The Smiths, an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, were one of the most important alternative bands to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. A unique blend of Morrissey’s enigmatic and poetic lyrics coupled with Johnny Marr’s innovative guitar work made their songs timeless classics that continue to resonate with fans today. This top 10 list navigates through the prolific yet relatively short career of the band, and highlights some of their most influential and beloved tracks.
#10: “Hand in Glove”
The debut single from The Smiths, “Hand in Glove” immediately established the band’s distinct sound. Released in 1983, it failed to chart but eventually became one of their most celebrated songs. The track features Morrissey’s melancholic musings on love and alienation, alongside Marr’s jangly guitar which would become a defining characteristic of The Smiths. The song carried an aura of youthful defiance, a theme that would persist throughout the band’s discography.
#9: “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”
Featuring Morrissey’s trademark sardonic wit, “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” is an anthem for the disaffected youth. With its iconic opening line, Morrissey delivers a poignant yet humorous look at personal dissatisfaction. The band’s uncanny ability to combine upbeat melodies with somber lyrics is fully realized here, as Marr’s bright guitar hooks contrast with the song’s themes of disillusionment and longing.
#8: “The Boy With the Thorn in His Side”
This song, with its lush melody and sweeping chorus, showcases the band’s softer, more introspective side. “The Boy With the Thorn in His Side” stands as a beautiful allegory about unreciprocated love and struggle. According to Morrissey, the “thorn” symbolizes the band’s detractors, amidst their rise to fame. This track is a testament to the group’s ability to craft songs that meld personal and universal themes seamlessly.
#7: “Bigmouth Strikes Again”
From their third studio album “The Queen is Dead,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again” is a prime example of The Smiths’ deft mixture of humor and biting social commentary. A whirlwind of Marr’s shimmering guitar work is complemented by Morrissey’s satirical confessions of saying the wrong thing. The ambiguous lyrics led to various interpretations, but the energy and irreverence of the song have cemented it as a fan favorite.
#6: “This Charming Man”
Arguably one of the band’s most instantly recognizable songs, “This Charming Man” stands out with its catchy riff and jangle pop sensibility. Released as the group’s second single, the song tells an oddly joyous tale of a chance encounter and features some of Morrissey’s most vividly painted characters. Its buoyant sound helped propel The Smiths into the limelight and remains a signature piece of their catalogue.
#5: “How Soon Is Now?”
Blurring the lines between indie rock and dance music, “How Soon Is Now?” is an enduring cult classic. The song is notable for its unconventional structure, tremolo-laden guitar, and hauntingly resonant lyrics about the pangs of loneliness and social anxiety. It’s a sweeping sonic experience that is often referred to as the band’s defining moment – a track where all the elements of The Smiths’ sound coalesce perfectly.
#4: “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”
One of The Smiths’ most emotionally moving tracks, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” is a romance-tinged song that touches the soul. It pairs Morrissey’s literary songwriting, which fantasizes about a morbid yet romantic death, with a delicate and entrancing musical backdrop. It encapsulates the sense of vulnerability and desire for human connection that often permeated their work.
#3: “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want”
Short and bittersweet, this song is a masterclass in succinct songwriting. Originally released as the B-side of “William, It Was Really Nothing,” this track became a standout its own right. Its lamenting lyrics and the plaintive mandolin, played by Marr, create a perfect portrait of yearning and hope. With Morrissey’s impassioned vocals, it lingers in the mind long after its brief runtime has ended.
#2: “Panic”
With its famous chorus of “Hang the DJ,” “Panic” is emblematic of The Smiths’ ability to channel the zeitgeist of their era. The track was written in response to a news report about Chernobyl that was followed by a pop song on the radio – highlighting the disconnect between real-world events and pop culture. Its gritty guitar riffs and anthemic vocals turned it into an urgent call-to-action that still feels relevant.
#1: “The Queen Is Dead”
“The Queen is Dead” takes the top spot on our list for its sheer boldness and the ambitious scope it had for a rock song at the time. The title track from their influential 1986 album, this song encapsulates everything that makes The Smiths essential: Morrissey’s poignant and sly social observations, Marr’s dynamic and melody-driven guitar work, and the rhythm section’s tight, propulsive backing. It’s both a vicious satire on the British monarchy and a timeless display of the talent that made The Smiths representative of an era.
The Smiths’ influence on modern music is undeniable. Their songs remain as popular today as they were in the ’80s, inspiring countless bands and solo artists. With Morrissey’s penetrating lyrics and Marr’s infectious guitar lines, these top 10 tracks are not just standout moments in The Smiths’ catalogue, but in the history of contemporary music. As one of the most distinctive bands to emerge from the UK’s post-punk scene, The Smiths’ impact on music, culture, and fashion continues to be felt, and these songs represent the best of their poignant, poetic, and profoundly human body of work.