Finally checking out The Smiths after months of demand….! 🔥

Johnny Marr was a truly innovative guitarist, his influence rippled throughout the 80s and 90s. Try "There is a Light That Never Goes Out," truly iconic. "Bigmouth Strikes Again" is one of my favorites as well. The guitar and Morrissey's vocals and lyrics are the Smiths' biggest appeal.

This song was meant to be heard in underground night clubs in big cities like London and New York during the 80s. Imagine walking into these smoky underground clubs in NYC Soho area in the 80s, during the punk and new wave era, with people dressed in punk outfits and hairdos, and listening to this music. It was an ambience that can never be recreated again.

I’m not a diehard Smiths fan, but I think this song is awesome.

This song is designed to be hypnotic. The sound is supposed to just wash over you.

Decades later as I approach 60 I still get the chills! A masterpiece. It is hard to explain how transformative this music was at the time. Not unlike when Smells Like Teen Spirit upended music a few years later.

Holy crap! You’ve crossed into my territory with the Smiths They are in a class by themselves. For those of us that understand it’s the stuff that still keeps us alive

Bringing tears to this old Gen-Xer's eyes once again. So many memories wrapped up in this song. Would love for you guys to jump off from here into the early goth scene. Joy Division, The Cure, Bauhaus, Echo and the Bunnymen, Dead Can Dance... I love the extra end credit scenes, too, by the way

The Smiths are in a class by themselves, nobody sounds like them and the lyrics are clever and darkly funny..one of my all time favorite bands, period..their body of work is second to none.

Andy has it right...You had to be there. I think the trancelike, repetitive nature of the song was meant to reflect a sense of monotony, tedium and despair. Wondering if you caught some of the lyrics, which greatly deepen the context of this song. This is one of those songs that you can like or not, and it's still one of the most important songs of that entire decade...

Getting ready to watch but pretty sure this ain’t your jam…Smiths aren’t for everyone. I love this song personally but it was my time period!

Context is everything. This band was moody, dark, depressing, even if you weren’t depressed. It was a whole new cultural experience. Morrissey was this A-sexual, eccentric, gay-ish guy, with amazing lyrics. You listened to this on rainy days, drinking Earl Grey tea after college classes. Check out “Panic” and “Sheila Take A Bow.” “There is a light that never goes out” Listen to the lyrics!

And give 'em props: this song didn't sound like ANYTHING on the radio way back then...

Rain is PERFECT for listening to The Smiths!

There are about eight different guitar sounds in this song all being added removed, interleaved at different times. So many details to the playing, and the bass as well. The echo effect that permeates from beginning to end is one of the most meticulously crafted guitar sounds ever and took them literally days upon days in the studio to achieve. The song structure is also amazing, as it both has this feel on one unending groove, with lots of space between vocals at times, then sudden shifts and bursts of energy all tied to singer's angst, yet without disrupting the groove. It has masterful use of dynamics, meticulous soundscape crafting, emotion, and is one of the most influential songs of all time. It creates a sonic world unlike anything that came before it. It's a whole different approach to song structure and soundscape.

You MUST do 'Under The Milky Way' by The Church. A definitive, 'god tier', incredible song from the 80's!

It was a Sunday morning in 1984 at 3 am when I was 18. I was in a death trap of an after hours warehouse dance club standing near the wall of speakers when that tune was played. To this day I am still in love with the power of the sound that song generates.

Andy got it right. This is alternative 80's dance club music. Can't go wrong with The Cure, The Smiths, The Violent Femmes, Depeche Mode, New Order of this era. This music is a full on vibe! I can still find many clubs in downtown Phoenix where I live that play this music now. It is LOVED by Gen X! ❤❤❤

"How Soon" is The Smiths' "Kashmir" - it's a groove - you've only cracked the surface of what The Smiths are: 👉 The Queen Is Dead 👉 Girl Afraid 👉 Bigmouth Strikes Again And the Smiths fans here knew "How Soon" was the wrong intro to your fellas' taste.

How soon is now is definitely one of the most hypnotic songs I’ve ever listened too! I remember dancing to this song at prom and just being in my own headspace even though I was dancing with my prom date! She loved it too! And yes I got lucky later that evening…

The Smiths were absolutely phenomenal. There was a lot of great music at the time but the Smiths had a really raw edge to them. They are still one of my top 3 favourite bands.

As a teenage introvert, this song always spoke to me. It was just comforting knowing that someone out there knew exactly how I felt along with "On the Outside" by Oingo Boingo. I get how extrovert people just would not like this song.

The song you would have been dancing in the club to in the mid 80's for 7 and a half minutes would have been "Blue Monday" by New Order.

