What makes The Very Best of The Smiths by The Smiths notable?

This compilation album solidified The Smiths' status as one of the most influential bands in indie rock history, charting at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. It received critical acclaim for its curation of hits, including tracks that resonated deeply with themes of alienation and yearning, ensuring The Smiths' legacy remained strong long after their disbandment. Released in 2001, 'The Very Best of The Smiths' came nearly a decade after the band's breakup in 1987. This compilation served as a retrospective on their influential catalog, highlighting the peak of their creativity during the 1980s. It marked a renewed interest in The Smiths' music, introducing their iconic sound to newer generations.

Who is The Very Best of The Smiths for?

The Very Best of The Smiths works well if you're into melancholic reflections on life, dynamic collection of anthems and witty lyrics with sharp edges.

How many songs are on The Very Best of The Smiths?

The Very Best of The Smiths has 23 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

The Very Best of The Smiths

The Smiths · 2001

78 min · 23 tracks · indie rock · new wave · post-punk

Melancholic melodies and sharp wit intertwine in a collection of timeless indie anthems.

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Why this album works

This compilation album solidified The Smiths' status as one of the most influential bands in indie rock history, charting at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. It received critical acclaim for its curation of hits, including tracks that resonated deeply with themes of alienation and yearning, ensuring The Smiths' legacy remained strong long after their disbandment.

Best for: melancholic reflections on life dynamic collection of anthems witty lyrics with sharp edges
Context: Released in 2001, 'The Very Best of The Smiths' came nearly a decade after the band's breakup in 1987. This compilation served as a retrospective on their influential catalog, highlighting the peak of their creativity during the 1980s. It marked a renewed interest in The Smiths' music, introducing their iconic sound to newer generations.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cranberries· Morrissey· Viktor Tsoi

Tracklist

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

1 Panic 2:20
2 The Boy With the Thorn in His Side 3:17
3 Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now 3:36
4 Ask 3:10
5 Bigmouth Strikes Again 3:14
6 How Soon Is Now? Standout 6:46
7 This Charming Man Standout 2:43
8 What Difference Does It Make? 3:52
9 William, It Was Really Nothing 2:12
10 Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others 3:17
11 Girlfriend in a Coma 2:03
12 Hand in Glove 3:25
13 There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Standout 4:05
14 Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want 1:53
15 That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore 4:59
16 I Know It’s Over 5:50
17 Sheila Take a Bow 2:42
18 I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish 3:48
19 Still Ill 3:22
20 Shakespeare’s Sister 2:10
21 Shoplifters of the World Unite 2:58
22 Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me 3:11
23 Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before 3:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

What to play next

Listen next

The Sound of The Smiths

2008

Go back to

Singles

1995

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indie rock new wave post-punk