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

This compilation reached significant chart success, peaking at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing The Smiths' enduring popularity. Additionally, it introduced the band to a wider audience, contributing to a resurgence in alternative rock's influence at the turn of the century, and solidifying their legacy within indie music culture. Released in 2001, The Very Best of The Smiths came a decade after the band's dissolution in 1987. By this time, Morrissey and Johnny Marr had established their own successful solo careers, making this compilation a retrospective celebration of their influential sound during the 1980s. It reignited interest in the band as their music continued to resonate with new 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

A bittersweet collection of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics capturing youthful angst and melancholy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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There Is a Light That Never Goes Out — This track encapsulates the band's signature blend of romantic despair and yearning for connection, highlighted by its haunting melody and poignant lyrics about longing for escape.
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How Soon Is Now? — Recognized for its innovative guitar riff and hypnotic rhythm, this song merges themes of alienation with an almost danceable beat, marking it as a key moment in their discography.
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This Charming Man — With its upbeat tempo juxtaposed against lyrics reflecting confusion and desire, this track is emblematic of The Smiths' ability to blend joy with melancholy, making it a fan favorite.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

This compilation effectively highlights The Smiths' signature sound and lyrical themes, though it lacks new content.

What we noticed

Several songs include jangly guitar riffs and prominent bass lines, characteristic of the band's sound.

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: 7/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

melancholic reflections on life
dynamic collection of anthems
witty lyrics with sharp edges
for nostalgic evenings
short bursts of emotional impact

Maybe skip if you

seekers of upbeat tempos
prefer long, cohesive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — A compilation that introduces The Smiths' key tracks to new listeners.
Career context: Released in 2001, The Very Best of The Smiths came a decade after the band's dissolution in 1987. By this time, Morrissey and Johnny Marr had established their own successful solo careers, making this compilation a retrospective celebration of their influential sound during the 1980s. It reignited interest in the band as their music continued to resonate with new generations.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Joy Division· Echo & the Bunnymen