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Customer Reviews of Louder Than Bombs

Probably my favorite Smiths disk
This is the American version of The Smiths' "The World Won't Wait", which collects b-sides and independently released singles that couldn't be found in America. I would recommend anybody getting in to The Smiths to pick up "Louder Than Bombs". Specifically because The Smiths were a singles band and in England bands tend to put more emphesis on the singles market; therefore many of The Smiths best songs and most popular songs (some of them are even b-sides) were never released on albums. I think even The Smiths most well known song, "How Soon Is Now?" was not originally slated to be on a studio album. The disk is packed with Smiths gems, most notably "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby", "Panic", "Shoplifters of the World United", "Girls Afraid", etc, etc. Even some of the less notable Smiths songs that are pretty good are on the disk such as "Stretch Out and Wait" and "Unlovalbe"

Louder Than Bombs also showcases some of The Smiths musical diversity which in opinion is something that the band has never really gotten credit for. This is mainly because Johnny Marr at this time in his musical career was so jingle jangle with his guitar playing. "Is It Really So Strange" has a coutry feel. "Sweet and Tender Hooligan" and "London" are punkish. "Heaven Knows I'm Misreable Now" is motownish and "Stretch Out and Wait" is a stab at folk music.

For anybody getting in to The Smiths, "Louder Than Bombs" will add to a more complete picture to a great a band.

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Important, deep, full of great songs
While I feel that "Meat Is Murder" is, song for song, the best thing the Smiths ever did, "Louder Than Bombs" deserves special recognition for being one of the few B-sides/rarities collections that isn't mostly filler. Most of these songs are legitimate keepers that hold up surprisingly well.

It's hard to imagine a band from the 80's not sounding dated in 2002, but the Smiths were born to break rules. Their stripped-down vocals/guitar/bass/drums approach was a rarity in the age of big hair and shoulder pads. The songs were what mattered, and even if lead singer/lyricist Morrissey put his depressed, broken heart on his sleeve one too many times, it was still good songwriting performed with talent and charisma. Johnny Marr's prowess as a musician and songwriter is in full form here as well.

"Louder Than Bombs" makes for a nice Smiths sampler...the album covers roughly the entire timespan of their career. Highlights include the breezy "Ask," the anthemic "Panic," the brilliant single "Hand in Glove" and the frenetic "Shakespeare's Sister." Of the 24 songs, there's maybe two or three I don't care for. Not a bad ratio at all.

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Essential
If you don't own this album you really ought to get with it - a majority of the songs on this singles collection are absolutely essential, and most all of the songs are entertaining, endearing, intelligent, and brilliant. The Smiths really were a great band - I wish I could have enjoyed them live back in the 80's but unfortunately I was just a young unaware boy then - I must mention, I love their album covers - I've been collecting the vinyl singles, to listen to of course, but also because of the beautiful potraits that Morrissey choose to put on the sleaves. Enjoy this great collection!