#72 of 100
· Cratewise Editorial
“The Queen Is Dead sits at this sweet spot because it's The Smiths' most complete statement—where Johnny Marr's jangly guitar work reaches its absolute peak and Morrissey's wit cuts deepest on tracks like "Bigmouth Strikes Again." I placed it here rather than higher because, while it's essential, the *Meat Is Murder* first press has an intimacy that edges it out for me. Still, the original Rough Trade UK pressing sounds phenomenal on wax, and this album rewards repeated needle drops. It's the record that proves indie rock could be both intellectually precise and deeply human.”
The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, consisting of vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. Despite their brief five-year existence, they became one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the 1980s. The group released four studio albums: The Smiths (1984), Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986), and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987). Their lyrical content, marked by Morrissey's distinctive wit and social commentary, combined with Marr's innovative guitar work, resonated deeply with audiences. The band disbanded in 1987, but their legacy has endured through numerous reissues, compilations, and continued critical appreciation.
Style
The Smiths pioneered a distinctive jangly guitar-driven alternative rock sound that blended post-punk sensibilities with indie pop melodies. Their music is characterized by Marr's inventive, often rhythmic guitar playing, melodic bass lines, and Morrissey's baritone vocals delivering clever, often humorous and melancholic lyrics.
Significance
The Smiths remain essential for vinyl collectors due to their cult status and artistic integrity—their original LP pressings are highly sought after, and the band's influence on alternative rock, indie pop, and British music culture is immeasurable. Their records represent a pivotal moment in 1980s music and continue to inspire musicians across genres.
The Queen Is Dead, released in June 1986, marked The Smiths' third and final studio album. Recorded primarily at the RAK Studios in London between late 1985 and early 1986, the album showcased Morrissey and Johnny Marr at peak creative tension. The title track, featuring a controversial sample of a gunshot and Morrissey's irreverent spoken-word introduction, immediately signaled the band's willingness to provoke. Working with producer Joseph Lewy alongside returning engineer John Porter, the duo crafted their most elaborate and darkly humorous work. Key collaborators included arranger Craig Léon on strings and keyboardist Andy Rourke, whose contributions deepened the album's orchestral richness. The sessions reflected growing friction between Morrissey and Marr—creative differences that would accelerate the band's dissolution the following year.
Historical Context
Released during the height of 1980s alternative rock, The Queen Is Dead arrived as British pop was fragmenting between synth-pop, new wave, and emerging indie movements. The album debuted at number two on the UK charts, establishing The Smiths as significant cultural commentators. Morrissey's biting social commentary and the album's anti-establishment tone resonated with UK youth during Margaret Thatcher's second term. The title track generated genuine controversy, with some radio stations hesitant to broadcast it. Critically, the album received strong reviews, though some found it uneven compared to Meat Is Murder. It solidified The Smiths' cult status before their 1987 breakup.
Pressing Notes
The original 1986 UK vinyl pressing on Rough Trade featured the distinctive die-cut cover with the group portrait. Early pressings are highly collectible, particularly UK first editions. The album has been reissued multiple times since, including a deluxe remaster in 2011 with expanded packaging. Japanese pressings from the 1980s command premium prices among collectors. Vinyl variants include both stereo and the original mastering, with some collectors noting tonal differences between pressings. Reissues typically feature improved fidelity but lack the surface aesthetic of original period pressings. Sealed original UK copies remain sought-after, particularly in higher grades.
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“Morrissey's misery, Marr's jangle. 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' is the greatest indie anthem. 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' proves they could rock. NME's #1.”
Apple Music 100 Best Albums
“The Queen Is Dead sits perfectly in this conversation—it's the album where The Smiths shed their scrappier debut energy and emerged as genuine studio architects. Morrissey's lyrics cut deeper here, Johnny Marr's arrangements feel orchestral without losing that jangly urgency, and tracks like "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" and "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others" showcase a band operating at peak confidence. At #66, it's a respectable placement that acknowledges this record's cultural weight without overstating it; plenty of collectors would argue it deserves higher, but you can't fault recognizing it as essential wax from one of alternative rock's most divisive frontmen.”
Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
“Morrissey and Marr at their peak — every track is a masterclass in wry lyrics and shimmering guitar. 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' is the most romantic song ever written about dying in a car crash.”
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