If you’re a fan of alternative rock and indie music, you’ve undoubtedly heard of The Smiths, one of the most influential bands to emerge from the 1980s British music scene. With their distinctive sound, poignant lyrics, and charismatic frontman, Morrissey, The Smiths left an indelible mark on the world of music. In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into the top 20 singles and tracks by The Smiths, exploring their key themes, the albums they appeared on, reviews, and fascinating trivia.
1. “This Charming Man” (1983)
Album: This Charming Man (Single)
Key Themes: Ambiguity, sexuality, frustration
Trivia: The song’s distinctive guitar riff was inspired by the theme music of the 1960s British TV series “The Avengers.”
“This Charming Man” was The Smiths’ second single and quickly became an indie anthem. Its infectious melody, coupled with Morrissey’s enigmatic lyrics, set the stage for the band’s unique blend of jangle-pop and introspective themes.
2. “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” (1986)
Album: The Queen Is Dead
Key Themes: Love, longing, death
Trivia: Despite its melancholic theme, this song has been described as one of the most romantic tunes ever written.
A standout track from the album The Queen Is Dead, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” remains a fan favorite. Morrissey’s longing vocals and Johnny Marr’s lush guitar work create a melancholic masterpiece.
3. “How Soon Is Now?” (1984)
Album: Hatful of Hollow (Compilation)
Key Themes: Isolation, alienation, desire
Trivia: Originally released as a B-side, “How Soon Is Now?” later became one of The Smiths’ most recognizable and celebrated tracks.
The mesmerizing and distinctive guitar riff in “How Soon Is Now?” immediately draws you in. Its sense of isolation and desire is beautifully captured in Morrissey’s haunting lyrics.
4. “Bigmouth Strikes Again” (1986)
Album: The Queen Is Dead
Key Themes: Satire, self-deprecation, media
Trivia: Morrissey wrote the song as a reaction to the constant media scrutiny he and the band faced.
With its biting lyrics and upbeat tempo, “Bigmouth Strikes Again” is a standout on The Queen Is Dead. It’s a satirical take on Morrissey’s own controversies and the media’s relentless pursuit of him.
5. “Panic” (1986)
Album: The World Won’t Listen
Key Themes: Social commentary, youth culture, rebellion
Trivia: The song’s lyrics were inspired by news headlines about youth violence and social unrest in the UK.
Panic” remains a potent commentary on the state of the world, with its rebellious spirit and catchy hooks. It’s an anthem for disaffected youth.
6. “William, It Was Really Nothing” (1984)
Album: Hatful of Hollow (Compilation)
Key Themes: Breakup, indifference, moving on
Trivia: The song’s title is a reference to a letter Morrissey received from a disappointed fan named William.
“William, It Was Really Nothing” captures the bittersweet essence of moving on after a breakup. Its jangly guitars and Morrissey’s poignant lyrics make it an unforgettable track.
7. “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” (1984)
Album: Hatful of Hollow (Compilation)
Key Themes: Self-pity, disillusionment, humor
Trivia: The single’s cover art is a nod to the 1960 kitchen-sink drama film “A Taste of Honey.”
A blend of humor and melancholy, “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” showcases The Smiths’ ability to combine catchy melodies with introspective lyrics.
8. “Ask” (1986)
Album: Louder Than Bombs (Compilation)
Key Themes: Shyness, missed opportunities, communication
Trivia: The song’s upbeat tone contrasts with its theme of missed opportunities and shyness.
With its infectious melody and lyrics that capture the awkwardness of missed opportunities, “Ask” is a gem from The Smiths’ compilation album Louder Than Bombs.
9. “Girlfriend in a Coma” (1987)
Album: Strangeways, Here We Come
Key Themes: Relationships, detachment, dark humor
Trivia: The song’s title was inspired by a newspaper headline about a woman in a coma.
A darkly humorous take on a failing relationship, “Girlfriend in a Coma” showcases The Smiths’ knack for infusing wit into their music.
10. “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” (1984)
Album: Hatful of Hollow (Compilation)
Key Themes: Desire, longing, vulnerability
Trivia: The song was featured in the iconic film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
“Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” is a beautiful and tender ballad that highlights Morrissey’s vulnerability and longing.
