What makes The Boy with the Thorn in His Side by The Smiths notable?

'The Boy with the Thorn in His Side' reached number 30 on the UK Singles Chart, further establishing The Smiths as a key player in the 1980s music scene. Its critical reception highlighted the band's unique approach to songwriting and instrumentation, influencing a generation of alternative musicians and securing its place as a classic within the indie genre. Released on September 16, 1985, 'The Boy with the Thorn in His Side' was The Smiths' third single, following their critically acclaimed debut album and sophomore effort. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as pioneers of indie rock, blending jangle pop and post-punk influences with Morrissey's distinctive lyrical wit.

How many songs are on The Boy with the Thorn in His Side?

The Boy with the Thorn in His Side has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

The Boy with the Thorn in His Side

The Smiths · 1985

11 min · 3 tracks · indie rock

Melancholic melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that defines The Smiths' signature style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Boy With the Thorn in His Side — This titular track encapsulates the band's blend of melancholic themes and jangly instrumentation, showcasing Morrissey's poignant lyricism about feeling misunderstood.
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Rubber Ring — With its reflective tone and deep emotional resonance, this track highlights the introspective side of The Smiths, offering a tender exploration of nostalgia and longing.
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Asleep — This haunting ballad stands out for its ethereal sound and vulnerability, presenting a stark contrast to the band's more upbeat tracks while emphasizing Morrissey’s lyrical depth.

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

The single showcases strong songwriting and distinct sound while maintaining a cohesive flow across its tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent jangly guitar riff that repeats throughout, creating a sense of urgency beneath the melancholic vocals.
The second track, 'Rubber Ring', employs a slower tempo and layered harmonies, contrasting with the more upbeat feel of the first.
The final track, 'Asleep', is a stark piano ballad that shifts the mood dramatically, ending the single on a reflective note.

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 The Boy With the Thorn in His Side 3:18
2 Rubber Ring 3:54
3 Asleep 4:00

What to play next

Listen next

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Go back to

Meat Is Murder

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indie rock new wave post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata