An album in its own right!

Louder Than Bombs was a Smiths singles, b-sides, and non-album track compilation that was released right around the time they were breaking up. Even though it's not a proper album, it is a fantastic record. Songs like Half a Person, London, Sweet and Tender Hooligan, Shelia Take a Bow, Panic, Ask, Rubber Ring, You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby, and Asleep would have enhanced any of their albums had they been included. The only song on this album to avoid at all costs is their dreadful cover of Golden Lights, which Morrissey butchered with some post-production touches without the other band member's knowledge. Otherwise, this is indispensible.

Best Smiths Compilation

Highly recommend this to Smiths fans. They put out about a gazillion compilations, but this is the best of all. A must have for your collection.

Is it Really so Strange that This is Great?

Louder than bombs is one of the best arranged albums ever and in total a very enjoyable listening experience. Morrissey and Marr together made an incredible songwriting team and "Louder than Bombs" showcases some of their best material. This is an essential album of the Smiths and one of the necessary recordings for any complete '80's brit-pop collection. I bought this album just last year and wonder why I had waited so long. Don't make the mistake I did: get this one soon.



Starting out with the poppy "Is it Really so Strange" and "Sheila Take a Bow" the album moves quickly into more morose and emotive music that the smiths are so well known for. While "Shoplifters of the World" is a great song, it takes a few listens to become get under your skin. The next highlight is "Half a Person" which is a favorite of mine. It is sad and sweet and will play on in your head forcing you back to this CD again and again. This is one of those songs that you think about often.



The next few songs are all decent and of course "Panic" (Hang the DJ) is memorable but my next favorite is "You Just Haven't Earned it yet Baby". This song is very well written and in spite of its total lack of lyrical substance it has an energy that more than makes up for its poetical deficiency. Another interesting arrangement is how this track is followed up by "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now". This track is too one of the best on the album. After this there are a few nice tracks but the last two tracks really sum up the album mixing happiness and misery. "Hand in Glove" is of course one of the top 5 Smiths tracks and it being followed by "Stretch out and Wait" provides the listener with the pathos needed to appreciate the former song.



Yes I love this album, it has all of the essential ingredients for a great album. While Morrissey still has some creative force, I believe it is his work with the Smiths that he is best remembered for. This isn't a period piece: The album is still very playable and younger audiences can appreciate it. I was 13 when this album came out and I was a fan of the band then. Now when I play this for my younger friends they appreciate it as well. This is one essential album and is not one that will sit around on you shelf. A definite buy...



-- Ted Murena