4. Meat Is Murder
The Smiths second album released in 1984 is not a bad album by any means, just unfortunately one that is crushed under it's own pretension. The title was construed from Morrissey's now famous views upon those who kill animals for their own gain. As a self proclaimed vegan he felt that this album would be the perfect way to spread his message and convince the masses to stop the slaughter. This didn't work however with the title track coming over as bizarre and unsettling, but not in the intended manner. It is due to odd production choices, such as opening with the droning electronic buzz of slaughterhouse machinery accompanied by a repetitive bovine cry for the first minute of the song, which make it difficult to listen to rather than the message that is being preached. This is however one of the very few undeniably bad Smiths songs, which unfortunately is placed right at the end of the album and as of such leaves a sour overall impression of an otherwise impressive record. Songs such as "The Headmaster Ritual", "Nowhere Fast" and "Rusholme Ruffians" are highlights, showing the same emotional power and musical prowess that had been displayed throughout their debut but developing more upon the humour in Morrissey's lyrics. Such as the titular Headmaster of "The Headmaster Ritual" being cut down to size swiftly in "Sir leads the troops, jealous of youth, same old suit since 1962" It is a shame overall that such moments of brilliance are undercut by a perpetual reminder of the underwhelming title track with each listen of the album. Because whilst not a bad album overall per se, it is because of this that in the eyes of many Smiths fans it remains the weakest in their repertoire being seen as a good album overall weakened by one awful song, rather than the great one it is without it.