The Queen Is Dead

Hey look, another The Smiths album! No need to repeat what I have already said about them. There is a Light That Never Goes Out is my favorite on this one. I look forward to listening to the rest of their albums in the coming weeks, lol.

I feel like this album and the first one we'd listened to were pretty similar. I really like the guitar sounds on this one as well, and Morrissey sounds like Morrissey. Some singers can morph and sound a bit different from record to record while still maintaining their vibe....Scott Weiland, Anthony Kiedis, Chino,.... Morrissey so far just does his thing,.sounding like himself. Again nice vocal tones, but I still feel like there could be some more variation given all the cool backing parts he is being given. I feel like the guitar parts on these Smiths albums really jump out at me and are really the core of the band. They really set the tone for everything else, and it's like Morrissey is almost a co pilot to the guitars rather than standing out front of them. I feel the same way with how Maynard fits into some Tool songs. This seems like an album where one would have to be in a certain mood to reach for it. The standouts to me are Frankly Mr. Shankly, Cemetery Gates and Big Mouth Strikes Again.

The Queen is Dead isn't a bad album by any means. Johnny Marr's guitar work shines, especially on tracks like "The Boy With the Thorn in His Side" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out." These songs are catchy and beautifully melancholic, capturing that classic Smiths vibe. However, Morrissey's lyrics can be a slog to get through. His signature mopey persona gets old after a while, and there's a pretentiousness that wears thin. Frankly, Morrissey sucks the joy out of some of these songs with his constant negativity. So, it's a mixed bag. Great music, bummer lyrics. For that, The Queen is Dead gets a decent 3 out of 5 stars.

80s British Rock album with no hits. Fine.

Ah, time for the Smiths debate (and I suspect this won’t be the only album on this list). So, Morrisey himself is obvs a massive bellend, but he is a wonderful singer and lyricist and for me is everything good about The Smiths. Without him I think they would be utterly middle of the road forgettable 80s indie and no-one would ever have heard of Jonny Marr (genuinely don’t understand why he is rated at all), let’s face it the music itself isn’t really very interesting. Given this I’m not a massive fan other than the more well known numbers. This album only seems to have a couple of those on it. Bigmouth Strikes Again is quality so I’ll give this album a generous 3.

Not much on today and this album didn't prompt me to get going either. Bigmouth Strikes again has an oddly tiktok-y nightcore voice going on which was entertaining. I enjoyed it but not as much as Adam would approve of oops

Good album.

its fine, nothing special. also fuck Morrissey

This was OK moody 80s synth-pop. My first full listen to anything by them.

Je pense sincèrement que The Smith, avec leur cousin consanguin The Cure, sont les bands britanniques les plus overrated ever.

Good effort 3.4

6/10. Beginning of the album was boring and not my thing. Was leaning 3-4 at the beginning of the album but it picked up. Enjoyed some of the later songs that were higher paced and slightly different singing style.

morbid, and sometimes samey, but i liked the songs i knew

Always a classic love the smiths, I know their discography well but had never listened to it unskipped.

It’s like a album composed of many different versions of a song

3.5 *

Pleasantly surprised by this album. Morissey still sucks though

Some songs I really liked, and others I really didn't. 3/5

The first Smiths record I’ve actually liked. Good hooks and clever songwriting with a reach that doesn’t exceed its grasp.

Titel en jaartal lieten me al in elkaar duiken toen ik het eerste nummer opzette, maar... mwah, dit is eigenlijk nog best te trekken. Jarentachtigmuziek, lijzige zang, maar toch wel met enige muzikaliteit gemaakt. En sommige meiden zijn nou eenmaal groter dan andere.

We hebben het hier vaak over jengelende Britse zeurstemmen. Morrissey is er daar een van. Wat een ongelooflijke zeiksnor is die gast, met zijn jankerige stem. Het overheerst compleet de muziek, waar op zichzelf niks mis mee is. The Smiths is zo'n band waar je het beste de verzamelaar van kan luisteren denk ik. Ze hebben prima hitjes namelijk, maar de overige liedjes op de albums zijn over het algemeen maar opvulling, niemendalletjes, vergeetbaar. En als we het over vergeetbare muziek hebben, dan komen we vaak op een vergeetbare 3 uit. Dat komt wel voornamelijk door het tweede gedeelte, want daar zitten dus wat hitjes, die het zeer matige eerste deel compenseren.

Not for me

ni me acuerdo de este album pero al voz del vocalista siempre va a ser un embole

Some really great tracks on here (“I Know It’s Over,” “Never Had No One Ever,” “Cemetery Gates,” and “There is a Light That Never Goes Out”), but some of the others were meh (“Vicar in a Tutu” “Frankly, Mr. Shankly”).

"There is a light that never goes out" is one of my favorite songs to come out of the 80s. Perfectly captures the air of desperation and despair that can be a backdrop for love and friendship. To me it carries the album and what a heavy load because unless you are a Smiths fan, the rest of it can sound pretentious, flat, and unremarkable.

Standard disclaimer that I can't stand Morrissey - however, he and the rest seem to be taking themselves less seriously on this album. The result makes it better than the rest of the Smiths/Morrissey output that I've been subject to on this list so far.

-I love the smith - sorry ? - i said I love the smith Bah Tom mon grand ton album est chouette mais de la a avoir le coup de foudre bof Pardon mais on en parle de ''some girls are bigger than others'' ?? C'est ça le lyrical prodigy ??

I just don’t know I can’t get into the smiths

3.5 Okay, The Smiths might have grown on me since Meat is Murder. Much more enjoyable album and Morissey's vocals didn't annoy me as much here. Should listen again but wouldn't come back to The Smiths outside of this project

Mid city

This grew on me. Liked it more than I expected. The drums were awesome in the first song.

Thought this was much better than it was. Saw them with my sister in the mid-80’s in Massachusetts. Maybe it was another of their albums I quite liked. This was decent, just nothing spectacular. Sold my copy of this in July of 2017 for $40.

good vibes but every song sounds the same

Not terrible, but quite monotonous and jangly. best I can do is 3 stars and probably won't listen again.

- the queen is dead is i don’t remember/10 so probably smth like 5.5/10 - frankly, mr shanklybwas decidely unpleasant 3/10 - i know its over is 7/10 everything after that was an average of 6.5/10 giving a total of something like 6.1/10 which is 3/5 stars

Going to be a bit of a hater here but not really for me it was alright but not really my sort of jam and i didnt really enjoy it to much overall id give it a 6/10. I know a lot of people like this one but its just not really for me which is a shame. Ill try and come back to this at some point it may grow on me. Sorry joe

Another album that was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Vocals can be pretty whiny Brit-pop at times but a solid and unique album. 6/10 (3/5)

I really like the Smiths. I feel like when I think of the 80s I think of this band. This album was super short and sweet. All the songs are fun and move along pretty quickly. I wouldn't say it's anything revolutionary for me, but it still was great. Favorite track was Bigmouth Strike Again. Did not add to my Spotify library.

All 80s British rock sounds the same to me. The tune itself is generally upbeat but the lyrics are them complaining about how the Duke of Canterbury sneezed or something. The Smiths made some of the better 80s British rock. I prefer when morrisey went solo. Solid move to end the album on a song about fat chicks and their moms. Favorite Song - There is a light that never goes out Least Favorite Song- some girls are bigger then others

Not a massive smiths fan but it was a solid album. Can always get into that guys singing voice. I jsut need a smiths gf to my Radiohead bf

At the age of 27, Morrissey discovered that women vary in both height and weight. The Smiths always have this weird jittery sad energy in their songs, and for the most part I enjoy it. Usually have some pretty interesting melodies and this album is no different. Shoutout to Andy Rourke, the bass player, some really cool things happening there. Highlights: Frankly Mr. Shankly Never had No One Ever Cemetery Gates Vicar in a Tutu

A light that never goes ours is memorable of course and fine otherwise. I wonder how brits reacted to the album title

Bigmouth and there is a light are rly good songs The rest is pretty good but not gr8 7/10

Album was so short that I gave it a 2nd listen and while I’ve struggled to connect with The Smiths in the past, this is a pretty solid album. It won’t make my favorite rotation but I did enjoy the dark humor that is throughout. My favorites were “Bigmouth Strikes Again”, “Frankly, Mr Shankly”, and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”.

The Smiths weren't really all that great, but they were definitely considered that by some in their time. A bit too challenging to be a pure pop band, but they did fill a temporal void in alternative music between post-punk and grunge. For me, Morrisey pushes his poetic self-reflections too far. AndI realize that while it's part of the campiness, his vocal affectations obscure the songs' musical soul. Like putting too much mustard on a great sandwich. No matter how good all the other elements of the sandwich are, all you remember is that it was mustard. With the Smiths, you have to like mustard A LOT.

If you like Indie-Pop you're right here.

Like the lyrics

only saved a few songs but good listen, enjoyed this album more than strangeways, here we come.

Not a big fan of Morrissey as a vocalist. But I can hear and respect the influence they had on other bands of their era, and those to come after.

I mean, it's good if you like Morrissey's singing. I can only handle so much of it.

Eh, ok

Really looking forward to listening to this album. Never listened to a The Smiths album all the way through. Just know how legendary they are and Morrissey is. Not really my kind of music. Definitely respect him and the Smiths, just not my style.

E h Don’t like morriseys vocals. Maybe a bit repetitive and boring at times, but at the time of release it was probably ahead of its time

intereting

Lizzie's in a box best album 2022 Expected Lorenzo Rating: 2

one song is good, but too similar.

It might have been something in the 80s, but now I can imagine it being playing in the background at a department store. Forgettable.

A classic. Self-conscious melodrama; fundamentally silly, bouncy, fun.

This was pretty fun I enjoyed their unique sound. My favorite was “Bigmouth Strikes Again.”

Not quite my tempo

I've definitely heard the smiths, but never 'listened' to them. I not surprisingly, really enjoyed the album as a whole; it was a fun listen through. I feel like I can hear how they've influenced certain bands, and though it feels dated, I see why this album made the list.

knew a lot of these songs and thought i'd enjoy listening to all of them together more. morrissey just seems like such a drag. you gotta be in the right mood i guess

I enjoyed the guitar playing and respect the album's place in the pantheon of RnR, but the vocal style wasn't for me. I won't be spinning this one on repeat, just not my flavor.

Although a very popular band - I really only like a few songs.

Frankly, Mr Shankly

Some pretty good smooth listening

The Smiths delineate a departure from synth-dominated 80's new wave, and a return to guitar-focused British rock. Their simple yet effects-tinged guitar sit nicely on top of a classic indie rock rhythm section, with bright bass and brisk drums, foreshadowing the genre but not quite defining it. The lyrics on the album are a real standout, mixing dry British humor with achingly profound statements, often in the same breath. The vocal melodies are a little lackluster, and tend to wander without firm doubling or emphasis, resulting in a blurring across the album. Ultimately, I enjoyed and appreciated the record, but it's genre-transitional timing and nature place it in the huge shadows of artists before and after. Stand out tracks include "Frankly, Mr. Shankly", "I Know It's Over", and "Cemetery Gates".

