The Smiths were one of the most influential bands of the 1980s, fronted by the enigmatic Morrissey and driven by the distinctive guitar work of Johnny Marr. Their unique blend of rock, pop, and punk, combined with Morrissey’s introspective and often provocative lyrics, captivated audiences and cemented their place in music history.
Over the course of their brief but highly productive career, The Smiths released several classic albums and a string of hit singles, many of which remain beloved by fans to this day.
In this list of the 10 best Smiths songs of all time, we’ll take a closer look at some of the band’s most iconic and enduring tracks, exploring their musical and lyrical themes and their ongoing impact on popular culture.
1. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” is a melancholic yet uplifting song by The Smiths, released in 1986. The song features Morrissey’s distinctive and emotive vocals, accompanied by Johnny Marr’s jangling guitar riffs. The lyrics describe a desire for escape and love, with Morrissey singing about a couple who want to be together forever, even in death. Despite its morbid theme, the song is regarded as one of the band’s most beautiful and iconic compositions, and has become a classic among alternative rock fans.
2. How Soon Is Now?
“How Soon Is Now?” is a landmark song by The Smiths, released in 1984. The track features a distinctive and mesmerizing guitar riff, which has become one of the most recognizable and iconic in rock history. Morrissey’s lyrics express themes of isolation and yearning, with his signature poetic and melancholic style. The song’s unique sound and emotive quality have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in several movies and TV shows.
3. This Charming Man
“This Charming Man” is a popular song by English rock band The Smiths, released in 1983. It is known for its upbeat, jangly guitar riff and witty lyrics that explore themes of male sexuality and the desire for intimacy. The song was written by frontman Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr and features a distinctive bassline by Andy Rourke and driving drumbeat by Mike Joyce. The song’s popularity helped to establish The Smiths as one of the most important and influential bands of the 1980s and it remains one of their most recognizable and beloved songs. Its catchy melody and clever lyrics have made it a favorite among fans and critics alike, earning it a spot on many “best songs of all time” lists.
4. Bigmouth Strikes Again
“Bigmouth Strikes Again” is a popular song by The Smiths, released in 1986. The song features Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar riffs that serve as the perfect complement to Morrissey’s dark and introspective lyrics. The song tells the story of a young man who is being bullied and tormented by others but decides to fight back with his words. The lyrics are witty and sarcastic, showing Morrissey’s unique style of songwriting. The track’s catchy melody, driving beat, and Marr’s signature guitar work make it a standout track in The Smiths’ catalog and one of their most beloved songs.
5. The Boy With the Thorn in His Side
“The Boy With the Thorn in His Side” by The Smiths is a track off their 1985 album “The Queen Is Dead”. The song is characterized by its driving, jangly guitar riffs, punctuated by Morrissey’s distinctive vocals and lyrics that blend biting wit with romantic yearning. The song’s lyrics tell the story of an outsider who is targeted and persecuted by others, with Morrissey portraying the protagonist as a tragic figure who is misunderstood and mistreated by society. The song’s title is a reference to a line in William Shakespeare’s play “King Lear”, which Morrissey has said inspired the song’s themes of alienation and vulnerability. The track has become a fan favorite and is considered one of The Smiths’ most enduring and beloved songs.
6. Panic
“Panic” is a song by English rock band The Smiths, released in 1986 as a single. It features a lively and energetic instrumental section, with jangly guitars and driving drums, providing a catchy and danceable beat. The lyrics, sung by frontman Morrissey, address the sense of panic and disillusionment felt by young people in the UK during the mid-1980s, and the media’s portrayal of events such as the Chernobyl disaster and the AIDS epidemic. The song’s chorus, which includes the memorable lines “Hang the DJ, hang the DJ, hang the DJ”, is a satirical comment on the state of popular music and the role of radio DJs in shaping public taste.
7. Shoplifters of the World Unite
“Shoplifters of the World Unite” is a song by the British rock band The Smiths, released in 1987. The song is a powerful commentary on society and the economic struggle that many young people face. The lyrics, written by Morrissey, describe a group of young people who resort to shoplifting due to poverty and lack of opportunity. The catchy melody and upbeat tempo of the song contrast with the darker theme of the lyrics, making it a standout track in The Smiths’ discography. The song features Johnny Marr’s distinctive guitar riffs and a strong bassline, providing a strong foundation for Morrissey’s emotive vocals
8. Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now
“Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” is a song by the British rock band The Smiths, released in 1984. The song features Morrissey’s distinctive vocals and Johnny Marr’s jangling guitar riffs. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is struggling with depression and feeling lost in their life. Despite the melancholic tone of the lyrics, the song is also very catchy and has become one of The Smiths’ most well-known tracks. The song features a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation, creating a unique sound that is instantly recognizable. With its relatable lyrics and catchy melody,
9. What Difference Does It Make?
“What Difference Does It Make?” is a song by the British rock band The Smiths, released in 1984 as their second single. It features Morrissey’s distinctive vocals and Johnny Marr’s jangling guitar riffs. The song starts with a playful guitar riff that sets the tone for the upbeat melody, before diving into Morrissey’s introspective lyrics. The chorus features an infectious hook, with Morrissey repeating the title question, “What difference does it make?” The song’s lyrics explore themes of identity and the search for meaning, with Morrissey asking whether his choices and actions really matter in the grand scheme of things.
10. William, It Was Really Nothing
“William, It Was Really Nothing” is a song by the English rock band The Smiths, released as a single in 1984. The song features Johnny Marr’s iconic guitar riff and Morrissey’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a young man named William, who seems to have given up on life and is described as “a sweet and tender hooligan”. Morrissey’s lyrics are often full of social commentary and this song is no exception, exploring themes of alienation and societal pressures. The song is considered one of The Smiths’ most memorable and catchy tracks, and it remains a fan favorite.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
