What makes Girlfriend in a Coma by The Smiths notable?

'Girlfriend in a Coma' became one of The Smiths' most recognizable tracks, reaching number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. Its blend of dark humor and poignant themes resonated widely, influencing the Britpop movement that emerged in the following years. Released on August 10, 1987, 'Girlfriend in a Coma' arrived during The Smiths' final phase as a band, shortly before their breakup. This was the lead single from their fourth studio album, 'Strangeways, Here We Come', marking a pivotal moment as they transitioned from their earlier sound to more polished production.

How many songs are on Girlfriend in a Coma?

Girlfriend in a Coma has 3 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Girlfriend in a Coma

The Smiths · 1987

6 min · 3 tracks · indie rock

Melancholic melodies intertwine with witty, sardonic lyrics, creating a signature blend of jangle pop and new wave.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Girlfriend in a Coma — This title track encapsulates the album's contrasting themes of despair and irony, showcasing Morrissey's distinctive lyrical style and the band's melodic strength.
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Work Is a Four‐Letter Word — A cover that highlights the band's ability to reinterpret existing songs while maintaining their unique sound, this track adds layers of social commentary about labor and dissatisfaction.
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I Keep Mine Hidden — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, reflecting the pervasive themes of secrecy and emotional struggle prevalent throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

This single showcases strong melodies and clever lyrics, maintaining a cohesive yet varied sound throughout.

What we noticed

The title track features a steady mid-tempo beat with jangly guitars that create a contrasting lightness against the darker lyrical themes.
The second track, 'Work Is a Four‐Letter Word', employs a more upbeat tempo and playful instrumentation, shifting the mood before returning to the melancholic tone of the third track.
Each song is structured around distinct melodic hooks, with Morrissey's vocal delivery emphasizing irony and wit in the lyrics.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified The Smiths' status as pioneers of indie rock during peak popularity.
Themes: societal expectations· bittersweet longing
Moods: Melancholy· Introspective
Career context: Released on August 10, 1987, 'Girlfriend in a Coma' arrived during The Smiths' final phase as a band, shortly before their breakup. This was the lead single from their fourth studio album, 'Strangeways, Here We Come', marking a pivotal moment as they transitioned from their earlier sound to more polished production.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Joy Division· Echo & the Bunnymen