Not a very memorable album. Felt very much like I was being rick rolled the whole time.

Highlights: Frankly Mr Shankley, There's A Light That Never Goes Out, Vicar In A Tutu, The Queen is Dead. In a nutshell: Morrissey (and co) Lyrics are great, but I can barely hear the guitar on this album, even after switching headphones. Sometimes bass, definitely drums. I dream of the day where a remastered edition of all the Smiths albums are released. And instead of Morrissey being the loudest, a fairer mix of Johnny, Andy and Mike are heard. Overall: 6/10

This is decent, not a huge fan.

Solidno

Solid but not remarkable.

Pretty good. Another situation of great artists, possibly terrible person? When I listened to this last week I can’t remember if I decided on three or four stars for this one. Since I can’t recall I guess I’ll go with three.

Nice album

When I grew up in the 80s, the Smiths (and adjacent bands like the Cure) were cool girl bands. In fact - quick anecdote - in 9th grade, this cool girl got all the other girls to join together and vote for this album for the high school’s best albums of all time poll. This album made it to #2 on the list. My choice didn’t even rate. If I had a brain cell in the 9th grade I would have listened to this back then. But no, I have to listen to them now, when it does me no good and Morrissey’s reputation is in tatters now. Let’s jump into this thing. The Queen Is Dead - nice intro. Like Johnny Marr’s guitar work. 4/5 Frankly, Mr Shankly - Wild, circus music. I see Morrissey in clown shoes and a vaudeville outfit. Cool guitar sound. Was Mr. Shankly a record ex? 3/5 I Know It’s Over - this song wormed its way into my heart. 3/5 Never Had No One Ever - this song completely left my brain pan 2/5 Cemetry Gates - My wife said I’m being too dramatic. I told her I was listening to the Smiths. 2/5 Bigmouth Strikes Again - Joan of Arc strikes again! Walkman melt! Oh this is a hoot. I’m sure I’ve heard this before. 4/5 The Boy with the Thorn in His Side - I do love how these songs really depend on Morrissey’s voice, like he’s a crucial instrument in the song. I just can’t imagine them without them. 3/5 Vicar in a Tutu - another vaudeville number. Really I would have loved a Beach-boing-bingo movie with Morissey in clown shoes. 2/5 There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - this song has been on my pre-teen daughter’s playlist for months now. Another amusing, overly dramatic death song for teenagers. 4/5 Some Girls are Bigger Than Others - I had a Morrissey album with a song about an entertainingly rotund female. I wonder what the obsession was. Never mind I know what the obsession was. 2/5 This album holds together really well. It’s probably the best version of Morrissey I’ve heard (I really like Your Arsenal though) I think if I was the target audience I would have given this a 4/5 or even 5/5, but instead I’m mildly amused with a 3/5.

always made fun, but never really listened. It's good. Can hear how groups like Belle and Sebastian were influenced.

Definitely did not give this one a fair listen but also didn't catch my attention.

The first song “Queen is Dead” was probably a banger at the time. Mr Shankly was bleh. I’m sure this album was real big at the time, very 80s.

Easier to listen to in the 80s, when angst and hormones flowed freer. Still not a bad album for dark winter days spent alone contemplating a breakup or for general wallowing.

Solid album

Sounds like 80s music. Very eclectic, the style seems to bounce all of the place. Doesn’t stick with me but I don’t hate it so whatever.

Good drummer. Good beat

Good album smith hate page

I dislike Morristown but I gotta admit The Smith are pretty awesome. I’d rate this a 4 but I think 3.5 is more appropriate so it gets a 3.

It feels like I should like it more than I do, but something doesn't fully click for me on this one. It's still very good. Will I listen to again: 35%

Un long truc monotone où très les chansons se ressemblent

A little repetitive especially lyrics

3.5 I’ve never listened to The Smiths and I truly cannot decide if I like Morrissey's voice. It took a second listen to hear much of anything else and a third to realize how bizarrely dark the lyrics are. I love the music either way.

"Fame, fame, fatal fame, it can play hideous tricks on the brain. But still I'd rather be famous than righteous or holy." Das fasst Morrisseys Charakter eigentlich ganz gut zusammen. Auch hier habe ich ein ähnliches Problem wie zuvor bei The Police - ich finde ein anderes Album viel besser (Hatful of Hollow) und kenne die bekannten Songs, aber es hat oftmals einen Grund, warum die die bekanntesten sind. Die ersten beiden Songs (Titelsong & Frankly, Mr. Shabby) und "There is a light that never goes out" gefallen mir am besten. Bei "Bigmouth strikes again" bin ich unschlüssig, was ich davon halten soll - Tendenz geht zu "Uff nee, ganz schlimm". Ähnlich geht es mir bei "Vicar in a tutu", wobei mir das minimal besser gefällt. Den Rest kann man gut in der Badewanne hören.

I'm not super familiar with the Smiths but it's good quality pop/post-punk/indie rock from the '80s. Morrissey can sing that's for sure (even though sometimes he is whining a bit too much), and Marr knows how to play even though there is no technical demonstrations (no solo, nothing particularly fancy but it's well written and interpreted and the melodies are all potential earworms). The production of the album is a bit too dated, you instantly know you're listening to an album from the '80s. All in all it's ok but not so memorable for me. And Morrissey is a racist prick now, it doesn't help

I think this is an OK The Smiths album, but not more. 'There Is a Light That Nevewr Goes Out' is a good song, and 'Frankly, Mr. Shankly' is a quirky but interesting song that could've fitted in well on the first Pink Floyd's 'The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn' album. Other than that it feels quite bland to me.

