1. The Queen Is Dead
As if it was going to be anything else. Ironically the Smith's crowning glory is their masterpiece from 1986 with it's controversy baiting title that attacked the royal family straight on. From the start you know this is The Smiths performing at their very best, with Joyce and Rourke's aggressive introduction on the opening track "The Queen Is Dead" joined by Marr's immaculate guitar playing and some of the most poignant yet comical lyrics written by Morrissey as he questions the worth of the monarchy and the values by which the British public who follow them religiously live. The album covers a diverse range of topics from the aforementioned monarchy to record producers in "Frankly Mr Shankly". A song presented as a fictional letter to the head of Rough Trade records as a mockery of him, due to Morrissey's displeasure at the deal he gave the band, backed by Andy Rourke's strongest work with The Smiths. It also shows a real progression musically for the band. In example "Bigmouth Strikes Again" remains one of their finest moments featuring an implausible performance from Marr throughout along with some of the most impressive drumming Mike Joyce ever performed during the band's short existence. Also present is the best love song about death ever recorded "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" in the penultimate position on the album, with it's bittersweet lyrics complimented by fantastic musical performances from all involved, it's not hard to see why it's as popular as it is. And whilst that may have been one of the few to go on to achieve enormous acclaim from everyone that has ever heard it, it still isn't the most impressive on the album! Outdone by the genius present upon "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side" "I Know It's Over" and "Cemetery Gates" to name but a few. For these reasons alone "The Queen Is Dead" remains The Smiths finest album, without a single song present that you feel the desire to skip upon hearing, it remains an example of just how great a genre pop music can be when done correctly.
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below!