What makes Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before by The Smiths notable?

The album features the hit single 'Girlfriend in a Coma,' which became one of their most recognized tracks, reaching significant chart positions in the UK. Its blend of catchy melodies and introspective lyrics has influenced countless artists in the indie rock and jangle pop scenes that followed. Released in January 1987, this album came during The Smiths' peak commercial phase, following the success of their previous album, 'The Queen Is Dead.' At this point, Morrissey and Marr had solidified their partnership, crafting a sound that defined the era while also exploring deeper emotional themes.

How many songs are on Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before?

Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before has 4 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

The Smiths · 1987

10 min · 4 tracks · indie rock

Melancholic jangle pop intertwines with sharp wit, embodying the essence of British indie rock in the late '80s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before — This track serves as a quintessential example of Morrissey's lyrical prowess, blending self-deprecating humor with poignant reflections on love and regret.
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Girlfriend in a Coma — 'Girlfriend in a Coma' juxtaposes upbeat instrumentals with darkly humorous lyrics, showcasing The Smiths' signature ability to blend melancholy with catchy melodies.
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Work Is a Four Letter Word — This cover highlights Morrissey's distinct vocal style and the band's knack for reinterpreting classic songs through their unique lens of irony and disillusionment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The record showcases strong songwriting and distinctive sound, though it lacks some cohesion in its sequencing.

What we noticed

The opening track features a prominent jangly guitar riff that sets a melancholic tone, while the lyrics are delivered with a conversational style.
The final track closes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an unresolved feeling that resonates with the album's overall mood.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.