всех как поступить' Это его рассуждения о своих 'странных путях' жить, но быть счастливым в этом Весь альбом есть лейтмотив искренного недовольства и высказывания, с необычным подходам к образам, через лёгкий абсурд ('Girlfriend in Coma') и например гротеску и искренности ('Unhappy Birthday') Критиковал он как компании, так и пел о своих личных делах Альбом можно поделить на части и проследить развитие героя У Моррисси здесь три основных режима: 1️⃣ ироничный моралист 2️⃣ сатирик общества 3️⃣ уязвимый одиночка Его публичная персона всегда строилась на моральной уверенности, интеллектуальном превосходстве и эмоциональной изоляции В этом альбоме впервые становится ясно, что эта поза всего лишь защитный механизм. Изначально он был тверд, наполнен ненавистью даже, говорил 'да, я знаю что в беде, но я должен быть сильным' и эта сила же привела к трагичной ('I Dreamt last night somebody loves me') и раскрывает его как неуверенного в себе человека Он уверен в своих убеждениях, гражданской позиции, но внутри у него смятение и дрожь от всего происходящего ('Stop if you think you head it before') 'Paint a Vulgar Picture' - критика музыкальной индустрии 'Death of a Disco Dancer' - аллюзия на социальную жестокость и наживании на смерти артистов И об этом ещё Pink Floyd давно-давно пели в «The Wall» и 'Wish you were here' Обложка показывает актера Ричарда Давалоса из фильма 'К востоку от рая' с такой кисло ироничной ухмылкой, в раздумьях и пустом пространстве Там изначально на фото известный Джеймс Дин Сюжет фильма перекликается с темой альбома: Молодой парень Кэл пытается найти место в жизни и завоевать любовь своего набожного отца Адама, которого больше заботит судьба его старшего сына Арона. Сюжет представляет собой современную версию истории Каина и Авеля Перекликается с самим Моррисси - вечный изгой, который пытается завоевать одобрение, но получает только пустоту и ироничную ухмылку Герой обложки знает больше, но никому ничего больше не скажет
A very recognizable sound
yippie fav song: I Started Something I Couldn't Finish
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unfortunately a classic
The upbeat sparkly guitar and drums stand in direct contrast to the somber and cleverly acerbic vocals, in this indie rock album. This album feels like a well written 80s daytime television theme that is hiding, in plain sight, a venomous hate letter addressed to everyone. Two big hits on this album "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "Stop me if you think you've heard this one before." It is easy to see why this was a hit with the cool kids of the late 80s. Its funny, sneering and gives you adequate opportunity to stare at your shoes and wonder why everyone else has it so much easier than you do. (2.899)
Meh. It turns out I don’t like the Smiths too much
This was a better album than previous Smiths albums I’ve heard.
Solid smiths album, nothing crazy
not bad
agradable al oido, desconocía de la importancia de The smiths en los 80s
One time my parents overheard me listening to the Smiths and went "what are you listening to? it's so strange". And that's what it is — very strange, uncomfortable yet calm, ugly yet pretty. The Smiths are a unique band, and the album is pure pleasure as always. Morrissey is as theatrical as ever. 10 Dorian Grays out of 10. Now I need to listen to it for a month non-stop, just as it was with their previous albums.
i’d heard this album before. this has historically been my least favorite smiths album. it’s not horrible, it’s just against heavy competition. queen is dead is one of my favorite albums of the 80s. fuck unhappy birthday, that song sucks. stop me if you think you’ve heard this one before is a new favorite. really liked it this listen. johnny marr rightfully gets a lot of credit but shout out andy rourke and mike joyce. godtier rhythm section. paint a vulgar picture is dreadful. yeah on this listen, this album was pretty rough. some standout tracks for sure, but a lot of dredge. i liked death of a disco dancer, stop me if.. and the rest are either fine or shit.
Phenomenal album all around
you can really see the cracks forming but oh what a swan song
Enjoyed parts of this album but some songs left a little to be desired.
I'm not keen on Morrisey's voice. Gave up halfway through.
I just can't stand his voice, couldn't get through a whole song. Plus Morrissey is a bit of a cunt. 0/10 songs liked
One of my friends, favorite group, never did get it, though, when your best song is girlfriend in a coma that should be enough
I’ll never not laugh my ass off at the song Girlfriend in a Coma. I will also never be able to take Morrissey seriously no matter how many sadboy songs he sings/pens.
