The Sound Of The Smiths
by The Smiths
  • Record Label: Rhino
  • Release Date: Nov 11, 2008
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    100
    That's a lot of repetition but whether it's taken in either its single-disc or double-disc deluxe editions, The Sound of the Smiths is the best of these posthumous overviews.
  2. Pitchfork
    75
    The first disc is fine, containing most of the band's singles and a few key album tracks. The second is messier.
  3. Uncut
    80
    If nothing can quite replicate the excitement of hearing these songs for the first time, the first disc of this double-CD set makes a good job of restating the importance of The Smiths as a singles band.
  5. Mojo
    80
    Its such an embarrassment of riches it actually seems preposterous that everything here was produced in just four years. [Dec 2008, p.118]
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  6. Q Magazine
    80
    The lasting impression os of music full of a magic and panache that a mere compilation album can't quite reflect. [dec 2008, p.136]
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  7. Rolling Stone
    100
    Rarely does an act so flatteringly curate its own brilliance.
  8. musicOMH.com
    90
    Their back catalogue is a stunning body of work and arguably each track deserves its own review.
  9. Under The Radar
    70
    This marks a well-done if not entirely necessary Smiths overview, good for newbies and a big maybe for fans, depending on your collection. [Year End 2008]
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  10. The Guardian
    80
    This is no treasure trove, but it works well as a definitive overview.
  11. Prefix Magazine
    95
    It proves that with the same attention, wit, grace and intellect that these musicians gave to their songwriting, they can indeed construct a retrospective that not only reflects the brilliance of their band but heightens and intensifies it as well.
  12. Blender
    90
    They've been compiled to death, but this two-disc set is the most comprehensive survey yet of the Mancunians' brief, tear-stained blaze through the mid-'80s indie-pop firmament. [Feb 2009, p.67]
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  13. Hot Press
    100
    Mancunian greats turn out definitive two-CD hits collection of live recordings, alternative takes and hard-to-find tracks.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 51
  3. Negative: 4 out of 51
  1. afom
    Jun 10, 2015
    10
    One of the best albums of our history. Not only each song has its own original melody but also contains deep romantic and philosophicalOne of the best albums of our history. Not only each song has its own original melody but also contains deep romantic and philosophical messages.I highly recommend this album.… Full Review »
  2. mikelbcn
    Oct 20, 2013
    10
    Si ya conoceis a los Smiths, poco os tengo que decir. Conocereis sus brillantes composiciones, sus inteligentes letras y sus impresionantesSi ya conoceis a los Smiths, poco os tengo que decir. Conocereis sus brillantes composiciones, sus inteligentes letras y sus impresionantes melodias.
    Si no los conoceis, comprarlo. Entre tanta mediania de la música actual, hacer un hueco a un brillante recopilatorio de temas, que abarcan toda la pequeña historia (en tiempo) de The Smiths. Adentraros con sus primeras y más básicas composiciones, aunque no por ello menos sublimes. Dejaros maravillar, acariciar, perturbar por sus increibles letras, sus guitarras brillantes, y la voz inconfundible de Morrissey.

    Un disco obligatorio, de seguramente, la banda inglesa más importante de todos los tiempos.    … Full Review »
  3. jyo_tirmaya
    Mar 27, 2011
    9
    Depending on how many of the proper albums you have, as Pitchfork has said, depends on how much you will welcome the first disc. I counted 12Depending on how many of the proper albums you have, as Pitchfork has said, depends on how much you will welcome the first disc. I counted 12 songs out of the remainder (around 24 songs on Disc 1) that I did NOT have so that was a plus. And in the second disc, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were another 13 or 14 songs (also about 24 songs) which I did not have, and which were live or b-sides I never heard before after all of these years. There is no need for me to tell you how great the music is -- it's the Smiths! It's a great collection for both newcomers and long-time fans. This was obviously a labor of love for Morrissey and Marr who produced it. And the pics of the band are very generous and great to have. Originally, I didn't buy this item because of the expensive (for me) price, but today I found a used copy for $15.99 so good on me!

    Love you Estephan y Johnny! Mucho love for the Smiths!    … Full Review »
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