My Top 5 Smiths Songs Of All Time
The Smiths, an iconic British rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, left an indelible mark on the music landscape with their distinctive blend of melancholic melodies, poetic lyrics, and Morrissey's unmistakable vocals. The band's discography is a treasure trove of indie rock gems, making it a daunting task to pick just five songs as the best. However, some tracks consistently rise to the top in fan polls and critical acclaim. Here are my top five Smiths songs of all time, exploring what makes each one so special.
1. "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out"
"There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" often tops the lists of best Smiths songs, and for good reason. This quintessential Smiths track perfectly encapsulates the band's signature blend of bittersweet romance and melancholy. From the opening chords, the song establishes a wistful atmosphere, drawing the listener into a world of longing and unrequited love. Morrissey's lyrics are at their most poignant here, painting a vivid picture of youthful infatuation and a yearning for connection. The lines "To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die" are perhaps some of the most iconic in the Smiths' catalog, showcasing Morrissey's talent for crafting lyrics that are both romantic and darkly humorous. Johnny Marr's guitar work is equally crucial to the song's success, providing a shimmering, melodic backdrop to Morrissey's vocals. The song's structure is deceptively simple, yet it builds to a powerful emotional crescendo, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. What makes "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" truly special is its ability to resonate with a wide range of emotions. It's a song about love, loss, hope, and despair, all rolled into one. The song's universal themes and timeless melody have made it an enduring classic, continuing to captivate listeners across generations. The arrangement is nothing short of perfect, with the interplay between Morrissey's vocals and Marr's guitar creating a sonic tapestry that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching. The rhythm section, featuring Andy Rourke on bass and Mike Joyce on drums, provides a solid foundation for the song, allowing the melody and lyrics to take center stage. This song is a testament to the Smiths' ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
2. "How Soon Is Now?"
"How Soon Is Now?" is arguably The Smiths' most experimental and atmospheric track, and its innovative sound has cemented its place as a fan favorite. The song's distinctive tremolo guitar effect, created by Johnny Marr, immediately grabs the listener's attention, creating a swirling, hypnotic soundscape. Morrissey's lyrics delve into themes of social awkwardness and isolation, resonating with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. The repeated line "I am human and I need to be loved / Just like everybody else does" is a powerful expression of vulnerability and the universal desire for connection. The song's slow, deliberate tempo adds to its intensity, creating a sense of brooding anticipation. "How Soon Is Now?" is a departure from the Smiths' more straightforward indie-pop sound, showcasing the band's willingness to experiment with different textures and moods. The song's unique sound and lyrical depth have made it a favorite among both critics and fans, and it remains a staple of alternative rock radio. The song’s iconic tremolo effect, achieved through hours of studio experimentation, is a testament to Marr's innovative approach to guitar playing. This effect, combined with the song's haunting melody and Morrissey's evocative lyrics, creates an atmosphere that is both mesmerizing and melancholic. The song's structure is unconventional, with long instrumental passages that allow the tremolo guitar to breathe and create its hypnotic effect. The lyrics, while seemingly simple, are deeply resonant, capturing the universal human desire for love and acceptance. The song's themes of social isolation and awkwardness are particularly poignant, making it a touchstone for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
3. "Bigmouth Strikes Again"
"Bigmouth Strikes Again" is a high-energy, guitar-driven anthem that showcases The Smiths' punk-rock influences. The song's infectious melody and witty lyrics make it an instant crowd-pleaser. Morrissey's vocals are particularly strong here, conveying a sense of defiance and rebelliousness. The lyrics, which reference Joan of Arc, are full of clever wordplay and social commentary. The line "Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking when I said I'd like to smash every tooth in your head" is a classic example of Morrissey's sardonic wit. Johnny Marr's guitar work is equally impressive, with a driving riff that propels the song forward. "Bigmouth Strikes Again" is a song that demands to be played loud, and its energy is infectious. It's a perfect example of The Smiths' ability to blend punk energy with literate lyrics and melodic sensibilities. The song's driving rhythm and catchy chorus make it an instant singalong, while its clever lyrics provide plenty of food for thought. The song's themes of betrayal and retribution are universal, but Morrissey's unique perspective and witty delivery make them feel fresh and relevant. The song's iconic opening riff, played by Johnny Marr, is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the rest of the track. The song's structure is straightforward, but its energy and intensity never flag. This is a song that captures the essence of The Smiths at their most energetic and defiant.
4. "This Charming Man"
"This Charming Man" is a quintessential Smiths song that captures the band's indie-pop sensibilities at their finest. The song's upbeat tempo, jangly guitars, and Morrissey's whimsical lyrics create a sense of lightheartedness and charm. The lyrics tell a story of a chance encounter between two men, hinting at a possible romance. The line "I would go out tonight, but I haven't got a stitch to wear" is a classic example of Morrissey's witty and self-deprecating humor. Johnny Marr's guitar work is particularly noteworthy on this track, with a series of intricate and melodic riffs that complement Morrissey's vocals perfectly. "This Charming Man" is a song that is both catchy and clever, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality. The song's jangly guitars and upbeat tempo make it an instant mood-lifter, while its witty lyrics provide plenty of food for thought. The song's themes of social awkwardness and romantic longing are universal, but Morrissey's unique perspective and clever wordplay make them feel fresh and engaging. The song's iconic guitar riff, played by Johnny Marr, is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the rest of the track. The song's structure is simple but effective, with a catchy chorus that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. This is a song that captures the essence of The Smiths at their most charming and playful.
5. "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want"
"Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" is a delicate and heartbreaking ballad that showcases the Smiths' ability to create songs that are both beautiful and emotionally affecting. The song's simple arrangement, featuring acoustic guitar and Morrissey's plaintive vocals, creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and longing. The lyrics are a direct expression of desire and frustration, capturing the feeling of wanting something that seems just out of reach. The line "See the luck I've had can make a good man turn bad" is a particularly poignant expression of despair. "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, and its emotional honesty has made it a favorite among fans. The song's spare arrangement and Morrissey's heartfelt vocals create an atmosphere of intimacy and vulnerability. The lyrics, while seemingly simple, are deeply resonant, capturing the universal human desire for happiness and fulfillment. The song's themes of longing and disappointment are particularly poignant, making it a touchstone for anyone who has ever felt like they were missing out on something. The song's iconic melody, played on acoustic guitar, is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the rest of the track. The song's structure is simple but effective, building to a powerful emotional climax. This is a song that captures the essence of The Smiths at their most vulnerable and affecting.
These five songs represent just a small sampling of The Smiths' vast and impressive catalog. Each song offers a unique glimpse into the band's musical and lyrical genius, and their enduring popularity is a testament to their lasting impact on music. From the melancholy romance of "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" to the punk energy of "Bigmouth Strikes Again," The Smiths created a body of work that continues to resonate with listeners today. Their music is a reminder of the power of songwriting to capture the complexities of human emotion and experience, and their influence can be heard in countless bands that have followed in their wake.