The singer of this band has a lot of control over his voice and a nice resonant tone. The instrumental is good, and there were times in the album I thought were great but I didn't find anything too special. It isn't the music I'd usually listen to but I have fun listening to it.

Great but still don't see the recent The Smiths hype. Might have to give it another go with more focus but not too impressed.

A vibe

Never been a Smiths or Morrissey fan outside of "How Soon Is Now", but I'm gonna have to check out some more of their work. Enjoyed this.

The album was ok. Interesting vocals and the band was tight.

Good.

Honestly not bad, 6/10

Definitely 80s - moody, great melodies. I was too young to appreciate this at the time. Definitely influenced The Sundays. Can also see why people find Morrisey insufferable - loves singing about how lonely and unloved he is despite being so smart and good looking. Will go back to listen more

I haven't listened to much of The Smiths and this felt like a good intro. I really liked Big Mouth Strikes Again, and then afterwards I listened to The Cure for an hour.

I was impressed with the stark contrasts between songs on this album while all still retaining distinct Smiths-like characteristics. For example, the desperation of The Queen Is Dead compared with the upbeat, slightly comical Frankly Mr. Shankly. This was my second Smiths record and it's certainly the better of the two.

Enjoyable 80s vibes. Great for background listening at work. Some lyrics are pretty stupid, though.

Easy listening. Familiar with their sound and recognized a few songs. Not my favorite, but good background music.

Not my favorite, but solid album for its time

The queen is dead : 5/10 Frankly, Mr. Shankly : 7/10 I know it's over : 5.5/10 Never had no one ever : 5/10 Cemetery gates : 5/10 Bigmouth Strikes again : 7/10 The boy with the Thorns in his side : 6.5/10 Vicar in a Tutu : 4/10 There is a light that never goes out : 6.5/10 Some girls are bigger than others : 4.5/10 The album is nice to hear, but a bit repetitive. Vocals from Morrissey are really nice on some songs. Highlights on Frankly, Mr Shankly and Bigmouth Strikes again Averaged grade : 5.6/10

It was ok, but not something I would normally listen to. I found the music a little depressing.

Ahhhhh the smiths. Kenne halt scho s ganz album aber vlt chani etze mal probiere andersch z lose? Morrissey isch halt schwierigs thema oder und d frag vo separate art from artist chunnt halt da au wieder uf….wobii bi dem album ischer ja no de toll morrissey gsi wo sochli eh stimm für die geh hett wos am meiste brucht hend… so is that okay? Idk. Aber susch mega sympathisch, recht herzige sound! Iwie tönt mit de ziit alles chli gliich aber joa

yes smiths time yes. Byebye queen de ihm. frankly mr shankly isch chli meh silly goofy time aber auno guet. gitarre töned mega schön. bigmouth strikes again riiese banger. die höche stimme huere geil vicar in a tutu au wieder goofy song time, bitz graceland type song? sochli country? some girls are bigger than others?? okö jo i guess? hardi chords, instrumentale teil seeehr geil.

Ich finde es Album ok. Ich kann es mir anhören, aber die bis The Smiths haben mich irgendwie immer noch nicht so gekriegt.

Die ersten beiden Lieder überspringen!

The best way I can describe this album is that it "feels" like it should be critically acclaimed. In my book though, it feels like another page in the English rock book. Many of the songs blend together, aside from a few highlights and lowlights. I guess I could see why some people adore it though. Highlight: Frankly, Mr. Shankly Lowlight: Never Had No One Ever Surprise Hit: n/a

enjoyed it. not my style but I totally see how it could be someone else’s

I went heavy into Smiths circa 2005? I listened so much I had to delete off all from Apple Music. Great songs maybe will revisit in 10 years

Liked it more than I thought I would. Very 80s. Some interesting songs.

3.4

Me gusta mucho la melodía de sus canciones. El diseño de tapa de disco es hermoso!

Decent album, and The Smiths definitely have their own unique sound, but a number of tracks were just kind of there… not too many grabbed me.

I'm surprised that I didn't hate this as much as I thought I would.

pretty enjoyable. The smiths vocals arent my favorite but generally enjoyable enough

Not my jam, per se, but a fun listen nonetheless 😀

Throw enough shit and some of it sticks; I've had them pushed on me for a while and resisted and even listened to some of the other albums, not for me, this one sticks a little.

Excellent although moz is a cunt.

7/10

close to a 4 but not quite. Cemetry Gates and Some Girls are both awesome classic tracks - the rest is good but not wonderful. Perhaps I'm missing the nostalgia effect and also this 'style' of music (post-punky new-wavey english-pixies vibe) is not particularly my thing.... still pretty great overall.

Very 80s and very British. The songs kind of blended together and none was particularly memorable, but Never Had No One Ever and Bigmouth Strikes Again were pretty nice. 2.5/5, rounding up because I feel like it deserves a pass

The best Smiths album, but I've always failed to understand its overwhelming acclaim. There are some great songs on here (namely the title track and bigmouth), but to me it lacks cohesiveness and has too many weak tracks.

I thought I liked this album but it turns out I only like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

Did not know the smiths. Nice 80s sound, 3.5 start. I will listen again :)

27NOV23 Album 1 Tight rhythm. Johnny Marr. Bigmouth Strikes Again.

Edgy lyrics, but I like the vibe of the music

80's mod, emo, look at me I am so sad regurgitation. Not terrible, not great, just meh. I used to really be into them. My silly young self.

I can't tell if I love or just like this album. I. Enjoyed most of the songwriting, most of the music. I thought without Patrick on vocals maybe some of these songs wouldn't be as memorable. But at the same time I can't think of a single track I outright didn't Like. Very conflicting.

Not bad, kinda emo I think.

Same as morrisye

Kevyttä poprockia. Tykkäsin kyllä melodioista. Vähän ehkä punkmaista

It was good! I think I'd get obsessed if I did an in-depth dig into the lyrics. But on first pass, nice boppy flow, easy to listen to.

I love the lyrics, just not the style i like

Acclaimed to be the Smiths best album.... but meh.... nah, defo not the best output from them in my wee humble opinion. This album is a clear contrast in sides, the A side is meh... OK... its Morissey expressing drama... nothing that grabs you. The B side, opens well with Big Mouth and continues with a run of trademark Smiths classics. So for me, I'd only play half the album.

The man is an arse but he writes good songs.

Not a big Smiths fan

Not my favourite Smiths album, but some good tracks in there.

A few of the songs were catchy. There wasn’t really anything that stood out in this album. Pretty average

I never liked Morrissey’s personality or voice and I still don’t. The song “The Queen is Dead” is cooler than I thought.

Decent album but not my thing

I don't get the references or half of the lyrics. Not a fan of the wobbly, drawn-out vocal stylings. The music was pretty cool overall though. Fav tracks: Cemetry Gates, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, The Queen Is Dead

Every song is essentially the same. But when every song is really good, maybe sounding the same isn't a bad thing. It's definitely a vibe.

testing notes 2

Was never too much excited about the smiths

Didn’t know this album but thought it was pretty good. Boy With the Thorn was a highlight

Frankly mr shankly rocks. the rest were kinda repetitive.

3 star, repetitive but alright with some good beats

3.5

Pretty fun album, very unique vocals though sometimes I was like is he out of tune or is that just his vibe haha Standout for me was “There is a light that never goes out”

Not my favourite. Didn't finish it.

3/5

I feel like I'm in a B movie from the late 90s. 🐰 3/5

Not bad. Not as soft as I thought. Has a little edge. Can tell the influence it had. 3.5

Просто фоном послушать норм. Не зацепило ничего. С другой стороны, ничего не раздражало. Но переслушивать не хочется. Не верится, что КИНО вдохновлялись этой группой: во-первых, стили разные, во-вторых, КИНО поинтереснее будут.

Iconic vocals and sounds that The Smiths emit. Legendary.

I've come to the conclusion that idgaf about The Smiths. Not enough to listen to this album from start to finish again anyway. Morrissey as a concept gets old quickly and is fatiguing at times. When he's on fire he's fantastic, but he's not God. I already had favourites like Bigmouth, Cemetery Gates, and Some Girls. But I knew that when I was 14. And at 27 I still can't really get into this as much. It makes me feel that bands like Prefab Sprout were and are criminally underrated by comparison. Their album Steve McQueen is lightyears ahead of this and it's from 1985. Obviously, the bangers are bangers, but Morissey makes it harder to appreciate the rest of them and the band themselves. The songs also just feel like they're in a big hurry for him to shut up. I'd rather listen to Jonny Marr as a solo artist. A+ for effort. D- and Boo to Morissey for wailing in and out of key. 3/5 stars

I mean sure this is a classic, but nearly 40 years on it wears thin. While Morrisey's pretentiousness doesn't get to the full self importance of his current work, you see the seeds of what he will become. Of course the band creates these beautiful sonic landscapes in which we can float around partially ignoring Morrisey's lyrics, which is good thing.

Very British

I didn't grow up listen to much 80s music so I've had to discover most of it as an adult. A few years ago I decided to finally give the 4 albums by The Smiths a listen to see what all the fuss was about. I remember being kind of indifferent but I guess it didn't make enough of an impact to stick in my brain. By contrast, some 80s music made me fall in love immediately. Anyway I'm listening to their 3rd album (The Queen is Dead" again for this group activity. I listened to the 2011 remaster that doesn't include extra songs. I appreciate the name. I'll always enjoy British music poking fun of the ridiculous monarchy. The good news: Some Girls are Bigger than Others is pretty fun (and it's the only one that stayed with me after finishing the album). The bad news: I had to listen to the rest of the album before getting to the last song. Come to think of it, this is one of the rare albums I can recall where the back half is more interesting than the front. I was indifferent to mostly of the songs but one of them I actually hated. I think it was track 2 or 3. I can't bring myself to listen again to clarify though. After listening to the album yesterday, I looked at the Critical Reception section on Wikipedia and I can't help thinking either fans are listening to something else than I am, or maybe whatever subgenre this is just isn't for me. I don't always find myself in agreement with near-universal acclaim and this is definitely one of those times. Morissey's vocals are off-putting to me. Several songs in the first half veered between "drunken 50s lounge singer" and funeral dirge. I can get past vocals I don't love if the instrumentation pulls me in. However this is another area where I feel confused by the rave reviews. I feel that the instrumentation is underutilized on many of the songs. Halfway through I was surprised to hear some punchy drums for a change, because for most of the songs I had trouble hearing the band buried under the crooning. Maybe the overall sound is intentional but it just isn't very fun for me. But I think the melodies are pretty decent actually. If it was played and recorded differently I think I'd like it much more. For personal enjoyment I'd give it 2 stars. However I noticed some humorous lyrics that made it more interesting, and taking the piss out of the royal family is a bonus too. So I'll bump it up to 3 stars total.

