Practically bastions of the love genre, with their music discussing both the positives and negatives of love itself, The Smiths are simply timeless.
From the band’s beginnings in 1980s Manchester, the indie icons quickly became stars the world over mainly thanks to frontman Morrisey’s complex lyrics and unique vocal style.
In this article, I’ve compiled 10 of The Smiths’ best love songs. I’ll be going over the happy ones and of course the not-so-happy ones. It wouldn’t be The Smiths otherwise, would it?
1. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Album: The Queen Is Dead
Released: 1986
Perhaps one of The Smiths’ best-known tracks, “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” is a simple, true ode to a loved one which is unending and without falter.
Morrisey is depressed about his home life and city in this track, and its addressee is the source of inspiration he needs to feel loved and alive. This depressed elation is emphasized by his not caring if he’s struck by a bus or truck, so long as he’s by the side of his one love. Romantic, right?
2. I Won’t Share You
Album: Strangeways, Here We Come
Released: 1987
The Smiths’ main focus in lyrics is typically romance and love, but it doesn’t always come across in the simplest of ways. “I Won’t Share You” is a prime example of this; Marr’s loving guitar work is shrouded by the peculiar and haunting air of Morrisey’s voice and lyrics as he dotes on a special someone.
A beautiful song instrumentally but curious lyrically, it’s perhaps a great introduction to the more abstract offerings from this British quartet.
3. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want
Album: Hatful of Hollow
Released: 1984
It wouldn’t be an article about The Smiths without a dive into some of their more depressing tracks. “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” is one of their best offerings, but also a tearjerker. Morrisey is longing for a happy moment in this track after experiencing a life of nothing but negativity.
Its dark lyrical content is juxtaposed by subtly uplifting guitar work, in true Smiths’ style.
Perhaps it could be that special someone who can fill the void and bring light into an up-to-now dark life.
4. Hand In Glove
Album: The Smiths
Released: 1983
In a completely contrasting way to “Please, Please, Please…”, “Hand In Glove” is a no-nonsense, all-out ode to a loved one. It describes the lack of care for the opinions of others while surrounded by the one you love, and Marr’s guitar and harmonica work add to the track’s carefree nature.
It wouldn’t be The Smiths without an air of pessimism, however, as the track ends with “I’ll probably never see you again”. Be it a one-night stand or a magical moment of love, its lyrics explain the power of love very well.
5. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me
Album: Strangeways, Here We Come
Released: 1987
As opposed to a traditional love song, “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” is one of The Smiths’ most depressing songs, but also one of their most beautiful. It simply explores a loveless man dreaming of feeling loved, only to wake up and be let down once again.
I don’t think it’s a track to send to a loved one, but it covers the downsides of love purely and thoughtfully which warrants a place on our list.
6. Miserable Lie
Album: The Smiths
Released: 1984
Adding to the joys of The Smiths we have a song about a naive young boy falling into a deceiving relationship and the emotions which surround it.
I think this is one of The Smiths’ most curious tracks as it begins slowly in true Smiths style before erupting into a manic, beach-rock-meets-ska tempo. Morrisey’s playful high-pitched vocals add to the curiosity, juxtaposing the lyrical content tenfold.
7. Ask
Album: Louder Than Bombs
Released: 1987
Here we have one of The Smiths’ more upbeat tracks through and through. Its steady alt-rock movement with signature background melodic guitar slides from Marr make it a signature Smiths track, with Morrisey exploring the power of love (and eventually, the bomb) bringing two people together.
Careless, loving, and uplifting; it’s an ideal summer Smiths staple.
8. How Soon Is Now?
Album: Hatful of Hollow
Released: 1984
“How Soon Is Now?” is a simple cry for love from The Smiths (ultimately, from Morrisey). Declaring himself as practically a nobody with no redeeming qualities, he searches for love in clubs, for him to only fall through and end up alone. Mike Joyce’s drum work on this track adds to the steady, struggling pace of Morrisey’s vocals and Marr’s guitar work.
It may not be a tried-and-true love song, but it explores the urge for love very well.
9. Reel Around The Fountain
Album: The Smiths
Released: 1984
I think this is The Smiths’ magnum opus for love songs, and one of their best songs overall. Within its serene melodies and leisurely pace, Morrisey’s lyrics explore the impact of true love on a young man as he matures through the relationship.
Through this love, we can experience the true nature of people (for the better, in the example this song discusses) and grow to understand people better.
10. Handsome Devil
Album: Hatful Of Hollow
Released: 1984
The Smiths don’t just deal in subtle romanticism. “Handsome Devil” is a no-nonsense erotic rock song that needs a little more description. The more rock-oriented sound from Marr and co add an extra flair of energy and virility to the track, which works to great effect.
Short, sweet, to the point, with a great sound. What’s not to love?
Jordan McEvoy is a UK-based music journalist. He’s also an avid concert-goer, amateur photographer, and part-time gig promoter. When he isn’t rambling about his love for metal, attempting to write poetry, or playing RuneScape for the 50th time, he’s usually surrounded by coffee and listening to techno or Woods Of Ypres.