Yes, Morrissey is a miserable twat with questionable politics, but Johnny Marr is an amazingly influential guitarist and this is a fine collection of songs. A shame they couldn’t make the magic last longer, but there you go. 4/5
Okay, not bad
es como si Ian Brown y Johnny marr hubieran tenido un hijo. Una delicia
death of a disco dancer es ahora de mis canciones favoritas, ese pianito ????
Wow I love this album a lot more than I remember!! Death is a huuuge theme across this and it really jumped out to me today more than it did when I was younger and a more frequent and avid Smiths listener!! Paint a Vulgar Picture might lyrically be one of my favourite songs ever 4.75/5
Don’t feel particularly strong about this either way. It’s decent
The king of putting dismal lyrics in an upbeat package. 3
The swansong of one of my favorite bands of all time. Beautiful, haunting, sad, funny. ¨I Won't Share You¨ may be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I adore this album, The Smiths and the way it was there for me when I needed it the most.
This album just sounds like every other The Smiths album. It’s lowkey giving immature and petty with some of the songs. I think it’s funny how some of the songs with the worst intentions are the ones with the most joyful and lighthearted tunes.
Good Album! Not my favorites from the Smiths, but unmistakably them in terms of lyricism and melody. Very Smiths-esque. My favorite is still I Won't Share You- haunting last song from the band, isn't it?
Better than just him solo
Great instrumental and good vibes overall. Morissey just pisses me off sometimes.
nice album, good grooves and variety
The least of the Smiths is still amazing.
Stupid, stupid songs
I just don't care. instrumentally, this is serviceable indie pop rock with a post-punk flair, including some extra bells and whistles not featured as much on previous Smiths albums like strings and synths and auxiliary percussion. but, like with all Smiths albums, I'm so damn bored while listening. even with the minor switch-ups in instrumentation and production, the band insists on writing the exact same songs, over and over and over again; you could count the various kinds of Smiths songs on one hand and probably not even use all your fingers. Morrissey sounds like he has a frog in his throat, and I'm very much dreading having to listen to his voice for two more Smiths albums and four of his solo albums. I will never understand what makes this band one of the greatest in history to so many people. snoozefest from front to back. strong 4/10.
I've owned this album for more than twenty years and never gave it a real listen. While Morrissey's vocals aren't my favorite thing, I also don't hate them. I really dig the instrumentation here. Girlfriend in a Coma and Death of a Disco Dancer are the standouts for me but the album as a whole is great.
Enjoyable to listen to, i might just add it to a playlist or two
Really made me sleepy thinking something good might come on...
Anywhere from forgettable to irritating, depending on my swinging mood. Get out of my face.
not bad but not my style.
Nope
Didn't really like it - yet again, I didn't really like any of Morrissey's albums too, so it makes sense.
It's funny that I don't particularly like Morrisey, but I dig The Smiths. I do know this is not an uncommon opinion. This is however not my most favorite of their albums.
The way I heard it, Jonny Marr said "Girlfriend In a Comma was the prettiest song I'd ever written and Morrissey put more of his fucked up lyrics to it and I just couldn't take it anymore." And that was the end of an amazing run. Jesus, tension between creative perspectives produces the best art. Exhibit A - every Smith's albums is brilliant, and nothing either of them did after is worth remembering.
omg it is so cool i really LOVE IT
I don't like it
I LOVE THE SMITHS what? I said I love the smiths -What summer said Anyway I actually enjoyed it as well
how do you make such sad sorrowful music so epic? beautiful contradictions. Truly their best work.
Not super familiar with the Smiths. I lump them into bands like the cure and Depeche Mode, although quite popular they were never my style of music. 2.5 stars
I don’t know why but I couldn’t quite understand The Smiths when I was in high school. I was recommended the self titled and The Queen Is Dead for years, but never thought much besides a few notable tracks. Perhaps their slow, melancholic mood put me off at ironically a time I would have appreciated it. Good thing I still feel these things because for the first time ever, I completely understand a Smiths record on first listen. Unexpectedly, it’s from their last and least-known record released after the band’s breakup. It seems that just about every Smiths release in their tenure is recognized strongly besides Strangeways. From my perception, it was one last footnote on the band’s career that most fans disregard. Yet it’s on this list and that has to mean that it has some firepower. Indeed, it’s no Mardi Gras or Squeeze. Strangeways starts off strong and ends strong with signs of growth within the band’s trademark sound. This is still a Smiths record, but now it’s in a different color/flavor. The songs are still catchy with desperation and yearning yet I felt like it wasn’t too familiar. That was refreshing to hear from The Smiths. I never thought the key to getting the Smiths was going to be from this record because if this is the “worst” they got, then the rest should make more sense now. Morrissey still sucks though (8/10, 4/5 on this scale)
Alr listened. Next better be something new
Fantastic album, loved the variety and guitar riffs. I never seem to get tired of listening to these genres either. Will definitely listen to again.
Stop me oh oh oh, stop meee Love this jingle. Always. Never actually listened to the whole album! It's ok.. more whiney British boys.
When I was at Uni all the cool kids seemed to be fanatical about The Smiths . I genuinely wondered (and still do) if part of this attraction was to enable a bit of public snobbery over their friends mainstream music. Whilst I cant be sure of this theory, I can be sure that Im still not cool enough to "get it"
This was great "long walk at the mall" music. Plus, it had the added bonus of having "Girlfriend In A Coma" which, of course became the best song ever when recorded by Mojo Nixon (RIP).
Conflicted about this one. I grew up with The Smiths. Morrissey articulated the feelings of the socially awkward young man so well, it was hard to believe that he was actually a flag-shagging friend of the skinheads - the vile idiots who would chase us down the streets and give us a good kicking if they caught us just because we were different to them. There had been clues - the "Reggae is vile" comment, for example, but hey, perhaps Morrissey just didn't like reggae. Fair enough, the music had been commandeered by the likes of Sting, who was clearly not one of us...it didn't mean Morrissey was racist. And when he urged us to "Hang the DJ", we took that to mean Radio 1 daytime DJs, the gatekeepers of popular music at the time. And let's face it, 80s chart music was, and still is, some of the worst music ever made, so fair dos. Every time he said something slightly dodgy in an NME interview, we gave him the benefit of the doubt as Morrissey understood us. Surely he was just being contrary? I've given other right-wing morons one star just because of their views, but The Smiths meant so much to me and my generation, I'm judging their albums on musical merit. Yep, I'm still a delicate boy/man, but it appears I'm also a hypocrite. I'd rank this as their third best proper LP, behind The Queen Is Dead and the self-titled debut (which isn't on this list, astonishingly, despite its massive impact on my generation). It's overly-maudlin in parts and it was probably the right time for them to split. Even so, five stars for the feelings of inclusion that The Smiths gave to me and other painfully shy young white boys at the time. With sincere apologies to my non-white friends. I'll rip into the racist twat when one of his solo albums turns up...
I'm just not impressed
The closing track here has the most Morrissey line ever: “Has the Perrier gone straight to my head or is life sick and cruel instead?” Oh come of it dude. This was I think the first time I’ve listened to this one, so I’m glad it’s on the list. Like the other Smith records I mostly like it in spite of Morrissey. Johnny Marr shines again, but it still hard for me to totally get past Morrissey’s Morrisseyism, and the songs aren’t quite as strong as The Queen Is Dead.
insanely recognizable style but cant name a single song of theirs lol
Liked the latter half quite a bit
Not their best.
Ok, relaxing album that was pleasent to listen to but not really that interesting.
All the songs sort of melted into one, but I still liked it
It opens with something that sounds like Tin Pan Alley by way of Robert Smith -- neither being a compliment for a rock band. The rest of the record sounds like someone gave U2 too many Quaaludes. Johnny Marr is a guitarist who has produced one very interesting sound ('How Soon Is Now') and been otherwise serviceable. Morrissey is a crooner stranded in the wrong decade, in the wrong band, and more famous for being a handsome vegan than for being good at music. 'Death of a Disco Dancer' has some good sounds and a very sleepy groove but it's weighed down by the fight against sleep and by Morrissey being shit. 'Girlfriend in a Coma' has a good intro and then the singing starts and the band slinks back to chimey bullshit to, for some reason, make space for their singer -- and then there are strings, for some reason. Same story with 'Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One'. 'Unhappy Birthday' is just a parody of a Smiths song that they recorded as a lark and I won't be convinced otherwise. The Smiths are just like Marmite, in that they seem a bit like an elaborate joke that the Brits are playing on the rest of the world by pretending adoration. Except that I like Marmite.
Love the Smiths. Very 80s, very smooth.
I'm tired of this grandpa! There's a certain amount of The Smiths I can deal with, and I've reached my limit today
I love the early smiths, quite a bit actually. More than I'd probably let on. I don't like this at all. The only song on here I like (love actually) is last night I dreamt that somebody loved me. The rest varies between complete shit and boring. Don't get people who love this record.
So this is who the Smiths are, I had heard of them, but wasn't sure if I ever "Heard" them.
some ok tunes, not a fan of the vocals though
I've always thought this is their weakest, but it's really a very capable collection of songs, albeit missing the highest highs of their other studio albums Hatful of Hollow erasure unacceptable on the list btw
I actually enjoyed this. I wouldn’t usally sit and listen to an album by the Smiths but I really liked this one!
Not as iconic as The Queen Is Dead, and it loses its way a little towards the end ( tho I won't share you more than steadies the ship), but still a pretty easy five stars from me.
2/5
It's the Smiths so it's great but this album certainly has less bangers than something like meat is Murder or The Queen is Dead so it's not quite 5 star territory
There was nothing of note for me, definitely not an album that I needed to hear. 2 stars
Cover lowkey looks like speed trying not to laugh. Pretty good although Morrissey pisses me off sometimes, some slightly goofy songs here and there. Death of a Disco Dancer sounds like early Radiohead. Fav song: Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before
First song was awesome, then I heard the classic 70s rock guitar and I winced a little. But they made real good use of it, and it worked almost like a bassline. That brings me to the point that the instruments are awesome. But I really don't think his voice quite does it for me. Which sucks because that's like their thing. I kinda see him switch between a handful of voices and after I've heard it for the first time it immediately wears off for me. But outside of that, cool band, fun album, maybe I take them too seriously. It'd be an awesome album to put on a record or cd and passively listen to throughout the day. But when doing critical listening, I can say this album gets a tad redundant at times. If I could I'd give it a 3.5, but I'm leaning harder to a 3. Also, "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me." was an incredible song.
boring, i hate the smiths
Not a bad album. Shame Morrisey is such a jerk.
The Queen is Dead is the second album that I bought with my own money back in the 80s. Obviously I listened to it to death (on a double decker bus lol) back then, and I recall not liking Strangeways when it came out. I'm pleasantly surprised and loathe to admit that this album is better than The Queen is Dead. More variation in songwriting / structure / tonality. It's unfortunate that Morrisey grew up to be a nazi tosser.
Pretty mid. Late 80s, what do you expect. Idk wasn’t repulsive. Wasn’t something I’d go back to. Honestly today anything is better than my overplayed algorithm so that’s maybe closing my judgement
Not for me. Pretty forgettable but not terrible.
I liked this, but not my favorite of theirs. Worth a revisit at some point. 3.5/5
I was surprised to see this one on the list. Bought the cassette when it came out, but never quite liked it as much as the previous album The Queen Is Dead. Revisiting it this many years later I was surprised how much I liked it with its expansion of instrumentation and songwriting. A great way for the band to go out. Morrissey’s self loathing, mopey and at times cheeky singing is on full display, which gets tiresome as usual. But the rest of the band are really firing on all cylinders, especially Johnny Marr who is just a badass.
Didn’t hate this. Just don’t have much more to say about these guys at this point
Maybe this is an acquired taste. It was fine. Just didn’t love it. Going 2.75 with points deducted for death of a disco dancer…I almost bailed out of the whole thing with that song.
Maybe half-listening is the best way for me to listen to The Smiths or Morrissey. I thought this was fine for a sniffle and a boy-cry. 2.75/5
The music is great, as always, but Morrissey's everybody-hates-me-and-I'm-more-depressed-than-you shtick gets old quicker every time I listen to him.
My thoughts remain the same as with the previous Smiths album we had to listen to.
