What makes Shakespeare's Sister by The Smiths notable?

'Shakespeare's Sister' became known for its introspective lyrics and was a critical favorite, further solidifying The Smiths' reputation in the indie rock scene. The track contributed to the band's increasing visibility on charts, reflecting the growing influence of jangle pop and new wave music in the mid-1980s. Released on March 18, 1985, 'Shakespeare's Sister' came during The Smiths' rise to prominence following their self-titled debut album. This single was part of a prolific period for the band, showcasing their distinct sound and lyrical depth just before the release of their second studio album, 'Meat Is Murder'.

How many songs are on Shakespeare's Sister?

Shakespeare's Sister has 3 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Shakespeare's Sister

The Smiths · 1985

7 min · 3 tracks · indie rock

A brief yet poignant exploration of longing and identity wrapped in jangly guitars and Morrissey’s wistful vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shakespeare’s Sister — This title track encapsulates the themes of longing and introspection that permeate the album, featuring an arresting melody that highlights Morrissey's distinctive vocal style.
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What She Said — The driving rhythm and sharp lyrics in this song convey a sense of urgency and desire, making it a standout that complements the album's exploration of complex emotions.
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Stretch Out and Wait — This track showcases the band's signature jangly guitar sound while delving into themes of vulnerability and connection, illustrating the emotional range present throughout the project.

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 songwriting and distinct sound, with varied pacing that enhances its emotional depth.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent jangly guitar riff that drives the melody, while Morrissey's vocals deliver introspective lyrics with a sense of yearning.
The second track, 'What She Said', employs a more aggressive tempo and rhythm, contrasting with the reflective nature of the first track.
The final track, 'Stretch Out and Wait', slows down the pace again, creating a sense of ebb and flow throughout the single.

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Shakespeare’s Sister 2:09
2 What She Said 2:40
3 Stretch Out and Wait 2:37

What to play next

Listen next

The Queen Is Dead

1986

Go back to

Meat Is Murder

1985

Full The Smiths discography Where to start with The Smiths Artists like The Smiths

indie rock new wave post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata