Meat Is Murder
The Smiths · 1985
46 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A blend of jangly guitars and incisive lyrics, creating a soundscape that is both melancholic and politically charged.
Top tracks — play these first
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How Soon Is Now? — This track showcases the band's signature sound with its haunting guitar riff and introspective lyrics about loneliness and desire, becoming an anthem for disaffected youth.
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Meat Is Murder — The title track serves as a powerful manifesto against animal cruelty, combining a poignant message with a compelling musical arrangement that encapsulates the album's political edge.
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That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore — With its exploration of heartbreak and disillusionment, this song highlights Morrissey's sharp wit and emotional depth, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and distinct sound while addressing social issues, making it memorable.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brisk tempo on 'The Headmaster Ritual' and maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace through the first half.
- Several tracks feature prominent jangly guitar riffs, particularly in 'Rusholme Ruffians' and 'How Soon Is Now?', which also includes a distinctive tremolo effect.
- 'Meat Is Murder' closes the album with a dramatic shift in dynamics, featuring orchestral elements that contrast with the preceding tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wave-like emotional peaks
- poignant reflections on alienation
- thoughtful engagement during quiet moments
- social critique through lyrical depth
- late-night introspection with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established The Smiths' reputation with bold themes and critical acclaim.
- Themes
- animal rights activism· British working-class disillusionment· loneliness in modernity
- Moods
- Melancholy· Introspective
- Career context
- Released on February 11, 1985, Meat Is Murder was The Smiths' second studio album, following their breakthrough debut, Hatful of Hollow. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their distinctive sound and lyrical approach, gaining significant attention in the UK music scene as they navigated the complexities of fame and artistic integrity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Cure· Joy Division· Echo & the Bunnymen
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Headmaster Ritual 4:52
- 2 Rusholme Ruffians 4:20
- 3 I Want the One I Can’t Have 3:14
- 4 What She Said 2:42
- 5 That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore 4:58
- 6 How Soon Is Now? 6:46
- 7 Nowhere Fast 2:37
- 8 Well I Wonder 4:00
- 9 Barbarism Begins at Home 6:57
- 10 Meat Is Murder 6:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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