The Smiths (album)

The Smiths is the debut studio album by the English rock band The Smiths, released on 20 February 1984 by Rough Trade Records. The album reached number two on the UK Albums Chart, remaining on the chart for 33 weeks.

Background and Recording

Following several successful singles and a growing fanbase, The Smiths entered Eden Studios in London in August 1983 to record their debut album. Production was initially handled by Troy Tate, but the band were unhappy with the results, feeling the recordings lacked the energy of their live performances. These initial recordings are known as the "Troy Tate sessions."

The band subsequently scrapped the Tate sessions and re-recorded the album with John Porter producing. Porter brought a cleaner, more polished sound to the tracks, which was closer to what the band envisioned. The re-recording took place in late 1983.

Music and Lyrics

The Smiths established the band's signature sound, characterized by Johnny Marr's distinctive jangling guitar riffs and Morrissey's melancholic and often witty lyrics. The album explored themes of social alienation, loneliness, unrequited love, and the complexities of relationships. Morrissey's vocal delivery and lyrical content were considered groundbreaking for their time, offering a stark contrast to the prevailing pop music trends.

Artwork

The album cover features a photograph of actor Joe Dallesandro taken from the 1968 Andy Warhol film Flesh. This imagery, along with the band's overall aesthetic, contributed to their distinctive and influential visual identity.

Track Listing

1. Reel Around the Fountain
2. You've Got Everything Now
3. Miserable Lie
4. Pretty Girls Make Graves
5. The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
6. This Charming Man
7. Still Ill
8. Hand in Glove
9. What Difference Does It Make?
10. I Don't Owe You Anything
11. Suffer Little Children

Personnel

• Morrissey – vocals
• Johnny Marr – guitar, harmonica
• Andy Rourke – bass guitar
• Mike Joyce – drums

Production

• John Porter - Producer
• Troy Tate - (initial) Producer
• The Smiths - (initial) Producer