in CAT

C.A.T.: Louder Than Bombs

The Smiths – Louder Than Bombs (1987)

Though I kind of feel like I’m cheating using this album since it’s a compilation album, Louder Than Bombs was originaly released in the U.S. only, made up of singles and B-sides that hadn’t yet been released in America on any albums or singles, as well as a few other tracks that were added.  However, out of all The Smiths’ albums this is without a doubt the one I’ve come back to most frequently.  
Louder Than Bombs for the most part displays The Smiths’ at their most pop-friendly with catchy numbers such as “William, It Was Really Nothing” and “You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet Baby”.  And even though it features some of The Smiths’ most easily accessible material, Morrissey’s signature lyrics are just as gloomy as on any Smiths record, but the melodies are nonetheless infectious.  And even though many people criticize Morrissey’s lyrics for being altogether depressing, I think many of the songs on this album show Morrisey displaying a wide range of subjects and themes lyrically.  You’ve also got plenty of layers of Johnny Marr’s jangly guitars that have always been at the heart of The Smiths’ sound, and I’d say he gives many of the songs a much warmer sound on this album.
Although overall Louder Than Bombs features what is probably among The Smiths’ poppiest material, they still cover a wide range of song styles on the albums lengthy 72 minute running time.  Songs like “Sweet and Tender Hooligan” and “London” show a much more aggressive approach, while songs like “Half A Person” and “Ask” are hopelessly romantic ballads.
Though I don’t think I’ve ever actually listened to all 24 of the tracks on Louder Than Bombs in one sitting, there really isn’t any filler on this album, and displays Johnny Marr and Morrissey’s songwriting prowess from start to finish.  You’d be hard pressed to find a single UK alternative band that haven’t been at least somewhat influenced by The Smiths, and Louder Than Bombs is a shining example of why.
Favorite Tracks: “William, It Was Really Nothing”, “Ask”, “The Night Has Opened My Eyes”

12 Comments

  1. All I can state is, I don’t know what to say! Except obviously, for the amazing tips which are shared with this blog. I’ll think of a thousand fun strategies to read the content on this site. There’s no doubt that I will finally make a move making use of your tips on those things I could never have been able to deal with alone. You’re so careful to allow me to be one of those to profit from your practical information. Please realize how considerably I appreciate it.

  2. I just wanted to inform you about how much I actually appreciate all you’ve contributed to help enhance the lives of folks in this subject material. Through your own articles, we have gone from just a novice to a professional in the area. It is truly a homage to your initiatives. Thanks

  3. Say thanks a lot for your time to have put these things together on this site. Janet and that i very much valued your input through the articles over certain things. I understand that you have many demands on your program therefore the fact that a person like you took equally as much time like you did to steer people really like us via this article is definitely highly loved.

  4. I can’t thank you fully for the articles on your web page. I know you place a lot of time and effort into them and truly hope you know how deeply I appreciate it. I hope I’ll do exactly the same for someone else sooner or later.

  5. All I can express is, I am not sure what to say! Except obviously, for the great tips that happen to be shared on this blog. I am able to think of a million fun ways to read the articles on this site. I’m sure I will at last make a move making use of your tips on those issues I could not have been able to handle alone. You’re so clever to let me be one of those to benefit from your useful information. Please know how a great deal I appreciate it.

  6. We so appreciate your site post. You can find a multitude of methods we could put it to great use while using little or no effort in time and hard earned cash. Thank you so much for helping make the post give light to many issues we have experienced before now.

  7. The suggestions you provided here are rather precious. It turned out such a pleasurable surprise to see that looking forward to me once i woke up this very day. They are often to the point and straightforward to grasp. Thank you for the innovative ideas you have shared here.

  8. I am unable to thank you enough for the content on your web-site. I know you put a lot of time and energy into them and hope you know how considerably I enjoy it. I hope I am able to do the identical thing for someone else at some point.

  9. I cannot thank you enough for the content on your site. I know you place a lot of time and effort into all of them and hope you know how much I enjoy it. I hope I’m able to do the identical thing for someone else at some time.

  10. The guidelines you discussed here are quite precious. It absolutely was such a pleasurable surprise to see that waiting for me after i woke up today. They are always to the point and simple to grasp. Thanks for your time for the thoughtful ideas you’ve shared here.

  11. What would many of us do without the presence of the marvellous thoughts you share on this web site? Who else has the fortitude to deal with vital topics with regard to common visitors like me? I and my friends are very blessed to have your web site among the kinds we regularly visit. It is hoped you know how a great deal we get pleasure from your work! Best wishes coming from us all.

Comments are closed.