- smits on tuttu mutta en tiiä oonko tältä levyltä kuullu yhtäkää biisiä - kyllähän tää smitsiltä kuulostaa mut sit taas nää kuulostaa liikaa smitsiltä, vaikuttais siltä että smits itsessään ei mua napostele mutta smitsin parhaat biisit toimii - taidan pysyä niissä parhaissa biiseissä
цропрвр7/10
muy muy bien, a needed album
Strangeways, Here We Come feels like a band quietly realising the end is already in motion and choosing to respond with clarity rather than drama. There is a looseness and warmth here that sets it apart from earlier records, less bitterness, more reflection, without losing the sharp emotional core that defines The Smiths. It sounds like a group at ease with itself, even as everything around it is coming apart. What makes it so powerful is how balanced it is. The songs are melodic and open, with Johnny Marr’s playing feeling especially fluid and generous, while Morrissey’s lyrics lean more toward resignation than complaint. Tracks like “I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish” and “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” capture both movement and stillness, energy and ache, without tipping into self parody. There is a maturity here that feels earned rather than softened. By the time it ends, Strangeways, Here We Come feels complete in a way that few final albums do. There is no sense of scrambling for a statement or clinging to past glories. Instead, it leaves behind a quiet confidence and emotional honesty that lingers long after the last notes fade.
Girlfriend in a coma is probably my favorite smiths song and the rest of the album was not disappointing
For The Smiths, it's flat and short.
Really happy the growling stops after the first two songs. Decent 80s emo shit.
i believe i've listened to this one before, but it didn't leave a big mark on me. hearing it again there's a lot to like. the baseline for the album is pretty cool and fun to listen to (there's not *really* any standout skips), but i think it's missing some absolute bangers to really bring it together. the opener is great, and Death of a Disco Dancer is very dope. soft 4
Rating: 7/10 A great Smiths album, Strangeways has a lot of dense and layered instrumentation which is probably my favorite aspect of it. Would have been interesting where they had gone from here. I honestly don't know how I would rank their 4 albums and might just prefer to have a best songs list. Tracks 1-6 is a really great run but I like Death of a Disco Dancer and Last Night I Dreamt best.
⚠️Biased review alert, prob in my top 3⚠️ Strong creative vision, varying style and awesome tone shifts that are either wack ass fun or total creative curveballs. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me is fuckin legendary both as a standalone song, and especially as it fits into the album. I'm also a sucker from the "chill decompress as the last song" trope. Overall just great 9.5/10
It's not my favorite Smiths album, but it certainly scratches an itch.
Not for me
Me ha molado bastante Pero no merece más de un 3
Pues muy bien
Unhappy birthday... I was not expecting that!
Maybe my fav Smiths? Hard to say. But this one is lovely.
Pure vibes
Despite everything I still really fuck with The Smiths
Nice recording quality
Overrated
Slay
I liked it but idk if there was anything groundbreaking
sure, that's fun. a bit staid for my tastes, but it's well arranged, varied in composition, and with some compelling vocal work.
Morrisy
so cool so sad so twinkle
Not too bad
The distinctive sound of The Smiths. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it. The lyric “I’ve come to wish you an unhappy birthday, cause you’re evil…” did make me chuckle.
381/1089 - I think "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "How Soon is Now?" are the only Smiths songs I like. I wish Morrissey knew how to sing more than 3 notes.
It's become an annual tradition of mine to try to get into The Smiths. I have listened to most of their stuff and outside of few songs it just doesn't click for me. They seem to be a one-trick pony that can reach higher grounds whenever the stars align and all band members are engaged in creating a tune. In this album we have two standouts and fortunately they are back to back. The first one is "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" which is the result of the aforementioned star alignment. The other one is the track that follows - "Unhappy Birthday" which is genuinely amusing. I can't for the life of me remember anything else and for the record, No, I stll don't like The Smiths. I guess we will try again next year.
How are the Smiths so bad?
Not really my thing but not bad
Nah dog, this ain't it.
pretty good
As with the other Smiths albums here, music and lyrics are ok, but not Morissey, albeit his voice isn't as bad as on the other records.
it was alright idk dawg
Maybe the best Smiths album I’ve heard, but I probably should listen to the Queen is Dead again. I'm not nearly Goth enough to really enjoy it, but it's not bad.
It’s their distinct sound which I can only handle for so long. Great album though, it really is its own thing.
