10 Near Perfect New Wave Albums With One Bad Song
1. The Smiths - The Smiths (1984)
The Smiths debut album is a requisite for anyone who is a fan of English indie rock. Morrissey's dreary ruminating about just about every subject under the sun, combines with the more upbeat tone of Johnny Marr's guitar, to create the perfect combination of moods (for the most part).
The oppressively sombre lyrics from England's most self-obsessed frontman, are enough to almost kill the record off during the first track... Reel Around the Fountain, opens up the album in the most unenthusiastic way imaginable. Marr's guitar seems to be depressed merely from being in proximity to Morrissey. For six minutes, the floppy haired poster boy, drones on about his inability to form any kind of meaningful relationship. Although the lyrics conjure up some great imagery, Morrissey drags it out for far too long. Perhaps if the song had been two to three minutes shorter, it might not have been such a snooze fest. Sorry hardcore Smiths fans...
For what it's worth, the rest of the album is great. Just make sure you get a dose of something slightly less depressive afterwards, otherwise you're likely to slip into a hole of despair.