Although "The Headmaster Ritual" was my introduction to The Smiths, I had been wary towards the Meat Is Murder album for the longest time. For me, it was The Smiths's weakest work. It lacked the warmth and poppiness of their debut, the prominence of "The Queen Is Dead," and the melancholy beauty of "Strangeways, Here We Come." In addition, the album ends on a dreadful note with Morrissey guilt-tripping the listener into veganism while sad animal noises backed his wooing (I still hate that song.) Recently, I have decided to give Meat Is Murder a second chance, mainly because I have exhausted The Smiths's discography. I will admit that I was wrongfully judgmental to the album: The album begins with "The Headmaster Ritual," a satirical song deprecating the British education system. It is cleverly witty and relatable to all those who are victims of oppression. The beginning segment of "Rusholme Ruffians" eerily reminds me of My Chemical Romance's "Mama.." Perhaps they drew inspiration from The Smiths for their album The Black Parade? The whole album has great narration but "..Ruffians" is particularly remarkable. "I Want The One I Can't Have" is my favourite Smiths song because I do indeed want the one I can't have. It is perhaps the most distressing Smiths song. In addition to being melodious and poppy, I can 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 Morrissey's desperation on a spiritual level as he cries "If you ever need self-validation, just meet me in the alley by the railway station!" His sexual frustration is astronomical: The theme of sexuality is explored later on in his solo work. For most of my time as a Smiths fan, I discarded the following songs. However, "The Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" and "Well I Wonder" are too devastatingly beautiful songs. The latter poses a question most people will ask in their lifetime: Do you hear me when you sleep? The inquiry is followed by the silent plea: "Please keep me in mind." By now, I have gone through all five stages of grief. Then of course, there's the song "Barbarianism Begins At Home," which is about abuse. It is upbeat but furious: A fantastic song, albeit Morrissey's "barking," which is unapologetically cringe. I cannot see myself listening to "Barbarianism.." on a regular basis though. Most—if not all—the album is too dark for my liking, especially "Meat Is Murder," which is almost sickening to listen to. Nonetheless, Meat Is Murder is still a great album: Definitely darker than its predecessor, as it is filled to the brim will raw anguish and quiet desperation. The album is a true work of art.