The Smiths

Arguably the definitive indie-pop outfit, The Smiths shot to stardom during the 80s, but their music has exerted an influence on successive generations of fans. With a dextrous rhythm section, Johnny Marr’s masterful melodies and Morrissey’s extraordinary lyrical abilities at their disposal, they had talent to burn as individuals, yet the sum was always significantly greater than the parts where this singular Manchester quartet was concerned.

Offering a thrilling alternative to the glossy synth-pop so prevalent during the mid-80s, The Smiths crafted brilliantly heady, guitar-driven pop songs drenched in teenage angst. Evergreen early hits including This Charming and How Soon Is Now? established them among the UK’s great singles bands, while albums such as Meat Is Murder and the esteemed The Queen Is Dead will forever rank among their era’s defining works. Though widely mourned when they split, The Smiths bequeathed one of rock’s most bounteous legacies, and our hearts merely grow fonder for them in their continued absence.