The '80s. Full of teased hair and bright neon colors. and "The Breakfast Club," which every millennial will state is their favorite movie of all time. Everyone knows these as the big pop culture statements of the time that will live on forever in pictures, videos, movies and any source of entertainment. And of course in the mind of those who were there.
There is a gem that shines through this time that moved and shook to the beat of their own drum. This little diamond, though imperfect and full of heartache, stays within the soul of those who have encountered the sound the Britrock band known as The Smiths.
This group that formed in Manchester, England, had a prosperous career during the mid-80s until their ultimate demise in 1987. They released four albums within that time: their self-titled debut, "Meat is Murder", "The Queen Is Dead", "Strangeways", "Here We Come", as well as live albums and B-side albums. Consisting of: guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke, drummer Mike Joyce, and the ever-so pensive lead singer, Morrissey, this band entered into the indie pop scene with a splash.
The Smiths will easily fit into a chilling out, doing homework playlist or rainy day playlist that a person might make on their Spotify. But why The Smiths? First it starts with words written for the wannabe sad, hipsters in all of us.
Nowadays, it seems that most music we hear on the radio is great to jam to, but the lyrics have no weight. As the main songwriter of the band, Morrissey wrote about anything and everything that he was feeling. From knowing it's over, to the slaughtering of cows, smashing teeth in heads, constant longing and heartache — Morrissey was not shy with what he wanted to write. He was a writer that was extremely introspective and the product of which is great somber tunes. His lyrics, however, are relatable to the listener and will leave the audience questioning one's own self worth in a world that doesn't owe you anything.
The voice of troubled youth and pain, Morrissey also conveys his lyricism with his vocals. A listener knows when he feels happy, sad, witty or sarcastic and will feel the same once they hear his voice. If one would ask where to start in their discography, I would say start with the song "There is a Light That Never Goes Out," which is the first song that I heard by them after being introduced to their music by a friend. This will catapult you into a slew of more songs that will touch your heart.
This band is undeniably the swan song of the '80s. When you begin to listen to their music you will feel a sense of ease but underneath that at times upbeat tune, there is a man who writes songs that are meant to chill out, belt at the top of your lungs, or utterly cry.
If you listen to The Smiths you will be a charming man, indeed.
