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THE REVIEW
The Smiths were formed in 1982 with Steven Patrick Morrissey (who will from now on be known solely by his last name), John Maher (who renamed himself Marr to avoid confusion with the Buzzcocks' namesake), Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce.
From their first steps, the band distanced itself from the clamors of the rock-business and charted an original path on the English scene; the anonymous name (Smith is indeed the most common surname in Great Britain), the elusive image of the musicians, and the dreamlike vagueness of the songs underline their desire to move against the current.
After the debut "The Smiths" (1984), the anthology with unpublished tracks "Hatful Of Hollow," and "Meat is Murder" (1985), "The Queen Is Dead" arrived in 1986, through which our Smiths consolidated their fame, pairing such a strong title, explosive declarations ("...the only way to save England is to kill Margaret Thatcher...") with an increasingly ethereal and nuanced music that presents itself as a paradoxical bubble for listening.
Rightly considered by many as the album of consecration, it houses some gems including "I Know It's Over," a poignant ballad with Morrissey's melancholic voice, "Bigmouth Strikes Again" with its driving rhythm, the sublime beauty of "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side," and the whimsical miniature of "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others," these are the most famous tracks of the moment; the rhythm section appears tighter and fuller (with the exception of some moments).
It is evident that this work, more than others, encompasses a pronounced sense of humor both in the lyrics and in Morrissey's attitude, increasingly a leader.
The Queen Is Dead also embodies the representation of the band being increasingly engaged in that "socialist" rock, which would lead them to partake in many political initiatives of the time.
In short, a great album, both for what it represented in terms of content and musically.
Absolutely a must-have in one's private collection of rock music.
Great Smiths, or rather The Smiths.
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Summary by Bot
This review celebrates The Smiths' 1986 album The Queen Is Dead as a landmark work blending poignant lyrics, political engagement, and nuanced music. Highlighted are key tracks like "I Know It's Over" and "Bigmouth Strikes Again," showcasing the band's unique style and Morrissey's leadership. The album is praised as a must-have classic that solidified the band's fame and remains vital in rock music collections.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
The Smiths
The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, best known for the songwriting partnership of vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, alongside bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.14 Reviews
Other reviews
By donjunio
I’ve never considered The Smiths among the essentials in the history of Rock.
The best album by the "Smiths" is perhaps just the epitaph "Strangeways, Here We Come."
By pinkoSpallino
The singer Morrissey had a very expressive and redundant voice, and he told stories with irony that reflected the decay of England during the Thatcher era.
The image of the couple dying in a crash on one of the classic double-decker buses is certainly one of the most famous in the history of English pop.
