What makes Sheila Take a Bow by The Smiths notable?

The single peaked at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating The Smiths' growing popularity and influence in British music. It is also notable for its lyrical depth and catchy melodies, which would impact subsequent indie pop and rock artists, further establishing Morrissey and Johnny Marr's songwriting partnership as one of the most iconic duos in alternative music history. Released as a standalone single in 1987, 'Sheila Take a Bow' marked The Smiths' rise to mainstream prominence following the critical success of their earlier albums. This release came after the band's second studio album, 'Meat Is Murder,' solidifying their unique voice in the indie rock scene while showcasing their evolving sound.

How many songs are on Sheila Take a Bow?

Sheila Take a Bow has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Sheila Take a Bow

The Smiths · 1987

5 min · 2 tracks · indie rock

A jangly, melodic exploration of love and confusion wrapped in Morrissey's distinctively sardonic lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sheila Take a Bow — This track blends jangly guitars with poignant lyrics about unrequited love, encapsulating The Smiths' signature sound and thematic preoccupations.
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Is It Really So Strange? — This B-side offers a more introspective take on societal alienation, showcasing Morrissey's sharp wit against an infectious melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodies and distinct lyrical themes, marking a significant moment in The Smiths' career.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent jangly guitar riff that drives the melody, while Morrissey's vocal delivery alternates between spoken and sung phrases.
The second track employs a more subdued arrangement, with a slower tempo and layered instrumentation that contrasts with the energetic first track.

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: 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Sheila Take a Bow 2:40
2 Is It Really So Strange? 3:04

What to play next

Listen next

Strangeways, Here We Come

1987

Go back to

The Queen Is Dead

1986

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

indie rock new wave post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata