What makes Strangeways, Here We Come by The Smiths notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. It features some of The Smiths' most enduring songs, influencing countless artists in the indie rock scene that followed and solidifying their legacy as one of the pivotal bands of the '80s. Released on September 22, 1987, 'Strangeways, Here We Come' was The Smiths' fourth studio album and marked their final record before the band's breakup. At this point, tensions within the group were escalating, particularly between Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, leading to a creative yet turbulent phase in their collaboration.

Who is Strangeways, Here We Come for?

Strangeways, Here We Come works well if you're into bittersweet reflections on love, dynamic journey with emotional peaks and melancholic melodies for introspection.

How many songs are on Strangeways, Here We Come?

Strangeways, Here We Come has 10 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Strangeways, Here We Come

The Smiths · 1987

36 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A reflective blend of jangle pop and melancholic post-punk, underscored by Morrissey's evocative lyrics and haunting melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish — The track showcases a catchy melody combined with introspective lyrics about regret and longing, exemplifying Morrissey's lyrical prowess.
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Girlfriend in a Coma — With its ironic juxtaposition of upbeat instrumentation against dark themes, this song highlights The Smiths' unique ability to blend humor with melancholy.
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Death at One’s Elbow — This track's somber tone and reflective lyrics encapsulate the album's overarching themes of loss and heartbreak, showcasing the band's depth.
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Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me — As one of the album's closing tracks, it delivers an emotional weight that resonates deeply with listeners, emphasizing vulnerability in Morrissey's vocal delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and unique sound, though its cohesion dips slightly.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features layered guitar melodies and a steady mid-tempo beat, setting a reflective tone.
Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Death of a Disco Dancer,' which shifts from a slow build to an energetic climax.
Morrissey's vocal delivery often alternates between spoken word and melodic singing, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

bittersweet reflections on love
dynamic journey with emotional peaks
melancholic melodies for introspection
short tracks for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer upbeat, danceable tunes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — This album is often seen as the band's artistic high point, showcasing their evolution.
Career context: Released on September 22, 1987, 'Strangeways, Here We Come' was The Smiths' fourth studio album and marked their final record before the band's breakup. At this point, tensions within the group were escalating, particularly between Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, leading to a creative yet turbulent phase in their collaboration.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Joy Division· Echo & the Bunnymen