11. “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before” (1987)
Album: Strangeways, Here We Come
Key Themes: Repeating mistakes, déjà vu, irony
Trivia: The song’s lyrics touch on the irony of repeating the same mistakes in relationships.
“Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before” is a lively track that juxtaposes upbeat instrumentals with Morrissey’s wry take on recurring relationship problems.
12. “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore” (1985)
Album: Meat Is Murder
Key Themes: Disillusionment, lost humor, despair
Trivia: Johnny Marr played a prominent piano part on this track, adding depth to the song.
“That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore” delves into the depths of despair and disillusionment. Its somber tone and introspective lyrics make it a standout on Meat Is Murder.
13. “What Difference Does It Make?” (1984)
Album: The Smiths
Key Themes: Uncertainty, frustration, identity
Trivia: The music video featured Morrissey in a doctor’s outfit, a nod to his brief career as a hospital orderly.
“What Difference Does It Make?” is one of The Smiths’ earliest hits, featuring Morrissey’s distinctive vocals and a sense of frustration and identity crisis.
14. “Rusholme Ruffians” (1985)
Album: Meat Is Murder
Key Themes: Working-class life, nostalgia, rebellion
Trivia: The track features an outro with Morrissey singing lines from Elvis Presley’s “His Latest Flame.”
“Rusholme Ruffians” captures the nostalgia for working-class life and rebellion against societal norms, a recurring theme in The Smiths’ music.
15. “Cemetry Gates” (1986)
Album: The Queen Is Dead
Key Themes: Literature, plagiarism, self-reflection
Trivia: The song references numerous authors and poets, reflecting Morrissey’s love for literature.
“Cemetry Gates” is a testament to Morrissey’s literary influences, with references to famous writers and a contemplative exploration of the themes of plagiarism and self-reflection.
16. “I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish” (1987)
Album: Strangeways, Here We Come
Key Themes: Consequences, arrogance, accountability
Trivia: The song’s title was inspired by a newspaper headline about a footballer who left his team abruptly.
With its energetic rhythm and Morrissey’s playful lyrics, “I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish” is a catchy exploration of the consequences of one’s actions.
17. “Shakespeare’s Sister” (1985)
Album: Meat Is Murder
Key Themes: Feminism, identity, loneliness
Trivia: The song’s title was inspired by Virginia Woolf’s essay “A Room of One’s Own.”
“Shakespeare’s Sister” delves into themes of feminism and identity, with Morrissey’s signature wit and wordplay.
18. “Oscillate Wildly” (1987)
Album: Louder Than Bombs (Compilation)
Key Themes: Instrumental, reflection, ambiance
Trivia: This track stands out as one of The Smiths’ few purely instrumental compositions.
“Oscillate Wildly” offers a departure from the band’s usual lyrical focus, creating an ethereal and introspective atmosphere with its beautiful instrumentation.
19. “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” (1987)
Album: Strangeways, Here We Come
Key Themes: Loneliness, rejection, melancholy
Trivia: Morrissey reportedly wrote this song in just one night.
A haunting and poignant track, “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” explores the depths of loneliness and rejection, showcasing Morrissey’s emotional depth.
20. “Hand in Glove” (1983)
Album: The Smiths
Key Themes: Love, liberation, connection
Trivia: This song marked The Smiths’ debut single and was released in an independent label, Rough Trade.
“Hand in Glove” encapsulates the spirit of The Smiths’ early work with its themes of love and liberation. It’s a fitting conclusion to our journey through their top 20 singles and tracks.
The Smiths’ top 20 singles and tracks
In this exploration of The Smiths’ top 20 singles and tracks, we’ve delved into the band’s incredible discography, unearthing their key themes, the albums these tracks appeared on, and intriguing trivia. From the melancholic beauty of “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” to the biting satire of “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” The Smiths’ music continues to captivate and resonate with audiences today.
As we conclude our journey through The Smiths’ top 20 singles and tracks, one thing becomes clear: their music remains as relevant and powerful as ever. So, whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their brilliance, take a dive into The Smiths’ discography and let their melodies and lyrics transport you to a world of emotion and introspection.