
The Smiths Final Work, Was it their Finest?
Reissue repackage.
By the time The Smiths fourth studio album had been released in late 1987 Johnny Marr had already left the band. On top of everything he felt the band were ready for a new musical phase. Look forward not back was Johnnys mentality.
Their final piece of work ‘Strangeways Here We Come‘ was released in September 1987 and for
It kicks off with the haunting yet always melodic ‘A Rush And A Push and the land is ours’ Morrissey at his insulting best, with lyrics such as
“people who are uglier than you and I/they take what they need, and just leave”. All glossed over as usual with a beautiful Marr jangly melody.

To
‘Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me’ is a song of loneliness. “No Hope No Harm Just Another False Alarm”. To
The pulsating ‘Paint A Vulgar Picture’ which basically “paints a vulgar picture” of the record industry and the endless reissues of albums “extra track and a tacky badge“. Ironically The Smiths themselves have suffered this over the years.
My
Many fans cite ‘The Queen Is Dead’ as the bands greatest piece of work. That album does appear to be a band at the peak of their powers.
However for me this understated yet brilliant album is their summit. Production first class and the use of more instruments than another release of theirs to produce such a beautiful sound.
Who knows what might have happened had Johnny not left The Smiths. Maybe it’s better we don’t know as the legacy they have left will stand the test of time.
They can never taint you in my eye.
Words by Lee Bellfield
Read The Smiths Albums Ranked Feature – Click Here

Born in Manchester, live now around Heaton Moor. A football, boxing and snooker fan and support Manchester City(even before the glory days)
A big fan of gigs, music and all that come with it. I used to write for a boxing website and have previously worked for Music Zone, a job that involved listening to new releases, speaking to labels and keeping the schedule updated.