We listened to this on repeat. We loved wallowing in the depression of it all. This song sounded like nothing else at the time. An anthem of a generation.

This is an iconic song, everyone from that era knows it from the 1st note. I listened to this whole album over and over in college

Trying to wrap your head around a time, style and culture that doesn't exist anymore. I applaud you both.

This is where personal tastes come in as well as being a “first reaction “. Alex doesn’t really seem to be into hypnotic music that doesn’t have multiple sections or traditional song forms, which is fine! Personal tastes! I think Andy does like that sort of style at times, hence the Depeche Mode reference. Starting with The Velvet Underground, much of underground or alternative rock, punk, ambient, atmospheric, noise music, through Bowie, leading to bands like The Smiths, R.E.M, The Stone Rises, etc, incorporates hypnotic sounds, riffs, musical settings to paint pictures. Personally, I can sit and listen to this type of music, it just takes me somewhere in my mind, to another place. I think Andy feels a bit of this with his Floyd affinity, and other psychedelic music as well.

An anthem band for the misunderstood. Every 80s teen movie soundtrack.

The Smiths were essential to young gay men like myself in the 80s. this song still evokes VOLUMES to me. you should've checked out the lyrics. being young, closeted, and the "son and heir of nothing in particular," and "going to a club on your own, and going home alone, and you cry and you want to die..." yeah... "i am human and i need to be loved, just like everybody else does." it was definitely a touchstone.

CCR wasn't born on the bayou either. They were from California.

The Smiths are a genuinely legendary UK group, very influential

Brohams, give The Smiths 1 more try before closing the door on them. This song is actually atypical of anything else they produced, their one anthem that’s great on an open road at night. To hear their skill (great guitarist) and quirkiness (lead singer Morrissey is strangely introspective), try any of these: Bigmouth Strikes Again, Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before, This Charming Man or Rubber Ring.

11:47 Andy: This song is good as long as you don't listen to it

Fell in love with the band while in college in the late 80s. I am still amazed at the huge influence they have today with only 4 ‘proper’ albums in 5 years of existence. I have been very lucky to have seen J Marr and Morrissey in concert.

Greatest of their great songs, that intro, the riff and Morrissey's voice. The guitar riff is as catchy as Robert Fripps riff in Heroes. Another great riff is the killing moon riff.

Totally went over Alex's head this one. It is meant to be nagging and relentless, like a walk through a grungy run down industrial city streets in the rain in the grey of the Winter. In a club in a converted disused warehouse the 80's in said city this was magical, Andy gets it completely. Ever heard of the Hacienda Alex? Only biggest music scene in the world at the time where the Smiths performed LOL.

With the Smiths it is about feeling trapped in a dark, polluted town in the late 70s/early 80s. Of walking around trying to find meaning. Feeling like no one understands you. Wanting something so great. Try Hand In Glove, Girl Afraid, You’ve Got Everything Now, Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want. Morrissey had a brilliant way of capturing teen angst and mordant frustration. Andy, you’re starting to see the bigger picture, and looking at context. I appreciate the depth.

If you put up a poll for people who grew up on alternative 80's music, this song would probably be voted as the best song from that era. I totally get why others might not get that as it is so atmospheric in a depressed vibe kind of way, but it's legendary in its niche.

Perfect song to listen to in the rain! Atmospheric, hypnotic vibe. The Smiths were huge for me back in the day and later, Morrissey's solo work. Thanks for tackling this one, guys.

I was in grad school when this came out, and a few of us were in one of our offices arguing about diagonalizing a Hamiltonian or something, and this came on the radio. All conversation stopped and we just sat and started at the radio and listened. When it finished, we just looked at each other like, "Wow, something just happened." This is one of those songs that stops traffic, grabs your head, and won't let go. Amazing piece of music.

Definitely didn’t expect to see the smiths on this channel but definitely excited

“Atmospheric” is the perfect word to describe this song. And it’s an anthem for those of us who were in high school in the ‘80s. But if you do get around to more by The Smiths, you should check out the song “Panic”. It’s catchier, shorter, and tighter.

Sometimes a song finds that perfect groove and you just ride it. If this tune were 10 minutes long it would still be too short. Why? JOHNNY fucking MARR!!!

Big up for Andy Rourke, the bass player, the glue that holds so much of The Smiths songs together.

If you were from the 80s and you went to any club this song would be playing. These guys have a truck load of songs and their songs are amazing. You should do more songs by these guys This charming man, the headmaster ritual is cool too love those songs.

The Cure would be a good choice to follow up this.

The Smiths had so many great songs! "How Soon Is Now?" is like my thirtieth-favorite Smiths song.

Mid/late 80’s college radio staple. Iconic Gen-X alt track. 😎

Loved hearing that Andy is a Depeche Mode fan. Perhaps he could pick a song for Alex to hear for the first time. ~Be Blessed

This number is sort of an anomaly for The Smiths. It’s the only one that’s so trancelike and protracted. The rest are way tighter.

Alex would fit in perfectly in the 80s. He has the hair, of course, but you know how many people in the 80s hated bands like The Smiths and touted "real" rock like Zeppelin? A lot, including me. But I've grown up and realize The Smiths are brilliant. And I still love LZ.

As an outcast in the public high school system when this song came out, it TOTALLY spoke to me. It is deep and TRUE in its atmospheric depiction of the loneliness and depression and despair that a young, outcast person feels in that situation. High school, surrounded by hundreds of happy, or at least blissfully ignorant, people. You feel like a SHADOW of a human being. And for the most part, you are treated like even less all because you don't fit into any of their 'niches' .....you are not physically adept, so sports is out ..... you are not handsome enough or beautiful enough to fit into those groups .....you are not even smart enough to fit in with the "geek" group .....you are not confident enough in your social aptitude to make any kind of inroads for yourself .....you step back into the shadows and cling to the day when you escape that HELL that is the American high school Then a lush, atmospheric, lyrically intelligent song comes along and throws you a lifeline.....HEY! You are not alone! THIS...This is what this song meant to me and as far as being too long or too short.....I solemnly assure you that there were MANY times that I would rewind that cassette tape and play it over and over and over again...

The Smiths weren't around for very long, but they made a HUGE impact. The guitar in this was sampled by a band called Soho for their hit song "Hippie Chick." The lead singer, Morrissey, went on to have a great solo career. The guitarist, Johnny Marr, was in a "super group" in the 1990s consisting of him, the lead singer of New Order (Bernard Sumner,) and the lead singer of Pet Shop Boys (Neil Tennant,) and he also played with The Pretenders for a time, and Modest Mouse in the 2000s. Thanks for reacting to this classic, and for all that you guys do for all of us! ~Be Blessed

This is widely regarded as the best song from the 80's and one of the best songs of all time.

It’s so English like me. I get it. It’s in my soul. It’s English soul music. Every deprecating sound and word. It’s English and I might be proud.

I didn't think it would happen. I actually found a reaction channel that gives reactions both positive and negative. Very refreshing. As far as this song? It was my childhood anthem.

Love Johnny Marr & his guitar work. He's another guy who can play.

OH my god YOU finally DID IT!!! i didnt think you would actually do it Let me recommend This Charming Man, The Headmaster Ritual, There is a light that never goes out, Hand in glove these guys have so many great songs LOads of Hits, only around for 5 years. Morrissey and Johnny Marr one of the best due in rock music.

The Smiths were a phenomenal band back in the day... and y'all called it, when the dj's started playing "How Soon is Now" the atmosphere in the club changed, it was experience. Hearing their music and those lyrics while on the dance floor was almost hypnotic.

The Smiths were a “Vibe”, you either loved them or you didn’t. I DID!! Dangerously different productions with lyrics that were bitingly sarcastic (Girlfriend In A Coma ..for example). Definitely a 80s standard in the Alternative Category.

Never clicked so fast on a reaction before but never been so disappointed! The Smiths were my saviours when I moved to London and craved some northern comfort. It is all about context with this track though; towards the end of the night in a packed club this song is euphoric. There's also some cool back story to it too. Would you have guessed that the main influence on this song was Bo Diddley? Anyway, keep it up guys and please give the Smiths another chance!

My husband in college had a roommate that hated The Smiths. They also had a lot of parties. They came up with a secret party code. At the end of the night if you heard a Smith’s song playing that was the signal that the party was over. Grab your shit and go. (Usually Girlfriend in a Coma) Also if you heard George Thorogood it meant they needed someone for a beer run.

The Smiths are genius. Fantastic lyrics and vocals and Jonny Marr. One of the best guitarist of all time.

Thank you Andy! You get it! This song is hypnotic. Love you guys! 💖

If you listened to this while driving, you would end up crashing into a tree, and not remembering how you got there.

If you're going to head into eighties alternative you should take a poll. If you're going to pick up REM, take a poll there too.

I havent heard this song in too long. It's a classic!

I was a little kid when this was big in the 80's. Everyone got into The Smiths for a while there, even my older brothers who were into hard Rock but then converted to Punk/New Wave.

Andy gets it. It's meant for dance clubs/alternative clubs

My favourite Smiths song…….❤️

The 80's nihilist sound at it's best. Johnny Marr is seriously underrated by rock guitarists.

