The Smiths

Despite emerging in the early 1980s, alternative rock/indie pop band The Smiths offered a post punk and 1960s lo-fi sound to combat the heavily synthesized dance pop music that was popular at the time. Often regarded as one of the most important alternative/indie acts to emerge out of the UK during the 1980s, the band's musical style was equally directed by front man Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, who were able to create an ambiance that jumped between being sarcastic, sensitive, defiant and tender. The Smiths released its self-titled debut album in 1984, and although the album peaked at number two on the UK albums charts, it generated concern that some of the songs were suggestive of pedophilia. The band's second album Meat is Murder, which was The Smiths' only album to reach a number one spot on UK charts, projected a much more political stance to go with its pro-vegetarian title and demonstrated experimentation with rockabilly and funk guitar riffs. While touring the UK and the US, The Smiths also took on a rigid recording schedule for its new album The Queen Is Dead, released in 1986. Legal issues with the band's label Rough Trade Records delayed the album, and The Smiths' members were left frustrated and exhausted regardless of the continued success of its final 1987 album, Strangeways, Here We Come. Tension and creative differences between Morrissey and Marr eventually led to the breakup of The Smiths in 1987. With only four studio albums to its name, The Smiths' sly, witty and observant lyrics paired with punchy yet melodic guitar riffs have left a lasting impression on alternative rock music, spearheading the Britpop movement of the early 1990s.