You can't talk about English rock from the 1980s without mentioning The Smiths. Formed in 1982 in the city of Manchester by Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums), The Smiths came up with their guitar rock, with more traditional sound references, in a dominated era mainly by synth-pop and post-punk / new wave bands.
In 1983, the band released their first single 'Hand In Glove' by the label Rough Trade, and the following year the debut album, 'The Smiths', came out. Morrissey's political and controversial lyrics, with homosexual references, combined with the band's great music - highlighting Johnny Marr's inspired guitar - made the band quickly become the sensation of British rock. The following album, 'Hatful of Hollow', brings together the first singles and rarities, bringing some of the main hits of the band: "This Charming Man", "How Soon Is Now?", "Hand in Glove" and "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now".
'Meat Is Murder' (1985), the band's second studio album, reached the top of the British charts, despite receiving some negative reviews.
The classic 'The Queen Is Dead' was released in 1986. The album raised The Smiths' popularity around the world, perpetuating hits like "Bigmouth Strikes Again", "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out ".
In 1987, after the release of the album 'Strangeways, Here We Come', the band broke up as a result of disagreements between Morrissey and Johnny Marr. After the end of the band, Morrissey followed a solo career and Marr started to collaborate with several projects and other bands. The guitarist's first solo album, 'The Messenger', was released in 2013.
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