What makes ...Best II by The Smiths notable?

...Best II reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying The Smiths' status as one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. Furthermore, it features some of their most enduring tracks, which continue to resonate within indie rock circles and influence subsequent artists. Released in 1987, ...Best II is a compilation album marking The Smiths' peak popularity, following their acclaimed studio albums. This collection captures the essence of their unique blend of jangle pop and post-punk, showcasing their ability to articulate alienation and longing through music.

Who is ...Best II for?

...Best II works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, uplifting melodies with introspective lyrics and for afternoon daydreaming.

How many songs are on ...Best II?

...Best II has 14 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

...Best II

The Smiths

52 min · 14 tracks · indie rock

Melancholic melodies intertwine with sharp-witted lyrics, creating a sound both introspective and acerbic.

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Top tracks — play these first

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There Is a Light That Never Goes Out — This track encapsulates the band's signature blend of romantic yearning and existential despair with its lush arrangements and poignant lyrics.
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Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now — With its catchy melody juxtaposed against bleak lyrics about dissatisfaction, this song exemplifies The Smiths' trademark irony and social commentary.
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Bigmouth Strikes Again — This track showcases Morrissey's incisive wit and distinct vocal style over jangly guitars, illustrating the band's knack for crafting memorable tunes that critique personal and societal issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The compilation captures The Smiths' signature sound but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

Several songs employ jangly guitar riffs paired with Morrissey's distinct vocal delivery, which often shifts from melancholic to acerbic.
The sequencing places the most well-known tracks towards the beginning, maintaining listener engagement before concluding with a poignant ballad.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for reflective moments
uplifting melodies with introspective lyrics
for afternoon daydreaming
cathartic sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy party tracks
seek instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — ... II solidified The Smiths' status as influential, capturing their peak popularity.
Themes: romantic yearning· working-class dissatisfaction
Career context: Released in 1987, ...Best II is a compilation album marking The Smiths' peak popularity, following their acclaimed studio albums. This collection captures the essence of their unique blend of jangle pop and post-punk, showcasing their ability to articulate alienation and longing through music.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Joy Division· Echo & the Bunnymen