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

Best...I achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the UK Albums Chart and serving as a definitive collection for both fans and newcomers. Its release contributed to the enduring legacy of The Smiths, influencing countless artists within the indie and alternative scenes. Released in 1993, Best...I is a compilation album marking the end of The Smiths' career, which officially concluded in 1987. This retrospective came out after the band had disbanded, showcasing their most significant tracks and solidifying their place in alternative rock history.

Best...I works well if you're into melancholic reflections on love, short bursts of lyrical wit and dynamic flow with emotional peaks.

How many songs are on Best...I?

Best...I has 14 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Best...I

The Smiths · 1993

45 min · 14 tracks · indie rock

A collection of jangly guitars and melancholic melodies that encapsulate the bittersweet essence of youth and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Charming Man — This track exemplifies The Smiths' signature sound with its jangly guitars and introspective lyrics about romantic allure and identity.
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How Soon Is Now? — The song's haunting atmosphere and exploration of isolation have made it an anthem for angst, showcasing Morrissey's lyrical depth alongside Johnny Marr's innovative guitar work.
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Girlfriend in a Coma — With its darkly ironic lyrics juxtaposed with upbeat instrumentation, this track highlights the band's unique ability to blend humor with melancholy.
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Shoplifters of the World Unite — This song captures the spirit of rebellion and camaraderie through catchy hooks and socially charged lyrics, embodying the ethos of youth culture.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

This compilation showcases notable tracks but lacks cohesive flow due to its nature as a retrospective.

What we noticed

Several songs include prominent jangly guitar riffs and melancholic melodies that are characteristic of The Smiths' sound.
The sequencing places 'How Soon Is Now?' towards the end, which serves as a climactic moment before concluding with the reflective 'Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want.'

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

melancholic reflections on love
short bursts of lyrical wit
dynamic flow with emotional peaks
nostalgic sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — Compilation captures the essence of The Smiths for new listeners.
Career context: Released in 1993, Best...I is a compilation album marking the end of The Smiths' career, which officially concluded in 1987. This retrospective came out after the band had disbanded, showcasing their most significant tracks and solidifying their place in alternative rock history.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Joy Division· Echo & the Bunnymen