Albums and Singles by The Smiths

Introduction

The Smiths remain one of the most influential British alternative rock bands of all time. Emerging from Manchester’s post-punk scene, they combined melancholic lyrics, jangly guitar work, and a sharp, often controversial, lyrical perspective. The band consisted of Morrissey on vocals, Johnny Marr on guitar, Andy Rourke on bass, and Mike Joyce on drums. Their career, though brief from 1982 to 1987, left an indelible mark on indie music and shaped the future of alternative rock.

During their career, The Smiths released four studio albums, one live album, several compilation albums, and twenty-four singles, many of which remain beloved by fans decades later. This guide offers a detailed overview of their discography, including key release details, chart positions, and notable songs.

Studio Albums

The Smiths released four studio albums, each defining a different phase of their short but prolific career. Their sound evolved from raw, lo-fi post-punk to sophisticated, layered compositions. Marr’s intricate guitar work and Morrissey’s lyrical wit remained central to their identity throughout.

The Smiths

The band’s debut album was released in February 1984 on Rough Trade Records. While it reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and topped the UK Indie Chart, it was recorded under difficult conditions, with the band initially dissatisfied with the production quality. Despite this, the album introduced The Smiths’ distinctive sound and themes, from alienation to unrequited love.

Notable singles from this album include What Difference Does It Make?, which became their first top twenty UK hit, Hand in Glove, their debut single, and Reel Around the Fountain, which, despite not being officially released as a single, became a cult favorite.

Meat Is Murder

Released in February 1985, this album marked a darker, more politically charged phase for the band. The title track reflected Morrissey’s passionate stance on vegetarianism, while other songs tackled themes of corporal punishment (The Headmaster Ritual) and working-class struggle (Rusholme Ruffians). The album became The Smiths’ only number one record in the UK.

While That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore was the album’s only officially released single, songs like Barbarism Begins at Home and Nowhere Fast became fan favorites. The album showcased the band’s increasing musical experimentation, incorporating funk influences in Barbarism Begins at Home and rockabilly elements in Rusholme Ruffians.

The Queen Is Dead

Released in June 1986, this album is widely regarded as The Smiths’ masterpiece. It blends witty social critique, melancholy ballads, and fast-paced, jangly guitar work. The title track is a scathing attack on British institutions, delivered with a driving, urgent sound.

Singles from this album include Bigmouth Strikes Again, which saw Marr experimenting with layered guitar effects, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, which remains one of their most celebrated tracks, and Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others, a song that showcases Marr’s use of fade-in guitar techniques.

Although the album initially peaked at number two on the UK charts, its reputation has grown over time, regularly topping “Greatest Albums of All Time” lists.

Strangeways, Here We Come

The final studio album, released in September 1987, was the band’s most musically diverse. It featured lush orchestration, synthesizer elements, and darker lyrical themes. By the time of its release, internal tensions had led to the band’s breakup, making this their last original work together.

Key singles from the album include Girlfriend in a Coma, a deceptively upbeat song with darkly humorous lyrics, Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me, a dramatic and orchestral lament, and I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish, which features some of Marr’s most forceful guitar work.

Though it peaked at number two in the UK, its significance grew posthumously, as fans saw it as a bittersweet farewell to one of the most iconic indie bands.

Live Albums

Rank was released in September 1988, a year after The Smiths disbanded. Recorded at the National Ballroom in Kilburn in 1986, the album captures the raw energy of the band’s live performances. Highlights include powerful renditions of Panic, Ask, and Cemetry Gates.

Although it lacked direct involvement from the band members in its production, it remains the only official live album in The Smiths' catalog.

Compilation Albums

The Smiths’ legacy has been preserved through a series of compilation albums, many of which became essential listening for new fans.

Early Compilations

Hatful of Hollow, released in 1984, is often considered just as important as their studio albums. It contains BBC Radio 1 John Peel sessions and alternative versions of early singles, including a rawer version of This Charming Man.

The World Won’t Listen (1987) was a collection of singles and B-sides that didn’t make it onto studio albums. It provided a broader perspective on the band’s work, featuring songs like Panic, Ask, and Shoplifters of the World Unite.

Louder Than Bombs (1987) was released primarily for the US market but became a favorite among international fans. It compiled rare tracks, singles, and alternative takes, making it one of the most expansive overviews of The Smiths’ career.

Post-Breakup Compilations

Following the band’s breakup, a series of greatest-hits albums introduced The Smiths to new generations. Best… I and …Best II, both released in 1992, featured curated selections of their most successful songs.

Singles (1995) compiled all nineteen singles in chronological order, making it a concise way to experience the band’s evolution.

The Sound of The Smiths (2008) and Complete (2011) further solidified their legacy by offering remastered versions of classic tracks, ensuring the music remained relevant and accessible.

Singles

The Smiths released twenty-four singles, many of which became defining songs of the 1980s alternative scene.

Early Singles and Breakthrough

Hand in Glove (1983) was their first release, initially met with little commercial success. However, This Charming Man (1983) changed everything, becoming their first UK Top 30 hit.

The follow-up single, What Difference Does It Make? (1984), marked their first entry into the UK Top 20.

Peak Years

Singles like How Soon Is Now? (1985) demonstrated the band’s willingness to experiment with atmosphere and guitar effects, while The Boy with the Thorn in His Side (1985) showcased Marr’s ability to craft emotionally resonant melodies.

Songs like Panic (1986) and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (1987) remain among their most beloved.

Reissues and Posthumous Releases

The Smiths’ music continued to chart years after their breakup. This Charming Man was reissued in 1992, reaching number eight on the UK charts. In 2017, The Queen Is Dead was re-released as a limited edition single, proving the band’s continued influence.

Music Videos and Video Releases

The Smiths released several music videos, though they often preferred to let their music speak for itself.

The Complete Picture (1992) remains the definitive visual compilation, featuring promo videos for This Charming Man, How Soon Is Now?, and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.

Legacy and Impact on Music

The Smiths changed the landscape of indie and alternative rock. Their influence can be seen in the music of bands like Radiohead, Oasis, The Strokes, and even modern indie acts.

Even though they split in 1987, their music continues to find new audiences, with reissues and documentaries keeping their legacy alive.

Here's a tidied and fully complete version of the listed albums and singles by The Smiths, ensuring accuracy and completeness in their discography.

Albums and Singles by The Smiths

Studio Albums

The Smiths (1984)

• Release Date: February 20, 1984
• Label: Rough Trade
• Formats: LP, Cassette, CD
• Chart Performance:
  • UK Albums Chart: #2
  • UK Indie Chart: #1
• Notable Singles:
  • "Hand in Glove"
  • "This Charming Man"
  • "What Difference Does It Make?"

Meat Is Murder (1985)

• Release Date: February 11, 1985
• Label: Rough Trade
• Chart Performance:
  • UK Albums Chart: #1 (The Smiths’ only #1 album)
• Notable Singles:
  • "That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore"
  • "The Headmaster Ritual"
  • "Barbarism Begins at Home"

The Queen Is Dead (1986)

• Release Date: June 16, 1986
• Label: Rough Trade
• Chart Performance:
  • UK Albums Chart: #2
  • US Billboard 200: #70
• Notable Singles:
  • "Bigmouth Strikes Again"
  • "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side"
  • "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out"

Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)

• Release Date: September 28, 1987
• Label: Rough Trade
• Chart Performance:
  • UK Albums Chart: #2
  • US Billboard 200: #55
• Notable Singles:
  • "Girlfriend in a Coma"
  • "I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish"
  • "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me"

Live Albums

Rank (1988)

• Release Date: September 5, 1988
• Label: Rough Trade, Sire
• Recorded: October 1986, Kilburn National Ballroom, London
• Chart Performance:
  • UK Albums Chart: #2
• Notable Tracks:
  • "Ask"
  • "Cemetry Gates"
  • "Panic"

Compilation Albums

Early Compilations (1984-1987)

• Hatful of Hollow (1984): A collection of BBC Radio 1 John Peel sessions and early singles, including a different version of "This Charming Man".
• The World Won’t Listen (1987): A singles and B-sides compilation, including "Panic" and "Shoplifters of the World Unite."
• Louder Than Bombs (1987): A US-market double album featuring singles, B-sides, and rarities such as "Sheila Take a Bow."

Post-Breakup Compilations (1992-Present)

• Best… I (1992) & …Best II (1992): The first official greatest hits collections after the breakup.
• Singles (1995): Includes all 19 UK singles in chronological order, ideal for newcomers.
• The Very Best of The Smiths (2001): A comprehensive retrospective of the band’s biggest hits.
• The Sound of The Smiths (2008): A two-disc remastered collection, featuring lesser-known deep cuts.
• Complete (2011): The ultimate box set, containing all studio albums, live albums, compilations, and B-sides.

Singles

The Smiths released 24 singles between 1983 and 2017. Below is a complete chronological list:

1983-1984: Early Singles & Breakthrough

• "Hand in Glove" (1983)
• "This Charming Man" (1983)
• "What Difference Does It Make?" (1984)
• "Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now" (1984)
• "William, It Was Really Nothing" (1984)

1985-1987: Peak Years

• "How Soon Is Now?" (1985)
• "Shakespeare’s Sister" (1985)
• "That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore" (1985)
• "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" (1985)
• "Bigmouth Strikes Again" (1986)
• "Panic" (1986)
• "Ask" (1986)
• "Shoplifters of the World Unite" (1987)
• "Sheila Take a Bow" (1987)
• "Girlfriend in a Coma" (1987)
• "I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish" (1987)
• "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" (1987)

1992-2017: Reissues and Posthumous Releases

• "This Charming Man" (Reissue, 1992) – Reached #8 in UK charts
• "How Soon Is Now?" (Reissue, 1992)
• "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" (Reissue, 1992)
• "Ask" (Reissue, 1995)
• "Sweet and Tender Hooligan" (1995, US-only)
• "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" (2017, Demo Mix)
• "The Queen Is Dead" (2017, 30th Anniversary Reissue)

Music Videos & Video Releases

• The Complete Picture (1992): The Smiths’ only official video compilation, featuring all promotional music videos.
• Notable Music Videos:
  • "This Charming Man" (1983)
  • "What Difference Does It Make?" (1984)
  • "How Soon Is Now?" (1985)
  • "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" (1985)
  • "Panic" (1986)
  • "Ask" (1986)
  • "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" (1992, reissue)