The Smiths Albums: Imagining the Ones They Never Made
Mike BellThe Smiths left a lasting impact with their four studio albums before disbanding in 1987. But what if they had stayed together? In this blog post,
I explore what the next Smiths Albums might have been like, drawing inspiration from the solo careers of Morrissey and Johnny Marr as indicators of content, styles, and collaborations. I’ll imagine three hypothetical albums that could have continued their legacy.
PLUS - What would the three later (fictional - oulined below) Smiths albums been called? Leave a comment below..
Lyrical and Musical Evolution of The Smiths Albums
Morrissey’s solo work, such as Viva Hate (1988) and Vauxhall and I (1994), shows he kept focusing on outsider themes but with a sharper political edge, addressing issues like technology and identity (Morrissey – What Is His Best Solo Album? We’ve Ranked Them).
Johnny Marr, meanwhile, explored glam rock, folk, and electronic sounds in albums like The Messenger (2013) and Fever Dreams Pts 1-4 (2022), suggesting a mix of jangly guitars and synthesizers could have enriched future The Smiths Albums.
Hypothetical The Smiths Albums
Here are three imagined The Smiths Albums that might have emerged if the band had continued:
- ??? (2000): A look at modern life with electronic beats and orchestral strings, blending Morrissey’s critiques and Marr’s experiments.
- ??? (2010): Focusing on identity and immigration, with folk and electronic textures, keeping their outsider vibe.
- ??? (2020): A forward-thinking blend of rock, electronic, and orchestral sounds emphasizing resilience.
An unexpected twist? Given their solo collaborations—like Marr with Talking Heads or Morrissey with various producers—guest artists could have joined, adding fresh layers to these Smiths Albums.
Detailed Analysis: What Could Have Been
Background: The Smiths’ Breakup and Solo Careers
The Smiths released four iconic albums—The Smiths (1984), Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986), and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)—before splitting due to tensions between Morrissey and Marr. Their solo careers offer clues about how The Smiths Albums might have evolved.
- Morrissey’s Solo Path: Albums like Your Arsenal (1992) hit No. 1 in the UK, with orchestral flair and political lyrics (The Complete Guide to Morrissey).
- Marr’s Solo Journey: From Electronic to Call the Comet (2018), Marr mixed punk, folk, and electronic vibes (Johnny Marr announces solo Best Of album).
Lyrical Themes in Future The Smiths Albums
Morrissey’s focus on identity and social issues could have grown more explicit, tackling topics like social media or immigration. Marr’s themes of resilience, seen in Call the Comet, might have added depth to these The Smiths Albums.
Musical Style and Production
Marr’s experimental edge—think synthesizers and folk—could have blended with Morrissey’s orchestral leanings, creating a polished yet diverse sound (Johnny Marr’s 5-star compilation collects his best solo work). Production would likely have advanced, reflecting modern tech.
Potential Collaborations
Marr’s work with Pet Shop Boys, Hans Zimmer, and Morrissey’s with Stephen Street hint at guest artists enhancing The Smiths Albums.
Hypothetical Album Concepts
| Album Title | Release Year | Themes | Musical Style | Example Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ??? | 2000 | Modern life, technology, social media | Electronic beats, orchestral strings | "Echoes of the Past," "The Digital Age" |
| ??? | 2010 | Identity, immigration, cultural displacement | Folk influences, electronic textures | "Global Wanderer," "The Last Stand" |
| ??? | 2020 | Resilience, legacy, future changes | Rock, electronic, orchestral blends | "Future Shock," "The Final Chapter" |
Supporting Evidence and Context
Tensions persist, as seen in Morrissey’s claim that Johnny Marr 'ignored’ the 2025 Smiths reunion offer, but their solo paths fuel this speculation. Marr’s frustration with “jingle jangle” labels (“Every time I opened a music paper it said, ‘Johnny Marr—jingle jangle’”) and their shared influences (The surprising song that bonded The Smiths duo) suggest evolution was possible.
The Legacy of The Smiths Albums
If The Smiths had continued, their albums would likely have mixed Morrissey’s outsider lyrics with Marr’s experimental sounds—think electronic, folk, and orchestral twists. The Smiths Albums like Modern Times, The Outsider’s Anthem, and Echoes of Tomorrow could have offered a richer, more complex sound, keeping their indie rock roots alive while pushing boundaries.
Key Citations
- Morrissey – What Is His Best Solo Album? We’ve Ranked Them
- Johnny Marr announces solo Best Of album
- Johnny Marr’s 5-star compilation collects his best solo work
- Morrissey claims Johnny Marr ‘ignored' 2025 Smiths reunion offer
- Johnny Marr discusses whether Morrissey has ruined The Smiths
- Johnny Marr: ‘The conversation about re-forming the Smiths came out of the blue'
- The surprising song that bonded The Smiths duo Morrissey and Johnny Marr
- “Every time I opened a music paper it said, ‘Johnny Marr – jingle jangle’”: How The Smiths defied expectations ...