Not a favourite, but easy listening

Les plus : White Queen (As It Began) : sitar, grandiose, prog-rock, transition avec Some Day One Day et son explosivité. Les moins : ventre mou fin de face A / début de face B, manque de ce petit truc qui fait d’un album de Queen un album de Queen. Freddie timide, qui se cherche, dans les prémices du grandiose à venir. A un poil du classique. Les 4 premiers sons mettent en jambe et sont très plaisants à écouter, milieu un peu mou par la suite. Mais les titres s’embriquent et se suivent divinement bien. Un véritable opéra-rock. N’oublions pas qu’il ne s’agit là que de leur second album ! Des précurseurs. Quels génies de la composition. The March Of The Black Queen est un exemple parfait du style typique de Queen. L’album fini en trombe avec l’hypnotisante Funny How Love Is et l’explosif Seven Seas Of Rhye. Globalement, on a ici un album savamment construit, très intelligent, audacieux et sombre dans la gaieté. Un léger manque de maturité qui viendra plus tard dans la discographie du groupe.

Morrissey is annoying

I can see how influential it was without ever needing another listen. I Know It's Over will likely remind me of a specific time of life, though.

Decent album, nice on a rainy day.

Morrissey whines like a little bitch for a half hour. If you have to play the Smiths, this is certainly their most listenable project. James Walsh tells me they were pretty groundbreaking and important for future whiney little bitches to feel comfortable crying openly on records. I will concede that there are certainly times when you need some music that just leaves it all out there, emotionally speaking. I'll tip my hat to them for this and considering the soundscape of popular music in the mid-eighties this deserves an A for originality. Never Had No One Ever is the one. Morissey flexes his vocal range on you and the instrumentation just...works for the subject matter and the general mood that the Smiths more or less hang on to for the entirety of the album. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out is the track people will tell you to listen to. Ugh. I struggle to move past the cringe of the lyrics to appreciate this song in any capacity. If you want to die in a car crash with someone this may be your jam, but this is next level bitch-made nonsense. This album is worth listening to for an avid music fan, but is unlikely to receive a fuzzy embrace in a casual setting. It lacks the rage and anger I appreciate as a contrast for music that relies so heavily on hoping you can empathise with a broken man. I can...but I want to be pissed off for him. Not just cry...like a little bitch.

It’s kinda concerning how many songs I knew off this album first go

Musically it deserves a 5. Morrisey makes it a 3

Listened to it multiple times today, that’s gotta be a good sign, right? It had some good songs, had some ok songs. Decent album.

Did not pay attention to the lyrics, but a definite positive vibe to the music. Excellent for a soundtrack to making Sunday morning breakfast (which I was doing)

Not a fan of Morrissey's pompous singing style, maybe I just don't like his accent. Probably skewed by his image. The album grew on me as I progressed. Favourite song "I Know It's Over"

Not bad not my speed in terms of 80’s synth

Really good and an iconic sound. Kinda short however. (71%)

listened to this before but remembered nothing except "cemetry gates" going crazy (it still did) and not liking "there is a light that never goes out" (i was crazy, it's the best thing on the album). the rest that i didn't remember wasn't worth remembering. vacuous, showy playing that can describe the rest of the 80s just as well. but *dang* those 2 songs are worth it.

3/5. I definitely wasn't able to give it the time/energy it deserved. I have heard fantastic things about this record but it just didn't seem to resonate with me. I think it might be a combination of the lack of attention I was able to give it as well as the overall mood I was in while listening to it. Hopefully upon relistens I will enjoy it more.

Great songs but also some silly ones.

Ñeeee Not bad not good

It's very typical Smiths. Dreary music for depressed teens. Songs are good but as an album it's meh.

Eh

A little disappointing, nothing really standout IMO

I like The Smiths. Their singles anyway. First time I have listened to one of their albums. I still like their singles.

Lightfooted, positive and interesting instruments like panflutes and violins. Quite some songs that do very little to me though.

upbeat pop rock with morrissey’s signature crooning. lyrics tinged with offbeat humour. certainly a quality listening experience.

Yeah, not really listened to the Smiths before, but this was pretty good. I'd give it another go.

Another ok album that has me questioning why it’s on this list. Or maybe I’m just not into the album.

It's ok

Some beautiful songs, while also including some moments where you can really hear Morrissey's asshole nature come out. 3.5/5

I know this is a classic album, but I think it’s just OK.

Likes: talented vocals, a lovely echoing spaciousness to it all, achieves an oddly melancholic euphoria at its best Dislikes: aimless and droning melodies, generally fairly nondescript songs Favorite Tracks: The Queen Is Dead, Bigmouth Strikes Again, Vicar in a Tutu, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

I have a generally positive opinion of The Smiths, this isn’t my favorite and it certainly has some forgettable cuts but there aren’t any standouts I dislike.

I've known of this album for a long time, but have not had much urge to listen. I only listened to two-thirds, so the score is with an asterisk, but overall impression of what I heard is generally "meh." I understand how this may have had cultural significance at the time, but in general it does not do much to stir up emotion in me. That said, I do like the bass sound a lot and fee like I've heard it mimicked in other works since.

I was not expecting the singer to sound like that to be honest. Very good album that didn't really wow me but was nice

Are we sure Morrisey isn't a time traveler? Predicted the shit out of that first song. This album didn't really have any standout moments for me but I can appreciate it for some of the guitar and bass. Morrisey's voice kinda pisses me off after awhile but in some songs it's very enjoyable. Middle of the road album for me.

Of it’s time. Wordy and a bit samey, not really my cup of tea

Bleh, like the smiths, Morrisey not so much

Its good. Nothing bad apart from Morisseys vocals sometimes. Great guitarist.

