The List of The Smiths Albums in Order of Release Date
The Smiths Albums in Order: The most influential British rock band of the 1980s left an indelible mark on alternative music by unique infusions of post-punk and 1960s rock. Formed in 1982 in Manchester, Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass), and Mike Joyce (drums) composed the band.
Known for their distinctive sound and the introspective lyrics of Morrissey, The Smiths rapidly accrued fame with their debut self-titled album in 1984. They did so over four studio records—The Smiths (1984), Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986), and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987). A few of their singles reached the top 20 for the UK. Iconic albums continue to inspire hundreds of artists filled with jangly guitars and emotionally charged themes of The Smiths. As far as internal tensions which led to the breakup in 1987, they never found a way out of their destructive tendencies but their legacy remains.
For fans and newcomers alike, going on a journey through the albums of The Smiths, in order, gives a ride through one of the most beloved catalogs in alternative rock history. So, if you are a die heart fan of The Smiths Albums then check out here we have list of The Smiths albums in order of release so far.
Also see: Radiohead Albums in Order
How many albums does The Smiths have?
The Smiths released four studio albums, one live album, 10 compilation albums, three extended plays (EPs), 24 singles, one video album and 13 music videos on the Rough Trade, Sire and WEA record labels.
The List of The Smiths Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of The Smiths Album in Order of Release Date:
- The Smiths — 20 February 1984
- Meat Is Murder — 11 February 1985
- The Queen Is Dead — 16 June 1986
- Strangeways, Here We Come — 28 September 1987
All The Smiths Albums List in Order
1. The Smiths (1984)
Tracklist:
- Reel Around the Fountain
- You’ve Got Everything Now
- Miserable Lie
- Pretty Girls Make Graves
- The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
- Still Ill
- Hand in Glove
- What Difference Does It Make?
- I Don’t Owe You Anything
- Suffer Little Children
“The Smiths”, the first album by the legendary English indie rock band, came out on February 20, 1984, through Rough Trade Records. It was recorded with producer Troy Tate but Morriss and Marr didn’t like what he produced so they worked with John Porter to re-record it. A mix of Morrissey poignant lyrics and Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar produces an essence of the British indie sound for that 1980s era. It topped the UK Albums Chart for a record 33 weeks. Such songs as “What Difference Does It Make?” and “Still Ill” made The Smiths a major influence of alternative music.
2. Meat Is Murder (1985)
Tracklist:
- The Headmaster Ritual
- Rusholme Ruffians
- I Want the One I Can’t Have
- What She Said
- That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore
- Nowhere Fast
- Well I Wonder
- Barbarism Begins at Home
- Meat Is Murder
Meat Is Murder, the second studio album by the band was released on February 11, 1985, under the wing of Rough Trade Records. A very political record by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, it is the band’s only studio release to be number one in the UK Albums Chart, staying there for 13 weeks. The title of this track is a frank pro-vegetarian statement. As for songs like “The Headmaster Ritual,” they mention corporal punishments as a criticism of them. Musically, Meat Is Murder explores funk and rockabilly influences to push the band’s sound into new territory. The cover features a Vietnam-era photograph with an anti-meat message, enforcing Morrissey’s increasingly vocal stance on vegetarianism.
3. The Queen Is Dead (1986)
Tracklist:
- The Queen Is Dead
- Frankly, Mr. Shankly
- I Know It’s Over
- Never Had No One Ever
- Cemetry Gates
- Bigmouth Strikes Again
- The Boy with the Thorn in His Side
- Vicar in a Tutu
- There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
- Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others
The third studio album by The Smiths was titled “The Queen Is Dead” and released on June 16, 1986. Produced by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, with characteristic jangly guitar riffs and melancholic yet witty lyricism, the album boasts some of the most iconic tracks ever, such as “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” fine examples of how trenchant they could be with love, alienation, and societal pabulum. It peaked at No. 2 in the UK Albums Chart, got heavily acclaimed by the critics, and it would be largely assumed one of the best albums ever since it continues to influence indie rock music to this day.
4. Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)
Tracklist:
- A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours
- I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish
- Death of a Disco Dancer
- Girlfriend in a Coma
- Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before
- Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me
- Unhappy Birthday
- Paint a Vulgar Picture
- Death at One’s Elbow
- I Won’t Share You
“Strangeways, Here We Come” is the final album from The Smiths that was released on 28 September 1987, just a few months after the break-up of the group. Music is by Johnny Marr and is lyricised by Morrissey. The album managed No. 2 UK Albums Chart and No. 55 US Billboard 200. The record featured lush production-a departure from the early “jingle jangle” sound-and it featured synthesised saxophone and drum machines. Critical reception was positive, highly regarded as one of their best works. Classics from the album include “Girlfriend in a Coma” and “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me.”
Conclusion:
The Smiths Albums in Order: exercise in understanding the evolution of one of the most important British rock bands of the 1980s. Of course, from this debut, self-titled The Smiths in 1984, the post-punk and 1960s rock combo, through the politico-charged Meat Is Murder (1985), and of course, the masterpiece of an album that would go down in history as the best of them all, The Queen Is Dead (1986); it all culminated into capturing international attention through their unique sound and poignant lyricism. Their last album, Strangeways, Here We Come (1987), thus capped a short but quite iconic career. Though the band broke up, The Smiths’ influence is always there, about alternative rock for generations to come.
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