The Enduring Legacy Of The Smiths In Rock And Post-Punk

The ‘80s New Wave era produced tons of bands and acts that continue to be influential in the indie and alternative scene of the late 2010s. The list includes U2, New Order, and Tears for Fears. But one band truly stands out—despite having disbanded way back in 1987—and that’s The Smiths.

The Smiths came out in the early ‘80s and had four studio albums and tons of EPs various compilations that continue to be must-haves among collectors. The sound was immediately very novel, combining weary and gloomy post-punk lyrics with cheerful, often-jangly guitars. We’ve singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr to thank for this conflicted approach to songwriting and arrangement.

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Homages to the band continue decades after, from current alternative acts covering songs to movies like "500 Days of Summer" revolving around characters that grew up listening to dour Morrissey lyrics. The band has even figured massively in the listening preferences of most millennials and hipsters. Must-listen anthems include “How Soon is Now,” “There is a Light that Never Goes Out,” “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,” and “This Charming Man.”

After all, powerful lines such as “I’m the son and the heir/ of a shyness that is criminally vulgar” or “I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour/but Heaven knows I’m miserable now” are universally angsty, appealing claims. Especially as Marr provides those warm, optimistic guitars in the background. Listening to The Smiths is being both happy and sad at the same time. And that innate paradox is what makes this band truly stand out and endure.

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Hi there! I’m Alton Ingram, a huge fan of alternative rock, football, comedy films, and fitness trends. I’m currently taking up engineering. Know more about me and my interests here.

Must-Listen Alternative Rock Albums Of The 1990s

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While most younger millennials will quickly associate the 90s with grunge and stripped-down music devoid of the excesses of glam rock, it is also the decade that saw the rise of what we now call alternative rock. The umbrella term should, of course, cater to grunge as well. But grunge has its own distinct sound, while alternative is more eclectic. Let’s look at some of the best albums from the alt-rock pioneers of the decade.

Rage Against the Machine The self-titled debut album of RATM changed the landscape of alternative and rap, fusing these genres in rabid, politically charged anthems like “Killing in the Name” and “Take the Power Back.” It helped the band’s image immensely that never use any samples nor synths, relying on the guitar mastery of Tom Morello.

Siamese Dream This 1993-released second album by then rising act The Smashing Pumpkins would pave the way for the band’s global success. Yes, it’s the 1995 Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness that would make the band a household name, but that won’t happen without the heavy airplay and dream-pop appeal of singles in Siamese Dream, specifically “Today” and “Disarm.”

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Dummy U.K.-based Portishead would be a key player in the rise of Electronica, and the moog-driven synths and noir feel of this debut album would catapult the group to international stardom. Vocalist Beth Gibbons croons some of the most painful and cutting lyrics in songs like “Glory Box,” “Roads,” and the hit single “Sour Times.”

My name is Alton Ingram and I’ve been into alternative rock music since high school. I’m currently pursuing my college studies, but I still come back to the best bands in the genre. For more on my other interests, go to this link.