Liked a couple of them.

ah so this is the tshirt everyone's been wearing (jk) idk if i like it or if its just nostalgic and fuelling my main character delusions

I really like this album.. . mm yes very yum... morrisey needs a tissue but so do i because its now allergy season and so i am snotting my way to work rn having relistened to morriseys insights such as some girls are bigger than their mothers i still like the album becoz he dujnks on the queen. and its true, the queen IS dead nice groovy basslines melded with the drums to make a great driving upbeatness contrasting pleasantly , with a good bit of tongue in cheek ,with morriseys woes i like the non focus on virtuosity but it can leave some parts of the album quite samey; though this atmosphere feelz cultivated

1.The queen is dead- The start of the song was a bit weird.. Progressively got better, nice drum beat, mozzies voice is a bit off on this one, nice bass line, overall a bit of a strange start but very true lyrics 7/10 (added to playlist) 2. Frankly Mr. Shankly- very annoying tune, although mozzies voice is decent on this one, nice bass line 4/10 3. I know it's over- mozzies voice is good on this one, nice bass line, bit of a slow song, although overall it was a nice song, with again very true and sentimental lyrics 7/10 (added to playlist) 4. Never had no one ever- I like the instrumental to this one, mozzies voice is also good on this one, very relatable lyrics "I'm alone" maybe to some people "I never had no one ever" you can almost feel the pain in his voice. I like the whistle bit on this song, good drum line and guitar, loved the instrumental interlude, made the song better 7.5/10 (added to playlist) 5. Cemetery gates- started off good, seems like a catchy song, I liked the lyrics on this one, bass line is good and guitar, his voice is good on this one, chorus is very catchy 7.5/10 (liked the song) 6. Bigmouth strikes again- instrumental seems faster than the others, was not keen on the echoed voice in the background, guitar is perf on this one as well as bass and drum fill. this one does seem like a catchy tune. 6/10 (liked the song) 7. The boy with the throne in his side- mozzies voice is good on this one, good instrumental, especially the drums, although his voice does get a bit annoying after a while on this one. 5/10 8. Vicar in a tutu- sounded a bit like a country song, his voice is a bit off on this one, guitar is good, have no idea what he is going on about though lyric wise, the title does me laugh though 4.5/10 9. There is a light that goes out- instantly recognized this one, love the lyrics, strong vocals, good instrumentals, very catchy song. 8/10 10. Some girls are bigger than others- Thought my headphones were broken, as the song faded out for a bit, which I was not a fan of.. love the guitar on this one, and the lyrics very humorous. very repetitive, liked the background vocals of moz on this one, vocals were strong, this song overall does give a nice vibe very 80s, instrumental was wonderful 6.5/10 overall this album averages at a 6.3/10, I purely loved the instrumental of this album sounded very nostalgic and had a good vibe to it. my fav track was "There is a light that goes out" and my least fav was "Frankly Mr Shankly". I would buy this album on cd and maybe vinyl purely for the instrumental and I am not a big fan of mozzies voice, but overall a good album.

Enjoy it a bit more than I thought I would…but not too much.

Man. I thought I liked the smiths. I like a few songs a lot but realized I don’t love them top to bottom. Some really gnawing tracks I just couldn’t get behind truthfully.

I feel like all of their songs sound the same. Not bad, just meh. Nothing stands out here.

I definitely prefer bands inspired by The Smiths to The Smiths themselves. I was trying really hard to be generous. But "Now I know how Joan of Arc felt"...?? No. Just no.

Not the best offering by The Smiths but still passable. As usual, great music skill from the band and a few songs with some great lyrics by Morrisey

It's a shame that Morrissey is so punchable because The Smiths make interesting music. Title track is excellent. Second half of the album loses momentum. Overall decent album.

I wanted to love this album but I’m perhaps not English enough, or ironic enough, to fully appreciate it. What a lyricist Morrissey is though…

triste e deprimido igual os ingleses, mtas musicas lindas mas a voz de esquerdomacho do vocalista e aquele sotaque me incomodaram musica fav: there is a light that never goes out

Three too low four too high I’m somewhere in the middle so rating lower

Still love the guitar sound and the fun songs are funnier than I remember. But the classic Smith style songs are more of a drag

Probably need to relisten to it but for first go it was ok, I really don’t think it was outstanding like people say though

frankly mr shankly

70/100 Pretty much same melody throughout the entire album, Bigmouth Strikes Again is pretty good.

Excellent guitar-playing from Marr.

Предыдущие смиты зашли получше, этот даже не советовал бы обязательно послушать

Morrissey is certainly a guy that thinks stuff, huh?

There is a light that never goes out is one of my favorite songs. But in general I feel like the songs on here are really hit or miss. I wish this system had half stars to give it 3.5

Een verademing na Björk met een paar bekende nummers! Helaas mag ik het niet té leuk vinden van jur want die man is gecanceled avant la lettre blijkbaar

3.5/5 This album was very emotional and emo, then sarcastic happy rock. I feel like I need to listen to it again with the lyrics.

I find Morrissey a bit much so... Not the worst, but not one I'll rush back to.

This is probably my favorite album by the smiths

Meh

phew. so much better than that horseshit meat is murder album. had more of the smiths/morrissey whine over clean indie guitar melodies. the bassist is him. clean clean stuff over here. morrissey still be kind of a weird alt right clown tho.

Just not for me

Might have to listen to it again, didn't like it much the first time.

I was very much looking forward to this album but the house soon is now album just made this one seem very inferior. I hate to say that

I think the person on the cover of the album laying on their back, staring despondently to some far-off place, mouth ajar seemingly sighing does well to capture how I felt when I first saw 'The Smiths' was on deck. Pleasantly though was my surprise, as the album was much more energetic and enjoyable than I had vaguely recalled. Songs like 'Frankly, Mr. Shankly', 'Vicar in a Tutu' and 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' land as nearly bubbly, especially with the vivid lyrical storytelling. Yes, there are some ballad-esque tracks that are more akin to what I was dreading, but they provide a diverse texture to the album, when the album is taken on the whole.

