If you look at music in the 1980s, a lot of what garnered attention from the mainstream was cheesy synth-pop ballads like “You Spin Me Around” or “I Ran.” Coinciding with the music of the time, a lot bands wore flashy and colorful outfits in an attempt fit in with what was trendy for the era. This is one of the reasons that The Smiths stood out; instead of conforming toward the regularities of radio popularity, they constructed masterful guitar-driven songs that showed a depth of character. Outspoken and fearless, Morrissey and company quickly found a cult following in the UK indie scene. What would also follow is a career marked with periods of controversy, as well as a nasty split that once had lead-singer Morrissey say that he’d “rather eat [his] own testicles than reform The Smiths.” Seeing their present situation, it’s crazy to think that at one point these guys were composing music that would influence artists decades later.

Of course, everything great has a beginning, and for The Smiths it was their self-titled 1984 debut, The Smiths. From start to finish the album dazzles with some of the greatest guitar work I’ve ever heard; each track features brilliant, complex guitars lines that seamlessly integrate themselves within their environment. To focus on a single rift is mesmerizing, it always amazes me how something as elaborate as guitarist Johnny Marr’s picking comes across as smoothly and shimmering as it does. Moreover, the bass sections are equally as complicated, making The Smiths a well-oiled machine of intricacies that somehow develops into some stellar results. For instance, “This Charming Man” intertwines bass and guitar in a way that makes them seem as though they’re dancing with each other, playing off of the opposing rhythms. In essence, The Smiths encapsulate a sense of melody that is incredibly rare among songwriters.

This Charming Man

Leading the charge is front man Morrissey, a persona who The Smiths could not do without. As one of the more candid characters in musical history, it’s fair to say that he never strayed away from his opinions. As a consequence Morrissey and The Smiths found themselves under fire frequently, but also delivered some of the greatest lyrics ever put down on paper. The group touches upon a multitude of themes on The Smiths, including unique topics that are presented in a beautiful and sophisticated manner. “Reel Around the Fountain” chronicles a man’s first intimate relationship, “You’ve Got Everything Now” is about someone whose school rival gets ahead of him in life, and “Hand In Glove” deals with the subject of homosexuality. Taking the reins is Morrissey, whose peculiar vocals give The Smiths additional personality.

Reel Around the Fountain

The Smiths may be viewed as a starting block by some, but for me it stands as one of the greatest albums ever made. The band would go on to make more magnificent albums, but 1984 was the beginning that sparked several jangle pop masterpieces. It’ll be extremely difficult for anyone to replicate what The Smiths were able to achieve.

—Misha Z.