The Smiths Albums: Ranking & Deep Dive | Discover Now!

23 May, 2025

Could a band, existing for a mere four years, truly redefine the landscape of British rock and leave an indelible mark on music history? The Smiths, a band whose influence continues to resonate decades after their demise, undoubtedly achieved this feat.

Formed in Manchester in 1982, The Smiths Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass), and Mike Joyce (drums) swiftly ascended from the vibrant post-punk scene, forging a sound that was both melancholic and invigorating. Their lyrics, penned primarily by Morrissey, were poetic, witty, and often deeply personal, exploring themes of alienation, longing, and the complexities of human relationships. Marrs distinctive guitar riffs, a blend of jangly melodies and driving rhythms, provided the perfect sonic backdrop for Morrissey's distinctive vocal delivery, creating a sound that was instantly recognizable and utterly captivating.

Their impact transcended mere chart success; The Smiths became a cultural phenomenon. Their music soundtracked the lives of a generation, and their aesthetic Morrissey's sartorial elegance, the band's stark album covers became iconic. While they released only four studio albums during their active years, each one is a testament to their artistic brilliance. Decades later, The Smiths' music continues to inspire new listeners and influence contemporary artists.

Band Name	The Smiths
Origin	Manchester, England
Years Active	1982 1987
Genres	Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Punk
Band Members	Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass), Mike Joyce (drums)
Key Albums	The Smiths (1984), Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986), Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)
Noteworthy Song	"How Soon Is Now?"
Influenced Artists	Countless artists across multiple genres
Website (Reference)	AllMusic

The band's discography, though concise, is a masterclass in songwriting. The Smiths, their self-titled debut released in 1984, immediately established their distinctive sound. The album's raw energy and lyrical directness, with tracks like "This Charming Man" and "Hand in Glove," served as the perfect introduction to the band's world. This debut album is where the band introduced their unique sound that defined the band's style and themes.

Their second album, Meat Is Murder, released in 1985, showed a darker, more politically charged side to the band. The album's intensity, particularly on the title track, demonstrated the Smiths' willingness to confront difficult issues, with many considering it amongst the best albums for many groups.

The subsequent album, The Queen Is Dead (1986), often hailed as their magnum opus, is a quintessential showcase of their brilliance. With songs like "The Queen Is Dead", "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out", and "Bigmouth Strikes Again", the album is considered the best by many fans and critics. This album also features the iconic album cover designed by Morrissey.

The final studio album, Strangeways, Here We Come, released in 1987, before the band split up in 1987, saw the band experimenting with different sounds and structures, but still maintained their distinctive quality. It was a fitting farewell to a band that had redefined British rock. It also features the album cover that showcases the photo of actress Alexandra Bastedo.

Compilations, such as Hatful of Hollow, The World Won't Listen, and Louder Than Bombs, further enriched the Smiths' legacy. Hatful of Hollow is an additional release that featured early singles and BBC session recordings, while Louder Than Bombs is a double album containing B-sides and tracks not included on the original studio albums. These compilations showcased the breadth and depth of their songwriting.

Ranking The Smiths' albums is a subjective exercise, given the consistent quality throughout their discography. Each album holds its own merits, contributing to the band's overall artistic vision. The arguments for which album is "best" are as varied as the band's fanbase, and there's an equal argument for each of them. With nearly every song in their catalogue rated 5 stars, the album ranking is pretty much a tossup.

Here's a possible ranking from worst to best. However, it is essential to emphasize that "worst" in this context doesn't equate to "bad." It's simply a reflection of personal preference within a discography of exceptional work:

4. The Smiths (1984): The debut album established their sound and set the tone for their career, the raw energy of the album can't be denied.

3. Meat Is Murder (1985): A more aggressive and politically charged album that demonstrated the band's range.

2. Strangeways, Here We Come (1987): A bold and experimental album that showcased their willingness to evolve, and fitting farewell for the band, with more polished versions.

1. The Queen Is Dead (1986): Widely regarded as their masterpiece, this album is where everything came together for the band. The songs here are nothing short of brilliant.

Some fans might place Hatful of Hollow in last place because they like the more polished versions that appear on the Smiths' studio albums a bit better. Another perspective suggests Louder Than Bombs wins by virtue of the sheer volume of killer Smiths songs in the form of a double album. The album featured many killer songs of the band.

The legacy of The Smiths extends far beyond their recorded output. The band's influence can be heard in countless indie and alternative bands. Their music remains relevant because of the universal themes they addressed. Their lyrics, and the overall aesthetic of the band. The band may have existed for a short period, but The Smiths created a lasting impact.

The band's music, characterized by Morrissey's introspective and often melancholic lyrics, combined with Marr's innovative guitar work, continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. The fact that their music remains relevant after all these years is a testament to their enduring artistic vision. They truly stood the test of time.

The Smiths' story, like their music, is complex. They never attempted to play "Well I Wonder" live. The band released several singles, like the "Please Keep Me in Mind". The band was a product of the mid-80s, a time of social and political unrest in the UK. The band managed to capture that in their music. Their music captured the zeitgeist of a generation, creating a soundtrack for their lives.

Even if you are new to The Smiths, listening to their music is a captivating journey that will leave a lasting impact. It's a journey through the emotions of a generation. A journey that's still unfolding today.

Though the band has dissolved, their music still echoes through time. The Smiths' legacy remains, solidifying their status as one of the most beloved bands in British rock history. They are a testament to the power of music.

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