About this album
Where they were
Released in 1987, 'Louder Than Bombs' is a compilation album that followed The Smiths' acclaimed studio albums, showcasing their most popular singles and B-sides. At this point in their career, the band was gaining significant traction in the UK and starting to attract attention internationally, marking a peak in their influence on indie rock and post-punk music.
Why it matters
'Louder Than Bombs' solidified The Smiths' reputation, reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Its blend of previously released tracks highlighted the band's unique sound and lyrical depth, influencing countless artists in the indie and alternative scenes that followed.
Essential tracks
- "Shoplifters of the World Unite" — This track encapsulates the band's call for solidarity among misfits, blending catchy melodies with poignant social commentary.
- "Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now" — A quintessential Smiths song, it combines sardonic humor with relatable despair, making it an anthem for disenchanted youth.
- "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" — Its heartfelt yearning resonates deeply, showcasing Morrissey's lyrical prowess and the band's evocative sound in under two minutes.
Release Date
January 1, 1987
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Is It Really So Strange? 3:04
- 2 Sheila Take a Bow 2:41
- 3 Shoplifters of the World Unite 2:57
- 4 Sweet and Tender Hooligan 3:35
- 5 Half a Person 3:36
- 6 London 2:06
- 7 Panic 2:20
- 8 Girl Afraid 2:48
- 9 Shakespeare’s Sister 2:09
- 10 William, It Was Really Nothing 2:11
- 11 You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet, Baby 3:22
- 12 Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now 3:35
- 13 Ask 3:18
- 14 Golden Lights 2:39
- 15 Oscillate Wildly 3:27
- 16 These Things Take Time 2:23
- 17 Rubber Ring 3:48
- 18 Back to the Old House 3:04
- 19 Hand in Glove 3:14
- 20 Stretch Out and Wait 2:38
- 21 Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want 1:52
- 22 This Night Has Opened My Eyes 3:40
- 23 Unloveable 3:56
- 24 Asleep 4:10