Some nice songs. Not memorable

Pretty fun album but don't think it's that special to me

Okay, repetitive 3/5

Not bad, but there wasn't anything that really stood out to me other than the title of course. Instruments were nice.

Love The Smiths. Hate Morrissey.

!st time listening to The Smiths, I kind of get it but its not really my thing.

Je dois avouer que je me lasse de la voix de Morrissey après quelques chansons.

Was alright not my thing tho

s’alright!

Very good, the album that hung a million Smiths posters in the rooms of Boyle Heights teenagers! Favorite song: There is a light that never goes out, obviously!

This is the kind of music my grandmother listens to. Not bad but not exciting

Soft sad rock. I don't hate it

I think I would actually put this at a 2.5 because, while there were a couple song I did like, I didn’t really like the majority of the album. Some of the instrumentals were nice but I didn’t love the main vocals and some of the songs sounded similar to each other imo.

Some classic songs on this album for sure. Good guitars and bass, and overall the songs are very well written. My beef is with Songs like The Boy With The Thorn In His Side... just too much for me vocally. The timbre of Morrissey's vocals irritate me to no end. I've tried to keep an open mind, but I just can't stand it. Sorry not sorry.

3/5. Fairly a good album with some listenable songs. Not my favorite genre but see the appeal.

good smiths

meh

The Smiths. 'Nuff said.

It was alright. Never a fan of the meandering vocals. The last song was funny.

Cool

Love “There is a Light”

Ok

This can't be a coincidence getting this album to listen to today of all days. Madness. Anyway it's a really solid album with some great tunes in there, Bigmouth Strikes Again and There is a Light being particular highlights, along with The Queen is Dead itself. The main problem with this album comes outside of the album itself, as Morrissey is such a rampaging bellend these days it's hard not to be put off at least a little bit listening to it. And I know he's a massive anti-royalist, but the Queen was brilliant and an amazing public servant, so there.

Never liked the Smiths. Some iconic songs but not my style.

The queen literally died today

Quite curious that I got this album as my album of the day the day after the Queen actually died. Coincidence? Maybe, I don’t know. Anyway, this album gripped me right away! Loved the sound and experimenting feel of the whole thing. A work of art that had me wanting to keep listening to find out whats next.

Classic Smith album - Not a huge fan but I appreciate this album a lot. Melodic and meaningful, now that I’m typing I think I enjoy it more than I thought.

I wasn't expecting much after the first track did nothing for me. The style started to grow on me a few songs in. Creative lyrics throughout with some of your typical new wave cliches and interesting experimental ideas.

was a fine listen, a little weird, i liked bigmouth strikes again

Classic Smiths

Timely, vocals quite unclear but fairly enjoyable.

Didn't mind it, which surprised me as I expected not to. Might listen again

Continuous sound throughout, enjoyed the vocals

Like the Smiths. Did not have time to listen

Beetje saai

Not my thing but good tracks

Great songs, but I still can’t stand Morrissey’s voice. Bass is oddly loud and bouncy considering the mood of the album. Some interesting production with the vocal doubling and synth strings.

It was a nice album. No tracks stand out though.

Nothing overly stuck out, but it seemed pretty middle of the road for it's genre

Great album

Alright!

For the site to recommend me this the day after Queen Elizabeth II died.. not sure if this is coincidence. I did know bigmouth strikes again. Overall it was okay.

Pretty much what you'd expect from the Smiths. Not my cup of tea.

Still Morrissey - but better songs

Weird and strange, timely pick and the singles from it are very good.

Ok

better than i thought. morrissey still not my favorite.

Wow. And she just died yesterday. Is everyone getting this album today?

Cheeky pick for today ;)

Fijn album hoor

Just noting something strange: I actually have two lists going through this site, and this is the first time they’ve both had the same album on the same day; and it’s September 9, 2022 - the day after Queen Elizabeth II passed away. Hard to believe that it’s just a random selection, but, if so, it’s quite a bizarre coincidence. Unfortunately, that coincidence may the most memorable thing about listening to the album. The music was enjoyable enough, though nothing really struck me. The lyrics had some wry humor, but weren’t especially funny. It was worth listening to once, but I doubt I’ll come back to it.

Lyrics are not my style. Music however has a good tone and good rhythm.

Pretty cool! Not that the queen is dead of course...

Never really cared much for The Smiths

Quite bizarre to get this album at the same day the BQueen dies.

September 8th: Queen Elizabeth II dies. September 9th: I get this. Coincidence? I think not!

Pretty good. First half was better

I might listen again if I feel like being sad for no reason

Not my kind of music

just ok

Little on the nose, getting this the day after the Queen's passing... It's a nice album, but I've never been a huge fan of The Smiths. Mostly has to do with Morrissey's voice and crooning, it just doesn't do a lot for me. Still a good album though!

Yeah she is

LOL. Solid and I even knew a song

Somewhat mediocre for such a highly praised album. It's not bad my any means, but it does not excite me.

Timely (The Queen of England just died). I like the music...the lyrics, not so much. A bit too emo / "I am very smart" type stuff. 3/5.

Couple good songs but overall not all that interested…very 80s sound

Not my favorite, but the queen is indeed dead and that counts for something

They thought they were funny with this suggestion. It was alright

Good

Lol, nice timing with this one. This reminded me that I used to listen to a few Smiths songs back in the day. Still like their distant and alternative sound, and there are a few bangers in this album. Unfortunately, not enough for me to reach to a 4.