It's tough to rate this one for the following couple of reasons: At some point in my late teens I got really into The Smiths for the same reasons a lot of people around that age get into The Smiths, because they're easy to identify with when you're in that morose, awkward, and insecure stage of life where nothing makes that much sense, you're not sure of yourself and your ability to love or be loved. And then I grew up a bit, things ended up working out more or less okay, and now I can't help but feel sharp pangs of embarrassment when I think about how much I once felt this music. The second reason is that Morrissey is a total dick. That doesn't need any explanation. On the other hand, and I don't want to underplay Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke here, but Johnny Marr is a sublime guitarist. I never understood where his style came from, and with time I've come to think of him as an electric descendent of folk virtuosos like Davey Graham and Bert Jansch, but his sound and style is wholly singular and his playing on this record, as it is on all The Smiths records, is excellent. The Smiths are one of those bands where each member is irreplaceable but sometimes you wish they were an instrumental three piece.
such a good album !!!! Hits all the marks and we’re jamming! Probably one of my favorite bands can’t go wrong for me
I like this more that the Morrisey solo project even though the connection is clears. Certain tracks seem to predict the solo sound, but there is so much more variety here that makes the whole album a lot more listenable.
Du lourd
i feel like i can't tell if i like this or not, at times i thought it was quite good and other times i was annoyed by his voice and the repetition
cause youre evil and you lie
This is a hard one for me to review. Musically, I enjoyed it. Some dark themes, "Girlfriend in a Coma" has left me with mixed feelings for sure. I do like the use of the song in the Black Mirror episode San Junipero though. The Smiths also make me think of the main character in The Perks of Being a Wallflower which is a whole other conversation. I enjoyed the album but it sounds like the main singer is a now a far-right conservative piece of work. Hedging my rating and putting it in the middle at 3/5 stars.
The unique sound of The Smiths! Enjoyed the album.
I was always an '80s hater. And a Morrissey hater. He just always seemed so whiny. I saw him at a festival and he refused to play until every vendor quit serving meat. The worst type of person. That being said, the '80s have been growing on me lately and this album wasn't as much of a depressing slog as I thought it would be. Death of a Disco Dancer in particular I really enjoyed. Can't bring myself to go above a 3 though.
I liked this album, definitely not my favorite album by The Smiths, but pretty solid nonetheless.
Fav tracks: I started something I couldn’t finish, death of a disco dancer, paint a vulgar picture Unfortunately this is a beautiful album. Every song is full of whimsy and melancholy
Lovely album, at the end of their time, not to play any of these live as The Smiths, I just read Mike Joyce’s’ book “The Drums”, he said this is his favourite album.
Man sings like he’s shitting and coming at the same time and demands you be proud of him for it.
No real standouts, but all pretty good songs. Faves: A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours, Girlfriend in a Coma, Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me
Always love a smiths album! This one is not the absolute best, but still solid.
This is the Smiths I’ve been waiting for. After listening to a few record I didn’t get the hype and Morrissey’s voice was more annoying than anything else. This album was different. Loved his voice, loved the more mellower songs and loved Jonny Marr of the string as per
I wanted to like this one so much. I feel like in so many shows and movies, all the "cool girls" love The Smiths. I didn't really like this one at all. I liked one song and it was just the lyrics I enjoyed. Favorite Song: Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me - I enjoyed the lyrics of this song.
Idk ive always thought the smiths were a little overated, this is a pretty good album tho. 6.7/10
Very good but Norristown Morrissey is a cunt.
Somehow the first Smiths album in almost 700 days. It's good, not that great but good. It doesn't really have any of my favorite Smiths songs on it but it's an overall good album nonetheless. It's just the Smiths but more of it, really. Unhappy birthday is a fun song.
Not terrible but I didn't love it. Girlfriend in a Coma is a classic for this band/genre but the overall mood of the record is too sad for me.
I prefer Morrissey's solo work, but this isn't bad. Calling a song "Unhappy Birthday" is much funnier than the band probably intended, but that just makes it even funnier. I feel like this album just gets drowned in a sea of 80s albums that sound exactly like it. Past that, I don't have a lot to say. It's certainly an 80s album.
It all feels very much the same
When Morrissey was good
I liked this one more than The Queen Is Dead, which is generally more critically acclaimed - the guitar and piano hit a little more for me, and even Morrissey's voice was less annoying. I still don't think these guys are gonna enter my rotation any time soon, though.
If I open the album generator and see “new wave” and “post punk” next to each other in in the genres one more time I’m gonna lose my mind