Metascore
88 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. 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. 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]
  3. So yadda yadda yadda, a best of isn't as worthwhile as a group's actual albums, what a shocker.
  4. 100
    Mancunian greats turn out definitive two-CD hits collection of live recordings, alternative takes and hard-to-find tracks.
  5. 80
    Its such an embarrassment of riches it actually seems preposterous that everything here was produced in just four years. [Dec 2008, p.118]
  6. Their back catalogue is a stunning body of work and arguably each track deserves its own review.
  7. The first disc is fine, containing most of the band's singles and a few key album tracks. The second is messier.
  8. 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.
  9. 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]
  10. Rarely does an act so flatteringly curate its own brilliance.
  11. This is no treasure trove, but it works well as a definitive overview.
  12. 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.
  13. 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]
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. 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 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 »
  2. First of all, I highly recommend you get the Deluxe Edition. With the deluxe edition you'll have access to another CD worth of brilliant music. This is a must-have album for anyone new to The Smiths, or anyone who wants all of their best songs in one compliation album.

    Go have a listen to these tracks if you've never heard of The Smiths: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, William It Was Really Nothing, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, This Charming Man, How Soon Is Now?, Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want
    Full Review »