The Smiths - Self Titled

The Smiths
The Smiths (1984)
Sire (US), Rough Trade (UK)
College Rock

The Smiths were founded by Steven Morrissey, the lead singer for the band and former front-man for The Nosebleeds. They drew from rock and post-punk influences such as Joy Division to become one of the most influential and important college rock bands. Together with guitarist Johnny Marr, Morrissey composed and wrote lyrics for the band, which also included Andy Rourke (Bass), and Mike Joyce (Drummer). The vocals of Morrissey provide a simple melodic contrast to the arpeggios from Marr's jangly guitar style, to create one of the most distinctive and thought out sounds of rock music.

The Smiths released their self-titled debut album in 1984. It was bold and unlike any previous rock albums, both musically and in terms of ideology, discussing especially the theme of homosexuality. The album opens with Reel Around the Fountain, a six-minute beautifully emotional and hypnotic track. The repetitive and simple guitar line coupled with Morrissey's dark, almost operatic voice makes the song seem even longer, and even simulates the subject of the song: a addiction-like relationship, where Morrissey keeps coming back to his lover despite their faults. During this track, Morrissey is frequently making witty allusions to sex, including even the title of the song, a theme that is repeated in many of their songs. Morrissey's voice is normally deep compared to most vocalists of the time, however on some tracks on the album, including Miserable Lie and Pretty Girls Make Graves, Morrissey shifts into his head voice at the end of the song. This adds a dreamy element without taking away from the dark emotional content of the songs. The closing track of the album, Suffer Little Children, finishes the album perfectly. Written as a tribute to the victims of the 'Moors Murders', it is among Morrissey's best and most emotional work. While it is not necessarily The Smiths' greatest album (The Queen Is Dead comes to mind), The Smiths is one of the most emotional and heart-wrenching rock albums of all time, and completely changes the genre, setting a precedent for later albums.

9.8/10
Favorite Tracks: Reel Around The Fountain, Still Ill, & Hand In Glove