With their second album The Smiths began to branch out and diversify while refining the jangling guitar pop of their debut. They churn through jangle rock, rockabilly, and funk in various doses to create one record that connects very well from beginning to end. Morrissey sings lyrics about insecurity, unrequited love, dissatisfaction with the Royal Family, and of course about animal cruelty. Johnny Marr's mad guitar compositions and Andy Rourke's fantastic basslines combine into one enormous, euphoric jam session. This is classic Smiths, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
File under: Alternative Rock/Label: Warner, Rhino/Original Release Year: 1985