• Record Label: Rhino
  • Release Date: Oct 18, 2011
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
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  1. May 9, 2012
    9
    Reviewing the back catalogue of the most influential bands in British pop music isn't possible to do in one go. The Smiths were a 10/10 singles band. That said the band weren't perfect and some of their album tracks don't quite hit top marks. This collection is obviously one for those who are big fans of the band and don't already have everything. It might be a bit too much too soon forReviewing the back catalogue of the most influential bands in British pop music isn't possible to do in one go. The Smiths were a 10/10 singles band. That said the band weren't perfect and some of their album tracks don't quite hit top marks. This collection is obviously one for those who are big fans of the band and don't already have everything. It might be a bit too much too soon for newcomers to the band - you don't introduce yourself to a band by buying everything they've owned at once. If you like the Smiths and only know their hits - you;ll really enjoy this collection - fantastic stuff. There is a bit of duplication across the disks (weird how many compilations came out while the Smiths were active) but it's great for those who weren't around as The Smiths were bring out records to be able to get everything together in one box. As a collection it's a 10 but taking each individual track that's included objectively I'd have to give it an overall score of 9 ,which is pretty high considering it's taking everything they've ever put out into consideration (no band will ever get 10 out 10 for everything they've ever put out - NO ONE!). If your looking for an introduction to the Smiths go no further than "The Queen is Dead", by far the bands best and one of my favourite albums of all time, or else go for one of their singles collections. If you want to immerse yourself in Morrissey and Marr then I would recommend. Expand
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Magnet
    Sep 12, 2012
    95
    The anthology does yield insights, especially where Mar is concerned. [#82, p.51]
  2. Jan 9, 2012
    67
    An 8-CD vinyl replica box set of no additional material.
  3. 80
    The first line of the first song encapsulates the adolescent angst which blossomed over and over throughout the band's career, with varying degrees of wit, empathy, contempt and self-pity.