The Queen Is Dead
(18/100 Greatest Albums Ever)

The Smiths' masterpiece was hatched in circumstances of unbearable pressure. The band were at their critical and commercial peak; after a run of classic singles, culminating in 1985’s 'The Boy With The Thorn In His Side', fans expected something astonishing.
Never before or since did Marr’s music and Morrisey’s vocals blend so seamelessly – The Queen Is Dead permits itself moments of melodrama yet never forgets that, above all, it's supposed to be a pop album. In addition to such Smiths' milestones as 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' and 'Big Mouth Strikes Again', there is space for humour ('Frankly My Shankly') and camp anguish ('I Know It’s Over').
Like great literature, here was a record that engaged the intellect and nurtured the soul.