Pouring here too in Florida waiting for the tropical storm here. This is my favorite Smiths song. This song is intense.. Wow can really hear the thunder

"I was looking for a job and then I found a job / And heaven knows I'm miserable now." I'm not a huge Smiths fan, but that's one of my favourite lines ever (especially in the context of the song).

Arguably the greatest alternative rock anthem of all and Alex missed the boat completely. Oh well.

I absolutely LOVE this song!!!! This song made me fall in Love with The Smith!!!! The drumming....the guitars......the vocals...are soooooo Haunting!!!! Love it!!!!

Some people were high on the pop of the 80s, some people were hiding in their basements, escaping their subdivisions in xanadu, and some threw on headphones to cross the pond and flee to the new order.

Meditative is a good description. Next, check out The Cure.

SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU DOING THIS SONG!!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITES!!!!!!!!!

As long as everyone else is suggesting alternative Smiths songs to consider, I'll toss in one that succinctly captures their essence but appears to have been mostly overlooked: "William It Was Really Nothing"

Tuesday night in the 80s at BGSU was "progressive night" at a bar called Uptown. They played alternative/goth/new wave/ progressive.... And...this song was playing... guaranteed!! Andy's right on the "atmosphere" & mood of this song. You get bands like Inxs, REM, The Smithereens, Depeche Mode, Modern English, Simply Red...etc, etc...at this bar.

This is one of the songs that defined the 80’s. Great choice.

At last! The Smiths! That band (and Morrissey) have been the most important, influential band in my life since the 80s. The entire album "The Queen is Dead" is amazing. "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" is a masterpiece. Alex, please don't judge their whole catalog on this one song. I kind of have the same reaction to "How Soon is Now" even thought I'm a big fan. There is so much more.

Wow, this takes me back to the mid-80's and one of my best friends in my ARMY unit. This was always playing in his barracks room and it was very new to me. I often wonder where he is now and hope he is doing well. But the song is like an instant flashback.

Man you're absolutely spot on about the feel and context of this song. As one who was your age during the early and mid 80s that and many other tunes of those pop, new wave and alternative days really set an exciting tone in colleges, record stores, clubs, bars and concerts... the whole music scene in general. One of the most exciting times in music history.Thanks for the excellent review.

Definitely time to do the Cure.

This song was heavily produced to be unique. That's why they hardly ever played it live. Johnny Marr, co-writer and guitarist, said he wanted to make a song with an intro that was as distinct and powerful as the intro to ""Layla". He said he wanted an intro so unique and memorable that as soon they played the first notes, everyone in the club would know what song it was. Yeah, it worked.

This is kind of punk, but most "goth" kids listened to this as well. My favorite Smith's song is Panic. Their lyrics are always amazing though - the song There Is a Light That Never Goes Out is a good one and Girlfriend in a Coma. The contrasts in the lyrics and Morrisey's voice are all great.

Love this song! I usually like to listen while driving at night with the windows down - it is totally a mood!

This charming man, please. Or any of the singles. I mean, what difference does it make?

I love what you guys do. You always have smart insightful things to say even when you're wrong.

I knew Alex wouldn’t get it. Andy rules!

The " Meat is murder" album is very good, the album you should get into is " The Queen is dead". Hey, if you're not into them its cool, I'm56, I grew up on this, Depeche Mode, New Order, Yaz, The Smiths, were, are, a class above a lot of bands of their era.

So glad you did this song, one of my absolute favorites ❤️

They are so well-versed in 60s and 70s classic rock now, they expect the same journey through a song. With lower key beginning where you may not know where a song is going, and a building crescendo, a frenzied guitar solo, and a return to the chorus etc. By the time this song came along, people looked back on 60s and 70s rock with a bit of an eye roll because it had become sort of a cliched or somewhat corny formula. I was a child of the eighties and so I remember this time. Of course, I love 60s and 70s rock - it was a time in American culture where our consciousness took a huge leap from the sweetness of fifties popular music. I guess every era of music had its place and time and was often a departure in ideas from the preceding era. Anyways, when this song came out we loved that it had such a tight controlled and moody vibe throughout the entire track. It seemed bold and cheeky at the time.

Love The Smiths! So many great songs.

I cannot WAIT to see you guys react to The Smiths' "There is a Light That Never Goes Out". SERIOUSLY.

Hey guys thanks for the reaction...... IGGY POP and the STOOGES next please.... quality production

If this wasn't the (inter)national anthem of alternative rock in the 80's, it was right up there on the shortlist.

“I am human and I need to be loved, just like everybody else does!”

It’s not for working to and it’s not for driving to; it’s for sitting in your bedroom, alone, and weeping to.